If you’re in London for work, why not make the most of what the city has to offer? Perhaps you’re attending a meeting, visiting one London's coworking spots or meeting a client for lunch. No matter your career commitments, you’ll find that when the workday ends, there’s plenty to keep you entertained later on.
From shows and museums to shopping centres and restaurants, you’ll find lots to do during your business travel. If you don’t have a full day in London, here’s a roundup of some of the top activities you can get up to in the evening:
Explore a museum
London is the UK’s museum capital, with over 170 to choose from. Museums are a great way to learn more about a specific interest, and you may be surprised to know that many stay open late into the evening.
Founded in 1753, The British Museum’s large and impressive building is hard to miss. Head inside to discover fascinating artefacts from around the world, ranging from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics to collections from the Bronze Age.
Price: Free entry (some exhibitions and events may have an additional charge)
The National Gallery
nationalgallery.org.uk
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
The National Gallery showcases a range of art from around the world and is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. Admire work by the likes of Manet and Eva Gonzalès, Winslow Homer, Lucian Freud and more.
Embrace the world of art, design and performance with a visit to the V&A Museum in South Kensington. Immerse yourself in exciting temporary exhibitions, from Africa Fashion to Beatrix Potter, and get that creativity flowing!
Explore the constantly evolving process of design at The Design Museum, where you can look into past and present designs and gain insight into what the future holds. The museum also hosts talks, courses and workshops throughout the year, so check before you visit if there are any you’d like to attend.
Opening hours: Daily: 10.00 – 18.00 (Fridays and Saturdays: 21.00)
Price: Free entry (some exhibitions and events may have an additional charge)
See the sights
Nothing beats being a tourist for the evening, so why not head to some of London’s top sights to learn more about the capital?
Searching for free things to do in London? You might think you know everything about a city until you go on a walking tour! There are lots of free walking tours available around London, with knowledgeable guides to fill you in on the city’s secrets and history. These tours run into the evening – and let’s face it, a spooky night tour sounds even more thrilling.
Tour times: Usually around an hour or two; check with your guide
Catch the sunset or witness the city’s sparkling lights on an evening cruise trip along the River Thames. This is a unique and memorable way to see many of London’s most famous sights, from the London Eye to The Shard. You can enjoy 2FOR1 cruise entry if you’ve travelled in by train – so why not take a colleague along too?
Standing at 135 metres high, the world-famous London Eye stays open in the evening – providing you visit during the summer months! Enjoy London’s beautiful lit-up skyline and see which sights you can spot as you travel through the sky.
Opening hours: Daily: 10.00 – 18.00 (June, July and August: 20.30)
Price: ££
Watch a show
There are many shows to see in London, whether you prefer tear-jerking masterpieces or a good laugh. With 10% off theatre tickets with SWR Rewards, what are you waiting for?
As one of the world’s most popular shows, Wicked has its own theatre in London’s star-studded West End. This Wizard of Oz spin-off features a talented cast and a gripping storyline, perfect for some after-work entertainment.
Another accredited West End show, see The Lion King for a nostalgic evening treat. The show is based on Disney’s animated movie and has been running since 1997. Expect incredible costumes and theatrics, catchy tunes and more.
For guaranteed laughs, head to one of London’s much-loved comedy clubs. With top comedians such as Katherine Ryan, Romesh Ranganathan and Nick Helm regularly performing sets here, you know you’re in for a treat.
For the ultimate shopping experience, head to Oxford Street. This is one of London’s top tourist destinations, featuring a wide range of shops, bars and eateries. It’s particularly worth a visit at Christmas, when the city is given a festive makeover and glistening light displays adorn the shopfronts.
Opening hours: Daily: 9.00 – 21.00 (Sunday hours may differ)
If you haven’t yet visited Battersea Power Station, then what are you waiting for? This thriving new district has plenty to do, with a range of high street shops, bars and restaurants to discover. From fashion to bookstores, there’s something for every shopper.
As one of London’s hidden gems, St Martin’s Courtyard is one of the best shopping spots in the south west. Wander through the cobbled courtyards and explore a range of established and independent retailers, from fashion and lifestyle boutiques to day spas and eateries.
If you’re searching for a place for dinner in the city, then look no further than these delicious food markets:
Southbank Centre Food Market – just a couple of minutes’ walk from London Waterloo, Southbank Centre Food Market serves up some of the best street food inspired by a range of different cultures. Open Friday – Monday
Brick Lane – with a variety of food stalls inside and out, people come from all over to tuck into the tasty treats served up at Brick Lane. With a total of 40 traders to choose from, you won’t go hungry! Open Saturday and Sunday
Borough Market – London’s oldest market has been trading for over 700 years, and its world-famous food and drinks selection won’t disappoint. Afterwards, pick up some seasonal fruit and veg to take home with you. Open every day, opening hours vary
South Western Railway has all your business travel needs covered, with no booking fees and our Business Direct online bookings available 24/7. If you travel on the same route regularly, you can enjoy discounted season tickets or Flexi season tickets. Or, consider a smartcard to hold all your tickets in one place.
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