Culture At Night: Great After-Dark Experiences in London

Though it’s a well-known fact that London boasts a huge number of galleries and museums, few people are aware of the fantastic late-night openings that some of these sites offer. It’s worth checking out these places at night as well as during the day – you’ll probably find that a whole new experience awaits during later hours. Here are some of the top spots:

The British Museum

Free tours are offered here on Friday nights, and the Museum’s evening programme is full of lectures and workshops for guests to attend. Each month, there is a special performance hosted at the British Museum – in the past, there have been renditions of famous Shakespeare plays.

Admission is free, and you can easily reach the Museum from your accommodation by taking the tube to Tottenham Court Road or Russell Square.

Tate Britain

If you’re interested in Britain’s artistic history, then Tate Britain is the place to go. Enjoy a bite to eat or refreshing drink as you take in the exciting and welcoming atmosphere. Tate Britain hosts plenty of events which are not only aimed at young people, but designed by them too.

Visit the venue on the first Friday night of the month to experience the museum after dark. During these hours you’ll find the museum’s most vibrant and exciting exhibitions and events. Entry is completely free, and the best tube stations to use are Pimlico or Victoria.

The British Library

What’s really liberating about a late-night visit to the British Library is that you don’t have to keep quiet. Unlike normal opening hours during the day, those who visit the Library at night are encouraged to enjoy lack of silence and make plenty of noise!

The British Library even host music events with live bands and DJs, as well as a whole host of lectures, workshops and exhibitions right up until 10:30pm. There really is something for everyone after dark here. Entry is free, and you can make use of the student discounts available on tickets to events. King’s Cross St Pancras is the nearest tube station.

The National Portrait Gallery

Another fantastic cultural site close to plenty of student accommodation: London’sfamed National Portrait Gallery. On Fridays, the Gallery hosts the Late Shift, which is a weekly artist-led opportunity to enjoy a spot of drawing. It’s completely free and all materials are supplied by the Gallery.

Alongside the drawing sessions, there are also live music events, DJ sets and plenty more going on that is worth checking out. The nearest tube stations are Embankment, Charing Cross and Leicester Square.

There is so much to see and do around the city, and most venues are just a short journey from student accommodation. London being home to a variety of iconic galleries, libraries and museums means that students can enjoy fun, free evenings out when they choose these late-night openings. Which venue will you head to first?

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Sophie Smith works as an independent consultant and offers advice to young people looking for London-based student accommodation. London has a wide range of options when it comes to student living, and Sophie’s helpful suggestions make deciding where to stay even easier. Her expert tips and tricks stem from her first-hand experience studying in the city and living on a budget, so she is more than qualified to support others doing the same.