With heatwave warnings rolling in, TfL charges going up and big names like Ariana Grande and The Weeknd taking over the city in August, it’s no wonder London life can feel a little much right now. When it does, it’s good to slow down and take it easy — but that doesn’t have to mean staying in. There are plenty of fun and unique things to do in London that don’t involve wading your way through a packed bar or pulling an all‑nighter at the club. Below we’ve rounded up our top plans for a more relaxed, low-key night out in London.
Wander around a London museum at night
Quite a few museums in London stay open until late. On select dates every month, Tate Modern hosts Tate Modern Lates—a series of free, after-hours cultural events that often feature creative workshops, artist talks and film screenings. Like Tate Lates, Science Museum Lates are adults‑only, after‑hours events that let you explore the museum at night.
Unwind at a sip and paint session
London’s paint and sip scene is buzzing. There are several events that run evening painting sessions and often include a cheeky drink or two. At Brush and Bubbles, you get to try your hand at painting an original artwork while sipping on a glass of bubbly. Evening sessions usually run from 7pm to 9pm, giving you plenty of time to unwind, tap into your creative side, and still be back home well before midnight.
Swap pub small talk for a psychedelics-themed science night
Big Questions, Cool Drinks ditches small talk for something more meaningful. It’s a fascinating science talk and Q&A where your unfiltered questions get answered by a real expert. This season, the focus is on psychedelics—can psilocybin help treat conditions like depression? Can MDMA help people with PTSD? No slides, no jargon, no judgment: you ask the questions over drinks and you get real, informed answers in return.
4 September 2026 18:30
Keep it casual with a night of games
A bit of friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition among friends is always a laugh, and London has loads of board game cafes and pubs that provide all that and more. Places like The Arcanist’s Tavern in Shoreditch and The Ludoquist in Croydon have a treasure trove of classic games, from chess and draughts to Monopoly and Cluedo and even D&D. More in the mood for a quick game of UNO or Go Fish over a pint? Don’t fret—they’ve got you covered.
Have a laugh at a relaxed comedy-meets-wine-tasting show
An Idiot’s Guide to Wine is a great chilled night out because it feels like a proper evening plan without any of the stiff, formal wine‑tasting energy. You’re sat at tables in Brixton Jamm, guided through six hand‑picked wines by a stand‑up comedian who keeps everything light, informal and non‑judgmental, so it’s more like a fun hangout than a class. Over about 70 minutes, you get to laugh, learn a few simple wine facts and food‑pairing tips, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere that still gets you out of the house and doing something different with friends.
4 September 2026 18:00 + more dates
Catch a late-night film screening
The Prince Charles Cinema just off Leicester Square is a London cinema that often stays open way past bedtime. They screen new blockbusters as well as cult classics and sing-along films for the vocally gifted readers among us. Sit back, munch on some popcorn and let the movie magic do its thing.
