unusual places to visit london

Posted on 13th December 2023 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

56 Quirky and Unusual Things to do in London

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Think it’s all “been there, done that” when it comes to London? Think again. London is full of secret spots for you to explore. Need inspiration? Check out these 56 quirky, weird and unusual things to do in the capital.

London has a lot going for it. There are the big attractions, the museums , the galleries… basically the stuff that everyone talks about.

But sometimes, well, we’re a bit over the obvious stuff right? We’ve done all the big things to do around the city and are looking for something a little quirkier to occupy our time.

We hear you – we’ve all been through phases where we feel totally “over” London. Somehow, we think that because we grew up here, or have spent years writing about London, that we’ve seen it all. Incorrect.

So we set out to discover some of the more unusual places to visit in London, the quirky spots and obscure pastimes. From stunning cathedrals of sewage (yes, that’s a real thing) to ghostly tube stations, and from off-the-beaten-track museums to hidden Roman temples, this is what we found.

Quirky & Unusual Things to do in London

Worship a roman god at the london mithraeum.

The City of London 

The Mithraeum is a gem of a find. Looking for an unusual way to spend an afternoon? How about an immersive experience based around the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras underneath the Bloomberg Offices slap-bang in the heart of the city? Thought so.

We’d never even heard of the Mithraeum before stumbling on it while visiting St Stephen’s a few doors down the road, but it was a revelation.

The Mithraeum is set over three floors – one showcasing the Roman artefacts found on the site, the second explaining who Mithras was (the deity of loyalty to the emperor) and how people worshipped him and the third the temple itself.

The temple dates from the 3rd century AD – the ruins are part of a short sensory experience that plunges you into the mystery of worshipping in a Roman temple. Totally weird, very memorable and completely wonderful.

Check out the Fake Houses of 23 and 24 Leinster Gardens

Paddington 

These houses look completely normal right? Nothing to see here.

Look again.

The fake houses of Leinster Gardens in Bayswater are one of the more obscure things to see in London – largely because they’re so difficult to spot.

The story goes that two houses were demolished to create an air vent for the Metropolitan Line, which was being constructed at the time.

As you can imagine, the local residents were furious. They demanded that two fake facades were built to cover up the unsightly gap.. and so the fake houses were born.

Over the years, the houses have seen more than their fair share of scandal – in the 1930s a con man sold tickets to a ball in the houses, and it was only when the guests turned up that they realised they’d been duped. 

The houses also pop up in much-loved detective drama Sherlock.

Go Wild in a Ball Pit Cocktail Bar London 

Shoreditch 

We used to think we were the only ones who looked back with a touch of nostalgia and longing for those heady hours spent in the ball pit during our childhoods. Apparently not – ball-pit bars are one of the quirky London crazes du jour.

While there are many bars scattered around the capital where you can drink alcohol and throw yourself with gleeful abandon into a pit of plastic balls – Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch is the original and the best.

You can buy tickets in advance on their website (which, incidentally is smattered with tongue-in-cheek references to playing with their balls). Naughty.

Take an Urban Adventure 

Looking to explore London? CityDays offers a pretty unique way of discovering London’s fun side. It’s probably best described as an interactive treasure hunt crossed with an outdoor escape room. What does that look like? 

Well, they’ll line up an interactive mystery walk for you, shooting clues to your phone as you run around London trying to solve puzzles and discover hidden sides to the city. It doesn’t require any prior knowledge but it does require a little teamwork. 

Whether it’s just two of you, a bunch of your pals or a day out for an office team building you’ve got ten different routes to choose from, each focussed on discovering a different area of London and telling a different story about the city’s past and present. 

Each route is about 5km long and should take about two and a half hours to complete. In one you’ll explore Kensington’s beautiful and mysterious mews, in another you’ll follow in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper. Fancy tracing the City of London right back to the Romans. You can do that too. 

More information and booking here

Or Visit Leighton House

The Narcissus Hall © Leighton House Museum, RBKC.

Image Courtesy of Will Pryce

Fabulous, opulent and verging on the bizarre, Leighton House is one of those places that could have only belonged to a grand old British eccentric. 

That eccentric was Frederick Lord Leighton and Leighton House, built in 1866, his private studio-cum-home.

Lord Leighton was an artist – at the time the house was built he was an associate of the Royal Academy, and he rose to become its president before his death.

He wanted Leighton House to be both somewhere he could work and somewhere he could showcase his extensive art collection, curated from the work of his contemporaries.

The result is a stunning palace of art and design – resplendent in rich colours, created from materials sourced from all over the world – and one of London’s most beautiful interiors.

Read more: 150+ Things to do in London: The Ultimate London Bucket List

Be Enchanted by Brixton Windmill

Brixton 

Once upon a time, South London was a rural area – a patchwork of farms, woods and clean, wholesome air. While those days are long gone, finding and visiting the bits that remain is one of the more unusual things you can do in London.

Did you know that there’s a windmill in Brixton ? The windmill – an old flour mill dating from 1816 – sits in the shadow of Brixton Prison. 

Recent restorations mean that the mill is fully functioning – you can even take tours during certain times of the year, depending on the mill’s open days.

Read Next: Unmissable Things to do in Brixton

Adventure On The Dare Skywalk

Ready for an ultra-fun adventure in London? Tackle The Dare Skywalk and climb to the very top of Tottenham Hotspur’s Stadium. It’s one of the most unusual things to do in London and the views from above are well worth it.

Once you’re clipped in, you’ll be led up 100 steps towards the glass apex – a whopping 46.8 metres above the pitch. From here you’ll be greeted with views of the London cityscape and the stadium bowl below.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the famous Golden Cockerel that overlooks the city – he’s even more magnificent up close!

Tickets start from £31 with discounts available for club members and kids – book yours here .

Take a Backstage Tour of the National Theatre

The Southbank

We’ve all heard of The National Theatre right? We’ve snuggled into the comfy seats and watched the plays (if you haven’t, you should – The National puts on some of the best plays in town and tickets are totally reasonable), then toddled off home.

But what if you could do more… What if you could take a peek behind the scenes to learn about the history of the theatre and learn about how a play actually gets onto the stage?

Well, turns out that you can. The National Theatre’s backstage tours are the perfect way to get an insider’s look at the stages, sets, props and costumes that make each play what it is.

Watch the Archives in the British Film Institute’s Mediatheque

Got a few hours to spare and want to settle in and watch something a bit different?

Head to the BFI’s cool little Mediatheque at the BFI Southbank.

The BFI is one of our favourite places to visit on the South Bank . The Mediatheque contains a number of private booths, each with its own screen, headphone jack and speakers, where you can access all of the digitised BFI National Archive.

As you’d imagine, the archive is vast – you can feast on Dracula film after Dracula film, through period dramas, old classics, silent films – all for free.

Last time we went down there we plumped for an old version of Wuthering Heights with Timothy Dalton – because vintage 70s period dramas is where it’s at. 

To find the mediatheque, just pop into the BFI and it’s right behind the ticket desk.  

Visit the Bascule Chamber in Tower Bridge

Tower Hamlets

Tower Bridge. We can literally feel you rolling your eyes. It’s safe to say that Tower Bridge is not at all off the beaten track in London. It’s at the top of any tourist itinerary for the city and is one of the most photographed spots in town.

But deep within the bridge’s bowels, there’s a secret chamber. A secret chamber! It’s one of the many facts and stories about Tower Bridge that few people know about.

The Bascule Chamber is a cavernous space that is situated beneath the bridge’s towers – the huge counterweights swing into the chamber when the bridge opens, but the rest of the time this cave beneath the river sits empty.

Sounds incredible! Sign us up! Unfortunately, the Bascule Chamber can only be accessed as part of the Tower Bridge Behind the Scenes Tour (which costs an eye-watering £75) or as part of the Bascule Chamber Concerts (these tend to be held in the summer – keep an eye on the website for details when summer approaches).

Peek at the Street Art in Croydon

A slow revolution has been taking place in Croydon in the past few years.

An area once known for ugly architecture, the riots and the Croydon facelift (a hairstyle where your hair is scraped back so tightly that your face retreats at least 2 cm upwards), has been quietly creating its own little scene of cool and quirky things to do in London.

We’ll be upfront, we’ve got a Croydon gal on our team and so there might be a touch of bias here, but we reckon Croydon might be one of the most underrated spots to explore London’s street art scene.

Much of the neighbourhood’s street art revolution has come about since Rise Gallery’s RISEfestival in 2018 which saw huge international names such as Otto Schade, Dotmasters, Hayley Welsh and David Hollier adorn Croydon’s walls. 

Since then the collection has grown and much has changed with some of our new favourite street art pieces taking pride of place on Croydon’s walls. It’s well worth checking out. To do so just head into the centre of town to take a look on the fly, you can’t miss the works, many of them take up the side of whole buildings. 

Read more: Street Art in Shoreditch

Visit London’s Smallest Listed Buildings

Piccadilly 

London has heaps of listed buildings. It’s kind of to be expected when you have a city as old as this. It’s the city’s smallest listed buildings that we love best though. 

They come in the form of a pair of K2 Telephone Boxes tucked into the grand entrance to the Royal Academy. They’re the original prototypes of the phone box that went on to be a true British icon. 

One is made of wood and the other cast iron and together they won designer Gilbert Scott the competition organised to find the new model. That was all the way back in 1924 and now there aren’t many K2 boxes left in London, which also makes this a good place to get a blast from the past.  

Visit the Marx Memorial Library

Clerkenwell 

Contemporary London isn’t exactly a bastion of communism. It’s safe to say that anywhere you have to pay £5 for a small coffee has strayed far from the communist manifesto. But there are small pockets that continue to pay tribute to the resistance if you know where to look.

The Marx Memorial Library , in leafy Clerkenwell, is one such place. The library pays tribute to the city’s past affinity for political rebels with a collection of over 150,000 pieces of left-wing literature.

They also hold semi-regular talks (called symposiums here) and events like book launches if that tickles your fancy. You can find more information about those on their website. 

Visit the Cinema Museum

Elephant and Castle 

Tucked away in South London, the Cinema Museum is one of those unusual places in London you’ll wish that you had discovered sooner. Put simply, the Cinema Museum is a treasure trove of images and items from the film world.

Any and everything relating to the cinema makes an appearance – thanks to collector and founder Robert Grant’s tireless passion for film.

Over the years, Grant has built his collection into the quirky emporium that we see today: corridor after corridor of film reels, scores, props and stills. Visiting is one of those quirky experiences that isn’t quite what you expected – but so much better.

See the Perfect Modernist Show Home 

Hampstead 

2 Willow Road is famed for being the modernist masterpiece of master architect Ernö Goldfinger. It’s not some grand structure, more like a humble, paired-back bit of red-brick building. 

It does, however, represent a bit of a revolution in British architecture, pushing the boundaries of Modernist design in ways that were quite shocking to people of the time. Interestingly enough, Ian Flemming hated Goldfinger’s work, the reason he lifted the man’s name and gave it to Bond’s nemesis in Goldfinger. 

We’re thoroughly on board with the style of this place though. It seems to us to be incredibly sophisticated, even decades later. We’ll let you be your own judge though. 

Visit the Ghost Stations of the London Underground

Mutliple location (But especially Aldwych)

Given that the tube was constructed in the 19th century it makes sense that there have been a few changes to the network over the years.

As time has passed, stations have been closed or repurposed – meaning that if you keep your eyes open, you can spot more than a few of the so-called “Ghost Stations” of the London Underground .

Of these unusual London attractions, the most central is the former Aldwych Underground Station at the end of The Strand. The station sits forlornly, a few paces away from Somerset House .

London Transport Museum host tours of the station from time to time – giving visitors a look at the historic (and slightly creepy) interiors.

Head to the Spot where the Brownings had their Illicit Marriage

Marylebone 

It was the love affair of the century. She was a Romantic poet, an invalid and a recluse, housebound and governed by a tyrannical father. He was an up-and-coming poet (later to become one of the most eminent poets of the Victorian period ).

They fell in love, her father banned the relationship, so they eloped, getting married in St Marylebone Church near to her house and then running away to Italy. The story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning sounds like something straight out of a fairytale.

You can visit the room in the church where the two married by appointment. There’s a stained glass window commemorating the event and a copy of their marriage certificate too.

Read More: Romantic Things to do in London

Be Charmed by a Sewage Pumping Station (Yes, Really)

We’re well aware that a sewage pumping station doesn’t sound like the kind of place you might be charmed, but that’s because you’ve not seen the inside of Crossness Pumping Station .

The building was designed in the Victorian era (you know how the Victorians were for flare) and boasts an incredibly ornate design of wrought iron and vivid colouring. No kidding, the word ‘cathedral’ gets thrown around a lot in relation to this place. It’s very grand. 

You can visit the pumping station on a guided tour that runs a couple of times a month. Check their calendar here for the next outings. 

Take a Good Look at the Lions of Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square 

There’s barely a person who has visited London that hasn’t been to Trafalgar Square .

The four lions, sitting towards the front of the square are pretty famous in themselves – not to mention subject to a never-ending stream of prancing, posing airheads seemingly incapable of obeying the sign telling them not to climb on them.

So why have we included the Trafalgar Square lions in our guide? Because for all their fame, few people ever really look closely at the lions. If they did, they’d start to think they looked a bit strange.

No wonder, when you hear the story behind them.

The lions were created by Sir Edwin Landseer, a painter who, prior to starting the lions, had never sculpted in his life.

Landseer requested a dead lion from London Zoo to use a study for the sculptures – unfortunately, it started to rot away before he’d finished them. That’s why they have the paws of a cat – in truth, their faces look a bit odd too. Take a close look the next time you visit.

Marvel at an Art Deco Palace

Eltham  

When you think of the palaces of London you tend to think of the ornate rococo of places like Buckingham Palace, or the grandeur of Hampton Court. 

Eltham Palace offers something totally different. It has been the site of royal courts since the 1400s but fell into disrepair after the kings of England fell out of love with Eltham and started hanging out elsewhere. 

Then, in 1933, the palace came into the hands of a pair of wealthy socialites, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. They gave it an entirely new facelift in the style of the day: Art Deco. The result is stunning. We thoroughly recommend you give it a look. 

Walk Alongside the Old London Wall

Barbican 

First built by the Romans around the settlement of Londinium and maintained until the 18th century, you can still spot parts of the old London Wall popping up in various parts of the City of London between the Barbican and Tower Hill.

The section between what was the Museum of London and the Barbican is our favourite – thanks to the small patch of parkland and gardens surrounding it – it’s a rare quiet spot in the heart of the city.

Read More: Cool (and Free!) Museums in London

Visit God’s Own Junkyard

Walthamstow

Neon, neon everywhere. In deepest, darkest Walthamstow lies a quirky place that’s bound to light up your day – God’s Own Junkyard .

A private collection of all things neon – curated by the late Christopher Bracey, it’s like walking into a film set.

Bracey, otherwise known as the Neon Man, was a second-generation neon signmaker who collected pieces throughout the decades.

The result is one hell of a quirky experience. Once you’ve finished admiring all the work, be sure to settle in for a cuppa at the stellar on-site cafe.

Explore the Museum of Brands 

Notting Hill 

London’s got more quirky museums than you’d imagine. One that really took us by surprise is the Museum of Brands . 

It’s pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, a museum that showcases branding throughout the ages. It’s sort of a time warp. They have loads to see and they dress it all up with a good bit of historical context. 

We’d highly recommend this for anyone that’s got an eye for design or perhaps a job in advertising. 

Visit the Institute of Making

Bloomsbury 

A research club and makerspace run by UCL, The Institute of Making offers all kinds of unique things to do in London.

While the space is reserved for UCL’s students and staff, the Institute of Making runs a programme of maker workshops that are open to the public.

Dabble at making your own Christmas decorations or create your own Roman mosaic – check the listings and book well ahead.

Catch a Show at Wilton’s Music Hall

Shadwell 

Wilton’s Music Hall first opened in 1859 with the goal of providing the glamour and showmanship of the West End stage to the people of the East End. 

It’s still going strong on exactly those principles, providing shows that are well worth catching. They don’t run a massive budget like their West End competitors so the stuff they get on stage has a charmingly grassroots feel – it also means the tickets won’t break the bank. 

Go Stargazing at the Royal Observatory

Greenwich 

There’s nothing like a trip to outer space for something unusual to do… You can find quite the astrological journey at Greenwich’s Royal Observatory . 

The place dates back to 1675 and was built under the order of Charles II. A lot has changed since then, mainly the addition of a planetarium – the object of your visit. 

With daily shows ranging from trips across the surface of Mars to understanding the night sky as it is on the day you’re visiting, it’s nothing if not fascinating, and we’ll throw in pretty beautiful too. 

Step Back in Time at the Dennis Severs’ House

Spitalfields 

Ever so slightly wacky, visiting the Dennis Severs House is one of the more unusual ways to spend a day out in London.

The house is an artistic recreation of the life of a Huguenot weavers family from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

A series of still-life recreations, each meticulously brought to life in the rooms of 18 Folgate Street – you walk through the house and through the lives of generation after generation of the fictional family.

The place is a feast for the eyes, with period furniture and a baffling array of trinkets and Huguenot floral patterns on pretty much every wall. We doubt you’ll have seen anything like it before.  

Take a Turn Around the Streatham Rookery

Streatham 

If you’re looking to find a hidden slither of peace in the busy city, how about a stroll around a secret garden? 

Streatham Rookery offers exactly that. It’s a series of gardens that’ve been lovingly tended to for over a hundred years. Its site was once (believe it or not) a spa. 

Strolling through the charming gardens you’ll even be walking in the footsteps of royalty. Queen Mary, consort of George V, is said to have loved the gardens dearly and often came here for her walks. 

Visit a Country House in the City

We love a day exploring London’s National Trust properties for something a bit different to do. Hampstead’s Fenton House would be one of our top picks if you’re thinking the same way. 

The grand house resembles something closer to a stately country home than it does a London residence, but then again it was owned by the 2nd Earl of Haddington – someone we’re sure wasn’t short a quid or two. 

His wife, Lady Binning left a charming touch on the house and its gardens and then handed it over to the National Trust in her will. They’ve kept it almost exactly how she left it. 

Walking the corridors is like stepping into another world. We’re not going to pretend we didn’t imagine ourselves as a set of earls, dukes and duchesses when we visited. 

Visit The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology

The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is another UCL gem tucked away in Bloomsbury.

With over 80,000 objects displayed within its rather small space – it’s a full-blown immersion into the world of the ancient Egyptians .

From the world’s oldest dress to pyramid texts and beautifully engraved ceramics, The Petrie offers a glimpse into a civilisation past (and on a much more manageable scale than the nearby British Museum too).

Read More: Visiting the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology

Go to a Magic Show and Visit the Magic Circle Museum

Euston 

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a magic show. Sadly, these days good magic shows are few and far between.. Until you head to The Magic Circle that is. The circle is a society of some of the world’s best magicians and illusionists.

You’ll be happy to hear that they frequently host top-class shows that make for a much cooler alternative to a night in the pub.

There’s even a museum – though it’s only accessible with a ticket to one of the shows. It’s well worth a visit. There’s also no public access to the building at other times so buckle up and prepare to have your mind blown. 

Take the Parkland Walk 

Finsbury Park, Muswell Hill  

Living in the concrete jungle can get a bit much sometimes. It’s good to take in a little nature once in a while. Parkland Walk makes the perfect place for exactly a bit of that. 

It’s London’s longest nature trail, stretching a mild 3.1 miles from Finsbury Park to Muswell Hill. The walk follows the route of an old rail line that ran from the two parts of London and has now been removed and left as a space for nature to flourish. 

It boasts some lovely views, plenty of scenic spots and no end of quirky elements – creepy railway arches and spriggans included. 

See the Jean Cocteau Murals in the Notre Dame de France

Covent Garden 

French novelist and director Jean Cocteau is best known for his writing (Les Enfants Terribles) and avant-garde films (Beauty and the Beast, and Orpheus, among others). However, Cocteau also blessed London with a unique series of murals.

Hidden in plain sight in a church on the corner of Chinatown in the West End, the murals are dedicated to the Virgin Mary and show the religious celebrations of the Annunciation, the Crucifixion and the Assumption. (And no, that’s not the one in Paris)

Bold and striking, the murals are one of London’s quirkier sights. You’ll find them in the Church of Notre Dame de France (And no, that’s not the one in Paris).

Ride the Mail Rail

Mount Pleasant

Quite a few Londoners will have heard of the Mail Rail but most people are hazy about what and where it is.

In its former life, the Mail Rail was the lifeblood of the Royal Mail postal service. Ferrying thousands of letters to and from the sorting office on Mount Pleasant, the railway operated from 1927 until 2003.

Today, you can hop aboard the railway as part of a visit to the Postal Museum . A train ride through a tiny tunnel in an immersive railway experience – certainly one of the more unusual ways to explore London’s subterranean world.

Feast at Bob Bob Ricard

It’s no secret that Bob Bob Ricard is one of our favourite restaurants. Not only is the menu totally decadent – it’s the perfect spot for a splashy night out where all you want is good food, great cocktails and even better champagne.

Bob Bob’s appeal is that it lies a world away from the bland cookie-cutter restaurants that seem to dominate the city’s dining scene.

Cosily ensconced in your banquette booth, you are encouraged to ring the bell discreetly labelled “Press for Champagne” as you feast on lobster, truffled fries, souffles and other such indulgences. Dinner at Bob Bob is an unforgettable London experience – book ahead at weekends.

Read more: Bob Bob Ricard Review

Step into the World of Harry Potter at The House of Minalima

Who else is a raging Harry Potter fan? We’ll freely admit that even years after the final film, we still sit down with the box set every Christmas, drawn into the world of The Boy Who Lived.

If you can relate, you should totally get yourself down to The House of Minalima – one of our fave quirky places in the capital (and one of London’s top Harry Potter sights).

The House of Minalima is the brainchild of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the creators of the graphic universe in the Harry Potter films. The store features all kinds of graphic works that appear in the film – including some that have come straight from the Harry Potter Studios .

From wanted posters of escaped Azkaban inmates (Bellatrix Lestrange still frightens us to this day), to books adorned with Gilderoy Lockhart’s’ simpering face and copies of the Quibbler and The Daily Prophet, it’s part-shop-part immersion into the world of wizarding.

What’s more? There’s a whole floor dedicated to Fantastic Beasts too ( hello Eddie Redmayne..)

Read More: Step into the World of Harry Potter in Soho – The House of Minalima

Take a Snap Running Through to Platform 9 ¾

King’s Cross

There’s no shortage of Harry Potter finds in London – but a trip to Platform 9 ¾ to take a picture of you pretending to run through the wall is pretty much mandatory. You’ll find it in Kings Cross Railway Station.

