Why are winter nights so amazing? Maybe it’s something about the Christmas season, full of dancing lights and spicy smells. Maybe I’m just weird. Either way, there’s no good reason to stay penned up inside, unless you’re working hard to master that Grumpy Uncle persona. Here’s a list of stuff to do and places to go that’ll ensure you fit in all those late nights in the warm-up run to New Year’s Eve.
1. Surrey Hills Night Run
Chantry Wood, Guildford, Surrey
Dates:
- 7:00pm, Tuesday 4 December 2018 7:00pm
- Thursday 10 January 2019 7:00 pm
- Thursday 7 February 2019 7:00 pm
- Thursday 21 March 2019
Tickets: £15 pp > www.runningadventures.uk
As we while away another afternoon scrolling through Amazon for the perfect Christmas present and snacking on the obligatory mince pies and gingerbread biscuits, it’s worth remembering that there will be a time in the New Year when we’ll regret our festive munching. In the preemptive spirit, Running Adventures was kind enough to arrange these ten-mile runs, starting from Guildford. Enjoy the, erm, invigorating winter air. And try not to trip over anything. Did I mention it’s strictly after-dark? No pain no gain, friends.
2. Poetry With The 1000 Monkeys
The Keep, 29 Castle Street, Guildford GU1 3UW
Dates: The first Monday of every month > www.the1000monkeys.com
Cold weather comes hand in hand with books and pubs. Not two things you’d ordinarily find together, but here they are. On the first Monday of every month, there’s a poetry and open mic night held by The 1000 Monkeys at The Keep, Guildford. A friendly atmosphere thick enough to cut with a knife, it’s sure to warm you to your toes. Sign up on arrival to read your own work.
3. Battersea Night Sessions
Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
Dates & Times: From 5 pm onwards
Tickets: £21 (10+)
Now, I love GoApe during the day, but I love it even more when the sun goes down. If like me, you love a bit of adventure, then this just might be the activity for you. It's the perfect activity to do with your other half as it will get your adrenaline pumping - as long as you don't let your nerves get the best of you! So, why not give ziplining under the stars a try?
4. Dino Snores for Kids
Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Dates & Times:
- 26 January 2019, 18.45 - 10.00 (Sold out)
- 1 February 2019, 18.45 - 10.00
- 23 February 2019, 18.45 - 10.00
- 16 March 2019, 18.45 - 10.00
- 13 April 2019, 18.45 - 10.00
- 3 May 2019, 18.45 - 10.00
- 1 June 2019, 18.45 - 10.00
Tickets: £60 for a child, £60 for an adult (includes breakfast) > www.nhm.ac.uk
Did you know you could spend a night at the museum? How incredible is that? The Natural History Museum not only does sleepovers for adults but for children too that includes breakfast in the morning before it opens to the public at 10.00 am. With lots to enjoy all night long, like movies, torch-lit trails and live animal shows mean this will be an experience you'll never forget.
5. Christmas Glow at RHS Garden Wisley
Wisley Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB
Dates: 1 December 2018 to 2 January 2019, 4.00 pm – 8.00 pm
Tickets: From £1 > www.rhs.org.uk
This quintessentially Christmassy display is probably visible from outer space. Brightness galore! Enjoy this fantastical trail, involving fluorescent flowers and floating lights, and several of Wisley’s prized trees. The Glasshouse becomes a Woodland Realm, bustling with elves and glittering crystals, and there’s a spot of Christmas shopping to be had on the side.
6. Average Joes’ Jam Night
Guildford Jubilee Social Club, Guildford
Dates: The last Wednesday of every month, 8.00 pm > www.openmicfinder.com
My Spotify playlists are subject to a sort of cyclical culling, not dissimilar to the moody workings of a temperamental monarch. Now that the radio has descended into its yearly Christmas splurge, I think I can be forgiven for thirsting after new music. Once a month at the Guildford Jubilee Social Club, the floor is open to eager musicians far and wide, coupled with the best bar prices in town.
7. The Rec Room Saturdays
Townhall South Surrey
Dates: September 22, 2018 - December 28, 2019 > www.jrgad.com
Featuring DJ Reese Paul & Guests, this weekly extravaganza runs to the end of December and offers everything from Hip-Hop classics to whatever’s hot off the press. Very definitely eighteen and up only. Sorry, kids.
8. Amor Amora
176 High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3HW
All you weird people who drink coffee after nine o’clock, this is for you. A cute little cafe at the top of Guildford High Street, with a Greek theme and some interesting seat cushions upstairs. But, importantly, most nights it’s open all the way to 11 pm. Who even needs sleep anyways?
9. Torchlight Tours of Brooklands Museum
Brooklands Rd, Weybridge, KT13 0SL
Dates & Times: January 15 2019, 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Tickets: Adult tickets £22.50, Child tickets £17.50 > www.brooklandsmuseum.com
Museums after dark must be right up there with cemeteries and playgrounds on the creep factor. This nighttime tour is guided, so you (hopefully) won’t be wandering into any dark corners, never to be seen again. Exclusively for adults and children twelve and above, these are done about three times a year. There’s a Christmas special coming up on Dec 12th, with tickets including a meal and a mince pie – definitely book in advance.
10. Ghost Tours at Hampton Court Palace
Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
Dates & Times:
- 18 November 2018 – 17 February 2019, 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm
Tickets: www.hrp.org.uk
Discover the hauntings of Hampton Court Palace with this highly popular ghost tour! Expect to hear spooky stories and inexplainable apparations and paranormal activity as you experience the palace after dark.
