What we’re about
Welcome to Central London Humanists!
CLH provides a meeting place for humanists, the secular, and other non-religious people, particularly those who live or work in the central London area of the UK.
Every month we hold a talk/lecture and several social events. Our social activities include group socials, a book group, picnics, walks, museum & cultural visits and theatre trips.
If you're not religious, or doubting your faith or belief and like open-minded communities, and would like to meet like minded people, come along and join us!
As we don't have a membership fee, a donation of £3 is suggested at each meeting. This goes towards our running costs, partnership fees and charitable donations. If it's your first time, we don't expect a donation.
We are a partner group of Humanists UK.
We are an Associate Member of Humanists International.
We're also on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Some of our previous talks are available on YouTube.
Anyone who joins us on Meetup can participate fully in events. They can suggest events, participate in organising events and much more.
As we are such a large group, each year we hold an AGM and elect a committee to help manage the group. To be a voting member of Central London Humanists, or to be a member of the committee, you must be a paid up member of Humanists UK (to join go here).
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- CLH Book Group 📚 Fluke by Brian KlaasRoyal Festival Hall, London
May's book: Fluke: Chance, chaos and why everything we do matters by Brian Klaas.
A provocative new vision of how our world really works - and why chance determines everything.
In Fluke, myth-shattering social scientist Brian Klaas deep-dives into the phenomenon of randomness, unpicking our neat and tidy storybook version of events to reveal a reality far wilder and more fascinating than we have dared to consider. The bewildering truth is that but for a few incidental changes, our lives - and our societies - would be radically different.
Offering an entirely new perspective, Fluke explores how our world really works, driven by strange interactions and random events. How much difference does our decision to hit the snooze button make? Did one couple's vacation really change the course of the twentieth century? What are the smallest accidents that have tilted the course of history itself?
The mind-bending lessons of this phenomenon challenge our beliefs about the very workings of the world. From the evolution of human biology and natural disasters to the impact of global events on supply chain disruptions, every detail matters because of the web of connectivity that envelops us. So what if, by exploding our illusion of control, we can make better decisions and live happy, fulfilling lives?
The meeting starts at 7:15. At 7:30 pm we will break up into small groups. Those familiar with the CLH Book Group meeting know how this works: in each group we take turns introducing ourselves and giving our 1 minute thoughts on the book. It's important not to go over a minute and not to interrupt other people's minute so that everyone gets a chance to participate. After this first round, each group discusses for another 20 minutes or so.
We then shuffle the groups so as to talk to as many different people as possible and in the new groups repeat our introductions and 1 minute thoughts. We'll do this a couple of times before coming all together at the end in one last big group.
While we are very social and welcoming, the book group's primary focus is on discussing books. Feel free to turn up if you haven't managed to finish this month's book but note that the group works best when we have all read at least half of the book and are prepared to share our opinions.
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£3 per person to attend. If it's your first time, come and try us out for free!
If you prefer, you can pay online, by clicking here.We encourage dialogue, debate and sharing of information on our site but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any views expressed here are those of the individual posting them and may not reflect those of CLH.
- CLH Pub Night - great conversation, drinks & food with like-minded people 🍔🍺😀The Somers Town Coffee House, London
Our monthly pub evenings are always a great opportunity to meet interesting people, chat, do a little networking, and enjoy a fun evening out.
Whether you’re new to Humanism or already a member, this is a fantastic space for anyone who is non-religious, questioning their beliefs, or open-minded and looking to mingle.
Time: From 6pm
Feel free to join us whenever you’re able to – we’re often there until closing time.Venue: Somers Town Coffee House
A lovely pub, close to Euston & Kings Cross stations.
You’ll find us towards the back of the pub, on the left of the bar – look out for the Humanist signs on the tables.What we talk about:
The conversations are different every time – from current events to humanism and secularism, with plenty of good laughs in between!
If there’s something specific you’d like to talk about, we’d love to hear about it.We kindly request a contribution of £3 for our events to help cover various admin costs - but first-timers are welcome to give us a free trial. If you prefer you can also pay online by clicking here.