Just head to the back of the station and look for the crowds of people wearing Hogwarts scarfs and brandishing HP merch. You can’t miss it. 

Get Street at Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

It’s no secret that London is a street art lover’s dream .

Shoreditch , Camden , Walthamstow, Croydon and Brixton are great places to go if you’re looking to spot some cool murals. If there’s one spot that’s always packed with awesome works from a diverse range of artists it is Leake Street Tunnel .

The tunnel is just behind Waterloo Station and constantly features an ever-changing rotation of street art. The tunnel first rose to fame when Banksy organised Cans Festival in 2008, which saw 30 artists transform the bleak tunnel into a multi-faceted and colourful canvas.

Whenever you visit, you’re bound to see a new piece in the making, not to mention hundreds of others sprayed on every single inch of the tunnel’s walls.

The tunnel is also surrounded by (and filled with) great bars and restaurants for a bit of a recharge should you need it. 

Read more: Street Art in Camden

Visit the London Transport Museum’s Depot

Acton 

A trip to the London Transport Museum is one of the more unusual days out in London – but if you want to go the full hog, you should travel out to Acton to visit the museum’s vast depot .

The depot is packed with the transportation of times past. Ever wondered what trains looked like on the Metropolitan Line in the 30s? Now’s your chance to find out. The place is packed with literally hundreds of thousands of vintage vehicles and transport-related items, including some uber-cool vintage tube posters.

The depot only opens to the public for special events – check the London Transport Museum’s website for more details.

Play Bingo in a Beautiful Grade I Listed Cinema

Tooting 

Billed as the most spectacular cinema in Britain, the former Granada Cinema in Tooting was one of a handful of Art Deco cinemas built in the thirties.

These days it’s a Buzz Bingo and without a doubt, it’s the most beautiful space you’ll ever play bingo in – and one of the most unusual places to visit in London to boot.

The interior was inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain – that will explain the soaring arches and intricate carvings inside then. It can be a bit distracting – all that beauty when you’re simply trying to play a game of bingo, but we’re sure you will struggle through.

Check Out Severndroog Castle

Woolwich 

Eltham is one of those surprise places that you never think to visit – but when you do, you find out it’s home to some of London’s weirdest spots – Severndroog Castle being a case in point.

The unusual London castle was built as a memorial to naval commander Sir William James by his wife in the 18th century. 

An architectural oddity, the triangular castle is made of three rooms, each atop the other and crowned with a viewing platform that boasts some of the best views in South London.

You can visit from Thursday to Sunday 9am – 3.30pm and see what this obscure place is all about. 

Visit London’s Smallest Police Station

Trafalgar Square

Have you ever wondered what the small Tardis-like box perched on the corner of Trafalgar Square is? The answer is London’s smallest police station.

The box (which, in truth isn’t a police station but an observation post made from a hollowed-out lamppost), gives the officer inside a view across the whole of the square – an important as Trafalgar Square is used as a frequent spot for protesters.

In the day and age of modern surveillance, the boxlike station is no longer used, but that shouldn’t stop you from striking a pose outside anyway.

See the Views from Westminster Cathedral’s Bell Tower

Westminster

Westminster Cathedral makes for an interesting visit on any day of the week, but did you know it also makes for one of the best viewing platforms in London? 

Yep, you can actually climb to the top of the cathedral’s tower and soak in views of the city right from its heart, 64 metres up in the air. It’s not often you get a chance to see the capital from that angle. 

The tower is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3.30pm. 

Get Wet at Lee Valley White Water Centre

Waltham Cross 

The Olympics may have brought a new sense of pride to London, but even though the events are long-finished, their legacy lives on.

The Lee Valley White Water Centre may technically be in Herefordshire, but it’s close enough that you can get there without breaking a sweat. Believe us when we say that it is worth the effort.

Where else are you going to get the chance to tackle white water rapids, go canoeing, kayaking or tubing less than an hour from the centre of town?

Wrap Up and Visit the Hampstead Observatory

If you want to see something that will really impress, you can actually go and look at the planets and stars at an observatory in London. 

Hampstead Observatory opens to the public from mid September to mid April and gives you a chance to gaze through some astronomically large (geddit?) telescopes. The sessions do depend on the alignment of the planets so you have to be flexible. 

They also happen in winter because you’ll have less light which is better for seeing the planets with, so remember to bring a warm coat. 

See the York House Watergate – A Testament to the Banking of the Thames

Embankment 

The banking of the Thames was a feat of Victorian engineering. The Thames is a tidal river, and prior to the banking project, its shores extended way beyond the river we see today.

The York House Watergate is one of the few remaining watergates that used to provide entry to the riverside mansions that lined the shores of the river.

Tucked away down a narrow alley that begins about halfway up Villiers Street, the gate shows just how much the Thames was narrowed when it was banked- it stands just under 144 metres from the bank of the Thames today.

Read More: Cool Things to See in and Around Covent Garden

Check out the Christopher Wren Architecture at St Stephen Walbrook

Christopher Wren basically re-designed London after the Great Fire of 1666. Most famous for his work on St Paul’s Cathedral, he actually created the designs for a number of buildings in central London, St Stephen Walbrook among them.

The church is an unusual place – particularly for architectural buffs to see Wren’s work on a much smaller scale. It’s also just rather beautiful. The knave is bright and airy in a way that stands in direct contrast to other more gothic places of worship.

Don’t forget to pop into the Mithraeum (featured above) a few doors down once you’re done.

Visit the Clown’s Gallery and Museum

Dalston 

If you’re after an afternoon of clowning around (harr harr) you probably can’t do better than The Clown’s Gallery and Museum . Established in 1959, the museum has been building a collection of items that illustrate the fine art of the clown. 

We’re guessing some of you might be getting the spooks just thinking about it, but if you’re interested (or just looking for something different to do) this place will provide plenty of laughs. 

Highlights include the Egg Gallery, where you can see the individual face painting patterns of clowns painted on eggs. Funnily enough this was originally a practice to protect your pattern against plagiarism, the eggs making a perfect shape to represent a human head. 

Get Spooked at Crossbones Burial Ground

Southwark 

Make your way through the maze of streets in Southwark to find the rather strange and eerie Crossbones Burial Ground .

A lot of weird things to see and do in London revolve around bodies and death, and Crossbones is no exception.

The burial ground once sat within London’s poorest slum and many of the city’s paupers and prostitutes are buried within its grounds. The graveyard closed in the 1850s, by which time it’s estimated that over 15,000 people were buried within it.

Today, people use the site to commemorate loved ones who have passed away – the ground’s boundaries are covered in flowers, ribbons and wreaths in varying stages of decay.

You can also attend the monthly Vigil for the Outcasts – a service meant to remember outcasts living and dead.

See Giro’s Grave

St James’

What’s so weird about some guy’s grave we hear you ask. Well, first off it’s not a guy, it’s a dog, and what’s more that dog was a nazi. 

Giro was a pet terrier. He came to London with his owner, German ambassador Leopold von Hoesch, in 1932. Von Hoesch would go on to represent the Nazi Party after they seized power a few years later. 

He’d also go on to create a memorial for his beloved pet, who strangely enough died of electrocution after chewing through an electrical cable. That memorial is the only one you can find in Britain that commemorates a nazi. 

You can find it at Carlton House Terrace, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AJ. 

Pull Some Teeth at The British Dental Association Museum 

Housed in a tiny (and we mean tiny) room in the British Dental Association , this museum charts the history of the British dental profession.

Modern dentistry, with its white rooms and concerns about hygiene, is a very recent thing – the museum has a few (pretty horrifying) images of blacksmiths pulling out people’s teeth, as well as some of the crude items used to do the job.

Though it’s small, there are a couple of fun interactive exhibits – you can test your skills at pulling people’s teeth, or using a treadle-powered drill to drill into a tooth (don’t put it in your mouth, it’s sharp enough to do damage).

Hopefully you’ll time your visit to coincide with the hours of the ebullient guide, who talked us through the exhibits and really brought the museum to life.

Freak Yourself Out at The Old Operating Theatre

Borough 

If you’ve got the stomach for it, The Old Operating Theatre never fails to make for a curious day of exploration. 

The place was actually lost for many years, then rediscovered when an adventurous researcher decided to climb to the attic of St Thomas’ Hospital in Southwark. 

The space used to be an operating theatre, primarily used for female surgery cases. The space has been restored to a worryingly accurate degree. What’s the worrying part? The fact that you can see where people used to gather round to watch the operations. 

Given the quality of surgery back in the 1800s when the space was in use, it creeps us out no end. 

Knock Yourself Out at the Anaesthesia Heritage Centre

Another quirky quease-inducing museum in a small room – the Anaesthesia Heritage Centre showcases the curious and interesting history of the use of anaesthetics in medicine.

While the history is relatively tame, the implements used in the past were not – you can’t help but shudder at the drawers of gigantic needles and syringes. Ring the bell at the Association of Anaesthetists and they’ll show you down.

Peek at the Hyde Park Pet Cemetery

Hyde Park 

A sad and wobegon spot on the edge of Hyde Park, the Hyde Park Pet Cemetery was an unofficial pet cemetery in the then-parkkeeper Mr Windbridge’s back garden. After the first burial in 1880, over 300 pets were buried by Mr Windbridge until he closed it in 1915 due to a lack of space.

You can’t get inside the garden itself, but you can see it through the railings from the pavement outside the park.

Visit Postman’s Park

Postman’s Park is both touching and tragic – it was built to memorialise Londoners who died doing heroic deeds. You can read about their sad and sometimes grisly deaths – there are several drownings, tales of people who caught fire trying to put out one another and more strange tales you can’t help but marvel at.

If you’re thinking that it sounds a bit familiar – the park actually features in the film Closer . Natalie Portman’s character takes her pseudonym from a plaque on the memorial at the beginning of the film.

Read More: Postman’s Park – London’s Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice

Check out the Golden Boy of Pye Corner – The Alternative Monument to the Great Fire of London

Everyone knows about The Monument that was erected as a memorial of the Great Fire of London… but there’s another, much smaller and more random memorial to the fire on the corner of Cock Lane (seriously, that’s its name).

Stand on the corner, look up and you’ll see a small statue of a fat, golden boy set into the wall on a spot marking the outer limit of the Great Fire. He stands as a reminder of the true cause of the great fire (it started in a bakery on Pudding Lane and finished on Pye Corner) – gluttony.  Be warned.

Weird and Unusual Things to do in London: Map

Looking for More Unusual London Guides?

• 30 Hidden Gems in London – Secret Spots You Have to Discover
• 18 Weird Museums in London: Discover The City’s Small, Quirky and Unusual Museums
• 64 Fun and Interesting Facts about London You’ll Absolutely Love
• Famous Blue Plaques in London To Look Out For
• The History of London’s Roman Amphitheatre and the Unlikely Story of How it was Discovered

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London x London is the insider’s guide to discovering the best of London.

We delve into the cool, interesting and quirky spots that make London such a dynamic city, telling you the best things to do, eat and drink along the way. 

Tired of the same old dull suggestions? Want to know where to find London’s secret bars, tastiest eats and weirdest finds? We provide practical guides that help you do just that.

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Hidden Gems of London That Most Tourists Never See (+ Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 2, 2024

Even people who have never been to London can tell you what the main highlights of the city are. Who hasn’t heard of the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, or Buckingham Palace… But if you are looking for a more unique and local experience and want to discover a different side of London off the beaten path, you may like this selection of some of the less visited secret places  – the hidden gems of London.

Recently we’ve had such a great time exploring London with kids and we had been to London several times in the past, but I am in no way an expert on the secret places in London. Therefore, in addition to our cool finds in London, I also asked my fellow travel bloggers to share their favorite hidden gems of London .

Some of these places are suggested by the locals who live (or lived) in London for many years. Some others – by people who live nearby and consider London their second home. Other suggestions are from tourists like you and I, who found some really cool places that made their visit to London more memorable.

UPDATE: Inspired by all the hidden gems of London in this article, I went to explore these and many other secret places of London that most tourists never see. This article started with a few secret spots in London and has been updated over the years to highlight more interesting lesser known places in London.

Unfortunately, some places also closed down and had to be removed from our selection. At the moment of the last update, this guide contains 33 amazing places that will show you a different side of London and make your visit so much more special.

London is an incredible city hiding countless hidden gems and there is no way to see them all. So each of these hidden gems is carefully selected and we include only the most special, cool, unique places that are truly worth your time.

I’m not telling you to skip the highlights of London – they are all well worth visiting, especially if you are traveling to London for the first time . But if you want to travel deeper and experience the local side of this beautiful city, then this list of hidden gems will give you plenty of ideas for more unusual places to see in London.

If you make an effort to visit at least a few places mentioned in this article, it will make your trip to London even more special and truly unforgettable. These hidden gems will show you a very different side of London and will make you fall in love with this incredible city even more. London is truly one of a kind.

From the most colorful neighborhoods, quirky pubs and cafes, a variety of gardens and parks, to some of the best views or unexpected activities – here you’ll find plenty of ideas on how to experience London off the beaten path. Find out!

Good to know: To make your travel planning a bit easier, I made a map featuring all of the locations mentioned in this post . You can find it at the bottom of this post. It should help you to combine visiting the main landmarks with some of the hidden gems of London, and create your own itinerary including some of these less known places to visit in London.

TIP: Before we continue to the best hidden gems of London, I want to share a few highly-rated guided tours that take you a bit off the beaten path in the city . If you are looking for even more cool, unusual, and secret places in London and don’t want to spend hours researching where to go, check them out via the links below.

Top 4 Secret London Tours:

• Secret London Bike Tour .
• Secret British Food Tour .
• Street Art & Graffiti Tour .
• Secrets of London Walking Tour .

Without further ado, these are some of the best hidden gems of London :

1. Saint Dunstan in the East

Originally built in the 11-12th centuries and refurbished several times after that, Saint Dunstan in the East is my personal favorite of the hidden gems of London. 

This medieval church was partially destroyed during WWII and the Anglican church decided not to rebuild it.

What’s left is an incredibly successful architectural project where the remaining walls of the church have been incorporated into a pretty little garden. It’s a green quiet oasis and one of the absolute best secret finds during my most recent trip to London.

The Church of Saint Dunstan is located in between the Tower of London and London Bridge. Despite being so close to some of the major London attractions, it’s an incredibly peaceful and tranquil place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This hidden gem is just 10 minutes walk from Tower Bridge – don’t miss it when in London!

2. Little Venice

Sleepy Little Venice is a series of tree-lined canals that many tourists miss during their London trip. Spanning from Hyde Park to Warwick Avenue, it’s near enough to the city center that you can squeeze it in between other attractions.

What makes Little Venice unique is that it’s completely unlike anywhere else in the city: colorful canal boats roam the waterways, and many serve as tearooms and cafes. Afternoon tea or brunch on a London canal boat – does it get more memorable than that?

Visit any location between Paddington and Camden Town to see Little Venice for yourself. The popular cafe boats, Darcie & May Green and Waterside Cafe, are located near Paddington, while Camden is a great place to wander the locks and board a water bus boat trip (these are very nice and a great way to see more of the area!).

TIP: One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon in London is to walk the whole Little Venice towpath which takes about an hour (set your route on Google Maps between Paddington and Camden Lock Market or vice versa, and select ‘walking’). You’ll see some animals as you pass behind the London zoo, and admire funky-painted houseboats the whole way.

Little Venice is recommended by Rose from Where Goes Rose .

3. The Painted Hall

I have to say that I wasn’t sure if the Painted Hall belongs on the list of  the best places to see in London or the secret places of London. However, since it took me years and several trips to London to find out about it, I assume that it’s still not very widely known. So I think it deserves a mention as one of the absolute-best hidden gems of London.

Located inside The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich (and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Painted Hall has just recently been restored to all its previous glory. It’s been its 10th and most successful renovation so far. The moment you catch the first glimpse of it, it will take your breath away.

Painted by James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726, this spectacular ceremonial dining room is a real masterpiece of English Baroque art. The entire hall, covering over 3700 sq. meters is painted by hand. This incredible piece of art displays the power and prestige of Britain to the rest of the world. Even today it looks absolutely impressive; I can just try to imagine what kind of an impression it left on people back in the 18th century…

The Painted Hall is one of the most incredible places I have visited in London and I can thoroughly recommend that you take a trip to Greenwich just to see this. It will be absolutely worth it! You can just get tickets and visit on your own, but a guided tour is very affordable too and gives you a better appreciation of this unique place.

TIP: London hop-on hop-off bus ticket of 48 hours or longer includes a river cruise to Greenwich as well. It’s a great way to see the highlights and the hidden gems of London in just a few days.

LEARN MORE: Visiting the Painted Hall

4. Spitalfields and Brick Lane

Spitalfields and Brick Lane is an area of London that I often find myself feeling too conspicuously uncool for. The rawness of Brick Lane, coupled with the exotic smells from the infamous curry houses is like nowhere else in London.

You won’t be able to stop yourself from lingering. Grab a salted beef bagel from one of the Jewish delis at the top (people queue for these!) and slowly wander down Brick Lane taking the occasional side street or alleyway to check out some world-famous street art, eclectic vintage stores, and the best chocolate shop (Dark Sugars) in London.

You’re in Jack The Ripper territory now. And there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the serial killer by visiting some of the old English pubs he frequented in Victorian times: slightly scary but equally fascinating!

Finish off with a little shopping trip to Spitalfields Market and treat yourself to some of London’s finest handcrafted wares. I’m telling you – Spitalfields and Brick Lane area has it all!

TIP: This area is well-known as Jack the Ripper territory. A unique way to explore the dark side of London is by taking a Jack the Ripper interactive tour with a local guide . Walk in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper and inspect the murder sites (and try to solve the unsolved murders on this immersive experience). See The Old Bailey, where the Elephant Man lived and where Braveheart was tortured, and hear stories that will show you a very different side of London, one that most tourists never see or hear of…

If you rather explore this quirky part of London in daylight and with more colors, check out this highly-rated street art tour . It ends at the Spitalfields Market where you’ll find plenty of great food options.

This quirky neighborhood in London was chosen as one of the best hidden gems by Alex from My Life Long Holiday. You can read more about Spitalfields and Brick Lane on her blog.

5. Neal’s Yard

If you love walking around aimlessly looking for colorful streets, pretty corners, secret bookstores, and quiet tea shops, then you will love discovering London.

One of the best secret finds in London is a small alley called Neal’s Yard . It opens into a courtyard defined by colorful facades housing health food shops and cafés, just a few minutes walk from the Covent Garden train station. Just walk up Neal Street until Short Gardens and turn left, you will enter a little gem tucked away from the usual modern setting.

The place may seem small, but being there separates you away from the busy atmosphere of London. You can have a snack, coffee, even lunch quietly while admiring the surroundings and watching people just go by. There are wooden chairs around the courtyard you can sit on to take a perfect selfie with the quaint features as your background.

Neal’s Yard is also known for its values-driven retailers, you can buy organic soaps and beauty products, organic cheese, as well as homecoming gifts for friends and family from the various shops.

Good to know: Neal’s Yard is located next to Covent Garden, close to Trafalgar Square and many other top attractions. So it’s really easy to include this hidden gem in your London itinerary, even if you have just one or two days in London .

This hidden gem of London was selected by Marie from Our City Travels .

6. The Vaults

The Vaults , sometimes also called Waterloo Vaults are hidden underground tunnels deep under the famous Waterloo Station in Central London. It’s a fascinating place that hides many more secrets than you’d think at first sight.

Located at Leake Street at the back side of Waterloo Station, the Vaults can be found inside a colorful graffiti tunnel. Despite all the associations with darkness, underground, and alternative lifestyle, it actually feels like a very safe and welcoming place.

If you love street art and quirky different things, then you should definitely not miss this secret place in London. It’s an ever-changing sight and when we visited there were many artists painting and repainting the walls and the ceilings of the main tunnel. This tunnel, located on Leake Street, is open to the public and you can visit any time. If you bring some paint, you could easily add your own masterpiece as well.

Inside the colorful Leake Street tunnel, you can also find Waterloo Vaults. It’s a sort of event venue for anything and everything unusual. Waterloo Vaults is a place for concerts, theater performances, parties, and so much more. Private events are also possible. On their website, you can find the most recent event calendar .

The nearby pub, Vaulty Towers, also has a very unique decor and is a great place if you fancy a drink or a quick meal. The pub is open daily (except for some public holidays), from noon on.

Good to know: Because of its very central location, just a short walk from the London Eye, you can easily include this colorful graffiti tunnel in pretty much any London itinerary. For example, take a look at our 1-day London itinerary for inspiration on how you could plan your time and make even a short visit to the city a bit more special.

TIP: If you enjoy street art and graffiti , consider taking a guided tour with a local . There are so many amazing street art locations in London, plus, you visit some local neighborhoods that you wouldn’t see otherwise. There are also tours with workshops – may you want to try some graffiti art yourself!

7. Tulip Stairs

The Tulip Stairs are probably the most aesthetically pleasing of all the hidden gems of London mentioned in this article. Located inside the 17th-century Queen’s House in Greenwich, the sweeping staircase is considered one of the most beautiful spiral staircases in the world.

What makes the Tulip Staircase unique is that these are the first centrally unsupported stairs built in England. The blue wrought-iron railing has flowers in it and for a long time, they were described as tulips, which also gave the name to the Tulip Staircase.

However, it is now believed that the flowers are actually lilies, the royal flowers of France, and were used in compliment to Henrietta Maria of France. She took charge of completing the construction of the Queen’s House after the passing of the previous queen. 

The entrance to the Queen’s House is free of charge, so if you are visiting Greenwich and have a few minutes to spare, don’t miss this incredible gem.

TIP: Combine the visit to the Tulip Stairs with the other hidden gems of London located in Greenwich – the Painted Hall and the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.

LEARN MORE: Tulip Stairs & Queen’s House in Greenwich

8. Sky Garden

Sky Garden’s free and amazing views of London is one of my favorite London gems. It is a public space with landscaped gardens, observation decks, and an open-air terrace located at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street, the building known as ‘The Walkie-Talkie’.

Sky Garden might be a hidden gem not known to most London visitors, but it’s still a very popular place, with locals and tourists alike.

The bird’s eye views of London are gorgeous. Sky Garden is a great place for dinner, or you can just grab a drink at the rooftop bar. There is also a botanical garden that you can explore while you take in the views of the city. When you peer through the windows, there are super helpful decals with the names of the major buildings that can be seen from here.

PRO TIP: Walk-in spaces are limited, so it’s best to get a ticket. The free tickets are released online a week in advance, are very sought-after, and you have to be really quick to get one! For more practical information and booking check the Sky Garden website .

This free hidden gem of London was chosen by Constance from  The Adventures of Panda Bear .

