Adults only

Do you dream of falling asleep to a lion’s roar and waking up to the sound of cackling parrots and flamingos? If so, spend the night at Gir Lion Lodges at London Zoo the next time you’re visiting the city. As well as private guided tours around the park after closing, the price includes a welcome drink, dinner buffet and a full English breakfast.

Photo: London Zoo

And there’s more knowledge to be found at the Science Museum in South Kensington. Astronights are arranged for overnight adult guests, giving you access to the exhibitions after closing time. There are also interactive workshops and films. There is more fun to be had at the Natural History Museum next door. There are regular Dino Snores for Grown Ups, where you have T-Rex and the other dinosaurs almost to yourself when the tourists have all gone home. During the night there are drawing lessons (with dinosaurs doing the modelling), ghost stories, a five-course tasting menu with edible insects (think ants, silkworms, grasshoppers, beetles…), mini concerts and film screenings. (Even Jurrasic Park is on the programme!)

Apparently some people use the overnight stay to find a like-minded partner, according to an article in the Telegraph a couple of years ago. Consequently, the museum has had to add a note about no sex in the schedule. Just so you know. Most people, though, roll out their sleeping bags in the cathedral-like hall with no hidden agenda.

Photo: Faksimilie / National history Museum

Hidden things might, however, turn up if you accept the offer to spend the night in Clink Prison. Built in 1144, it can boast various in-house ghosts alongside exhibitions that will freak just about anyone out. You can also try a Ouija board if you dare, or even witness some poltergeist activity. So you may not catch that much sleep.

Photo: Julian Love / London and partners

If it’s an all-nighter you’re after, the 12-hour nightly movie marathon at the West End’s Prince Charles Cinema could be the thing for you.

For more information visit wideroe.no