We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information at our events but ask people to keep their interactions cordial. Any views expressed are those of the individual sharing them and may not reflect those of CLH.
More about the venue:
All indoor facilities are wheelchair-friendly/accessible.
Free Wi-fi is available.
It’s easy to reach – close to Euston and Kings Cross stations, and on 18 different bus routes!
View a map hereMore about Humanism:
https://www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/about-humanism/We look forward to seeing you!
- External Event: Six week 'One Life' course on HumanismDevon House, London
THIS IS AN EXTERNAL EVENT RUN BY OUR FRIENDS AT EAST LONDON HUMANISTS.
Please go to their Meetup post to sign up, here.Explore Humanism, its history, concepts and perspectives on living an ethical, fulfilling life without religion.
Suitable for anyone new to Humanism and those already familiar who want to know more. A great chance to meet like-minded, open-minded people, to learn, and to share experiences and thoughts together.
The course will run over 6 consecutive Wednesdays starting 4th June, and is presented by East London Humanists, a local partner of Humanists UK.
Attendees are strictly limited to 15 in total. Full course £30; Unwaged £5.
Pre-registration essential.Full details, including how to apply, HERE.
- Bethnal Green -gregarious and green- a walk with Robert HallBethnal Green Underground Station, E2 0ET
## Bethnal Green – gregarious and green
A guided walk from Central London Humanists (CLH). We are a social club, volunteer group, and educational network for humanists and allies in and around London, UK. Humanists are people who shape their own lives in the here and now, because we believe it’s the only life we have.
The walk is approximately 3.75 Km / 2.25 miles long and will take + / - 2 hours.
The Kray twins suggest that it will be good for your well-being to attend this walk (!) which contains more green spaces than you may expect. There’ll be an old dispensary should you need it after we encounter the twins! We’ll also see two very different museums, a load of independent shops but not a bull in a china shop.
The accompanying photo was taken recently but is not representative anymore of the area – come and see what has changed.Date: Saturday 7th of June 2025
Time: 2 pm with a prompt departure at 2.15 pm.
Place: Outside Bethnal Green underground station by the “Stairway to Heaven” memorial.
Finishes: About 4.30 pm at Fatto a Mano, 250 Paradise Row, E2 9PA
Maximum: 40 people
Cost £3
Meet outside Bethnal Green underground station by the “Stairway to Heaven” memorial. Bethnal Green underground station is served by the Central Line. (The overground is 10 minutes walk from here.) You can also easily find us with what3words.com (or the app) using ///fend.save.swung
There are accessible toilets at Fatto a Mano, 250 Paradise Row, E2 9PA or toilets downstairs at Starbucks, 299 Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 0EL
We end for optional refreshments at Fatto a Mano, 250 Paradise Row, E2 9PAWalk is led by Robert – 07981963681
He can be contacted for further information but please note he won’t be able to respond to messages or calls after the walk has started.
The formal bit:
Maximum group size is 40 people. If you have signed up but find you can't attend, please change your RSVP on Meetup (it’s very easy to do) as soon as possible so others can join.You are responsible for your own actions and safety; there is no liability on the walk leader or CLH for anything that may happen on the walk. You must be able to walk at 2.5 mph and able to walk for 2.5 miles. It is participants responsibility to keep up with the walk leader. To safely cross roads, where appropriate, pedestrian controlled lights will be used and obeyed unless it is obvious that the whole group can cross safely. When stopped at a point of interest please be mindful of not blocking pavements so that members of the public can pass by safely.
Don’t forget this is the UK and it may rain at any time! Walk will go ahead whatever the weather unless dangerous conditions so please bring clothing for all seasons.
The majority of Central London Humanists events are free, but we kindly ask for a £3 contribution per head. This helps towards the running and organising of events, as well as various admin expenses. If you can't attend and would still like to contribute, please click here.
Maximum group size is 40 people. If you have signed up but find you can't attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible so others can join.
These walks are not suitable for dogs, sorry.
CLH events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.