READ ALSO: Best Views in London

9. Sir John Soane’s Museum

Cool, crazy, incredible, extravagant, fascinating… There are no words to fully describe one of the most unusual places in London – Sir John Soane’s Museum . What a museum!

Sir John Soane (1753-1837) was an architect and art collector, who used his own house in order to test all kinds of architectural ideas. After his death, his house became a museum and it’s said to house over 45000 art objects, all collected by its extravagant owner.

From the moment you enter the house of Sir John Soane, you’ll be awe-struck by this crazy labyrinth of narrow corridors and rooms. It looks as if every single square inch is in use one way or another and even the ceilings are covered with sculptures, paintings, and other decorative objects.

The spaces are so narrow that you aren’t allowed to bring any big objects with you and will be asked to put your purse or a small backpack in a plastic bag, just to avoid damaging something by coincidence. Please note that photography is not allowed inside, but you can find nice images on the website of the museum. The image featured here is courtesy of the museum and is a good representation of what you can expect to find inside.

If you are looking for something different to do in London, Sir John Soane’s Museum won’t disappoint. The entrance to the museum is free. It’s open daily from Wednesday to Sunday. You can find all the practical information here .

10. Silver Vaults

Silver Vaults was another very unique find on my recent trip in search of London’s hidden gems. This secret place in London was recommended to me by one of our followers on Facebook. Since I was just nearby, I decided to check it out without having the slightest idea of what to expect. It completely blew me away…

Literally hidden deep under the ground beneath Chancery Lane, the Silver Vaults are exactly what the name suggests – a series of highly secured vaults filled with silver. The Silver Vaults of London host the world’s largest retail selection of silver. It’s a sort of underground market for the rich and the famous.

Built back in 1876 as a storage place for jewelry, documents, and household silver, it is now home to over 30 shops selling all kinds of silver artifacts. You’ll discover more silver items than you ever thought possible – everything from silverware, silver trays, silver dining sets to silver jewelry, and even bigger household items like lamps, mirrors, or even a BBQ set…

Some of the silver you’ll see here is antique, some – recent modern design. They all have one thing in common, though – high price tags. We were told that Hollywood stars and other VIPs are regular customers, but everyone is just as welcome.

We talked to a couple of salesmen there and they all seem to be doing it for generations. One guy told us that his grandma was among the first people who started trading in silver at the London Silver Vaults. It really feels like a place with a unique history. Such an interesting find in London. 

The Silver Vaults are open every day except on Sunday and bank holidays, from 9 till 5. 30 PM (till 1 PM on Saturday). The entrance is free of charge.

11. The Churchill Arms

One of our favorite places to visit in London that not many people know about has to be The Churchill Arms. Located in the Notting Hill area of the city, Churchill Arms is a pub with a beautiful array of floral decorations.

Spring is one of the best times to visit as you can see the flowers in full bloom, although the pub is incredibly beautiful at any time of year. In fact, at Christmas, the festive spirit is in full swing with Christmas Trees and lights having their moment to shine.

The Churchill Arms is probably one of the most photographed pubs in London, and when you see it for yourself, it is easy to understand why. Originally there were only a few hanging baskets and I guess you could say it has since blossomed into a lot more.

To get here, you will need to get the tube to Notting Hill Gate Station, and it is a short 5-minute walk from there. The Churchill Arms really is a special place to visit in London and we highly recommend you make the time for it if you like unusual places.

This picturesque pub was selected as one of the hidden gems of London by Lizzie & Dave from Wanderlust And Life .

12. Hidden bar – The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

Secret bars are apparently very popular in London and are springing up like mushrooms. However, if you don’t know they exist or where exactly to find them, chances are you’ll just pass by and will never know.

My blogger friend Alex from MyLifeLongHoliday  who was exploring the hidden gems of London together with me, had done some previous research and so we set on a quest to find one of the hidden bars of London. She had marked a bar called ‘The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town’ on Google Maps , but when we arrived there, we found just a regular diner called ‘The Breakfast Club’.

We decided to ask the waiter if he had heard of this hidden bar and if he could guide us to it. The friendly waiter said to follow along and took us inside the restaurant. Then all of a sudden, he stopped by an old fridge and opened the door. And indeed – the opening at the back of the fridge was an entrance to a hidden bar in the basement.

The bar itself is just a regular bar with drinks and some small snacks, but the people working there are incredibly friendly. When we came back to the bar in the evening, they met us with a smile and a hug – as if we were old friends. You should have seen the faces of the people dining in the restaurant when we disappeared inside that huge fridge…

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is obviously not the only hidden bar in London. But it’s quite close to some other hidden gems of London in the Spitalfields area and is therefore easy to combine with a visit to many other hidden gems of London. If you find yourself in the area, don’t miss it.

Alternatively, look for another Breakfast Club in the area close to where you are staying in London. From what I understood, there seem to be a few of these restaurants in London and rumor has it that they are hiding some other bars as well.

TIP: They might ask you for a password to enter this hidden bar. It’s best to ask to ‘see the Mayor’ or something along those lines. Make sure to also familiarize yourself with the rules as to how to exit the bar – it’s a hilarious read.

13. Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road Flower Market is one of the real hidden gems of London. Only a ten-minute walk from the buzzing Brick Lane (see above), this flower market is tucked away in the East End of London, behind a housing estate. The only clue you have that there’s anything to see is the occasional large potted plant struggling down the street with a person hiding somewhere behind it.

The market is held every Sunday morning between 8 am and around 3 pm. There are around 50 stalls selling every kind of flower and plant you could imagine. There are also around 60 small independent shops including several cafes. Add in some busking musicians and you have a great atmosphere.

TIP: Most of the best flowers tend to sell out in the first hour or two. We’ve found that the best time to pick up a bargain is around 1 pm, when things are starting to quiet down and stallholders are looking to offload their remaining stock.

This different way to spend a Sunday morning in London is suggested by David from Delve Into Europe .

14. Royal Exchange

If you like places where modern life blends in with history, then don’t miss the Royal Exchange in London . Established in 1566 as London’s first place for trading stocks, this iconic building has a long history. It’s one of the places where, traditionally, the reign of the new monarch is announced to the public.

The Royal Exchange building has been destroyed by fire twice and was in danger of collapse at the end of the 20th century. The building as we see it today dates from the 1840s but has been extensively remodeled in 2001.

Located halfway between St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, the Royal Exchange is impressive both from the outside as well as inside. Nowadays it is mostly known for boutique shopping and fine dining, with the upper floors being used as offices. 

TIP: Combine your visit to the Royal Exchange with that of the nearby Leadenhall Market and many other hidden gems in the Spitalfields area.

15. Leadenhall Market

London has no shortage of markets to visit, but I’d argue that Leadenhall Market is one of the most beautiful. It’s also a bit hidden away, so it isn’t as well visited as others, such as the popular Borough Market.

Leadenhall Market is a covered market, with a beautiful ornate roof that features glass windows and curved beams. It dates from the 19th century, although there has been a market on this location from the 14th century, making it one of the oldest markets in London. It’s brightly colored and incredibly photogenic. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera along!

Leadenhall Market is found in the City of London, on Gracechurch Street, and most visitors on foot will access it via one of the narrow pedestrian alleyways. It can be hard to spot, so having a map or an app with the location saved will help.

Film buffs will recognize the Leadenhall market as one of the Harry Potter filming locations in London. The market was the location for one of the entrances to Diagon Alley.

TIP: Harry Potter fans will love Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour . It’s a tour with exceptional guides, masters of storytelling, that has been selected as one of the best tours in London by GetYourGuide.

If you have a day to spare, you may like to consider a day trip to the Harry Potter: Warner Bros. Studios as well. It’s been one of the most popular day trips from London for years.

This literally hidden gem of London is suggested by Laurence from Finding The Universe, where you can find more  Harry Potter filming locations in London .

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips from London

16. Monster Supply Store

Did you know that there are monsters living in London? Well, there are and they are hungry. Fortunately, they can get the snacks that they need at the Hoxton Street Monster Supplies Store .

This cool little spot is located on Hoxton Street in northern Shoreditch. They offer “service with a snarl” and assorted snacks for feeding your monster. You can find goofy products like “salt made from tears of anger” (smoked salt), “night terrors” (rainbow candies) or “impacted earwax” (caramels…I hope).

What’s really going on at Monster Supply is a brilliant literacy program started by the author Dave Eggers in the US and expanded to the UK by author Nick Hornsby. The organization inspires kids to become storytellers and writers through literacy workshops. The store, also known as Ministry of Stories, helps to bring awareness of the program and supports nonprofits.

TIP: You can load up on Monster supplies Thur/Fri 1 pm-5 pm and Saturday 11 am-5 pm.

This cute monstrous find is suggested by Carol from Wayfaring Views. On her blog, you can find more information about this and other great things to do in Shoreditch .

17. The Postal Museum & Mail Rail

The Postal Museum also deserves a mention on this list of true hidden gems in London! Not only it’s a great place to learn more about Britain’s postal service and communications history over the past 500 years, but you can also take a trip back in time via underground railway tunnels under the city!

Mail Rail is an underground railway of Royal Mail and one of the best-kept secrets in London. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century and remained in operation until 2003. It is now open to the public and is one of the most unique experiences in London.

There are several ways to explore this underground railway system. Mail Rail experience takes you on a ride on a miniature train through some of the original tunnels. Whereas Tunnel Walks allow you to explore other parts of the railway on foot. This tour gives you exclusive access to platforms, tracks, and tunnels that you don’t see on the ride.

This museum is great for young and old. It’s also one of the coolest places to visit in London with kids!

Good to know: The Postal Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Depending on the activities you choose, count 1.5-3 hours for a visit. See here for more information and tickets .

18. Primrose Hill

Head to Primrose Hill for some of the best views of London and a quirky neighborhood to explore.

One of six protected viewpoints in London, from the peak of Primrose Hill you can see the entire city laid out before you. When it is clear, it is easy to spot landmarks like the London Eye, The Shard, and BT Tower in the distance.

Take a picnic to Primrose Hill on a sunny day and join Londoners enjoying one of their favorite neighborhoods, famous for its colorful houses and resident celebrities.

When you have finished admiring the views, wander down the hill until you reach the Regent’s Canal. From there it is a short stroll along the canal to the bustling markets and bars of Camden Town.

Primrose Hill is one of the favorite choices of less known places in London by Katy from Untold Morsels .

19. Greenwich Foot Tunnel

As you walk along the Greenwich riverside, you may notice a small red brick circular building with a glass dome. It is right next to the imposing Cutty Sark, so being overshadowed by this impressive structure there is a chance that you may even miss it. In fact, so many people do! Greenwich has so many things to do in such a small area that it’s easy to miss things.

So, now that you know what to look out for, I’ll tell you that this little building is the entrance to one of the most astounding feats of Victorian engineering, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel . It is a pedestrian tunnel built under the Thames River to connect Greenwich with Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs.

Greenwich Foot Tunnel was opened in 1902 and its purpose was to provide access to the docks on the north of the river for dockworkers that lived in the south of the river. It has been recently refurbished and it is now a pedestrian highway and free for everyone to walk through.

It amazes me that such a structure is still in use, and walking through it is quite an experience – cold, damp, and very echo-y. Certainly not for claustrophobics!

This hidden gem was chosen by Teresa from Brogan Abroad, where you can read about more  places to see in Greenwich .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Greenwich

20. The Dickens Inn

One of my favorite pubs to take visitors in London is The Dickens Inn . Not only is it a beautiful-looking building, but it is also full of history.

This former 18th-century three-story warehouse was thought to have housed tea or be owned by a brewery. It has a long and intriguing history intertwined with Charles Dickens and East London heritage.

With a slanted roofline that is higher on one side than the other and 2 huge balconies covered in flowers, you definitely cannot miss The Dickens Inn when you enter St Katharine Docks.

The best bit is that it is only 5 minutes walk away from both Tower Bridge and the Tower of London , making it a great spot for a drink or something to eat. Children are allowed into the pub during the daytime as well. Also, there is also a pizza and a grill restaurant inside, if you want a nice sit-down meal.

TIP: The best time to visit is during the spring season when all the flowers are blooming on the outside walls.

Recommendation by a London resident Melissa from MelB Travel . 

21. Kayaking under the Tower Bridge

You’ve probably all heard of Tower Bridge and seen lots of pictures of it, so it is not exactly a secret place in London. But did you know you can go on an organized kayak tour which goes past the best London landmarks and the highlight is paddling under Tower Bridge ?! Now that is one unique experience to have in London!

The Thames can be quite busy with traffic from riverboats, but thanks to our four guides we felt completely safe during the whole journey! It took us about 3 hours to cover the 17 km from Battersea to Greenwich. We used double kayaks, which were very stable and easy to handle, so beginners were also welcome. If you want to explore London in a truly special way, this trip is for you!

This unique experience in London is recommended by Krix from Travel Hacker Girl. On her blog, you can find more information about kayaking in London .

TIP: If you would like to see the River Thames and London in this unique way, but are short on time and/or not interested in kayaking, you may want to consider this  highly-rated speed boat tour that also goes under the Tower Bridge .

22. Kyoto Garden

If you are looking for a beautiful hidden gem in London, then head to Kyoto Garden.  The gardens are easily accessible from central London.

Kyoto Gardens are over 20 hectares and are located around Holland House, which used to be an old castle where many famous families have lived in. It was originally built in 1605 but was destroyed in the Second World War.

The Kyoto Gardens was officially opened in 1991 to mark the friendship between Japan and the United Kingdom.

The gardens have been beautifully landscaped and designed to reflect how Japanese gardens look. It is a truly peaceful and picturesque place a bit off the beaten path in London. You will find stone carvings in Japanese style, peacocks and herons roaming around, numerous varieties of flowers and trees, waterfalls, and even the beautiful koi carp fish.

The gardens can be visited in any season. In spring you will find a big variety of magnificent flowers in full bloom, it’s also the season for the famous Japanese cherry blossom. In summer you will see the bright colors of flowers and trees. In autumn – golden rusty vibrant leaves on the huge oak- and maple trees surrounding the area. In winter you will find incredible views over the gardens; it’s truly magical if covered in snow.

Kyoto Garden is open daily and is free to visit. This is a great location for photography so don’t forget your camera.

This beautiful park was chosen as one of the best secret places in London by a local resident Eliza.

23. Postman’s Park

In the shadow of St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most poignant parts of central London.  Postman’s Park – so called as it was popular with postal workers from the local central sorting office – is host to George Frederic Watts’s Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice, a memorial to ordinary people who died while saving the lives of others.

It consists of a long wall housing ceramic memorial tablets featuring the likes of “G Garnish, A young clergyman, Who lost his life in endeavoring to rescue a stranger from drowning at Putney” or “John Clinton, Aged 10, Who was drowned near London Bridge in trying to save a companion younger than himself”.

The fact that this small park, with its sad little plaques, is in the center of one of the great world cities, surrounded by skyscrapers and other important buildings, makes this quiet place even more poignant. It’s a secret place in London that many tourists never visit. Postman’s Park is a must see, if only for a few moments of peace in the hustle and bustle of London life…

Contributed by Chris Young from England Explore .

24. Battersea Park and Children’s Zoo

Nestled on the southern banks of the Thames, you will find one of London’s better kept secrets, Battersea Park . With a real community feel to it, the 200-acre park has been home to many fairs, playgrounds, and attractions over the years.

One of the more recognizable landmarks of Battersea Park is the Peace Pagoda, erected in 1985. It’s a beautiful place to reflect and watch life roll by on the Thames.

Whilst the funfairs of the past are now gone, there’s still a lot going on in this park – sporting fields aplenty, a miniature zoo, the historic Pump House gallery, Putt in the Park mini-golf with pizzeria, a nature reserve, a playground with a miniature train, and in the heart of the park, an ornamental lake where on weekends and holidays you can hire mini rowing or paddle boats.

Our favorite part of the park is the hidden gem Battersea Park Children’s Zoo . Far cheaper to enter than its more famous north London counterpart (and with far less or an urban, concrete feel), it’s the perfect size zoo for little explorers. All their mammals, reptiles, and birds are little and in keeping with the zoo’s size.

There are plenty of hands-on activities scheduled throughout the week for children to be involved in, including feeding times and education programs. To finish things off there’s a magnificent adventure playground, complete with its own fire truck!

This little-known gem of London is suggested by Keri from Little City Trips .

25. MI6 Building

A few minutes after Skyfall begins, M is shown driving to her office building when an explosion rips apart one side of the building forcing the agency to relocate to an underground bunker. That building is the actual MI6 headquarters called the SIS Building in Vauxhall , London.

The MI6 building is situated on an embankment and has prongs along its roof to prevent unauthorized networks from catching the digital transmissions inside the building. That’s the closest you’ll come to seeing any sort of geekery about the Secret Service from ground level.

It looks somber and foreboding from the outside and could easily be mistaken for a drab office building if you don’t know what you’re looking at. But for James Bond fans like me, the place is particularly important for all the special moments it has given us in the movies.

The SIS Building was featured in GoldenEye way back in 1995, The World is Not Enough , Skyfall , and its follow-up Spectre . In case you’re wondering how the real MI6 staff feels about their building showing up so prominently, an established anecdote says that the staff actually cheered when the model SIS building created on a film set was blown off in Skyfall. That’s three cheers for attitude right there!

The MI6 building is actually a pretty popular place to see in London among James Bond fans. James Bond tours will take you here, some on foot and some others by a (mini) bus, because it is located a bit outside the city center.

MI6 building is recommended to all James Bond fans by Priyanko from Constant Traveller .

26. Pop Brixton

Pop Brixton is home to some of London’s tastiest food stands, hipster cocktail bars, pop-up vintage clothing shops, art galleries, quirky exercise classes and even a co-working space.

Their mantra is all about supporting small local businesses, so the space is always buzzing with creative people and unique startups milling around.

It’s the perfect place to go for casual food or drinks on any afternoon or evening. Or check out their special events like photography exhibitions, wine tasting, tai-chi, or urban gardening.

Pop Brixton is a place where you can experience London as and with the locals, a secret find not many tourists know about.

This hidden gem is recommended by a London local Harriet.

27. Short walk through the centuries in the City of London

The City of London has a rich history and in just a few steps you can be transported through the centuries.

Starting at the London Mithraeum the immersive experience gives you a taster of worshiping at the cult of Mithras in the recreated Roman temple. Artifacts are displayed to give you an insight into the lives of the first Londoners.

One minute down the road you’ll fast forward to the 17th century as you reach St Stephen Walbrook . Destroyed by the Great Fire of London, the church was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren. The green dome is thought to be the precursor for the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. Find the Rothschild Building to get a great view of the dome framed by the building.

You’ll find yourself back in Roman London when you reach St Magnus the Martyr . The arch on the western side of the church is where people crossing the old London Bridge entered the city. Pop into the church to see a model of what the bridge looked like. Other remnants include a piece of timber dated AD 75 and stones from the medieval bridge. The walk between these hidden gems will take just 10-15 minutes, however, you should build in some time at each stop.

TIP: If you like history and want to learn more about London’s secret past, take a look at this ‘old London’ walking tour . You’ll discover the back streets, execution sites, ancient churches, and other historic places that most people don’t even realize exist… This tour is like taking a trip centuries back in time!

This short walk covering several of London’s hidden gems is suggested by Emma from Emma Online. On her blog, you can find more details about this historic walk in London .

28. Alexandra Palace

If you are visiting London and you’ve picked a hotel in the Northern part near Muswell Hill or Wood Green, then you may enjoy visiting Alexandra Palace . Sure, it’s not a typical place you would visit when you go to London. However, Alexandra Palace, also called Ally Pally, can be a fun getaway especially if you are visiting London with kids.

Built in 1873, the palace is stunning to look at. You can relax on the green lawns of the palace while admiring the Rose window or take a boat ride on the lake behind the palace. You don’t have to wait for winter to do some ice skating. The ice rink at Alexandra Palace is open all year round.

There are other things you can enjoy as well such as tree climbing, a small golf course, Farmer’s market, a segway rally, and an adventure course. It’s a full day of fun at Alexandra Palace!

Submission by Pari from Traveling Pari .

29. Hampstead Heath

Hyde, Regent, and Kensington Gardens are perennial favorites for parks to visit while in London. They are all beautiful, but for a less manicured bucolic setting, none compare to the wild beauty of the Heath in Hampstead Village .

Located about half an hour from Central London, Hampstead is a posh community that has a historically artsy past. The likes of D.H. Lawrence, Sigmund Freud, Robert Louis Stevenson, and countless creative luminaries have resided there.

At some point or another, all have been known to have taken their contemplative strolls through Hampstead Park . There are riding lanes for horses, many ponds where one can find people and swans swimming alongside. There are also private mansions, such as the Kenwood House which has been a backdrop for countless period films.

Of all things, the beauty of this park is its ability to make one think and appreciate both the simple and the complex while taking a stroll. There is something inherently English about the place and it almost can’t be helped that your creative self comes alive. Hampstead Heath is certainly worth a day trip from Central London.

30. Kew Gardens – Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is home to the largest and most diverse collection of living plants, anywhere in the world.

Although it’s not necessarily very hidden, most tourists seem to skip this beautiful part of London. Perhaps because it’s a bit out of the way of other popular tourist attractions. But trust me when I say that Kew Gardens are well worth a visit!

Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers unique landscapes and iconic architecture from every stage of the Gardens’ history. There are more than 100 world-class attractions at Kew Gardens such as iconic buildings, art collections, vistas, and glasshouses. There are also various temporary exhibitions at Kew Gardens that might be worth your time. The glasshouse is not to be missed and is a perfect place to shoot some amazing photos (whether it’s for your Instagram page or traditional photo album).

TIP:  Kew Gardens are really big, so you definitely need time to properly explore this less known gem of London. It’s recommended to do some research to decide what you want to see upfront, or take a full day and explore this beautiful place to the fullest. You can buy admission tickets in advance and save some time.

Kew Gardens are recommended to visitors looking to explore some less known places in London by Lisanne from Chapter Travel .

31. Chelsea Physic Garden

Tucked away in a hidden corner of London between the upscale shopping of the King’s Road and close to the Chelsea Embankment and the Albert Bridge across the Thames is the capital’s original secret garden. Dating back to the late 17th Century, the Chelsea Physic Garden remains the second oldest botanical garden in the UK (after the gardens at Oxford University). It has been at the forefront in the cultivation of medicinal plants.

Home to the tallest standing olive tree in Britain, the layout of different sections of the garden is very admirable. The Dicotyledon Order Beds (so named as the plants here are grown with two seed leaves) and Monocotyledon (one seed leaf) are a testament to this with over 800 organized according to their groups. Some are indeed quite rare. In between these and the statue of Sir Hans Sloane is the tranquil pond rockery.

