Love Letters Late: Ghosted

A one‑night rendezvous with and for history’s hopeless romantics at The National Archives.

Ever been left on read? So have they – for centuries. Meet the ghosts of love past at a one night only, after-hours event inspired by our new exhibition Love Letters featuring lonely hearts, hopeless romantics and shameless flirts.

Your guide for this most romantic of evenings will be our extraordinary host Aphrodite the First.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the Love letters exhibition after dark.
• Take part in historical speed dating – meet our specialists and learn more about the individuals behind the letters and decide who deserves your heart by swiping left or right in a live vote*.
• Say it with words! Print your own keepsake on a IRL press with Pixel Press.
• Show your love for a that special someone with a (temporary) tattoo.
• Craft floral feelings with our origami artist.
• Browse 1920s lonely heart ads then pen your own.
• Be serenaded by a live string quartet playing romantic tunes.
• A pop-up prosecco bar and other tasty beverages and treats from Maids of Honour.
• Indulge in a bit of red hot retail therapy at our shop.

*Artistic interpretation by Time Will Tell Theatre.

HOW TO FIND US

The nearest stations to The National Archives are Kew Gardens, which is served by the District tube line and the London Overground line, and Kew Bridge, served by South West Trains. You can find out more about how to find us on our website.

PARKING

There will be free but limited parking onsite. If you are arriving or departing by car or taxi, please note that our sat nav postcode is TW9 4AD and that access is via Bessant Drive.

NOTICE

This event is strictly 18 years old and above and you may be asked for proof of age on entry. All bars will be card payments only.

There will be photography taking place during this event. The photographs will be for future promotional use by The National Archives. If you do not wish to have your photo taken, please speak to a member of staff at the event about opting out. We will provide stickers for those who choose not to opt in for photography.

Yearning for more? Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear details about our second Love letters late taking place Friday 10 April 2026.