London is famed for being one of the cities which never sleeps, with countless events and nightlife hotspots to choose from. But what if you want to combine going out and sleeping?
Here, we bring you London’s top sleepover spots.
Dino snores
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7, nhm.ac.uk
Not just for kids, sleepovers. The Natural History Museun’s sleepovers, for (not so) grown-ups, take place in Hintze Hall, underneath the enormous blue whale skeleton. A three-course dinner is served, with a bar running until just before 1am. Tickets are from £198, and also include access to various galleries, a live animal workshop, a stand-up show, a science show, “dino bingo” and a movie marathon (what sleepover is complete without one?). A cooked breakfast arrives in the morning, along with a yoga class, thankfully optional.
London Zoo
Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1, londonzoo.org
As close to a safari as London offers, here’s a chance to sleep with the lions. Not literally, that would be dangerous. But the zoo does stays in their lodge, from about £200 per adult, which is close by the pride. Expect a drink on arrival, two after-dark tours, a two-course supper and breakfast, and free entry into the zoo for two days either side of your night's stay (which can also be used to visit Whipsnade). Altogether now: roarsome.
The Prince Charles
7 Leicester Place, WC2, princecharlescinema.com
A sleepover in the traditional sense, ie: sleeping is kept to a minimum. The cult cinema is famous for its all-nighters, with movie marathons running all through the night, with everything from David Lynch pictures back-to-back, to all of the Lord of the Rings films at once. Many arrive with their own pillows and blankets, food is sold or can be brought in — nothing smelly — and the bar sometimes (but not always) stays open; check the website for details. With the cinema’s future somewhat uncertain, a visit now is a show of support.