Various glasshouses are located in these gardens, the largest of which is known as the Tropical Corridor. Ideal for storing all year round many exotic plants from the Atlantic that would otherwise not survive the harsh winters. Also, one of the smaller glasshouses has a little exhibit of desert cacti. A great anomaly in London!

An afternoon strolling in this peaceful oasis makes you forget that you are in the heart of a big, noisy city. With a cafe that provides outdoor seating too, what better way to take it in slowly and appreciate this green space in the heart of one of London’s most well-heeled districts.

This unusual little garden in London is suggested by Jonathan from  Journey Maxx .

32. Climb The O2 Arena

The O2 Arena in London was originally built for the millennium and has become the world’s most popular entertainment venue.

Not many people can say they climbed over The O2 Arena. With the Up at The O2 Experience, visitors can walk on a path suspended 2 meters above the roof of The O2. On the viewing platform at the top, 52 meters high, you have time to take in 360-degree views of London and even enjoy a glass of champagne if you like. On a clear day, you can see landmarks up to 15 miles away.

Your guide will provide you with all the climbing gear you need including a safety harness. At the beginning of the climb, you are going up at a 28-degree incline, then it levels off as you approach the top.

In a way, going down is more difficult than going up. The incline is slightly steeper at 30 degrees. If you are worried about looking down, you might want to try going down backward. Don’t let your fears stop you, it’s such a unique and memorable experience!

TIP: If you want to climb the O2 Arena, you have to book it in advance. Here you can find prices and check availability for the climb .

This unique London activity is suggested by Anisa from 2 Traveling Texans. You can find more information about The O2 Experience on their blog.

33. Thames Barrier Park

The Thames Barrier is an iconic structure in London, built in the 80s in order to solve the centuries-long problem of flooding in central London. You can visit the visitor center on the southern side of the river (not too far from Greenwich), or simply see this impressive movable dam from the  Barrier Park (opposite side of the river). This little park is a real hidden gem in London!

Barrier Park with carefully landscaped gardens was designed with tranquillity in mind and also to frame the imposing barrier. The gardens have a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the year and are a haven for pollinators and wild birds.

While wandering through the park, you get nice views of the barrier. Between the park and the river, there is a nice waterfront promenade with benches to enjoy the view. There is also a coffee shop on-site for refreshments and a play area for children.

TIP: Barrier Park is in the Royal Docks area and is easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway. The nearest stop is Pontoon Dock. However, if you are feeling adventurous, the river bus and then the Emirates Air Line cable car across the river makes a delightful journey there or back.

This special place to see in London is recommended by Rich from RJOnTour. On his blog, you can read about visiting Barrier Park .

The Hidden Gems of London on the Map

As promised, here is a map showing all the hidden gems of London that are mentioned in this post. You can click on the little arrow to see the index, alternatively just click on any of the locations to see which place it is.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, these are some of the nicest local finds and less known places in London for your travel list. I am certain that visiting at least some of these gems will make your trip to London even more special and more memorable. In addition, you may want to check out some of the best London views (many of them are free to visit).

And, of course, don’t miss the must-see tourist attractions in London ! But even if you visit just a few of the hidden gems, it will make your trip so much more special!

Do you know any amazing secret places in London that you’re willing to share? Please leave a reply below!

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in London: Best Areas & Hotels

More inspiration & info for your trip to London:

• Tips for visiting London for the first time
• London in 1 day
• London 2-day itinerary
• Camden Market in London
• Things to do in Greenwich
• Things to do in London with kids
• Best Day Trips Near London
• Liverpool from London: Day Trip Itinerary

Travel guides for the UK:

• Food: British Food – Traditional UK Dishes to Try
• Cities: Best UK Cities to Visit
• Manchester: Best Things to Do in Manchester & 1 Day in Manchester
• Liverpool: Best Things to Do in Liverpool & The Beatles Attractions in Liverpool
• Edinburgh: Best Things to Do in Edinburgh & Edinburgh in One Day
• Glasgow: How to See the Best of Glasgow in One Day
• Scotland: Isle of Skye Itinerary & Scotland Whisky Tour
• Yorkshire: Best Things to Do in Yorkshire
• Cornwall: Best Things to Do in Cornwall & Where to Stay in Cornwall

If you enjoyed reading this post, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Jeff Petrillo

Tuesday 2nd of April 2024

Kudos. What an amazing list of amazing places and sites. I have read many blog posts and guides--but you have topped the list. This is a definite go-to guide for the curious and interested traveler. Thank you for putting this together.

Thursday 4th of April 2024

Thank you for your kind feedback. Enjoy London!

Andy Sillett

Saturday 23rd of December 2023

Well done Jurga, you have found some great locations that I took a long time finding despite living here 40 years

Monday 25th of December 2023

Thank you, Andy. I can well believe that you could spend your entire life in the city like London and keep on finding interesting new places all the time... Merry Christmas and happy exploring!

Torben Carlsen

Wednesday 11th of October 2023

I have visited London a couple of times with my daughter and we once found a cosy small square close to Tower Bridge and St. Katherine's Dock. There was a fountain with funny things placed around, soap, nail brush and more stuff ... In november I go to London, now with my wife, but I cannot find the square on any map!! Can you help me?

Sunday 19th of November 2023

@Torben Carlsen, I found my square called Courage Yard. On the southbank of Tower Bridge, immediately to the left, a little hidden behind Starbucks and close to the pub The Anchor's Tap. The fountain is different and amazing.

Thursday 12th of October 2023

Hi Torben, I'm afraid I can't help you with this. I have never seen such a fountain in London. Good luck with your search and enjoy your trip!

Jamie Fitzpatrick

Sunday 8th of October 2023

This is brilliant, thank you for taking time to put this together. We visit london every year and are always trying to find more things to discover. One to add of interest is taking a walk down billionaires row, home to lots of embassies and very expensive houses. The road is guarded by police but well worth a walk, located on kensington palace gardens right next to kensington palace.

Monday 9th of October 2023

Thanks for the tip, Jamie. Happy travels!

Thursday 28th of September 2023

Hello, no (paper) book I can buy or order?

Saturday 30th of September 2023

Hi Irma, no, we don't sell any printables, but you can always print (parts of) the article using Ctrl+p if you absolutely want to. Enjoy London!

40+ Hidden Gems And Unusual Things To Do In London

Looking to explore London beyond the typical tourist hotspots? Look no further. In this guide, I take you on a journey to discover some of the city’s most magnificent hidden gems and secret spots.

You may be thinking, “hidden gems in London, is that even possible?” Well, the truth is, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path attractions waiting to be discovered. With its rich history and diverse culture, London offers a wealth of unique experiences that can’t be found in your average guidebook.

Having visited London numerous times and even lived there for a while, I’ve had the chance to uncover some of the city’s best-kept secrets. So, join me as we venture off the tourist trail and explore the hidden gems that make London such a special place.

Some of these lesser known sites in London are overlooked landmarks, underrated museums, or recently unveiled attractions that are still under the radar.

When you’re done admiring London’s popular landmarks, you can visit these places and have a secret spot all to yourself.

None of them are blighted by mass tourism, interminable queues, or the requirement of skip the line tickets.

40+ Hidden Gems In London

Here’s my handpicked list of 43 hidden gems and secret spots in London, just waiting to be explored by the discerning traveler or repeat visitor to London.

1. London Mithraeum

The Roman Temple of Mithras is a hidden gem in the heart of London — and the best part? It’s completely free to visit! This fascinating archaeological site is one of only 100 Mithraic temples found throughout Ancient Rome, making it an important piece of British history.

The temple was first discovered back in 1954, but it wasn’t until the Bloomberg Project that it was excavated between 2010-14 and moved to a publicly accessible space. Now, visitors can explore the reconstructed temple and marvel at the remarkable collection of artifacts uncovered during the excavation.

Although little is known about the Roman cult of Mithras and its rituals, the central icon of the cult depicts Mithras killing a bull, which is believed to represent a creation myth.

Tours of the temple depart every 20 minutes, and while you wait for your turn, you can explore the exhibition space and learn more about this intriguing site. You can also visit the Mithraeum on a  3 hour guided tour of Roman London .

Here’s my complete  guide to the London Mithraeum .

Address : 12 Walbrook

2. Billingsgate Roman Bath House

Another Roman site that’s a hidden gem in London is the Billingsgate Roman Bath House . Like the Mithraeum, it was part of ancient Londinium.

You’ll find it underneath an office complex on Lower Thames Street. The bath house was abandoned after the fall of Rome.

First discovered in 1848, these Roman ruins were once an impressive bath house with a courtyard and underfloor heating. The best preserved part of the ruins is a hot bath with hypocausts, which were used for heating the room.

Artifacts discovered during excavations are in the Museum of London, another hidden gem in London that I discuss below.

The site opens to the public on Saturdays via guided tours. You can also visit this site on a tour of Roman London . You’ll get some fascinating insight into a London from over 2,000 years ago.

Address : 101 Lower Thames Street

3. St. Pancras Old Church

St. Pancras Old Church was once a riverside country chapel. The church claims to have been a site of Christian worship since the 4th century.

The current structure has been around since the 12th century. But it got a major remodel in the 19th century and then again in the 20th century to repair bombing damage from WWII.

The church has a well stocked graveyard, including the tomb of Sir John Soane, England’s great Neo-Classical architect.

In the 19th century, the cemetery was a target for grave robbers, who dug up freshly interred bodies and sold them to doctors for medieval dissection. The graveyard was featured in Charles Dickens’ book A Tale of Two Cities .

One of the most striking oddities in the cemetery is the Hardy Tree. It’s an ash tree surrounded by hundreds of gravestones chock-a-block on top of each other.

They were arranged in that fashion to make way for an expansion of Britain’s rail system. Who got the job of exhuming and reburying? A young Thomas Hardy, who would go on to become one of Britain’s greatest classic novelists.

The church hosts lectures and concerts. You can check out its Facebook page for the latest events.

Address : Pancras Rd, London NW1 1UL

4. Garden At 120

Everyone heads to the Shard for views, but there’s an equally stunning place for views that’s not nearly as well known and perfectly free, the  Garden at 120 .

It’s located atop the Fen Court building at 120 Fenchurch Street right near Leadenhall Market. You don’t need to make any bookings or reservations for this beauty.

At 15 stories, it offers exceptional 360 views from its outdoor terrace. The gardens are also gorgeous.

The Garden at 120 is still a hidden gem in London. What that means is a short wait time before passing through airport-style security, heading up the speedy lift, and emerging into one of London’s prettiest roof spaces.

Address : 120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA

5. Wallace Collection

Housed in a palatial mansion, the Wallace Collection is a stunning example of art and period settings perfectly preserved in situ. The museum boasts an impressive collection of old Masters paintings, set amidst some of the finest French furniture you’ll ever lay your eyes on.

The Wallace Collection is particularly renowned for its 18th century French paintings, European paintings, Boulle furniture, and medieval armor. Visitors can marvel at works by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Franz Hals, Velazquez, Titian, and Canaletto, as well as an array of Rococo-era works by Watteau, Boucher, and Fragonard.

Speaking of Fragonard, the museum’s most famous painting is none other than his masterpiece, The Swing . With so much to see and appreciate, the Wallace Collection is an unmissable hidden gem for any art lover visiting London.

Address : Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN. The museum is just a couple blocks from Oxford Street.

6. John Soane Museum

Sir John Soane was one of Britain’s foremost Neo-Classical architects and a professor of architecture at the Royal Academy.

On top of that, he created his own  house museum . Built in 1812, Soane designed the house to hold his vast collection of art and objects from around the world. You can feel his spirit and legacy in the cluttered, bejeweled place.

Soane was a curiosity collector. You’ll find a mishmash of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian artifacts, urns, statues, and vases. There’s even a sarcophagus in the basement.

There are also some world class paintings, including ones by Watteau, J.M.W. Turner, Canaletto, and William Thomas Beckford. And over 30,000 drawings, including famous ones by William Hogarth.

Address : 3 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP

7. Charles Dickens House Museum

Charles Dickens bought this house when he was flush with cash from the success of his first novel, The Pickwick Papers . He moved in March 1837. It’s the only surviving house in London in which Dickens lived.

The Charles Dickens House was renovated in 2011 to coincide with the bicentenary of Dickins’ birth. When Dickens lived there, it was a 12 room dwelling outfitted in pink brick. What you see today is more a dark brown brick.

The museum is a charming little treasure house of memories. In the renovations, rooms were redecorated to reflect the style of the time.

You can see some of the novelist’s letters, theater posters, and portraits of Dickens and his family. You can see his signature, with an extravagance of curls and flourishes. And a copy of his last unfinished novel, Edwin Drood .

The dining room is kitted out with china bearing the image of Dickens. The drawing room is where he held readings and amateur theatrics.

His sister-in-law, Georgina Hogarth, has her own room. It’s rumored that she and Dickens had an affair. Dickens had a rather scandalous love life by the standards of the Victorian era.

Address : 48 Doughty Street

8. Ben Franklin House

For those who are fascinated by history and enamored with Georgian era architecture, the Benjamin Franklin House is an absolute must visit. This extraordinary building is the only surviving residence in the world where Franklin both lived and worked, having resided there from 1757 to 1772.

Franklin was, of course, a highly influential figure during the American Revolution. His diplomatic prowess and scientific innovations continue to inspire to this day.

Built in 1730, the house museum is something of a time capsule, complete with original period features. It’s also a Grade I site in London, which means it receives the highest level of conservation in Britain.

Visitors are able to explore three levels of the house and marvel at the stunning Georgian interior painted in the signature “Franklin Green.” On the first floor, the parlor and cards room await.

On the second floor, guests can tour Franklin’s bedroom and office space, which features massive Victorian windows. While there, be sure to play the glass harmonica — a musical instrument invented by Franklin himself.

Address : 36 Craven Street

9. Freud House Museum

In 1938, Austria was taken over by the Nazis and Sigmund Freud and his family fled to London. The famous neurologist settled into what is now the  Freud Museum  for the last year of his life.

Freud’s study has been preserved just as it was during his lifetime. It contains  Freud’s original psychoanalytic couch , on which patients were invited to recline and say whatever came to mind.

Freud was a passionate collector of antiquities, especially ancient statuettes. His study holds his remarkable collection. 

Almost 2,000 items fill cabinets and are arranged on every surface. There are rows of ancient figures on the desk where Freud wrote until the early hours of the morning.

The walls are lined with Freud’s personal library of over 1,600 books, interspersed with several notable pictures hung as he arranged them. It was the working library of a well read man.

Address : 20 Maresfield Gardens

10. Dr. Samuel Johnson’s House

Dr. Johnson’s House is s a little hidden gem in London tucked into a quiet spot not far from the hustle and bustle of Fleet Street.

The house was once home of acclaimed London wit and writer, Dr. Samuel Johnson. The 300 year old townhouse is an amazing example of late 17th century architecture at its finest.

The house museum also has a Grade I building, which means conservation is strict. It’s one of very few 18th century residential houses in London still standing.

In fact, it was in one of these rooms that Johnson compiled his famous Dictionary of the English Language . Copies of the world’s first dictionary are on display.

The house museum is open four days a week, check the website. You’ll visit via a guided tour which will make Johnson’s life come alive. Ring the bell to be let in.

Address : 17 Gough Square

11. Apsley House

Apsley House is the seat of the dukes of Wellington. The present duke lives upstairs part time. 

The museum’s marquis masterpiece is a colossal sculpture of  Mars The Peacemaker  by the Italian Neo-Classical sculptor Anthony Canova. The piece is a sculpture of Napoleon.

The suite of public rooms upstairs is the setting for the duke’s astonishing painting collection. You’ll find important old master paintings, including art works by Rubens, Velazquez, Goya, and Titian.

The ticket price is £14.20. The museum’s audio guide is narrated by the duke. 

You can book a  3 hour guided tour  of both Apsley House and the V&A Museum.

Address : 49 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner

12. Courtauld Gallery

Tucked away in Somerset House, the Courtauld Gallery is a true hidden gem in London, having first opened its doors in 1932.

If you’re an art lover with a passion for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, you’ll feel right at home at the Courtauld Gallery. You will instantly recognize some of the world’s most iconic paintings.

Recently reopened in November 2021 after a meticulous 3-year renovation, the Courtauld Gallery is now a sight to behold, with spacious and well-lit galleries that showcase some of London’s finest art.

In the Great Room, you’ll find masterpieces by Renoir, Manet, Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh, including Britain’s largest collection of Cezanne works.

But that’s not all—the Courtauld Gallery also boasts an impressive collection of early Renaissance art, featuring works by Botticelli and other northern Renaissance artists, as well as two striking rooms filled with Rubens paintings.

If you’re a serious art lover, you may want to consider this  private art tour  that takes you London’s top museums and galleries, including the Courtauld.

Address : Somsert House, Strand London WC2R

13. Bermondsy Street

The Bermondsy area of London is just across the Thames from the Tower of London.

Bermondsy is a bit of a hidden treasure in London that’s where the locals go. It’s undergone rapid transformation. 

It’s a happening place now with cobbled squares and grand buildings that make it feel right out of a period drama.

Bermondsy is also one of London’s culinary destinations. It’s home to street food markets rivaling Borough market and some of London’s best new restaurants.

One of the hottest tables to book right now in Bermondsy is  Trivet . It was a just awarded a Michelin star.

14. Eltham Palace

Eltham Palace is an architectural masterpiece that offers a rare glimpse into the passage of time. Few historic buildings in London can match its charm and grandeur.

The palace has a rich history, dating back to the Saxon era, and was a favored hideaway of monarchs from Edward II to Henry VIII. Unfortunately, the castle fell into disrepair after being damaged by Puritans in the 17th century.

In 1933, philanthropists and socialites Stephen and Virginia Courtauld leased the palace and embarked on a stunning $3.4 million Art Deco makeover. While the exterior of the building remains modest with its red brick and stone facade, the interior is a breathtaking display of Art Deco elegance.

A curved entrance hall with a concrete dome welcomes you inside, while the dining room features recreated paintings by Turner that once adorned its walls.

Visitors can explore the walk-in wardrobe of former owner Virginia Courtauld, stocked with period clothes that you can try on. The golden bedroom, adorned with a statue of a Greek goddess, is another highlight.

Additionally, the palace boasts a medieval banqueting hall from 1475, complete with a stunning hammer-beam ceiling. The gardens at Eltham Palace are equally beautiful and worth a visit.

Overall, Eltham Palace is a hidden gem in London that offers a fascinating glimpse into London’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Address : Court Yard, London SE9 5QE

15. St. Paul Cathedral’s Secret Spiral Staircase

St. Paul’s Cathedral , designed by Christopher Wren in the late 17th century, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. As the seat of the Bishop of London, it is also an important Anglican cathedral. However, there is a little known secret hidden within the cathedral’s bell tower.

There lies a mysterious spiral staircase, which played a role in the filming of the Harry Potter movie, Prisoner of Azkaban . This is the Divination Staircase that led to Professor Trelawney’s Divination classroom.

Unfortunately, visitors on a standard tour of St. Paul’s cannot access this hidden gem. It can only be seen on a guided Harry Potter tour or a private tour of the cathedral. And to make it even more exciting, the key to unlock the staircase is a massive and clunky one, right out of the Harry Potter universe.

Click  here  to book a skip the line ticket to St. Paul’s. Click  here  to book a guided tour of the cathedral.

Address : St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD

16. Columbia Flower Market

Want to know where local Londoners buy their flowers? On Sunday, they head to the open air Columbia Road Flower Market on Columbia Road in London’s Bethnal Green neighborhood.

The market is budget friendly, chic, and extremely pretty. It’s a colorful spectacle of 60 stalls with blooms, plants and even trees.

The flower market is only held on Sundays, although some shops are open on other days of the week. It’s open 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. It could close earlier, depending on how quickly everything sells and the weather, etc.

Aside from the colorful flowers, Columbia Street is lined with dozens of tiny shops.

Address : Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG

17. Brick Lane

Brick Lane is an iconic street in the Shoreditch area of East London. It was once a rough and tumble neighborhood in London. But seedy has long since given way to charming.

It’s a bohemian multi-cultural paradise for vintage hunters, foodies, and street art lovers. The street is teeming with cool shops, buzzing markets, and of course its famous curry houses. 

Brick Lane is home to more than 50 Bangladeshi restaurants, whose fragrance you’ll no doubt detect. This led the lane to be nicknamed “Banglatown.”

Brick Lane is also linked to London’s famous 15th century serial killer Jack the Ripper who terrorized people in this area. Naturally, you can take a guided Jack the Ripper walking tour in London .

You can also book a street art tour of the area.

18. Spitalfields Market

Spitalfields Market is a true local’s joint compared to London’s other popular and more touristy markets. And it’s the best market in East London.

Spitalfields Market has been around since the Great Fire of London. But it’s also had a millennial rebirth, now housing 110 stalls.

It’s a place where you find all sorts of enticing dishes — from Thai to Indian to Japanese to French crepes. And some of the food trucks and stalls give free samples to entice you.

You can also find great vintage stuff — fashion items, clothing, jewelry, vinyl albums, decor, and semi-antique accessories. The market really comes to life on Sunday when the streets are filled with shops and stalls.

You can sample the wares of Spitalfields on an East End food tour .

Address : 56 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA

19. Neal’s Yard

Neal’s Yard is a colorful cobblestone passage near Covent Garden. You likely won’t just stumble across it while touring central London.

You’ll have to seek it out with your GPS. It’s a 5-10 minute walk from Apple Market in the part of London called Seven Dials. It’s totally worth the short detour just for the colorful facades.

Neal’s Lane is filled with quaint shops and tasty cafes. You can find Chinese herbal medicine, organic therapies, beauty salons, a Sicilian deli, and Shiatsu massage places.

It’s also home to the famous Neal’s Yard Dairy , which is one of London’s best places to buy cheese.

There’s a great place to eat there,  The Barbary , which serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. You can also just grab a delicious slice of pizza at Homeslice Neal’s Yard .

You can visit Neal’s Yard on a guided walking tour of Covent Garden and Soho .

20. Queen’s House In Greenwich

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day, then you might consider heading to Greenwich.

This beautiful district of London is home to some unusual London attractions such as the Greenwich Observatory, the Cutty Sark Ship, and the Prime Meridian Time Line.

For those with a cultural bent, head to the Queen’s House . It’s all that remains of a once Royal Residence.

The free museum is home to many a beautiful feature, like the Great Hall’s chequered floor and a well-stocked art gallery. This is where you’ll find the famous Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I.

But the museum’s Tulip Staircase is the real star and will blow you away. Built in the 17th century, it was the first geometric self-supporting spiral staircase in Britain. The striking shade of blue paint is made using crushed glass.

