Timeline
16:27
Grab a pot of tea and a scone at the original Fortnum & Mason store. The grand interior is perfect for settling in before the walk.
17:27
Stroll through the Burlington Arcade. The Regency architecture and glass roof offer a pleasant, sheltered walk toward the gallery.
17:52
Find a seat in the National Gallery’s main hall or step out onto the terrace. The gallery is free and open until 6 PM, giving you time to soak in the atmosphere as the light begins to shift.
18:07
Watch the sunset. On 15 October, the sun sets toward the WSW at 18:07. The National Gallery’s position allows you to see the sky change color over the city rooftops to the west.
18:52
End the evening at The French House. This legendary Soho pub is just a short walk away and has been a haunt for artists and writers since the war. It is small, so expect to be close to others, but the atmosphere is unmatched.
Local tip
The National Gallery is free, but temporary exhibitions cost extra. Stick to the permanent collection for the sunset view. The French House is very small; if it is full, try The French House's neighbor for a drink before heading back.
Check before you go
- Fortnum & Mason opens at 10:00 on weekdays and Saturdays, and 12:00 on Sundays. Plan your arrival accordingly.
- The National Gallery is open 10 AM-6 PM daily (except Friday until 9 PM). Ensure you leave enough time to enter before closing if you wish to go inside.
- The French House is open Mo-Sa 11:30-23:00 and Su 12:00-22:30.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to London (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).