There are few London experiences that are so extraordinary, they leave you wondering whether you have dreamt the entire thing – but spending the night inside this London landmark after the crowds have gone home is unquestionably one of them.
Dino Snores for Grown Ups is the closest you can get to living out your wildest Night at the Museum fantasy. The museum is transformed into an awe-inspiring, adults-only playground after dark, combining a three-course dinner, live animal encounters, science shows, comedy, games, films, music, and the extraordinary opportunity to sleep in the middle of Hintze Hall under one of the most recognisable sights, Hope the Blue Whale.
It also effectively gives you almost private access to one of London’s most iconic institutions, minus the 20,000 or so visitors who usually pass through its doors each day – and even simply for that, the £235 pricetag for this bucket-list experience is easily justified.
The excitement begins the moment you collect your lanyard pass and welcome drink, as you choose your sleeping spot in Hintze Hall. Wherever you unroll your sleeping bag and mat, there is an almost surreal, undeniable wow-factor as you look around at the museum’s grand architecture and admire your clear line of sight to the displays from your bed. A surprisingly impressive three-course dinner is then served, with fresh heritage tomato salad or pulled ham hock terrine to start, a delicious melt-in-the-mouth braised featherblade of beef for the main course, and a choice of chocolate and rose mousse or white chocolate and caramel cheesecake to finish.
And then, the real fun begins. Animal Encounters bring you face to face with snakes, spiders, and other creepy crawlies that you can hold, while a surprisingly hilarious stand-up comedy set covers endangered species, some truly unfortunate-looking creatures, and even a few choice cultural and current affairs references. The Science Show delves into the secrets of some of the oldest species in existence, in our case even offering the chance to hold an ancient fossilised Megalodon shark tooth.
Of course, you’re welcome to ignore the schedule altogether and explore the galleries at your own pace – with the museum closed to the general public, you can find yourself standing completely alone in exhibits that would ordinarily be filled with tourists, school groups, and loudly curious visitors.
There is plenty to occupy the more competitive and curious guests, too, with board games and puzzles alongside activity trails, challenges, scavenger hunts, mystery drawing, and Dino Bingo, complete with prizes from the museum gift shop. A late-night film screening runs until 3am for the committed insomniacs, while the evening eventually winds down with a harpist providing the soundtrack to an unusually surreal night’s sleep.
A world away from your usual alarm, gentle Jurassic sounds signal the morning wake-up, with that same sense of disbelief and awe still very much intact. Early risers can join a morning yoga session before breakfast, while those who prefer a slower start can head straight to an impressive Full English buffet with all the classics alongside tea and coffee. There is even time to continue exploring the museum before the daytime visitors arrive, before you finally pack up your sleeping bag and the night at the museum comes to an end.
Dino Snores for Grown Ups is without a doubt a five-star ticket, and one of the most unique, surreal, and beautifully executed experiences we’ve ever embarked upon. Sleeping in Hintze Hall alone would make it immeasurably special, but the addition of private after-hours access, fantastic food, and a jam-packed schedule of exceptional entertainment and education makes this simply one-of-a-kind.
And then, suddenly, you are back on Cromwell Road, wondering how something so extraordinary could possibly have just happened. Perhaps that is the real magic of Dino Snores – for one night, the impossible feels entirely real.
You can learn more about the Natural History Museum, its upcoming events listings, and book your space for your exclusive sleepover at the next Dino Snores event right here.