Address : Romney Rd, Greater, London SE10 9NF

21. Westminster Cathedral

Most people have heard of Westminster Abbey , but few know about Westminster Cathedral . Situated in the heart of London near Victoria Station, it’s a hidden gem in London for history buffs.

Designed in the 1890s by Francis John Bentley and consecrated in 1910, the Westminster Cathedral is a relatively new church.

It’s a Neo-Romantic building, with hints of Byzantine influences. The facade is red and white striped. It has a 280 foot tall campanile, making it appear like an antique building from Istanbul.

Inside, you’ll find a 170 foot central nave, which is the the largest in England. There is marble, sculptures, and other elaborate decoration to admire.

Many of the chapels are covered in glittery beautiful mosaics. This all makes this hidden gem in London worth a visit.

Address : Victoria St, London SW1P 1LT

22. Australia House

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, head to the  Australia House  on the Strand. I only found this spot because I was on a private tour of London hidden gems .

The glorious marble interior of Australia House served as the interior for Gringotts, the wizards bank run by goblins in the Harry Potter films. 

Or at least the inspiration for it. Some say Gringotts was modeled on the Vaults Nightclub in Exeter.

You can’t enter Australia House or take photos. But you can ask one of the security guards if you can walk in and take a peak through the glass door. You’ll see the giant crystal chandeliers from Gringotts.

Address : Strand, London WC2B 4LA

23. Chartwell House

Chartwell House , located just outside London, is where Winston Churchill grew up and found solace from the political battles of London. For over four decades, it served as Churchill’s country retreat, a sanctuary from the turmoil of the city.

Despite not being a grand home, Churchill spared no expense in trying to make Chartwell House presentable. However, due to financial troubles, Churchill almost lost the house twice. Fortunately, his friends bought it and gifted it to the UK’s National Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Now a museum open to the public, visitors can explore five rooms where Churchill once lived, including the dining room, library, drawing room, Clementine’s bedroom, and Winston’s study. Three additional rooms are dedicated to Churchill memorabilia, where visitors can view his personal study and painting studio.

You can book a  guided day trip tour  to Chartwell House from London.

Address : Chartwell Mapleton Road, Westerham TN16 1PS England

24. Primrose Hill

If you’re looking for a great view of the city, Primrose Hill is the perfect escape. Just north of Regent’s Park, take a small uphill trek.

Primrose Hill is a beautiful green space in the heart of London that used to be Henry VIII’s hunting grounds.

From the summit of 200+ feet, you’ll have 360 panoramic views of the city. You can relax and lay down on the grass with the locals.

William Blake once described the view as “conversing with the spiritual son.” A rock on the hill is inscribed with his quote.

The Primrose Hill neighborhood is filled with beautiful rainbow colored Victorian homes. Besides the Instagram-ready row homes, you’ll also find chic eateries, tearooms, boutiques, and pubs.

As a bonus, there’s a  farmers market  close by on Saturdays.

If you’d like to sit down for a meal, try Greenery (brunch), Lemonia (Greek), or fancy it up at Odette’s.

25. Horniman Museum & Gardens

The Horniman Museum is one of London’s most whimsical museums. And it’s a completely free museum, just out of the way enough to remain a hidden gem in London.

The Horniman is in southeast London, just a short tube ride from the city center. Designed by Charles Harrison Townsend in the Arts and Crafts style, the museum opened in 1901.

The museum contains the quirky personal collection of Frederick Horniman, a Victorian era tea trader. It’s a space where the full array of human cultures and anthropology is on display.

You’ll find objects and artifacts like puppets, toys, a camel saddle, a stuffed walrus, butterfly house, a torture chair, masks, and skulls. There’s also a modestly sized aquarium and 16 acres of lovely landscaped gardens.

There’s also a cafe and gift shop.

Address : 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ

26. High Gate Cemetery

If you’re into checking out cemeteries, then  Highgate Cemetery  should be on your London itinerary. The cemetery opened in 1839.

It’s the resting ground for wealthy Londoners from the 19th century. It’s split into East & West and tickets can be purchased separately.

The East is creepy and atmospheric. The West has impressive architecture, including Egyptian Avenue and the Terrace Catacombs.

You’ll find the graves of Karl Marx, George Michael, George Eliot, and Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy’s Douglas Adams.

Legend holds that the  Highgate Vampire  haunts the cemetery. He’s said to be a tall dark figure that glides through the cemetery on cold dark nights. He’s blamed for scores of dead foxes and other animals.

Address : Swain’s Ln, London N6 6PJ

27. Queen’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is not, of course, a hidden gem. But the Queen’s Gallery on site is.

The gallery was fully renovated and opened to the public in 2002. You’ll find a small collection of works from the British Royal Art Collection , which is the world’s largest private art collection.

The pieces are set out in three galleries, two of which have skylights to let in the natural light and better see the paintings on display.

There is a nice selection of old masters paintings. The selection is changed seasonally. The most famous paintings are Vermeer’s Lady at the Virginal with a Gentleman and Artemisia Gentileschi’s Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting .

Be forewarned, the gallery is small and security is tight. So you’ll need to be a patient art lover. You can also book a skip the line ticket and tour of both the Queen’s Gallery and Buckingham Palace.

Address : Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA

28. Science Museum

Do you like gadgets and how they work? The  Science Museum  is a hidden gem in London just for you.

The museum offers up seven floors of educational and entertaining exhibits. It aims to make sense of the science that has shaped our lives.

You’ll find exhibits explaining developments in science, medicine, anatomy, space, computers, and technology. There’s a substantial collection of medical history treasures. There are some digital exhibits especially for kids. 

Like many science museums nowadays, the museum has an in-house IMAX cinema. It shows scientific films in 3D, allowing visitors to be surrounded by space or submerged in the depths of the ocean.

The museum shop is worth checking out for its wacky toys. The Dana Centre offers free lectures and performance events on contemporary scientific issues 

Address : Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD

29. Design Museum

No list of hidden gems in London would be complete without a nod to London’s  Design Museum . It was founded by Sir Terence Conran in 1989 and relocated to Kensington in 2016.

The museum is one of the city’s premiere exhibition spaces. But for most tourists it’s a rarely visited hidden gem in London.

The building is a masterpiece itself with soaring well lit spaces and balconies. The museum won the European Museum of the Year award in 2018.

The Design Museum hosts cutting edge contemporary exhibitions dedicated to design in every form — from fashion, graphics, architecture, to product and industrial design. 

The museum just finished hosting a thought proving Amy Winehouse exhibition, which I was fortunate to see on my last trip. 

As well its temporary shows, the museum hosts an array of learning programs and activities aimed at children.

Address : 224-38 Kensington High Street

30. Leighton House

Leighton House  is one of the best small hidden gem museums in London. 

It attracts visitors with its lure of the Orient. You’ll find it on a quiet side street at the edge of Holland Park in Kensington.

Leighton House was the 19th century home of Sir Frederic Leighton, a leading Victorian artist and member of London’s Pre-Raphaelite tribe . He was known for his paintings of languid beauties like  Flaming June .

Leighton’s abode epitomizes the era’s fascination with Orientalism. It’s a wunderkind of Islamic art that’s been a frequent filming location for films and photos shoots. 

Stepping into the opulent Arab Hall, you’d almost expect a fez-wearing shopkeeper to hand you a glass of mint tea. The hall showcases more than 1,000 Islamic peacock blue tiles and is one of the most spectacular interior spaces in London. 

You can find Leighton’s own paintings. You can also see works by John Everett Millais, Lawrence Alma-Tadema, and G.F. Watts. 

Address:  12 Holland Park Road

31. Camden Lock Market

Camden Lock Market is named for the lock on the Regents Canal that it’s next to. It’s located in Camden Town, a hip district of London.

There are over 1,000 food stalls, bars, shops, and cafes at the Camden Lock Market. It’s about as diverse as a market comes.

You’ll find vinyl, clothing, vintage books, and handmade jewelry. A highlight is the liquid nitrogen ice cream at Chin Chin labs.

The weekend is the best time to visit. This is when most shops are open and you’ll see everything the market has to offer.

You’ll find some awesome food choices. But don’t be shocked if there’s nowhere to sit. You can also grab some food and head to the nearby canal.

You can also take a vegan food tour in Camden Town . Or take a hidden gems in London tour that includes the market.

Address : Camden Lock Place London NW1 8AF

32. Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is a hidden gem in London, situated right next to the popular Borough Market. Despite its proximity, it remains unexplored by many.

The cathedral is a little Gothic treasure that has stood since 606 A.D, just a short 5-minute walk from the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern.

As London’s oldest Gothic structure, you should take a few minutes to step inside and admire the breathtaking interior. The site has a long history, having been destroyed by fire in 1212 and subsequently rebuilt in the 13th century. The rear facade is heavily influenced by Norman architecture, while the front is adorned with Gothic features.

Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by an airy vaulted ceiling made of sandstone-colored brick. The stained glass windows are a sight to behold, and there is even a monument dedicated to the great Shakespeare. The 15th century wooden roof capitols add a touch of quirkiness to this elegant cathedral.

Address : London Bridge, London SE1 9DA

33. Cecil Court

Cecil Court is a quaint 17th century lane that spokes off from Charing Cross Road. It’s a hidden gem in London despite being so close to the high traffic street.

With its Victorian shopfronts, it’s said to be J.K Rowling’s favorite street in London and the possible inspiration for Dragon Alley in the Harry Potter series.

Cecil Court is home to many obscure antique shops, second hand book shops, and even more book shops selling books about witchcraft and magic.

You can also pop into the nearby Godwin’s Court to check out another charming alley.

34. Monument To The Fire Of London

The Monument to the Great Fire of London was built between 1671-77. It was built to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666 and celebrate the rebuilding of London.

The chief architects were Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral , and Robert Hooke. 

Built between 1671 and 1777, the monument stands at 202 feet tall. It marks the very spot where the fire is thought to have started.

In 2007, it underwent an 18 month restoration. You can climb 311 steps up a steep spiral staircase for great views at the top.

Address : Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH

35. The Painted Hall

Did you know London has a Baroque masterpiece that’s known as “England’s Sistine Chapel”? It’s one of London’s absolute best hidden gems.

It’s found in  The Painted Hall  at Old Royal Navy College in Greenwich. In the hall, there is 4,000 square feet of space with breathtaking paintings covering the ceiling and walls. 

They were painted by James Thornhill between 1707-26. He was the artist responsible for painting the cupola in St. Paul’s Cathedral . It took Thornhill 19 years to complete his masterpiece.

The paintings depict themes celebrating the greatness of Britain. You’ll see depictions of naval, cultural, and political successes. It was in this hall that the great Admiral Lord Nelson layed in state.

The Painted Hall was beautifully restored in 2016-18. You can now really appreciate the paintings’ vibrant colors.

You can even lay down to admire the paintings on “day beds” provided by the museum.

You can purchase a ticket with a multimedia guide. Or, alternatively, you can join one of the 30 or 45 minute tours. If you’re visiting during high season, you may want to pre-book a skip the line ticket .

Address : King William Walk, London SE10 9NN

36. Hampstead Hill Garden And Pergola

Quite a few tourists make it out to Hampstead Health to enjoy one of London’s wild green spaces. But not many discover the elegant garden and pergola in the West Heath.

It’s a criminally underrated space in London that’s a pocket of faded glory. In the spring, wisteria blossom around the trellises.

The pergola was built by Lord Leverhulme at the beginning of the Edwardian era in the early 20th century. It was a space used for lavish parties.

From the pergola, you’ll have lovely views over the Heath and Hampstead Hill.

Address : The Pergola, Inverforth Cl, London NW3 7EX

37. House of MinaLima

Need some Harry Potter gear or souvenirs? Head to the  House of MinaLima on Greek Street in Soho.

The shop was founded by two individuals who did the graphic design work for the Harry Potter films.

MinaLima showcases graphic art and merchandise based on the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. It’s all set amid a Potter-themed decor.

READ : Guide To Harry Potter Places In London

Address : 157 Wardour St, London W1F 8WQ

38. St. Dunstan in the East

This 900 year old Saxon church is located between the Tower of London and London Bridge.

St. Dunstan was destroyed in the Great Fire, but faithfully rebuilt with a steeple designed by Christopher Wren. Only to be bombed during the blitzes of WWII.

As a result, St. Dunstan was left in picturesque ruins. The bombed out shell of the church was turned into a public garden as a sort of living memorial.

It’s on a secluded side street dwarfed by towering office buildings. It’s one of London’s secret gardens, with walls covered with flowers and ivy.

Address : St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD

39. UK Supreme Court

The  Supreme Court of the United Kingdom  is located on Parliament Square. The building is a typical Gothic building, like a solemn palace.

This is the birthplace of modern jurisprudence. It’s a place of great significance not only to the UK but also to the history of world law.

The court has been renovated and modernized. Two courts you can visit inside retain some of the characteristics of the Victorian era. Don’t miss the library. 

It’s free to enter the court building. You may get lucky and be able to see an actual case being argued. At 2:00 pm on Fridays you can  book a guided tour for £10.00 .

Address : Little George St, London SW1P 3BD

40. Museum Of London

Discover London’s rich history at the Museum of London, an overlooked hidden gem waiting to be explored. The museum is a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits that will take you on a journey through the city’s past.

While not nearly as sprawling as the British Museum , it still houses an extraordinary collection of ancient artifacts that tell the story of London from its earliest prehistoric days to the vibrant, multicultural hub it is today.

The museum boasts an impressive Roman collection of over 47,000 objects, including Viking war axes, Lord Nelson’s bejeweled sword, and intricate Roman mosaics.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the ruins of the old London Wall just outside the museum, with a glass display in the Roman section providing a close-up view of the historic wall.

Address : 150 London Wall near the Barbican or St. Paul’s tube stations

41. British Film Institute

The British Film Institute is a hidden gem in London on the south bank of the Thames. The BFI packs a lot of movie magic. It’s the leading repertory cinema in London.

BFI hosts a series of film and television festivals. You’ll find seasons featuring classic, independent, and non-English language films.

The BFI also houses the BFI Mediatheque. It’s a free library of more than 30,000 film and television titles, including rare broadcasts and British cinema classics.

In addition to the four screen cinema, there’s a brilliant common space and movie bookstore.

Address : 0 Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XT

42. Alfred Hitchcock Mosaics

Alfred Hitchcock was born at 517 High Road in Leytonstone in 1899.

To mark 100 years since his birth, and to commemorate the director’s link with the area, 17 mosaics were installed in the entrance corridors of Leytonstone tube station. 

They were designed by artists at the Greenwich Mural Workshop. Each mosaic is an homage to Hitchcock and his movies, depicting a scene from his life or a movie.

Address : Church Ln, Bushwood, London E11 1HE

43. Carlton House Terrace

Carlton House Terrace is a hidden gem in London that was built by the great Regency architect John Nash.

It’s a spectacular Grade I listed Georgian Townhouse located in the heart of Westminster. It’s known for its elegant terraces and viewing platform overlooking St. James Park.

It houses the The British Academy and the Institute of Contemporary Arts . it’s mostly used as a venue for events and wedding receptions.

Address : 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to hidden gems in London. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
• Free Museums in London
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms
• Guide to The Wallace Collection
• Guide To Free Museums in London
• Guide To Hampton Court Palace
• Guide To the National Gallery of Art

If you’d like to visit some hidden gems in London, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on April 4, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

49 Quirky And Unusual Things To Do In London – Unique London Activities

From afternoon tea with a twist, to solving mysterious crimes and playing captain for the day, this is the definitive guide to the unique, crazy and downright unusual things to do in London.

When it comes to putting together a list of amazing London activities, it’s hard to know where to start! I started brainstorming, and the list just got longer and longer. I kept thinking of random things I’d seen, places I’d visited and bizarre activities I’d tried my hand at.

There’s the time I navigated London’s canals on my own private boat, clambered over one of London’s most iconic buildings, channelled my inner Bond girl with a helicopter flight over London, oh and the day I cracked puzzles faster than Sherlock.

There are so many unique things to do in London – from checking out the incredible foodie gems at Borough Market, to flying through the air at trapeze school, to wandering the Burlington Arcade (England’s oldest and longest shopping arcade) and trying ice climbing, skiing and parkour. It also seems to be THE place for weird and wonderful immersive experiences like The Murder Express .

While you might come across a few of these activities dotted around the United Kingdom… or the rest of the world, I don’t think any other city offers this concentration of quirky activities.

London might be my home, but it’s also my playground. I travel for a living, but I spend more time each year in this city than anywhere else on the planet. So, let ME be your tour guide and share with you some of the amazing London activities on offer.

When Is The Best Time To Visit London?

England is a country obsessed with weather. Don’t know what to say? Comment on the weather! We talk about it a lot, but contrary to what you may have heard, we don’t have awful weather in England. It’s just a little unpredictable and varies from region to region.

You can expect average lows of around 5 °C in London in January / February, and highs around 25°C in July / August.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit London, I’d suggest planning a trip in May or June. The weather tends to be warm and sunny, rain is at a minimum and it’s out of peak season, so you shouldn’t be battling any big crowds either. The longest day is around 20th June every year, so it’s a time you can enjoy maximum daylight hours exploring!

I’ve never been a fan of November in England. It’s the wettest month of the year, and while December can be pretty cold, there’s a Christmas magic around the country which always puts a smile on my face!

Planning your trip to London? Here are a few quick highlights:

Fun, Quirky and Unusual Things To Do In London

Based in a certain area? Look for places near you on this handy map…  

See London’s Sights On An Afternoon Tea River Cruise

This has to be one of the best combinations of sightseeing and food around! Spend the afternoon on board a lovely river cruise in London while tucking into a quintessentially British afternoon tea. I’m talking mini triangular sandwiches with egg mayonnaise and cress, delicate strawberry tarts, micro Victoria sponges and even scones with clotted cream and jam!

This gorgeous experience begins right by the historic Tower of London and takes you past sights including the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge. There’s even an entertaining commentary that’ll give you a brief history as you cruise.

If you’re short on time in London but want to pack a lot in, this is a great experience to try. Although I’ll admit, I’m a Londoner and still absolutely loved it! It’s a great value treat. You can read my full review of this activity here .

Climb A London Icon

Climbing The O2 is definitely one of the most fun and unusual things to do in London! I’ve actually done this activity three times now as it’s one of my favourite quirky things to do in the city! There’s something so special about seeing the city from on top of the famous Millennium Dome.

The climb itself starts off a little challenging with a steep 28% incline, but after that it’s pretty easy. You’re clipped onto a safety system all the way. On my last climb there were people from teenagers right up to 80 year olds!

The entire experience, including the safety briefing, getting kitted out and the climb itself takes around an hour and a half. If you get a sunny day in London, the views are absolutely amazing too.

Slide Down A London Landmark

Looking for daredevil things to do in London? Over in Stratford’s Olympic Park is The ArcelorMittal Orbit – a 114m high sculpture and viewpoint. It’s a bizarre structure and definitely one of the more unusual London landmarks you’ll see in the city.

Once you’ve enjoyed the impressive views from the top, it’s time for an adrenaline-filled trip down! The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide. It twists and turns 12 times, takes around 40 seconds, and reaches speeds of around 15mph!

Solve Mysteries While You Drink Cocktails At The Grid

Escape rooms are all the rage right now, but The Grid is the perfect combo of cocktail making and escape room puzzles. Once you’ve registered at the ‘Neosight HQ’ you’ll be taken to the first room, where there are some complex puzzles to crack.

Thankfully, one of them involves mixing up a tasty cocktail (I think better after those!) Then it’s on to a second room filled with codes and puzzles, before celebrating with a bubbling concoction you create yourself. If you think this sounds fun, be sure to check out my guide to the Best Escape Rooms In London .

Hire A GoBoat And Explore London’s Canals

Be the captain of your own ship in London! Well sort of… Head to Paddington Basin and you can hire a GoBoat for an hour or two. The boats are self-drive and super easy to get the hang of. Then it’s time to explore Little Venice, Regents Park and even Camden as you venture along the Grand Union Canal.

I honestly think this is an amazing London activity! The boats seat up to eight people, and you can take you own food and drink on board, so it’s a great idea for a small gettogether or birthday activity in London.

Take A Refreshing Dip In London’s Ponds Or Lakes

When there’s a heatwave in London, everyone scrambles to Hampstead Ponds and The Serpentine in Hyde Park for a spot of al fresco swimming. It’s amazing to immerse yourself in nature, and one of those London bucket list activities. Plus it’s one of the cheapest things to do in London – win win!

Take To The Skies With A Helicopter Flight Over London

I did this a couple of years ago ( you can read my review here ) and loved it! It’s one of my favourite London activities on this list. After taking off from the heliport in Battersea, it’s time to take to the skies for a totally unique view of London.

You get so close to major landmarks like the Shard and Canary Wharf, you’ll feel like you can reach out and touch them! On the way back, spot the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus.

Have A Coffee In A Victorian Toilet

Definitely one of the most unusual places to visit in London – how do you fancy sipping your morning cappuccino in a former toilet, dating back to the 1890s? The Attendant is now a lovely café, serving great coffee, brunch and sweet treats, but if you want to eat in, you might find yourself sitting on one of the old porcelain urinals!

Enjoy One Of The Best Free Views Of London

I lived in Camden for several years and can honestly say, the view from the top of Primrose Hill is one of my favourite views of London. From up there you get an amazing panorama of the city skyline, with landmarks like Canary Wharf, The Gherkin The Shard and The London Eye all visible. Plus, you get the contrast of with the grassy hill and Regent’s Park ahead of you.

Top Tip: No plans for Bonfire night? Head up to the top of Primrose Hill and you’ll be treated to a free display as you watch the city skyline illuminated with beautiful fireworks.

Light Up Your World At God’s Own Junkyard

Walthamstow’s surprising and brightly-lit den is one of the coolest places to go for a coffee in London! Inside are hundreds of neon signs, so think of it as a light museum, but with a sense of humour (I love the Sex, Drugs and Bacon Rolls sign!!) It’s free to enter, open Fri-Sun, and while Walthamstow might feel like a bit of a trek, it’s worth it!

Challenge Yourself At The Official Sherlock Live Experience

You don’t need to be a fan of Sherlock to enjoy hi-tech escape game, Sherlock The Game Is Now. Along with seriously impressive sets, you can live out your dreams of life at 221B Baker Street, while enjoying a few video cameos from the stars of the show.

The interactive experience involves playing detective as you solve a case using mental challenges and puzzles. We escaped in 55 minutes, and ended the night with a celebratory cocktail in the Mind Palace Bar. If you think this sounds fun, be sure to check out my guide to the Best Escape Rooms In London .

