Night-time adventures in Britain

From spying nocturnal native wildlife to marvelling at the galaxy from stargazing hotspots, adventures in Britain don’t have to end at sunset! Whether future visitors are seeking a romantic evening cruise past London’s illuminated landmarks or hankering for a 4x4 night-time adventure in the heart of Scotland, here are a few stellar ideas, ready for when we can travel again.

Northern Lights and starry skies

The northern-most edges of Britain are home to a bucket-list classic: the Northern Lights. The skies over Shetland and The Cairngorms National Park come alive during autumn and winter and if the Aurora Borealis are really strong, they can even be seen over Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh. Visit Scotland has a comprehensive guide on some of the best places to see this natural marvel.

The Kielder Water & Forest Park, in Northumberland, offers dazzling views of the night sky thanks to low levels of light pollution. Located in the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, the Kielder Observatory is a year-round night-time attraction that brings galaxies, shooting stars and even the Milky Way into view with the help of powerful telescopes. Future holiday planners should check the events page before travelling to book a place at one of the Observatory’s many evening and late night events, while day-time visitors can also enjoy water sports and cycle paths through England’s largest forest.

Those dreaming of an autumnal adventure in Britain can plan a visit to Exmoor National Park.  Home to some of the darkest skies in England, the park’s nocturnal glory is revealed during the annual Exmoor Dark Skies Festival, which is set to take place from 22 October until 7 November. Marking the festival’s fifth year, 2021 promises a variety of celestial activities, with previous events including highlights such as dusk safaris, planetarium sessions and an astro-photography exhibition.

Animal magic and native species

Animal lovers can look forward to an evening of bat watching in one of London’s Royal Parks. British bats are most active at dusk in the spring and summer months, when they emerge to hunt for insects, and this twilight adventure will let wildlife enthusiasts spy several types of bats in the capital’s green spaces. Battersea Park and Hampstead Heath are additional hubs of bat activity, with more information available from The London Bat Group.

London’s Royal Parks are also home to majestic native deer, although many of the most impressive herds are found in Scotland, especially during rutting season (September to November). Visitors to the West Highlands can look forward to embarking on a Twilight Tour, a three-hour trip in a 4X4 following roe and fallow deer in addition to otters, pine martens and badgers. Night owls might also want to add the Night Time Tour to their wish list, a four-hour adventure that uses thermal imagery and night vision equipment to encounter local wildlife, including the chance to spot rare Scottish wildcats!

City sights and romantic rivers

Keen photographers can imagine capturing London’s most notable landmarks while on an evening walk through the capital. One photogenic route goes from Westminster Abbey through Parliament Square and across the River Thames via Westminster Bridge. With the London Eye in front and the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben behind, visitors will enjoy a floodlit view of the city’s icons away from the day-time crowds.

For a quirkier way to sightsee, future travellers can head to Secret Adventures for a captivating night kayak trip. Operating tours from Battersea to Greenwich, the journey will see visitors gliding beneath the twinkling lights of London’s cityscape, floating past St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Old Royal Naval College en route.

Visitors with romance on their minds can look forward to an evening voyage with River Thames Cruises. Complete with an open panoramic viewing deck and cosy saloon, the tour takes in the capital’s icons as they are framed by the setting sun, for a picture-postcard end to the day.

First established in 2016, London’s Illuminated River project will add Blackfriars, Waterloo, Westminster and Lambeth Bridges to its ranks this year.  Celebrating the diverse communities living along London’s riverbanks, the four iconic bridges are set to sparkle with LED light installations come spring.

Further north in Liverpool, those hoping to explore the city by night can look forward to a dinner with a difference aboard the city’s only restaurant boat, the Floating Grace.  Visitors can imagine soaking up the sights as they cruise past the historic Albert Docks along the city’s UNESCO World Heritage waterfront, accompanied by a glass of bubbly and traditional three-course meal.

Visitors are encouraged to always check individual attraction and event websites for the latest information, as details are subject to change.