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While London hasn’t always been known as a 24-hour city in the past, more London attractions are staying open late in the capital to accommodate busy Londoners. Countless museums and galleries now routinely stay open late, or at the very least have a dedicated late-opening evening, much like the Thursday late night shopping evenings in the central London shopping districts. ZSL London Zoo’s ‘Zoo Lates’ has become a hit, drawing the after-work crowd by combining its famous animal  exhibits with a festival atmosphere. Here’s five of our favourite London time-savers…

Victoria and Albert museum

On the last Friday of every month (apart from December), the V&A in South Kensington keeps its doors open until10pm, so you can turn the viewing of four million items spanning centuries and hundreds of cultures, into a social event with a glass of wine in hand! If you rent or own property in South Kensington, why not make the most of it and follow the culture fix with a meal or drinks nearby. Each ‘Friday late’ is different, including everything from special guests, live music and DJs, to fashion exhibitions, one-off displays. The V&A’s beautiful courtyard, with its oval pool, grassy surrounds and flower boxes, is transformed at night with dramatic lighting to create a really special scene.

:: Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL. Visit www.vam.ac.uk

 

Hampton Court Palace ghost tour

Legend has it that this royal palace has a spooky past, and October sees the start of late night walking tours through its eerie courtyards and shadowy cloisters. Find out about the ghostly sightings and paranormal activity that spooked past residents as you wander through Henry VIII’s apartment and haunted gallery. The majestic building, located just over the Surrey border and which can easily be reached by trains from central and south-west London, holds many spooky tales, including that Catherine the fifth, wife of Henry VIII. She was accused of adultery and put under house arrest – her screams have apparently been heard from the gallery where some visitors have even fainted.

:: East Molesey, KT8 9AU. Visit www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace

Hampton court palace - ghost tours

 

Columbia Road Market

Columbia Road began life as an alley-way down which sheep were taken to slaughterhouses. Thankfully, the scene is much prettier these days. Bursts of colour flood this cobbled street, which sits between Hoxton and Bethnal Green, every Sunday, when hundreds of flower sellers transcend here. Early risers can have the pick of the bunch by heading down for 8am – avoid the crowds, and you have the full day ahead of you to enjoy afterwards. If you choose to stay in the area you’ll find plenty to do; this East London region is a treasure trove of cute, independent shops and pubs serving up very decent grub.

:: ColumbiaRd, E2 7RG. Visit ?www.columbiaroad.info

 

Stargaze at Hampstead Heath

It may be getting chilly but one special way to experience London late at night is to head to the beautifully rugged park of Hampstead Heath, home to the highest natural point in London. The Hampstead Observatory opens its telescopes for free from 8pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays over the blistery months of September to April. The UCL Observatory lets visitors in for free at this time too.  So why not forgo the bar one evening for an evening that truly is out of this world.

:: Borough of Camden, NW3. Visit hampsteadscience.ac.uk

 

St John Sloane Museum

This remarkable collection of 20,000 architectural drawings, sculptures and paintings can be seen by candlelight on the first Tuesday of every month, when it opens until a special later time of 9pm. Previously home to John Sloane, architect of the Bank of England and an impressive collector, his house has now become a hidden gem in the heart of heart of the city. This tiny 1800’s home-turned-museum, with its narrow corridors and every square inch of wall covered, is extra special when each room is littered with candles.

:: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP. Visit www.soane.org

St John Sloane Museum by candlelight