Enjoy Brunch On A Colourful Canal Boat

Around the back of Paddington Station are Darcie & May Green – two colourfully decorated canal boats designed by British pop artist, Sir Peter Blake. Specialising in Aussie brunches (totally amazing!!) it’s a great spot for catching up with friends, sipping on cocktails or enjoying a strong coffee after a stroll along the canal.  I’d recommend their bottomless brunch too – available at weekends it’s a great option if you fancy a boozy weekend!

Drink While You Play  

Oh quirky quirky London. London’s competitive sports / drinking scene is growing fast! First came Bounce – a ping pong themed bar. But these days there are so many other fun London activities to add into the mix. There’s Flight Club – a fun group of bars where you play interactive games involving darts.

There’s The London Shuffle Club for fans of shuffleboard. There’s Puttshack, Shepherd’s Bush ‘s high-tech crazy golf experience. Basically, lots of fun activities for adults (who are still big kids at heart!) I heard one of the next experiences set to be reinvented for a younger crowd is bingo. Watch this space!

Go White Water Rafting In London

Another quirky London activity for you, yes, you can actually go white water rafting! Well technically this is Hertfordshire, but it’s close enough. Lee Valley White Water Centre is home to the London 2012 Olympic course, plus there’s a lake where you can take things a little easier.

If you’re looking for a great activity for a stag do in London, this would be one of my top picks – it has it all: adventure, adrenaline, teamwork and fun. Along with rafting, you can also take on the rapids kayaking, hydrospeeding (where you hold onto a small board), tubing or enjoy stand up paddleboarding, canoeing and open water swimming in the lake area.

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work At The Crystal Maze Live Experience

I grew up watching this TV show in the 90s, and can’t believe there’s now a live experience in London. I haven’t been yet but several friends have recommended it. Once inside your funky boiler suit uniform, you’ll play games to test your skill and agility and win those all-important crystals, before heading to the dome to collect money against the clock!

Try Some Of London’s Most Incredible Insta-Worthy Desserts

London’s best desserts right now include insane chocolate bar encrusted freakshakes, ice cream served with its very own cloud of candy floss, bubble waffles stuffed with cream, and colourful ice cream macaroons. I challenge you to eat your way through my guide to the best London desserts , and report back on your favourites! Oh and if you’re heading stateside anytime soon, you could compare the offerings in London with New York’s Desserts .

Kayak Or Paddleboard On The Thames

See London from a unique perspective as you get out on the water in a kayak or on a paddleboard. There are quite a few companies offering tours and trips, so take a look at the routes. I’ve always liked the look of Secret Adventures ‘ kayak tours, which go from Battersea to Greenwich. For SUP, check out Active 360 who have options in Richmond and Kew. 

Go On A Harry Potter Walking Tour

Looking for a magical way to spend a day in London? Walk in the footsteps of your favourite wizards, find out which house you belong in, then wander London’s Diagon Alley (Leadenhall Market), see the outside of The Leaky Cauldron, and snap a pic on Platform 9 ¾. There are plenty more exciting stops along the way too, and a special quiz to test your Harry Potter knowledge!

Try A Futuristic Gaming Experience

If you’ve grown up loving gaming or arcades, it’s time to whizz you into the 21st Century. Electric Gamebox uses projection mapping, touch screens, motion tracking, and surround sound to create a truly immersive gaming experience. Once you arrive you’ll be given a visor with a tracker on the top. When you step inside the game room, your location in the room will relate to your position on the screen.

We played the alien aptitude test which had four different games in it. My favourite was a Pacman-style game which involved moving around the space to collect points in a short amount of time. This is a great test of co-ordination and agility… it’s also really good fun!

Explore London’s Ghost Stations

These spooky, abandoned stations are definitely among the most unusual places to visit in London. Hidden beneath London are several tube stations which are no longer in use. Along with seeing the abandoned platforms and tunnels at stations like Aldwych, you’ll hear stories of their use during the Blitz and more recently as film locations for the Bond films and Sherlock.

The ghost station tours are just a few of the interesting tours run by the London Transport as part of Hidden London . When I last looked, I saw they also had some thought-provoking architecture and history tours.

Stay In London Zoo

Ever wondered what it would be like to have a sleepover at the Zoo? Nope, don’t worry – you’re not being put in an enclosure! The ZSL London Zoo Lodges are luxury lodges hidden away in the heart of Land of the Lions. If you book to stay you’ll enjoy after-hours tours, a two-course dinner and entry to the zoo. If you’ve always dreamed of waking up to the sounds of elephants, parrots and lions, then this unique London experience is for you!

Help Tackle Food Waste Problems (And Bag A Cheap Deal)

If you’re visiting London on a budget, download the app Too Good To Go . It’s helping tackle the food wastage problems among London’s restaurants, cafes and hotels. Each day the app lists local establishments offering discounted food, just before they close. I used it recently and bagged £12 of delicious sushi for just £3.50!

Sing Your Way Around London On A West End Musicals Tour

Luvvies listen up! This weekend tour takes you past London’s top theatres, but rather than just listening to a tour guide, on this trip you wear silent disco style headphones. You’ll listen to show tunes as you pass the theatres, and literally sing and dance your way around the West End! The tour guide will give you some fascinating facts and anecdotes along the way too. 

Visit The House Of Dreams

Artist Stephen Wright has spent years transforming his home and garden into a magical space packed full of unique and colourful creations. There are intriguing mosaics made from old crockery, a garden archway featuring dolls’ heads and plenty of fascinating items indoors too. It’s located in East Dulwich (South London), and only open once a month, so check Stephen’s website and book a slot if you’re interested in seeing the space for yourself.  

Imagine You’re On The Great British Bake Off

The Big London Bake in Tooting is the closest you’ll come to feeling like you’re cooking for Paul Hollywood! With a bake off style tent, a challenging creative yet technical challenge, it’s a seriously fun afternoon activity in London. The tent can hold ten teams of two, but only one team can win… so it’s perfect for a birthday or team building day! 

When I visited we made dome cloud cakes – something I’d never seen before, let alone baked! We made flavoured sponge cakes, fruity jams, an aerated Italian meringue dome and then decorated in our own unique style, all in just one hour and twenty minutes. We rushed to finish, and really felt the pressure at the end, still attaching fondant decorations in the last seconds. We went for a tropical flavour and look and thankfully received some great comments from the judge! 

Start Your Day With A Rave

If you’re the sort of person who likes to jump out of bed at the weekend, then this is for you! Morning Gloryville started in 2013 and has been a huge success. The raves run from 6.30am to 10.30am and feature DJs, great tunes, visuals and food and drink – basically everything you need to start your day. Brightly coloured rave costumes are encouraged!

Tour London’s Street Art Scene Then Create Your Own Masterpiece

Shoreditch is covered in gritty, urban street art, and the best way to get to grips with it is on a tour. While there are plenty of street art tours of London, this one takes things to the next level.

Yep, after checking out street art and graffiti by the likes of Banksy, ROA, Shepherd Fairy, Jimmy C and Invader, you head to a workshop to try your hand at creating your own masterpiece. How’s that for a unique thing to do in London?

Go Ice Climbing In London

Fancy trying an extreme activity? At Vertical Chill you can give ice climbing a go – an exhilarating and challenging activity, which I tried on a frozen waterfall in Canada ! Once you’ve been kitted out with all the necessary equipment, including ice picks, crampons and a harness, it’s time to start your frosty vertical climb. 

Singalong To Your Favourite Musical Films

Moments from Leicester Square, The Prince Charles Cinema is famous for hosting singalong movie experiences. From the Sound of Music and Grease, to Mamma Mia, Moulin rouge and The Greatest Showman, it’s great fun belting out the hits while you enjoy your favourite film on the big screen. Check out the quote-alongs too. When I last checked they were advertising a Mean Girls quote-along!

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth On A London Chocolate Tour

Mmmm, how does a day of tasting London’s best chocolate sound? DELICIOUS! On this three-hour tour you’ll learn all about the history of chocolate, how it’s made and obviously, TRY LOTS! The tour is based in the Mayfair area, and stops by some great artisan chocolatiers, where you’ll try everything from ganache to Marmite truffles (you’ll either love them or you’ll hate them!)

Go For Drinks In A Ball Pit

Going for cocktails at Ballie Ballerson   is one of the most unusual things to do in London. It’s an adult ball pit bar – yep, you read that correctly! With a long list of cocktails, a dance floor, VIP section and several ball pits, you’ll be snapping pics quicker than you can upload to Instagram!

Parkour Your Way Across London

We’ve all heard of parkour, and no doubt seen pulse-raising videos of daredevils running off high ledges before jumping between two skyscrapers and landing with a smooth forward roll. It looks like a crazy activity, but now you can learn the skills for parkour in London. The classes at Parkour Generations include strength, acrobatics, flexibility, and of course some outdoor practice too.

Catch Some Zzzzzs In A Capsule

Welcome to the UK’s first capsule hostel at St Christopher’s Inn Village. Straight from Tokyo to my home city, and while these rooms might not be to everyone’s taste, it’s certainly a unique London experience!

The Japanese-style capsules are hi-tech, with USB ports, ventilation and mood lighting. Prices start around £25 per night, which is a bargain considering how central this is.

Fly Through The Air At Trapeze School

Ever fancied yourself as a circus performer? Or just want to try something new? At Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School in Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens you’ll learn the basic skills before progressing to the high trapeze for a unique flying lesson. Try a one-off class or book a series and perfect your technique.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea With A Twist

Going for afternoon tea in London is one of the most quintessential British experiences, but rather than munching your way through some dry cucumber sandwiches and boring scones, try one of these quirky afternoon teas:

• Chemistry meets gastronomy at the Ampersand Hotel’s science afternoon tea
• Tour the London sights on an afternoon tea bus 
• Enjoy a little magic with Aqua Shard’s Mary Poppins afternoon tea
• Channel your inner health goddess with Farmacy’s plant based high tea
• Feast on a carrot cake Shard, white chocolate Gherkin and a lemon curd Big Ben at the Town House Kensington’s London landmarks afternoon tea
• Indulge your sweet tooth with the Chesterfield Mayfair’s sweet shop afternoon tea
• Treat your pup with The Egerton House Hotel’s doggy afternoon tea (complete with pawsecco!)

Neon Naked Life Drawing

If you’re looking for one of the most unique activities in London (and a great London date night idea )… errr, I think this might be it! At Neon Naked Life Drawing classes, the models are decorated with neon paint, and clutching a few neon props.

The UV lights illuminate them, then the artists create their masterpieces using brightly-coloured neon pastels and paints. If the street art workshop wasn’t appealing to your artistic side, perhaps this will.

Take An Alternative Bike Tour Around London’s Secret Spots

One of London’s top-rated bike tours, this tour brings some of London’s weird and wonderful tales to life. Cycling around the City and East End, you’ll explore hidden gems, see surprising landmarks and learn some gritty secrets about London. Highlights include learning the gory tales of Jack The Ripper, passing some real life Harry Potter spots, and cycling over Tower Bridge.

Dine In A London Prison

Did you know you can go for breakfast, lunch or dinner at HMP Brixton? What a quirky London activity this is! Inside the prison is The Clink Restaurant , where meals are cooked and served by inmates working towards gaining cooking qualifications.

The restaurant itself is located in the historic Old Governor’s House and the food gets great reviews. It’s amazing that there’s an opportunity to help those working towards a new life, and the latest stats have revealed that people following this course were less likely to reoffend. In order to visit, you’ll need to book 72 hours in advance, and go through security checks on arrival.

Stay In A Prison Cell

After dining at The Clink in Brixton, how about staying overnight at Clink78 Hostel in King’s Cross? Ok so it might sound like a creepy thing to do in London, but bear with me.

The building used to be a courthouse, and the building retains a few elements from its former use. You can sleep in n old prison cell or take a seat on one of the old courtroom pews in the TV area. It’s the perfect way to finish a prison-themed day in London, if that’s what you’re in to!

Visit An Old Curiosity Shop 

It’s hard to explain what The Last Tuesday Society in Hackney is. It’s kind of a shop mixed with a gallery and museum, and houses all sorts of weird and wonderful items. It was set up by eccentric Viktor Wynd, who created the old-fashioned ‘curiosity shop’ as a bit of a joke in 2009.

The East London haunt is still going strong, and receives plenty of visitors each week, who want to look at everything from taxidermy and erotic toys to totally pointless inventions. There’s also a bar, plus you can take the madness to new levels with one of the tours run by character actors.

Belt Out Bohemian Rhapsody On A Queen Walking Tour Of London

Queen fans listen up – this Queen tour takes you on a walk down Freddie Mercury’s memory lane. After checking out some of the band’s concert venues, you’ll head to the studio, where ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ was recorded. Plus, you’ll see Freddie’s former house and the iconic pub where Freddie met Brian and Roger. The stories are fascinating and there are plenty of details which only the biggest Queen fans will know.

Feast On London’s Best Indian Food

Brick Lane is famous for its curry houses, but even though I’ve eaten there lots of times, I never know which is the best place to visit. I’ve heard this Indian food tour is amazing .

Over three hours you’ll visit several different restaurants, sampling everything from tasty pakoras and sizzling chicken tikka, to fluffy naans and sweet gulaab jamuns. It’s a great intro to Indian food in London, and a chance to taste the best of the best.

Flyboard In Docklands

Flyboarding has to be one of the most unusual things to do in London right now! It’s something I’ve seen in countless beach destinations from Miami to Thailand, but never in my home city. During the 30-minute session , you’ll learn how to taxi, levitate and turn the flyboard. After that, it’s up to you to practice your tricks (and try not to sample that Thames water!)

Learn The Gory Tales Of Jack The Ripper

A tour all about a serial killer might sound like a pretty unusual thing to do in London, but I went on a Jack The Ripper tour when a friend was visiting from Oz, and can genuinely say it’s one of the best London tours I’ve been on! Turn back the clock to Victorian times and take a spooky walk around East London, listening to stories of Jack The Ripper’s many murders. See the spots where alleged attacks happened, and learn all about the conspiracies surrounding his identity. You might end the tour with more questions than answers, but that’s the beauty of an intriguing tour like this.

Stay On London’s Most Stylish Floating Hotel

This chic floating hotel (or boatel) is moored at Royal Victoria Dock. Forget tiny cabins, on Sunborn Yacht Hotel you’ll enjoy large rooms with river views.

For the ultimate in relaxation, you can take a trip to the onboard spa or relax with a gourmet dinner in the restaurant. This has to be one of the most unique places to stay in London.

Go Skiing In London

So I’ve already covered white water rafting, paddle boarding, ice climbing and kayaking in London, but did you know you can also ski in London? Chel-Ski claims to be London’s largest indoor ski centre (or only!)

There’s a small slope which acts like a big treadmill so you can practice your skills, whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder. After your time on the slopes, it’s time for the après-ski, with St Moritz Alpine Bar serving up fondues, raclettes and other cheesy goodness, to make you feel like you’re truly in the mountains.

Drink In An Abandoned London Underground Station… Kinda! 

Popular cocktail bar Cahoots has a 1940s theme, and as your venture down to its location beneath Kingly Court, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve gone back in time. With retro music, creative décor (which includes part of an old tube carriage and station), and a menu of nostalgic cocktails, this is one of the most unusual bars in London.

Hit The Beach At Ruislip Lido

This is my most recent discovery. A few weekends ago I went to Ruislip Lido for the first time and was AMAZED at the fact there’s a sandy beach right here in London! Ok so it’s a little way out of the centre, but on a sunny day it’s the place to be. Kids will love playing on the sand, getting wet in the splash play area and taking a ride on the old railway that weaves its way around the lido to the car park. There’s a cafe too, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy a picnic in the sunshine.

I hope my guide to the most unusual things to do in London has given you inspiration for a weird and wonderful day in the capital! I’ll be continuing to add to the list, so let me know if you have any suggestions. 

Looking for other great things to do in London? Don’t miss my guide to the best Escape Games In London , find out my favourite Unique Restaurants In London , my guide to  11 Quirky Hotels In London , and my top 5 fun London date night ideas ! 

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

2 thoughts on “49 Quirky And Unusual Things To Do In London – Unique London Activities”

The Crystal Maze brings back memories. A commando roll that I did in one of the rooms featured on the ads for the television show on Channel 4 (series five, I think).

Your Quirky things to do in London is incredible. Years of fun and entertainment if you tried everything.

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30 unique and unusual things to do in London [2023]

Disclosure: I may earn a small commission from the companies or products mentioned in this post.

There’s no shortage of cool things to do in London, from the major tourist attractions to pretty and lesser-known hidden gems .

But for those looking for something a little different and offbeat to impress your friends with, here are 30 of the quirkiest, most unique, and unusual things to do in London… 

Unusual things to do in London

Visit london’s most famous cemetery.

While walking around a cemetery isn’t on most people’s London itinerary, you’d be surprised how interesting it can really be.

Highgate Cemetery in North London is probably the capital’s most famous graveyard due to its many famous residents .

Famous graves include the German philosopher, political theorist and socialist revolutionary Karl Marx,  painter  Henry Moore ,   novelist  George Eliot,  actress  Jean Simmons  and, most recently, singer  George Michael .

It is also home to some of the finest funerary architecture in the country.

The cemetery is open for anyone to visit. There’s a £4 admission fee for the East Cemetery where Karl Marx is buried, while the impressive tombs, chapels, catacombs, and mausoleum of the West Cemetery are available to visit by guided tour only (£12 including entrance to the East) .

Explore London Underground’s ghost stations

Take a unique Hidden London tour of the London Underground with the London Transport Museum.

The exclusive tour takes you into ‘forgotten’ parts of the London Tube network such as disused ‘ghost stations’ and tunnels , as well as a behind-the-scenes look at some of London’s busiest stations.

Certainly one of the most unique London experiences.

Drink tea in the capital’s oldest tea shop

What’s one of the most quintessentially British pastimes you can think of?

If your answer wasn’t enjoying a nice cup of tea then you clearly haven’t spent enough time in the UK (or watched enough movies).

And what could be better than stocking up on brews at the capital’s oldest tea shop ?

Twinings Café on the Strand opened in 1706, with Twining being one of the first merchants to bring tea to the UK and providing the royals with their morning cuppa since 1837.

The 300-year-old teashop now houses a huge range of teas and coffees from around the world, as well as plenty of teaware, accessories, a sampling counter, and a unique display of antique teapots.

Also check out this cool London tea and cake tour.

Play Unusual Arcade Games at Novelty Automation

Hidden down an unsuspecting side street in Holborn, Novelty Automation is an unusual little collection of homemade satirical arcade machines .

The museum takes traditional seaside arcade games and slot machines and turns them completely on their head, with lots of bizarre twists you definitely wouldn’t expect.

The arcade includes machines such as the “3-minute micro-break,” where you sit in an armchair and go on holiday, an “interactive divorce,” which has you racing to separate your partner, and “test your nerve,” in which you place your hand in a dog’s cage and hold it there for as long as you dare.

You can also remove your shoe and have your foot treated by “The Chiropodist,” take some fun photos in the “Expressive Photobooth,” or get some love advice from “Barry’s Love Line.”

Most of the unusual machines are constructed by cartoonist and engineer Tim Hunkin as a mix of engineering, humour, and political satire.

The museum is free to enter, but you’ll need to buy tokens to play on the machines. Tokens cost £5 for 5, £9 for 10, and £27 for 34 tokens (needed to try every machine).

Walk under the Thames in the Greenwich Foot Tunnel

The Greenwich Foot Tunnel runs underneath the River Thames , connecting Greenwich with Island Gardens on the Isle of Dogs, and is one of only two foot tunnels under the river in central London (the other is the Woolwich foot tunnel).

The unique structure was built in 1902 to replace the ferry service which used to bring those living on the south of the river to work in the docks and shipyards.

It can be entered for free via the domed entrance next to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, with both a staircase and a lift big enough for cyclists.

But keep your wits about you when walking through the tunnel at night as it’s said to be haunted by the ghosts of a Victorian man and woman who can be spotted late at night and their footsteps can be heard echoing through the tunnel.

Not one for the faint-hearted!

Learn something new at Speakers Corner

Speakers Corner in the northeast corner of London’s Hyde Park is an area where open-air public speaking, debate, and discussion are both allowed and encouraged. 

While Hyde Park isn’t the only speaker’s corner in the world or even London itself, it is the original and certainly the most famous.

Often referred to as the ‘ home of free speech’ , anyone can turn up unannounced to speak on any subject.

The speakers discuss everything from more serious topics such as politics (the Socialist Party of Great Britain are regular speakers) , religion and world conflicts, to more relaxed topics such as making healthy lifestyle choices and plenty more.

While you might not feel comfortable speaking yourself (I’ve never done it!), listening to the enthusiastic speakers discuss their topics so passionately is definitely one of the most unique things to do in London for free.

Slide down the world’s longest tunnel slide at London’s Olympic Park

In the centre of East London’s Olympic Park, you’ll find the ArcelorMittal Orbit , the UK’s tallest sculpture which was originally built for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Now the unusual structure is an adrenalin-junkies playground with both the UK’s highest free-fall abseil and the world’s longest tunnel slide.

Take in the amazing views of London from the 262 feet above the city then plunge or slide your way down to ground level once again.

Book the abseil here and/or the worlds longest and tallest tunnel slide here .

Climb the roof of the O2 Arena

Located on the Greenwich Peninsula in southeast London, the O2 is a huge entertainment complex with a 20,000-seat arena plus a number of restaurants, bars, and shops.

All of which sit underneath the unusual dome-like structure formerly known as the Millennium Dome, which was built to celebrate the year 2000.

But what’s even cooler than visiting the complex itself is climbing over the top of it with ‘ Up at the O2 ‘!

Slide into a harness, strap on your helmet, and climb over the domed roof of one of the capital’s most iconic buildings, taking in the amazing 360-degree views over the city skyline.

Book your ticket to climb the O2 here.

Unusual things to do in London at night

London’s most unusual nighttime activities…

Have a sleepover at London Zoo

In what has to be one of London’s most unique experiences by night, London Zoo Lodges allow you to stay inside the zoo’s Land of the Lions exhibit, within ‘ roaring distance ‘ of the lions themselves.

Each of the lodges is decorated around the theme of the lions’ native Gujarati home in India, with an en-suite bathroom and private veranda to enjoy an evening drink alongside your furry neighbours.

As well as entry to the zoo on both days of your stay, guests at the lodges also get three exclusive after-hours tours, plus a two-course dinner and breakfast at the zoo’s Mappins Pavilion.

Go to a silent disco in the Shard

Talk about a party with a view!

‘ The View from The Shard ’ is the viewing platform inside London’s tallest building and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions by day.

But what many people don’t realise is that it’s also home to one of the most fun and unusual  evening activities in London.

