Monday night solo in London. What to do?
 

Hi,

I just found out my business partner will have a meeting Monday night in London that I don't need to attend. I'm staying in Mayfair and I'm wondering what would be most fun to do. I'd probably most enjoy a museum but am unsure which are open. (I definitely do not want to go to the theater.) I'm willing to go beyond Mayfair, of course, but would rather not have a complicated tube trip back to the hotel or an expensive taxi ride. And nix on the London Eye. l-O

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Tate Modern art gallery in old Thameside Power Plant is open late many nights - South Bank walk from it back to the Eye Over London is a great stroll anytime - lots of folk about, interesting views over London skyline and Thames boats going by.

As for the Eye - i highly recommend a ride on it day, or especially at night. What, curiously do you have against it or have you done it? Just curious.

And for those really lonely nights, pop into a phone booth!

Alas, Monday night isn't one of those nights the Tate is open late. I'll do a more thorough search of the museums when I've got a moment, but I fear all of them are going to be shut up tight unless I find an odd one.

Isn't the London eye terribly expensive? I've been to the top of the Hilton, and the OXO and even Parliament Hill. I'm not much of a "view" person to begin with, and besides -- it might be raining!

I wonder if Westminser Abbey has anything on Monday nights.

Monday night? Dennis Sever's House by candlelight.

We spent last Monday evening at The Globe and enjoyed it immensely. Comedy of Errors, a nice lowbrow slapstick time. Took #15 bus from Trafalgar Square, got off at St. Paul's and trotted across the Millenium (pedestrian) Bridge. The Tate Modern is right there, and it seemed to be open. I think.

The Moody Blues are playing at Royal Albert Hall next Monday night.

Globe season ends on Sunday! David Severs' house isn't open Monday night. When I look at the web, it appears to say Tate modern closes at 6.

Moody Blues at Albert Hall would be unique. But 30GBP was more than I was planning to spend.

Think maybe I'll go see that new movie about the queen with Helen Mirren. Or else hang out in a bookstore.

Dennis Severs house is open for their special candlelight tour every Monday night except bank holidays.

That Monday is a bank holiday?

I did double check the web and found out I was wrong: Dennis Severs' house is open (and Monday the 9th is not a bank holiday)!

It's a great suggestion and I'll call tomorrow to see if I can still make a reservation. Thanks!

How about a London Walk?

http://www.walks.com/Homepage/Monday/default.aspx

Aww no, not a movie when there is so much to do in London. How about one of the London Walks http://www.walks.com/
They are great and you get to meet of folk too. Have fun :-)

As soon as you arrive, pick up a copy of the current Time Out magazine. Park yourself someplace where you can relax with your beverage of choice (beer, wine, coffee, whatever), peruse the listings for that evening and see if anything catches your fancy.
A London Walk sounds good if the weather is cooperative and you're in the mood for a stroll.

Never heard of Dennis SEvers before, so i googled it after reading this thread.
Sounds very interesting; shame I'm 300 miles away!

Thanks! I'll be getting Time Out for sure, although if I can book the Dennis Sever's house tomorrow, it does appeal to me. The London Walks are group walks, yes?

I have to admit, I'm not very social. :-(

Sorry for the useless Globe/Tate suggestions, fall06!

I'm not much for group tours, either. I'd make up my own walk, or copy one from a guidebook, and spend the money instead on something to eat or drink along the way. Would write or draw in my sketchbook/journal as I sip.

Here's another vote for an Original London Walk. It's informal and friendly, but you can just join the group and listen if you're not feeling social...

The guides we have had were all very good: I grew up in London, and learn new stuff about the place with every walk! Plus they go to places you might not otherwise think of. Worth taking a look at their brochure, at least, to see what is of interest. I generally pick up a copy in T4 at LHR, in one of those tract racks near passport control.

I believe there are also night boat cruises up and down the Thames.

I, too, vote for London Walks. Very interesting and a chance to get some fresh air after being at meetings.

No doubt the walks are lovely, but I've got my fingers crossed for dennis severs' house. I've sent them an e-mail requesting a reservation.

I also got a chance to look at Time Out online. Plenty to do!

thanks again