Experience the vibrant energy of London in a whole new light as the sun sets and the city transforms into a nocturnal metropolis. While exploring London during the day offers its own experiences, venturing out after dark unveils a whole different side of the capital. Whether you crave the excitement of Soho’s bustling nightlife or want to embrace the peace and quiet of an after-hours tour at the Tower of London, there’s likely to be a tour tailored to your preferences. Here’s our rundown of evening London tours where you can discover the city’s gems that burst to life come moonlight.
(WA= Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Get to know London’s beer scene on a brewery tour
If you’re someone that likes to get on the beers once the sun sets, you’ll love this Camden Town brewery tour. This iconic brewery, set under the railway arches in Camden, is the ultimate beer-lovers hang out. You’ll get to see how great beer is brewed from start to finish, including their iconic Camden Hells, Camden Pale and other limited-editions brews. You’ll meet your guide at Camden Town Brewery before learning all about the site’s history and getting an up-close look at the intricate brewing process. You didn’t think you’d leave without trying it for yourself, right? You get to sip it straight from the tank, as fresh as it comes. Plus, after a behind-the-scenes look at the process, you’ll have time to relax in the taproom and sample even more of their 24 core beers, with some added one-off options if they’re available.
Camden Town Brewery Tour | Camden | WA
Experience the East End’s Indian culture and cuisine
Next up on our list of evening London tours teaches you about the Indian cuisine of London’s vibrant East End on a secret Indian food tour. Brick Lane, known as London’s Curry Mile, gained fame in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s when the Bengali community flourished, opening many restaurants on the street along the way. This tour, led by an expert guide, takes you to explore the lively bars and the capital’s finest curry establishments, where you’ll get to taste an array of fragrant curries, snacks, and mouth-watering treats from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, all while discovering the cosmopolitan culinary culture of London. Limited to a small group of 12 people, this intimate experience offers the chance to try ten different dishes whilst learning all about this vibrant slice of the city in a small, engaged group setting.
Secret Indian Food Tour | Whitechapel
Hear another side of the Jack the Ripper case
Although Whitechapel is known for its 100-year-old art gallery and Tayyabs (a must-try Punjabi restaurant), it’s unfortunately also known for being where Jack The Ripper committed his gruesome murders. Since the crimes, Jack The Ripper’s identity has remained a mystery, and, as a result, the murders have become glamorised, making him one of the most notorious killers ever to exist and casting a shadow over his victims. To shift the focus, this Jack the Ripper – What about the Women? walking tour aims to give voice to the women who tragically lost their lives and shed light on their daily struggles in the once-dark Victorian slum of Whitechapel. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore the streets and alleys of Aldgate, Whitechapel, and Spitalfields, gaining a fresh perspective on the Whitechapel Murders through the lens of the courageous victims.
Jack the Ripper- What about the Women? | Whitechapel
Image Courtesy of Eating Europe
Experience Soho at night on this evening food tour
When you think of Soho, you probably think of it as the bustling heart of London’s nightlife, but it’s also home to some of the best restaurants and bars at the epicentre of London’s culinary scene. This Twilight Soho Food Tour goes beyond the tourist spots, taking you to discover the cocktail bars and restaurants the locals like visiting. Enjoy a night out Soho-style as you explore the neighbourhood’s best-kept secrets, enjoying the capital’s food and drink offerings along the way, shaped by a diverse range of international influences, from Spanish tapas to traditional pies. By heading on this tour at night, you’ll be able to soak up the authentic side of Soho, embracing the night-time vibe that has people coming back for more time and time again.
Twilight Soho Food Tour | Soho
Image Courtesy of Walks
Get after-hours access to the Tower of London
Step into the Tower of London after hours on this VIP Tower of London tour, where you’ll get to dodge the busy crowds and enjoy your very own night tour of this legendary London landmark. With the gates closed to the public, you’ll enter the historic grounds and wander in peace and quiet, taking in the sights around you without the distraction of crowds. Guided by a knowledgeable Yeoman Warder living within the tower, you’ll gain a unique perspective on the Tower’s intriguing past. You’ll also get to witness the historic and exclusive Ceremony of the Keys, a centuries-old tradition symbolising the locking of the Tower each night that’s been around for over 700 years. The ceremony is not allowed to be filmed so this really is a special experience.
VIP Tower of London Tour | Tower Hill
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Raise a glass to London’s pub scene
Follow in the footsteps of renowned figures like Charles Dickens on this London historical walking pub tour that takes you all the way from Southwark to the buzzy West End. They host evening tours on selected Saturdays, where you’ll traverse the city for about 2 miles, starting from St. Paul’s underground station and meandering along the intriguing ‘street of shame’ (Fleet Street) and ancient alleyways of London. Enjoy the views, anecdotes, and a drink or two along the way as you visit four of London’s iconic pubs, some even dating back to 1549. As the tour concludes near the Strand and Covent Garden, you’ll be conveniently located within a short walk from more of London’s renowned pubs, theatres, shops, and restaurants in the West End so that you can continue the fun well into the night.
Historical Pub Walking Tour | City of London
Image Courtesy of Viator
Get to know the city’s thriving LGBTQ+ scene
London is renowned for having one of Europe’s largest LGBTQIA+ communities, making it a bustling hub for queer nightlife. Experience the city’s thriving scene firsthand on this private LGBTQ+ Nightlife tour, one of the best ways to really get to know the scene inside out. Before the tour starts, you’ll receive a questionnaire to customise the tour to your preferences, allowing your local guide to handpick the most suitable bars and spots, which are flexible and can be adjusted on the day if desired. Over the course of three hours, you’ll get to soak up the very best of London’s queer nightlife whilst enjoying two drinks (with the option to purchase more) and fully immersing yourself in the buzzing LGBTQIA+ scene of the English capital.
Soho’s LGBTQ+ Nightlife Tour – Private & Custom | Soho | WA
Image Courtesy of Secret Adventures
Kayak through the city by night
The Thames is the bloodline of London, meandering through most of the city, past towering skyscrapers and city landmarks. One of the best ways to see it is by night, when the city lights border the riverside, illuminating and reflecting off the water. This night-time kayak tour across London offers the chance to see the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Bank Side, The City, Tower Bridge, and the Old Naval College, lit by night light. You’ll start the adventure at the beach near St. Mary’s Church in Battersea, kayaking all the way to Greenwich whilst following the falling tide to accommodate all skill levels. The professional guides will provide all the necessary equipment, and you’ll navigate the journey in stable double kayaks equipped with rudders. But please note that this event is exclusively for adults.
Night Kayak Across London | Battersea
Take a spooky walk through London at night
Last on our list of evening London tours takes you on an evening ghost tour in London’s royal parks, the ideal tour for those seeking spooky thrills and who are fascinated by the city’s storied history. Step into the darkness as you explore dimly lit parks and historic buildings, accompanied by chilling tales from your local guide. Stop by the supposed most haunted house in London in Berkley Square before hopping on board a boat for a moonlit Thames River cruise that ends at the infamous Tower of London, widely reputed as one of London’s most haunted landmarks. This spooky adventure is a must for history enthusiasts and anyone looking to learn a little more about the capital’s haunted past.
Ghost, Ghouls and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride | Green Park | WA
Pin this…