Every Saturday night, London’s highest viewing gallery (a whopping 72 floors up) hosts a silent disco , where guests can dance along to their favourite music while enjoying some of the most amazing panoramic views across London by night.

Unusual things to see in London

Weird and wonderful things to see and the most unique London attractions…

The Sphynxes at Cleopatra’s Needle

Cleopatra’s Needle is an Egyptian obelisk that sits on the bank of the River Thames in Westminster, close to Embankment station.

The obelisk is a genuine Ancient Egyptian artefact , which was originally erected in the ancient city of Heliopolis in 1450 BC, then moved to Alexandria, before being gifted to the UK during the 1800s.

It’s one of three which have been re-erected in London, Paris, and New York City.

But what really makes Cleopatra’s Needle one of the more unusual attractions in London is that the two faux-Egyptian sphinxes, which are supposed to be acting as guards for the needle, were accidentally installed backward .

Yes, the sphinxes are facing the structure rather than facing away from it.

A mistake that has never been rectified!

The Lions in Trafalgar Square

While the four lions which surround Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square aren’t exactly an off-the-radar attraction in London, they do have a fun little secret that not many people ever seem to notice.

The closer you look at the lions, the more you’ll realise that a few things don’t look quite right , and there’s a pretty interesting story as to why.

The lions were created in the mid-1800s by Sir Edwin Landseer, a British artist and sculptor who had never actually seen a lion in real life.

In order to make the sculptures, Landseer requested a dead lion from London Zoo, but unfortunately, it started to rot away before he’d finished his work. So he modeled the paws and other small finishing touches on the features of his cat instead.

London’s Smallest Police Station

Another unusual London attraction within Trafalgar Square is the city’s smallest police station .

Dating back to the 1920s, the tiny building is made from a hollowed-out lamppost and is just about big enough to fit two people inside.

Rather than a fully functioning police station, the structure was actually used as an observation post which allowed an officer to have a view across the whole square.

While the tiny building is no longer a working station, you can still visit the unique structure on the southeast edge of Trafalgar Square.

The Seven Noses of Soho

The Seven Noses of Soho is an unusual art installation in central London.

The noses are plaster reproductions of artist Rick Buckley’s nose and were installed as a prank provoked by the controversial introduction of CCTV cameras throughout London during the 1990s (the noses were installed under the noses of the cameras).

The prank wasn’t publicised at first so many rumours began to spread about the origin and meaning of the strange little statues.

While 35 noses were originally installed, only 10 still remain today, and searching for them all certainly makes for one of the most unique days out in London.

Cheatsheet: The noses are located at Admiralty Arch, Great Windmill Street, Meard Street, Bateman Street, Dean Street, Endell Street, and D’arbly Street.

The Fake Houses of 23 & 24 Leinster Gardens

These two unsuspecting townhouses in Baywater’s Leinster Gardens are passed by thousands of people every year who don’t even think about taking a second look.

But if you do take the time to stop and examine the buildings, you’ll notice something’s a little off.

In the mid-1800s, two houses were demolished on the original location to create a necessary air vent for the Metropolitan Line , which was being constructed at the time.

However, the local residents became angry about the way the large gap looked. So a fake facade matching the surrounding houses was built to cover it up.

Unusual Museums in London

The viktor wynd museum of curiosities, hackney.

A part of The Last Tuesday Society, The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History is a quirky little museum and bar in Hackney which houses a collection of extremely unusual items.

From Fiji mermaids and Amazonian shrunken heads to erotica and even supposed condoms used by the Rolling Stones themselves, there’s a huge variety of quirky artefacts to discover.

Be warned though, some of the collection items aren’t for the squeamish or faint-hearted. This unique museum is certainly amongst the more macabre things to do in London.

The Vagina Museum, East London

The Vagina Museum is the world’s first physical museum about gynecological anatomy.

From vagina-themed artworks and exhibitions about the science of the vagina to educating people about the cultural issues surrounding them (such as FGM), the Vagina Museum is certainly one of the most unique museums in London.

The Museum first popped up in Camden Market but recently announced it is moving to a “new permanent location in East London” in 2023 (exact location announced soon!) .

Pollocks Toy Museum, Fitzrovia

Pollock’s Toy Museum is a small museum and toy shop inside two Fitzrovia townhouses.

The museum has an extensive collection of Victorian toys, including toy theatres, dollhouses and teddy bears.

It also houses a collection of toys from around the world such as the world’s oldest teddy bear and an ancient Egyptian toy mouse made of clay.

Some of the Victorian dolls are a touch on the creepy side, hence its inclusion as one of the weirdest museums in London.

The Old Operating Theatre Museum, Southwark

The Old Operating Theatre is a museum of surgical history and Europe’s oldest surviving operating theatre.

The interesting museum is located in the garret (attic space) of St Thomas’s Church, on the original site of St Thomas’ Hospital, one of London’s oldest hospitals.

Step inside the perfectly maintained operating theatre and learn about the history of medicine and surgery in London.

Dennis Severs’ House, Spitalfields

Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields in East London is a self-labelled “still-life drama” and certainly one of London’s most unique museums.

Created by previous owner Dennis Sever, the inside of the house is a creative historical re-imagination of the life of a family of Huguenot silk weavers in the 18th-20th centuries.

An immersive and interesting step back in time to experience life in historic London.

The British Dental Association Museum, Marylebone

The BDA Dental Museum was started in 1919 when a woman named Lilian Lindsay became the first female to qualify as a dentist in the UK and donated several old dental instruments to the association.

The collection gradually grew to over 30,000 items spanning dental equipment to photo archives and more, and finally opened to the public in 1967 (previously it was only for BDA members).

While learning about the history of dentistry may not appeal to most, there are a couple of fun interactive exhibits at this quirky London museum, such as being able to test your skills at pulling teeth or using a dental drill to drill into a tooth. Certainly one of the weirdest things to do in London.

Unusual restaurants in London

From dinner in a disused tube carriage to coffee in a Victorian public toilet, check out the most unique and unusual places to eat in London. Plus, you might also like my other posts on the coolest interactive dining experiences in London and the prettiest pink cafes in London.

Unusual places to enjoy a drink in London

Sip champagne in a floating hot tub in canary wharf.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emily | Travel Blogger (@londoncitycalling)

Another one of the most unusual activities London has to offer, Skuna boats rent out hot tub boats (yes you did hear that right) which you can sail around the waterways of Canary Wharf.

The toasty 38° freshwater tubs can fit up to 7 people and are a fun experience no matter what the weather.

Plus, for those over 18, the boats have ice boxes on the side where you can store wine, prosecco, beers and cocktails to enjoy during this unusual London experience.

Go canoeing with a cocktail in Hackney

And if drinking in boats is your thing, head to the Milk Float at Hackney Wick where you can hire a kayak or canoe, pass by their sail-up window to grab a cocktail to-go and paddle away on an adventure around North London’s canals.

The float-up bar also does soft drinks if alcohol isn’t your thing. A fun London experience either way!

Find out more about kayaking and canoeing in London here.

Win your wine at Lady Chastity’s Reserve escape room

Lady Chastity’s Reserve is one of London’s most unusual escape rooms, being one of the capital’s only strictly 18+ escape rooms combining comedy and immersive theatre.

Located within secret rooms of several pubs across London, guests have to solve a series of clues and negotiate their way through Lady Chastity’s sordid secrets and naughty tales in order to find a bottle of her fabled aphrodisiac wine to enjoy in the pub after.

Try BYOB life drawing in Dalston

A night at Brushstrokes and Nudes in Dalston is one of the most unique things to do in London at night, as long as you’re not shy around a little nudity.

Describing itself as ‘a sexy, social night of art, drinks, music and the glorious nude form’, Brushstrokes and Nudes is a BYOB event every Friday night in Dalston where you can unleash your inner artist by drawing or painting nude models who come around and interact with the audience.

It’s the perfect few-too-many-glasses-of-wine girls’ night out in London.

Drink retro cocktails in a ball pit in Shoreditch

The pop-up basement ball pit bar which became such a big hit that it’s now one of Shoreditch’s most popular drinking establishments , BallieBallerson is definitely one of the most unique bars in London.

With giant ball pits filled with over a million balls , the unusual bar serves retro cocktails and plays throwback 80s and 90s hits while allowing guests to frolic around in ultimate childhood nostalgia.

BallieBallerson now also does a fun bottomless brunch , with 2 hours of unlimited pizza, prosecco, cocktails and crazy ball pit fun.

Unusual London tours

Interactive jack the ripper tour.

This cool Jack the Ripper London Tour stands out from the rest due to its unique interactive nature.

As well as visiting the real-life Whitechapel crime scenes of notorious Victorian London serial killer Jack the Ripper, you’ll also get to investigate the historic crimes yourself with the help of your own suspect cards and an expert guide.

London Street Art Tour and Workshop

This unusual London tour is perfect for those who fancy themselves the next Banksy.

The London Street Art Tour and Workshop will take you on a journey around the colourful East End, showcasing the best street art London has to offer.

You’ll then return to a studio to try your hand at creating your own spray-paint masterpiece.

Soho Beer Bike Tour

The original Beer Bike Tour is one of the most unique ways to explore the streets of central London, taking in the areas of Picadilly and Soho while pedalling along with a beer in hand.

A dedicated onboard guide / bartender will also be there to show you the way.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock’n’Roll London Tour

London’s Sex, Drugs and Rock’n’Roll Tour takes you on a journey across the capital to explore Hippie, Mod, Hippy, and Punk culture.

From the backstreets of eclectic Soho to the alternative music scene of Camden Town , plus plenty of famous Beatles sites including the iconic Abbey Road crossing.

Historical London Pub Walking Tour

Say cheers to London and explore some of the city’s most historic pubs, taverns and alehouses with a Historical Pub Walking Tour .

Follow in the footsteps of Dickens and others while drinking some of the city’s finest brews as you walk from historic Southwark to the bright lights of the West End.

Enjoyed this post on the most unique things to do in London? Pin it for later:

Emily is a born and raised London girl, starting life in the north of the capital then moving down to Fulham in the southwest. She has a master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology from University College London and now works full-time running this blog and as a freelance travel writer, splitting her life between London and travelling the world as a digital nomad.

Find me on: Instagram

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26 Hidden Gems in London Off The Tourist Trail

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: January 22, 2024

London is a treasure trove of hidden gems and quirky places waiting to be discovered, and as a Londoner, I have explored them all.

Tucked away beneath the bustling streets and behind inconspicuous doors, London’s hidden gems offer an alternative perspective on the vibrant capital city.

From secret underground tunnels that once served as wartime shelters to crypt galleries and obscure museums brimming with history, this guide will take you on an enchanting journey through the lesser-known corners of London’s rich tapestry.

Whether you’re a seasoned local or a curious traveller, prepare to be captivated by the allure of London’s extraordinary hidden destinations that reveal a side of the city often overlooked.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Table of Contents

Map of Out of The Ordinary Places to Visit in London

Hidden Gems in London You Must See

The old operating theatre museum #1.

Address: 9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY

Step inside The Old Operating Theatre Museum, an unassuming building a short walk from The Shard, and discover one of London’s most unusual places.

This 18th-century medical theatre holds a wealth of weird and unique medical paraphernalia. Surgical implements from amputation saws to organ removal clamps look out from the wooden display cabinets, next to strange-looking specimen jars crammed with intestines and other body parts.

Dark bottles containing labelled herbal remedies to cure ailments such as madness, venereal diseases and childbirth symptoms.

Once used by apothecaries, these tinctures are now a reminder of when anaesthesia had not been invented and natural and man-made ingredients were used to stop the pain.

Further up in the attic is the original wooden operating table. Patients from London’s largest hospital, St Thomas’s, would be brought here through a connecting bridge.

Doctors and spectators were welcomed in to see operations being carried out. All without the use of an anaesthetic!

As limbs were removed and internal procedures were undertaken, it is said that the screams could be heard for miles around. Remember, no anaesthesia was administered during these operations.

If a patient survived, and many didn’t, they would be transported through the attic eaves back to a hospital ward; who knows what happened to the bodies of those who weren’t so lucky!

Crossbones Graveyard #2

Address: Redcross Way, SE1 1TA

A short stroll from London Bridge, Borough Market and the Queen’s Walk is Crossbones Graveyard.

This curious medieval graveyard is only recognisable from the decaying flowers and faded ribbons tied to its railings. You won’t find a glossy entrance sign or gift shop here.

This was once the final resting place of Londoners from the nearby slum known as The Mint, the worst in London. Of the 15,000 paupers buried in this unconsecrated ground over the centuries, many were prostitutes, but over half were children.

Volunteers now maintain Crossbones as a memorial to the paupers buried here. The graveyard is small and quite underwhelming, so only visit if you are in the vicinity already; otherwise, you will be disappointed.

Nevertheless, there is much history to learn about this neighbourhood in the 1700s, so I have included Crossbones in this roundup of London’s hidden gems.

Opening times: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 12-2 p.m.

The Hardy Tree #3

Address: St Pancras Old Church, Pancras Road, London, NW1 1UL

It may be surprising to hear that the classic novelist Thomas Hardy, author of the literary greats Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the D’Urbevilles, was once a gravedigger.

In Victorian times, St. Pancras station needed to extend its train lines. Sadly, a graveyard sat where the new tracks had to go. The task of exhuming and reburying bones fell to a young employee. None other than Thomas Hardy.

Hardy moved the bodies to a local graveyard and then had to find a home for the headstones. He chose St. Pancras Old Church , considered one of England’s oldest places of Christian worship, and packed the headstones around the base of a tree.

The headstones have now fallen against one another, and the earth has reclaimed several of them, making them a unique sight in the capital.

In 2022, the Hardy tree blew over in strong winds and is now cordoned off; however, a nearby ring of headstones remains unfenced and can still be viewed close up.

The Mausoleum of Sir John Soane #4

In the same churchyard as the Hardy Tree is the ornate tomb of Sir John Soane, founder of Sir John Soane’s Museum and one of the greatest English neoclassical architects.

He designed many of England’s grand mansions and estates, including the Bank of England Building in London.

Supposedly, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott got the idea for the iconic red phone box after seeing the shape of Soane’s tomb.

Architectural excellence ran through the family as his father was George Gilbert Scott, the architect of the nearby St. Pancras International Hotel.

St Dunstan’s in the East #5

Address: St Dunstan’s Hill, Billingsgate, London EC3R 5DD

You might not expect to find a place of solitude and sanctuary in central London, but there is one.

St. Dunstan’s in the East is a church with gothic ruins encompassing one of London’s secret gardens.

It is a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and a mere stone’s throw away from Fenchurch Street Station and the Tower of London, one of London’s most recognisable royal buildings .

The Watts Memorial in Postman’s Park #6

Address: Postman’s Park, King Edward Street, London EC1A 7BT

Near St Paul’s Cathedral is a lesser-known hidden London landmark, Postman’s Park. At first glance, it looks like a small green space for workers to rest over lunch. On closer inspection, it becomes apparent it is so much more.

Postman’s Park is a unique London spot that houses a memorial to unsung Londoners who lost their lives saving others. Beautiful ceramic plaques highlight the names and heroic gestures of those brave souls.

The memorial was the idea of George Watts, a local artist who had run a campaign to create a memorial to London’s heroes. Fifty-four beautifully designed plaques make up the Watts Memorial, each telling a unique story of bravery.

Some plaques contain the names of several people who have worked together to save others, and others tell of children who have died saving others.

The Watts Memorial is a moving recollection of selflessness and sacrifice and is a hidden gem in London.

Christchurch Greyfriars Church Garden #7

Address: King Edward St, London EC1A 7BA

Opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral and on the site of the 13th-century Franciscan Church of Greyfriars is Christchurch Greyfriars Church Garden.

The old church, destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, was the burial site for four queens. The new church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1704.

During the bombings of WWll, the body of the church was destroyed, and only the west tower now stands.

A rose garden has been designed to reflect the church’s original floor plan. Box-edged planting represents the original position of the pews, with wooden towers representing the stone columns of the former church.

Westminster Cathedral #8

Address: Victoria St, London SW1P 1LT

Often confused with the Anglican Westminster Abbey , the more modern Westminster Cathedral is dedicated to the Catholic faith. It was completed in 1903 and consecrated in 1910.

The vision to build a ‘new’ cathedral was the idea of Cardinal Vaughan to appease the growing Catholic community in early 19th-century London.

It was designed by the architect John Francis Bentley based on the Italian-style basilicas in Rome, encompassing the architecture of the Victorian era and the Edwardian era.

Westminster Cathedral was built entirely of charitable donations from well-wishers, and so it took seven years after it was completed for the building debt to be paid off. It was finally consecrated in June 1910 once it was free from debt.

The interior is unfinished, much like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, making it a work of art evolving through the decades.

Its black ceiling looks almost fire-damaged; nevertheless, the stunning mosaics and marble already in place make the cathedral a must-see hidden London landmark.

St John Paul II visited in 1981 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, making it the only Cathedral in England where two popes have celebrated Mass. Throughout the Cathedral, you can see the tombs of previous Archbishops of Westminster.

Dennis Severs House #9

Address: 18 Folgate St, London E1 6BX

One of the quirky things to do in London is to enter Dennis Severs’ House and be transported back in time.

Showcasing rooms in the exact detail of how they would have appeared in 1724 London is a great way to experience the past.

Silent tours are bookable online and require visits to stay quiet while viewing the house. Not allowing any form of noise lets the senses acknowledge the sounds and smells that make this East London house unique.

The Fourth Plinth #10

Address: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5NJ

Constructed in 1841 to house an equestrian statue but never finished, the fourth plinth is now a great place to showcase unique artworks.

Standing in Trafalgar Square, the pedestal houses pieces by world-class artists. A giant thumb, a bronze boy on a rocking horse and a giant swirl of whipped cream with a cherry, a fly, and a drone have all stood proud on the fourth plinth.

Art is in the eye of the beholder, and not all the pieces have had good reviews. One thing is for sure; it’s an unusual sight to see in such a historic spot in London!

The photograph below shows the artwork entitled Antelope by Samson Kambalu .

Leake Street Grafitti Tunnel #11

Address: Leake Street, London, SE1 7NN

If you are looking for a completely different type of art in London, the Leake Street Grafitti Tunnel is one of the cool things to see in London. The tunnel is a legal canvas for urban street artists to have free rein to create artwork, including murals, graffiti and tags.

Connecting Waterloo Station to the Southbank, this street art hotspot attracts urban artists from far and wide, even knowing their art will only be on display for a limited time. The rules are there are no rules.

It may seem an unusual tourist spot to recommend during a visit to London as it’s neither historical nor royal, as is typically the case; however, it is one of London’s hidden gems and does show a cultural side of the city that is interesting to see.

Dragons in London #12

Dragons surrounding London might sound like one of London’s hidden gems, but unless you look closely, you probably wouldn’t even notice them. The first two original iron dragons stand on the Embankment and are boundary markers to the entrance of The City.

These curious creatures crop up in various locations in the city, so keep an eye open for this hidden London sight when you next visit.

The most impressive London dragon stands on a pedestal just outside the Royal Courts of Justice in the Temple Bar area of London.

It was commissioned after the Great Fire of London to mark one of the entrances to the city of London.

Cleopatras Needle #13

An ancient Egyptian obelisk flanked by two colossal sphinxes is one of the most unusual things to see in London. It is positioned along the River Thames Embankment and has been there since 1878.

The obelisk was erected in Heliopolis by Thothmes 1 around 1500 B.C.

Lateral inscriptions were added 200 years later by Ramses the Great, the Pharoah of Egypt who built the mighty Temple of Karnak and Abu Simbel.

The obelisk was later removed from Heliopolis during the Greek Dynasty and re-erected in Alexandria, the royal city of Cleopatra.

In 1819, it began its epic journey to London after being gifted to the British Empire by Mahommed Ali, the Viceroy of Egypt.

On its journey by sea from Egypt to England, it was abandoned in the ocean’s depths following a storm in the Bay of Biscay. The obelisk had been encased in a steel cylinder, which was recovered 60 years later and presented to Queen Victoria in 1878.

Later, two metal sphinxes were made and positioned on either side of Cleopatra’s Needle as if guarding it.

The sphinx has also weathered the test of time, having been hit by shrapnel during the first bombings of London in September 1917.  Look out for the benches along the river, which also have an Egyptian design.

London’s Smallest Police Station #14

In a rather unassuming corner of Trafalgar Square sits Britain’s smallest police station.

Surrounded by London landmarks such as Nelson’s Column, the mighty Trafalgar Square lions, and the National Portrait Gallery, this small, unusual circular building with a glass beacon atop its roof could easily be passed without a second glance, making it a perfect candidate as one of London’s hidden gems.

Built around 1926 to fit one policeman (or two prisoners), its purpose was as an observation post for an officer to be in the thick of the action during the regular demonstrations in Trafalgar Square.

The black door with 16 glass panels was the perfect spot to watch what was happening in the square. If trouble erupted, the police officer had a direct line to Scotland Yard to call for backup.

Once the phone was picked up, the glass light fitting at the top of the box started to flash, alerting any officers in the nearby vicinity that help was needed.

Sadly, the smallest police station is no longer operational and is instead used as a room to hold street cleaning equipment!

The Jamaica Wine House – site of London’s first coffee house #15

Address: St Michael’s Alley, London EC3V 9DS

One of the unique things to do in London is to visit the Jamaica Wine House in the heart of the City. This unusual historic pub dates back to 1670 and was the site of London’s first coffee shop.

Since then, it has been serving up delicious wines and hearty food. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and comfortable seating areas perfect for catching up with friends or unwinding after sightseeing.

Chelsea Physic Garden – 17th-century botanical gardens #16

Address: 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HS

One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world , and one of London’s hidden gems, is the Chelsea Physic Garden, which dates to the 17th century and was established by apothecaries to grow medicinal plants.

The river’s micro-climate allowed species from other countries to thrive in the walled garden, allowing medical students to study unusual and unique plants as part of their curriculum.

Discoveries were made that identified plants that could cure and kill, ensuring the correct use of each variety.

This botanical garden on the banks of the River Thames remains a place of scientific research and discovery and is a delightful place to visit away from the busy streets of Chelsea.

In 2023, Chelsea Physic Garden will celebrate 350 years of connecting people with plants.

Temple Church – 12th century Knights Templar church #17

Address: Temple, London EC4Y 7BB

London’s hidden gems come in all shapes and sizes, and one such place, built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, is the Temple church. It is one of the few remaining examples of Romanesque architecture in London.

This unique church was consecrated in 1185 and originally used as a place for worship and accommodation for the Knights Templar. They were an organisation of devout Christians whose job was to protect European travellers visiting sites in the Holy Land. It was also an important site for military training during this time.

