Maybe you’ve seen all three Night at the Museum films, but we bet you haven’t roamed the UK’s famous halls in the dark. From 14th-16th May, museums across the country will open up late into the night, for Museums at Night 2015.
London will be home to a series of seriously cool evenings for a mix of ages, and here’s our pick of some of the best:
1. Nature Late at the Horniman Museum and Gardens
Head down to the Horniman Museum on the 14th May for a memorably cool evening of nature and discovery.
The 18+ event includes cocktails, 1920s nature films, food and electronic music, while celebrating the work of contemporary artists inspired by plants and animals. Tickets are just £5 and the evening runs from 18.30 to 21.30.
Stay nearby in our Crystal Palace Travelodge to further explore the parks, pubs and galleries of South London. It’s easy to get around by bus or overground from Crystal Palace Station – and central London is only 20 minutes away. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace Park with its free open spaces, the regal sphinxes and the Victorian dinosaur statues. They even have their own Facebook fan page.
2. Richmond Retro Fashion Evening at the Museum of Richmond
On the 14th May the Museum of Richmond hosts an evening of fashion that you can bring the younger kids too as well. The night includes a catwalk of contemporary fashion designs made by local students who’ve been inspired by the history of Richmond. And you’ll get the chance to handle rare vintage pieces while the curator takes you through the unique details.
You’ll want to pack right for this one. Get right into the evening by dressing up in your favourite vintage or vintage-inspired outfit so you can feature on an online image board.
Richmond is a lovely area to explore, especially when the flowers are out. So stay in our Kew Bridge Travelodge to discover the relaxed River Thames, Kew Gardens and Richmond Park.
3. Late Night Keats at Keats House
On the 15th May, from 19.00 to 21.30, the beautiful house where poet William Keats fell in love with Fannie Brawne opens its doors for an evening of late-night Keats magic. Tickets are just £8 and include a free drink at this adults-only event. If you’re treating someone to a special weekend, this is the romantic event with a difference.
During the night the Smoking Apples Theatre hosts an intriguing Shadow Puppet Workshop, where you can try your hand at silhouettes. You’re also free to wander around the Georgian villa and embrace its Romantic charm. Apparently Keats wrote ‘Ode to a Nightingale’ in the garden.
Stay nearby to explore all that North London has to offer, including Hamsptead Heath, Brent Cross Shopping Centre and Wembley Stadium.
4. The Late Shift at the National Portrait Gallery
On the 14th May, the National Portrait Gallery (round the corner from the National Gallery) hosts an extra special Late Shift. Guest DJ Mr Madam will be mixing fab tunes by the likes of Grace Fields, Grace Jones and the Lord Creator.
Wander through the gallery with a drink and a nibble or book tickets for a one-off lecture.
Book a Central London hotel in Southwark or Covent Garden to be just minutes from the gallery, and close to the buzz of Trafalgar Square, the shops of Covent Garden and the transport hubs of Liverpool Street, Waterloo and Charing Cross.
