How to light up London life in the darker months

As the days get shorter and the daily commute descends into darkness, it’s easy to get despondent. But while walks in the park and might not be so appealing at this time of year, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained in the UK’s bustling capital. Here are a few options to get you started.

Get a view of the sparkling skyline

Just because the summer rooftop terraces are no longer on the menu, doesn’t mean you can’t get a spectacular view. If anything, London’s skyline is even more alive when it’s dark, illuminated by the twinkling lights of the city. You could go for a drink at one of the Shard’s swanky bars and restaurants, or check out their special stargazing event next week, Astrophotography at The View From the Shard. For a more dynamic option, take a spin on the London Eye and witness a different side to the capital, or take a trip to the lush SkyGarden in the Walkie Talkie for free by booking a spot online. 

Check out the firework displays

You may have witnessed some of the spectacular Divali celebrations over the past week. But that was just the beginning. With bonfire night coming up this weekend, it’s worth checking out some of London’s best firework displays. Whichever part of the city you live in, or even if you are visiting from outside the capital, there’s sure to be something to suit all tastes – for families, friends and couples alike. And if you miss out on the action this time around, you only have a couple of months to wait until the iconic New Year display.

Explore Soho’s nightlife scene

Central London is host to a huge club scene, and no area is more buzzing with nightlife than Soho. Known in the day as the multicultural home of all manner of esteemed restaurants from all over the world, the area transforms at night to offer an incredibly diverse drinking menu with a stylish soundtrack, with varied vibes ranging from pubs to crazy nightclubs where you could even meet the most attractive women in Central London. Grab yourself a classy cocktail at the bar or have a shot and dance the night away. If you’re short on cash, remember to look out for happy hour to get your hands on two-for-one drinks.

Pick up an indoor sport

Though you might find it harder to keep up some of your outdoor sporting pursuits come November, there are tons of fun and quirky ways to keep up the competition with your friends and stay social. Play a game of crazy golf at Junkyard Golf or Swingers, or start a table tennis tournament at Ping Pong or Bounce. Go Bowling at All Star Lanes in Shoreditch, or if you’re looking for something even more alternative, you could try axe-throwing at Whistle Punks or shuffleboard at London Shuffle Club. You can even stay outdoors at Roof East in Stratford, where they are introducing curling and a cinema for the colder season.

The editorial unit