Things to Do in London in the Evening

Take a London Walk

• There's no better way to get an intimate glimpse of London after dark than by surrendering yourself to the capable hands of a guide who knows the city's secrets. Choose from a variety of after-dark London Walks.

  Count on each evening's selection including a pub walk, a ghost walk and a Jack the Ripper walk led by the one of the foremost experts on that grisly page of London's history. Other options include Westminster by Gaslight and The Ancient City at Night. You might even find yourself viewing an Monday evening session of Parliament.

  The London Walks website lists all the available walks. Click on the one you find most appealing for the location of the tube station where you'll meet your guide.
  That's all you need to do because there's no booking involved. Your guide will be waving a fistful handful of white walk brochures. If the weather doesn't cooperate, simply try again another evening.

  LONDON WALKS
  London, PO Box 1708
  London, NW6 4LW
  Telephone (020) 7624-3978
  (020) 7794-764
  http://www.walks.com/

Open Air Theater Regent's Park

• Since 1932 warm weather has meant nighttime dramatics at the Open Air Theater in Regent's Park. Performances at the amphitheater in Queen Mary's Garden begin at 8 p.m., with the grounds opening at 6:30 p.m.

  Order a boxed picnic with your tickets and arrive early to eat at the picnic lawn, or wait until you arrive and enjoy the teas, sandwiches, barbecue and freshly baked cakes. Indulge in a Pimm's at the longest outdoor bar in London's West End. You're allowed to bring beverages but not food into the theater.

  Come prepared for the unpredictable London weather with a hooded waterproof jacket and a dry plastic cushion to sit on if it rains prior to the show.

  Book your seats online for a small booking fee, or get your tickets at the box office after 10 a.m.

  The New Shakespeare Company Ltd
  Open Air Theatre
  The Ironworks
  Inner Circle
  Regent's Park
  London NW1 4NR
  (084) 4826-4242
  http://openairtheatre.org/

The Showboat Dinner Cruise

• For a twist on the traditional London theater experience, book a London Showboat Dinner Cruise. The 3 1/2 hour cruise departs from Westminster Pier, journeying past Parliament, St. Paul's, Canary Wharf and the Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier before returning. Enjoy your four-course dinner and wine to cabaret-style entertainment.

  Bring your dancing shoes for a turn on the deck if the weather permits, because there will be live music throughout the return leg.

  Be at Westminster Pier for boarding by 7:15 p.m. Arrange for transportation back to your hotel at 10:30 p.m. Optional tips aren't included in your ticket price. Book your cruise online at the City Cruises website.

  City Cruises plc
  Cherry Garden Pier
  Cherry Garden Street
  London SE16 4TU
  Tel: (020) 7740-0400
  http://www.citycruises.com/showboat.htm