At Londontopia, we pride ourselves on championing a diverse range of things to see and do in London. With that in mind, we’ve come up with a few suggestions on how to enjoy a day and night with a difference in the city. From an after-dark visit to the London Dungeon to a trip to the cinema at Europe’s largest urban shopping mall, read on for inspiration.
Moonlight walk of the Thames
There’s something mystical about enjoying a stroll along the River Thames under the stars. Many of London’s most iconic attractions – the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Millennium Bridge, London Bridge and Tower of London etc. – can be found on the banks of the Thames and are all a short walk away from each other. You really see and appreciate the city – and these landmarks and many more – in a different way when you take them in during the evening, especially if it’s a clear night. Obviously, don’t go walking around London on your own late at night so think carefully about the best time to pound the pavements and you’ll be rewarded with some superb photo opportunities.
Westfield Stratford
Europe’s largest urban shopping centre opened its doors for the first time in September and is home to more than 300 shops and 70 restaurants. There’s also a 14-screen Westfield cinema showing the latest new movies doing the rounds. Escape from the usual tourist hotspots and shop, dine and catch a film all under one roof in London’s East End, which is currently enjoying a major regeneration in preparation for staging the Olympics next year.
London Dungeon at night
There are thrills, spills and spooks aplenty at the London Dungeon at the best of times, but a visit at night adds an extra dimension to this educational attraction with a twist. Learn more about the dark side of London’s history and gruesome characters such as Sweeney Todd through shows featuring actors and several scary rides that’ll frighten the living daylights out of you and your entire family. There’s also the UK’s first 5D laser ride. Expect blood, guts, gore and plenty of good fun for people of all ages.
Float in the heart of London
Just around the corner from London Bridge is Floatworks, which is a floatation centre aimed at helping you to feel healthy and refreshed. Here you can relax in one of the floatation tanks and unwind. The water in the tanks is warmed to skin temperature and is salty to help the body stay afloat. The benefits of spending time in a floatation tank include reduced fatigue, improved sleep patterns and reduced stress levels.
Retrace the footsteps of Jack the Ripper
Discover all about the Ripper murders that sent shockwaves through London in the late 1880s and enjoy a guided walk around the sites made famous by the Victorian serial killer. Find out how each of his five victims met their deaths and the confusion that surrounded the investigation as well as enjoying a much-needed drink afterwards in the Ten Bells pub where many of the characters involved in the Ripper story once drank.
Author: jonathan
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!