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The Late Edition

London's evening edition. Independent, updated daily.

AnswerChecked 8 Sep 2026

What is the best first date in London?

A museum late. Tate Modern every Friday and Saturday, the V and A's Friday Late and the National Gallery every Friday until nine are all free, there is something to talk about in every room, and leaving early is easy. Avoid a two hour minimum table, and avoid the cinema, which is two hours of not talking.

Why a museum late works

It solves the two things a first date has to solve. There is something to look at, so silence is not a problem, and there is a natural end, so nobody has to invent a reason to leave. Several are free, which takes the money question off the table as well.

What to avoid on a first one

Anything with a two hour minimum on the table, because you have committed to two hours before you know whether you want them. And the cinema, which is two hours of sitting beside someone not talking to them.

Second or third date

An activity bar works much better once you have met, because losing at darts in front of someone is easier when you already like them. Same for anything with a score in it.

What is on

8 listings

  1. Free

    The Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

    08:00 Holland Park, Kensington

    A Japanese garden given to the borough in 1991, with koi, a waterfall and peacocks that have no fear of anyone. Free, and quietest before the school run ends.

  2. Exhibitions From £11

    Leighton House, the Arab Hall

    10:00 Leighton House, Kensington

    A Victorian painter built himself a house with a domed hall of Damascus tiles in it, and it is still there. Small, so an hour does it, and rarely busy.

  3. Free

    Waterloo Bridge at dusk

    19:00 Waterloo Bridge, Waterloo

    The only crossing with both the City and Westminster in one turn of the head. Built largely by women during the war, which is why it is sometimes called the Ladies Bridge.

  4. Exhibitions Free

    Candlelit evening at Sir John Soane’s Museum

    18:00 to 21:00 Sir John Soane's Museum, Holborn

    The whole house lit by candle, which is the most atmospheric hour in London and costs nothing. Free but ticketed, and the tickets go within hours of release.

  5. Gigs From £18

    Candlelit concert at Southwark Cathedral

    19:00 Southwark Cathedral, Borough

    Until 23 Dec

    A Gothic nave lit by candles and nothing else, a minute from London Bridge station. The programme runs from early November; check which evenings before crossing the river.

  6. Seasonal Adults from £13, children from £11, plus a £1.50 fee

    Skate at Somerset House

    10:00 to 22:00 Somerset House, Covent Garden

    Until 10 Jan 2027

    The courtyard rink with the tree and the arcades lit around you. 11 November to 10 January, confirmed by Somerset House. Tickets are not on sale yet and no price is published.

  7. Exhibitions Free

    Candlelit evening at Sir John Soane’s Museum

    18:00 to 21:00 Sir John Soane's Museum, Holborn

    The whole house lit by candle, which is the most atmospheric hour in London and costs nothing. Free but ticketed, and the tickets go within hours of release.

  8. Gigs From £20

    Carols by candlelight at St Martin-in-the-Fields

    19:30 St Martin-in-the-Fields, Covent Garden

    Until 24 Dec

    Carols by candlelight in the church on the corner of Trafalgar Square, sung most evenings through December. The crypt cafe underneath stays open before and after.

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