After the Knights Templar was disbanded, the church was used by other groups, including lawyers, to hold legal meetings.

Its round nave is surrounded by circular columns topped with intricately carved capitals. The nave is also home to several beautiful stained-glass windows that depict scenes from biblical stories.

Visitors can also explore some fascinating historical artefacts, such as medieval effigies of knights buried within the church walls. One such effigy belongs to William Marshal, one of England’s greatest knights.

In recent times, Temple Church has featured prominently in Dan Brown’s novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and subsequently appeared in its film adaptation starring Tom Hanks.

Clapham Common South Subterranean Shelter #18

Address: Clapham South Underground Station , SW12 9DU

The deep-level shelter at Clapham South Underground is one of London’s unusual and unique hidden gems.

Opened to the public in July 1944 to provide shelter from the bombings in WW2, these mile-long subterranean passages in South London can now be explored on a guided tour arranged by London Transport.

Discover the extraordinary stories of those sheltering here, from Londoners seeking refuge during the Second World War to hopeful Caribbean migrants arriving on the Empire Windrush.

Hear how everyday life was lived in the underbelly of Clapham South and how the shelter was even used as a hotel during the Festival of Britain.

If you are interested in history, this is a unique way to learn more about the wars while having one of the most unusual experiences in the underbelly of London.

Twinings – the world’s oldest tea shop #19

Address: 216 Strand London, WC2R 1AP

Nestled in the heart of London’s bustling Strand district, Twinings Tea Shop is an iconic institution that has enchanted tea enthusiasts for over three centuries.

With a rich history dating back to 1706, this historic establishment holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike.

Step inside and be transported into a world of aromatic delights. The moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea that fills the air. Try the different varieties at the tasting counter before purchasing a favourite.

Twinings have something for everyone, from classic English breakfast teas to start your day to delicate herbal infusions for moments of tranquillity. From black teas to green teas and oolongs to white teas, there are endless choices for the tea lover.

Visit Twinings on the Strand and take home a piece of English history.

Leighton House Museum – an artist’s house with a secret #20

Address: 12 Holland Park Rd, London W14 8LZ

One of London’s most beautiful hidden gems can be found on an unassuming residential street in Holland Park. It is Leighton House, the home of the renowned 19th-century English artist Frederic Leighton.

What makes this one of London’s unique museums is its interior.

The red-brick building, while grand, is similar to others built in the same era as homes for the famous Holland Park Circle of Artists. Frederic was one of the members of this illustrious circle, and Leighton House was his masterpiece.

Once inside, you will be amazed at the Arab Room’s beautiful midnight blue tiling and central water feature. It would undoubtedly look more in place in Marrakesh !

Leighton’s works of art, his studio, a piano room and a small bedroom can be visited upstairs. Outside, the garden is a tranquil place to sit and reflect on this beautiful house; listening to the birdsong, it’s hard to believe you aren’t a million miles away from the centre of London.

Leighton House Museum is not on the normal tourist trails, making it a London attraction well worth visiting.

Kyoto Garden – Japanese-inspired garden in London #21

Address: Holland Park, London W14

Close to Leighton House Museum is one of London’s natural hidden gems, the stunning Japanese Kyoto Garden in the heart of Holland Park. There are plenty of things to see in Holland Park, with the garden being the most popular tourist attraction.

Gifted to the United Kingdom from Japan, it is a beautiful example of a traditional Japanese garden featuring red Acer trees, magnolias, camellias, azaleas and a Koi carp pond.

A small waterfall, a favourite spot for Egyptian geese, adds to the charm of this charming, hidden London garden.

Foundling Museum #22

Address: 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ

The Foundling Museum, once the Foundling Hospital established in 1739 by philanthropist Thomas Coram, is one of London’s unusual hidden gems.

It pays homage to its humble beginnings as a safe haven for abandoned infants, offering insight into the lives of these vulnerable children and their remarkable benefactors.

As you wander through the museum’s thoughtfully curated galleries, prepare to be captivated by an array of intriguing exhibits.

Discover poignant tokens left by desperate mothers who hoped to reclaim their lost children one day. These tokens include small trinkets such as coins, buttons or scraps of fabric – each holding a heartfelt story waiting to be told.

One unusual highlight not to be missed is the Gerald Coke Handel Collection. This impressive display showcases original manuscripts and memorabilia from renowned composer George Frideric Handel.

Immerse yourself in his musical genius and learn about his close involvement with the Foundling Hospital, having conducted numerous benefit performances supporting this noble cause.

The museum also proudly displays an extensive collection of artwork donated by prominent artists who supported the institution. Works by celebrated painters such as William Hogarth and Joshua Reynolds adorn the walls, reflecting their commitment to improving society through artistic contributions.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of life at the Foundling Hospital, don’t miss out on exploring various interactive exhibits, including recreated rooms where foundlings resided during their time at the hospital.

The Crypt Gallery #23

Address: 165 Euston Road, London NW1 2BA

St Pancras Parish Church was opened in 1822 with a crypt designed for coffin burials. It was used until 1854 when all of London’s church crypts were closed to new burials.

Crypts were popular because they gave an alternative place to bury bodies away from the overcrowded village churchyard. Of course, the service was only available for those who could afford it, making crypt burials a valuable revenue source for London’s churches.

In 2002, long after the St Pancras Church crypt became defunct, it was opened as a space for 21st-century artists to share the gallery space to showcase their art with the public.

This unusual venue now hosts gallery events throughout the year, attracting local and international visitors. The crypt remains the final resting place of 557 people.

Handel Hendrix House #24

25 Brook Street, London W1K 4HB

The following fascinating London attraction is utterly unique and one of the best hidden gems in London to see if you are a music lover. It is the London home of two famous people: the 18th-century classical composer Handel and the 1960s rock star Jimi Hendrix.

They lived here over 250 years apart, Handel for 36 years and Hendrix for one year before his untimely death. Both these iconic properties have many stories, from classical repertoires performed in the music room to all-night jamming sessions in Hendrix’s bedroom.

Explore the house and flat of Handel and Hendrix and discover how they lived and how their incredible iconic melodies shaped the music world as we know it.

The rooms have been recreated to show how the interiors would have been during the eras that the musicians lived in their homes.

In Handel’s house, the pieces are from the period rather than belonging to Handel. In contrast, in the Hendrix flat, much memorabilia was his, including the Captain’s chair that he famously used for one of his iconic photo shoots.

Both properties have been recently renovated, so visiting this lesser-known London attraction is a great option to experience a unique place in the capital.

London Silver Vaults #25

53-64 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1QS

The Silver Vaults is an unusual collection of underground vaults beneath Chancery Lane.

With origins dating back to 1885, they were built initially as strong rooms for wealthy individuals and businesses to safeguard their precious silverware during times of uncertainty.

Today, they have evolved into an unusual shopping destination and a unique showcase for all things silver.

As you descend into this underground wonderland, be prepared to be transported back in time.

The vaults exude an air of mystery, with their dimly lit corridors lined with over 30 different specialist shops offering an impressive range of antique and contemporary silverware.

Each item tells its story, from delicate tea sets to intricately crafted jewellery.

The shopkeepers within the Silver Vaults are passionate about their craft and possess extensive knowledge of silverware.

London’s hidden gems come in all kinds of forms, so whether you’re an avid silver collector or simply curious about these beautiful objects, the Silver Vaults are worth visiting.

Battersea Power Station Glass Chimney Lift #26

Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AL

South of the river, in Battersea, sits an iconic Art Deco building that once powered most of London.

Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert-Scott, who was also responsible for London’s red phone boxes, the historic Battersea Power Station building with its four colossal ivory chimneys is now a place of entertainment and recreation.

Lovingly restored in keeping with its heritage, it contains restaurants, bars, shops, two cinemas and a theatre.

But what makes it one of London’s hidden gems is that inside one of its chimneys is a glass lift, and you can ride it to the top for some of the best views south of the river!

Lift 109 is the icing on the cake for the re-imagination of Battersea Power Station. The Willy Wonka-styled glass elevator whisks visitors to the top of its 109-metre stack to outstanding 360-degree views of London.

It is one of the newest unique attractions in London and a great experience that all visitors to the city will want to have!

I had so much fun visiting these 26 hidden London gems and look forward to finding more to share with you.

I was amazed to venture underground to see the shelter at Clapham South and to visit the Leighton House Museum with its vibrant Arabic interior.

To see Ceopatra’s needle on the Embankment, having recently visited Egypt, was also pretty mindblowing, as was discovering Westminster Cathedral. I still can’t believe I never realised it existed until I wrote about London’s historic landmarks and found out there was a Westminster Abbey and Cathedral!

So, which of these unusual London experiences have made your bucket list? I would love to hear what you think about my suggestions.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

PIN for Future London Trips

Are you looking for further London travel inspiration? Please check out the following post:

14 Absolute Best Iconic Landmarks in London You Need to Visit

10 Best London Afternoon Tea Experiences

6 of London’s Best Immersive Dining Experiences for Culture Vultures

Best Walks in London: Tower Bridge to Westminster Bridge

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Unique things to do in London

Take a walk on the weird side in London at these out-there exhibitions, attractions and events

London is so stuffed full of world-class theatres , museums , attractions , music venues and parks that you’d have to live here for aeons before you’d be able to tick them all off your bucket list. A noble pursuit, for sure, what if you want to take a walk on this city's wilder side?

Venture down dank tunnels, marvel at medical oddities, or take to the canals in a cow-print canoe with our guide to London's unique things to do. There's a pretty much limitless array of ways to stretch your legs, brain and wallet in the city's more esoteric corners. Finally, something actually good to tell your work mates about on Monday morning.

RECOMMENDED:  101 things to do in London RECOMMENDED: Time Out Offers

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The best unusual things to do in London

1.  Do glow-in-the-dark drawing

It looks more like a psytrance rave, but a  Neon Naked  life drawing session is actually an experiment in light, texture and movement. Expect models adorned in glorious neon accessories and body paint, throwing different poses for you to capture. Keen drawers – and there’s no experience necessary btw – are encouraged to experiment with different techniques, like line-drawing and pointillism using neon paint. Trippy. 

2.  Give yourself a scare

• 4 out of 5 stars
• Recommended

Ready for tales of murder, torture and other foul deeds? They're all brought to life on a tour of London’s horrible past in scary but seriously funny style. There's a  stonking variety of scenery, smells, rides and atmospheric lighting to make you feel like you’ve left the twenty-first century behind.

3.  Sleep over at the zoo

• Zoos and aquariums
• Regent’s Park

The appeal of a sleepover in (well, next to) the lion enclosure is obvious: it’ll be like living in the real-life ‘Jungle Book’.  Hire a lodge, enjoy private guided tours around and get exclusive access to animal enclosures after hours. A two-course dinner and buffet breakfast are included, so you won’t have to worry about your rumbling stomach waking up the neighbours. 

4.  Explore a little-known arty island

The stretch of the Thames between Putney and Hampton Court contains several strange surprises, one of which is a number of small islands dotted along the watercourse. One of the best-known (and biggest) of these is Eel Pie Island . First finding fame as the site of blues gigs in the ’60s, and then for its recording studio, it’s now got its own nature reserve and a collection of artists’ studios. Keep your eyes peeled for Eel Pie’s open days when you’ll get the chance to visit this privately owned Thames delight.

5.  Get your 1980s groove on at Little Nan’s

• Bars and pubs
• Cocktail bars
• price 2 of 4

Welcome to full-throttle ’80s front-room fetishism, with cocktail menus hidden inside Charles ’n’ Diana memorabilia books, mocktails served in leopard-print mugs, soap stars in photo frames and cat-covered cushions galore. Little Nan’s Bar  was set up in honour of owner Tristan’s late grandmother, who made it to 104. Expect leopard print, china and Pat references aplenty.

6.  Discover a kitsch treasure trove

• East Dulwich

Down a perfectly normal-looking street in East Dulwich you'll find a perfectly not-normal-looking abode. Taking the concept of one man's trash being another man’s treasure, artist Stephen Wright is in the process of covering every available surface of this home in his kitschy mosaics. Everything here comes together in a magical hideaway that’s periodically open to the public, generally on the last Saturday of the month.

7.  Meet some highly unusual robots

• Things to do
• Games and hobbies

Want a divorce? Fancy a cheap holiday? Need to launder money or lose weight? All these things and many others can be achieved for the modest outlay of a pound (sometimes two) at the nutty slot machines of Novelty Automation in a small shabby space behind a Bloomsbury shopfront. Once displayed in Covent Garden’s Apple Market, these lovingly crafted moving sculptures are almost all the work of cartoonist Tim Hunkin. 

8.  Splash down white-water rapids

• Sport and fitness
• Waltham Cross

This London 2012 Olympic Games venue is open to the public for adrenaline-fuelled white-water rafting, canoeing and kayaking sessions – riding the rapids that challenged the world’s best makes for an action-packed experience. On the centre’s raft adventure, you’ll be high-siding, spinning and nose-dunking on the Olympic Standard Competition course before you know it.

9.  Take selfies at an OTT neon gallery

• Walthamstow

God’s Own Junkyard showcases neon artist Chris Bracey’s personal collection of work in a salvage yard in Walthamstow. It contains everything from his signage for Soho sex clubs in the ’60s to his work for the movie industry, including pieces that were used in ‘Captain America’, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, ‘Byzantium’ and more. Once you’re done being dazzled, you can grab drinks and snacks at the yard’s Rolling Scones Cafe (lolz).

10.  Explore a riverside creek

• Walks and tours

Take a guided walk at low tide around Deptford Creek , one of the last natural creeks to survive in the UK. The post-industrial area is a haven for freshwater and saltwater plants and animals including birds and butterflies, and a huge range of wild flowers. Walks last two hours, cost £15, and booking is essential. 

11.  Have dinner on a vintage tube carriage

The Grade II-listed former Victorian waste water pumping station Walthamstow Pumphouse stopped sloshing around sewage a while ago and is now home to something far more palatable. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it's home to Latin American supper clubs where you can feast on a six-course tasting menu in a vintage tube carriage. Dimmed lights, an atmospheric soundtrack, and dishes from Mexico to Patagonia set the tone for a memorable night on the rails.

12.  Visit a secret sewing machine museum

This tiny family-run Battersea museum is a neat-as-a-pin tribute to the sewing machine, which opens on the first Saturday of each month. It houses the collection of Ray Rushton, which includes a replica of his father's sewing machine shop, and 600 gleaming examples of his wares, dating from 1829 to 1950. Look out for the star exhibit: a machine which belonged to Queen Victoria's daughter.

13.  Experience eighteenth-century London life

• Historic buildings and sites
• Spitalfields

The ten rooms of this ornate Huguenot house have been decked out to recreate snapshots of life in Spitalfields between 1724 and 1914. A tour through the ‘still-life drama’, as American creator Dennis Severs put it, takes you through the cellar, kitchen, dining room, smoking room and upstairs to the bedrooms. Tours take place four days a week: opt for one of the silent candlelit visits on Friday nights for maximum historic atmosphere.

14.  Get lost in Sir John Soane’s Museum

When he wasn’t designing notable buildings (among them the original Bank of England), Sir John Soane (1753-1837) obsessively collected art, furniture and architectural ornamentation. In the nineteenth century, he turned his house into a museum to which, he said, ‘amateurs and students’ should have access. That’ll be us then. The result is this amazing place in central London , open Wednesday through Sunday, which is completely free to visit. 

15.  Paddle along London's canals in a canoe

Kayak down the Thames in a bovine boat as part of Moo's Canoes's watery sightseeing tours. A two- or three-person vessel decorated with a black-and-white cow print will be your mode of transport. There are several waterway routes you can pick from, including Hackney Wick or around Limehouse Basin, and some come with meal stops for hungry canoers. 

16.  Visit London’s weirdest museum

• Art and design

This tiny  Mare Street curiosity shop is both on the art circuit and determinedly off any beaten track. Peek through the windows of the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and you’ll see a world in which velvet-cloaked Victorians, or perhaps The Mighty Boosh, might reside. Entering the shop, which is also the spiritual home of the esoterically minded Last Tuesday Society, reveals a plethora of shells, skulls, taxidermy specimens and assorted oddities. 

17.  Fly through the air at a trapeze school

• Classes and workshops

Gorilla Circus's  flying trapeze school  sets up camp on the north-west side of Regent’s Park for the summer with expert acrobats teaching all sorts of fancy tricks on the highly strung bars.  Even beginners aim to be ‘caught’ by the hands of a (trustworthy) instructor by the end of a two-hour session. 

18.  Dine in the dark

• Restaurants
• Clerkenwell

Are you a sucker for a pretty plate decked out with delicate herbs or dabs of coulis? Learn to focus on what really matters at Dans le Noir? , an Islington restaurant where you eat in complete darkness, putting all the focus on the taste, smell and texture of the food. Before being led into the pitch-black basement by the restaurant’s blind waiters, you select one of four colour-coded mystery menus. The best part? If you spill anything down your top, no one’s going to notice. 

19.  Get all coquettish at the Fan Museum

An entire museum dedicated to a coquettish cooling method ? We are a fan. This beautiful building is the world’s first museum dedicated to the history of handheld fans and the craft of fan-making. Housed in a pair of newly restored Georgian townhouses, it holds more than 3,000 specimens from all over the world, some dating back to the eleventh century. Entry costs just £5, and it's just on the edge of Greenwich Park for a picturesque stroll afterwards.

20.  Have cocktails in a public toilet

The proposition of a drink in a public loo has never been a very appealing one. That was until WC opened up inside an old toilet in Clapham. But don’t be put off your Martini: not only is it surprisingly beautiful, it’s – dare we say it – romantic. Spend a penny on a well-curated wine list and a selection of cheese and charcuterie. WC, geddit?

21.  Go back in time at a hidden Roman temple

There’s a wonderful world to discover below ground level, and we’re not talking about the tube. The Roman Temple of Mithras lay hidden for around 2,000 years before it was rediscovered in central London. Now, it’s preserved in a state-of-the-art museum, where visitors can ogle some of the exquisite artefacts that were left or lost by the very first Londoners. Look out for the ancient Oyster cards carved in marble… kidding.   

22.  Eat cheese from a conveyor belt

A few years back, The Cheese Bar made all our dreams come true when it opened a cheese conveyor belt restaurant in the West End, and we are forever thankful for it. It’s just as you hope it’ll be and more: an unending supply of quality, artisan cheese dishes gliding around a shared dining table. Plates start from around £3.95 – you’re in for gouda times. 

23.  Explore Euston’s lost tube tunnels

Know the Burger King at Euston like the back of your hand? Maybe it’s time to explore what lies beneath it with one of London Transport Museum's special tours. There is a labyrinth of dark passageways that have been concealed for more than 50 years – many of them with perfectly preserved mid-century design.  Book on to a tour and fall in love with these dank and grimy relics of old London. 

24.  Take in the sights at London’s longest graffiti wall

The dimly lit tunnels of  Leake Street  link the South Bank area to Lower Marsh, creating an edgy subterranean gallery of street art. Look closely and you might spot a Banksy. Or just soak up the atmosphere and get mildly, enjoyably high off the fug of aerosol fumes.  

25.  Check out this crazy collection of kidney stones

• Science and technology
• South Kensington

Imagine passing a kidney stone the size of a mango. Not only did it really happen, but the folks at the Science Museum got their hands on it to show in their Medicine gallery . The speckled display wall looks rather beautiful from afar. Then you get up close and realise it's made up of hundreds of urinary and gall   stones   which have been removed from the human body. Nice. 

26.  Learn to shuck oysters

Ah, oysters. The height of sophistication, right? Well, they were considered peasant food in London in ye olde days, served up on street corners as snacks. Today, they’re enjoying a renaissance thanks to a foodie boom and their fab sustainability credentials. With that in mind, there’s no need to be intimidated. Bentley’s Oyster Masterclass is one of the best in the biz: eat a load of oysters and master shucking for £75, which includes a glass of champers. That’s worth shelling out for. 

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51 Amazing and Totally Unusual Things to do in London in 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: November 8, 2023

Categories Europe

I recently returned from an AMAZING trip to London. But because this wasn’t my first visit to this epic city, I made it my mission to find some of the more unusual things to do in London.

Because the London Eye was great the first time around. However, paying a small fortune for the panoramic views at the top is something that I’ll probably only do once.

Therefore, I used my rather quirky sense of self and my uncanny ability to get into the weirdest situations possible, to discover some of the unique things to do in London.

You know, a list of mildly adventurous things to do in London that you’ll actually want to see during your third or fourth visit to London, long after you’ve seen all those iconic, top London attractions that totally dominate everyone’s Instagram feed.

Cough…Big Ben….Cough…No judgment here.

Anyway, I’m sharing this list of offbeat things that I did in London so that you won’t have to take 10,000 photos of Big Ben.

And just in case you think I have no idea what I’m talking about, fun little factoid for you, I have been to London will over five times and have actually lived there for over 6 months.

So yes, I actually really do know something about all of the unusual things to do in London. I pinkie promise!

And by the end of this post? Well, you’ll be craving a spot of tea and spouting idyllic quotes about London with the best of them.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclosure  for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

⏰ Looking for super cool and unusual things to do in London? Take the Sherlock Holmes walking tour . Trust me, it does not get better than that! 🚶

Unusual Things to do in London: North or North West London

1. explore the kenwood house.

By: Amy Chung of Family Globetrotters

Did you know that there is a lone self-portrait of Rembrandt, one of the most valuable pieces of art in the entire United Kingdom, hidden away in a mansion to the North of London?

Fortunately enough, this mansion is free for all to admire.

Also, whilst you’re here, you can gawk at an impressive collection of furniture and art that includes pieces done by artistic greats like Turner, Gainsborough, and Vermeer.

Located in Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is one of London’s hidden gems and is set upon 112 acres of parkland, which include a vast array of well-manicured gardens and exquisite sculptures.

Plus, architecture buffs will love the stunning design and layout of this ethereal mansion, which was designed by famous, 18th-century, Scottish architect Robert Adam.

Gorgeous, building features that include a magnificent, Ionic portico entrance, decadent bedroom chambers, a grand staircase, a parlor straight out of a Henry James story, and stunning drawing rooms.

But, the real highlight of any visit here is the Great Library, which has a Neoclassical, English design that showcases a myriad of antique books, as well as a series of marble busts and intricate ceiling paintings.

Trust me, you can’t help but be gobsmacked as you walk through the grand double doors and into this amazing space.

So enjoy some fresh air and a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown London with a trip to the stunning, Kenwood House. Because it truly is one of the best things to do in London with kids .

Address: Hampstead Ln, Highgate, London NW3 7JR

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with last admission thirty minutes before closing.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to East Finchley station and board the H3 bus once here. Ride the bus for four stops and get off at Canons Close since you can walk to the house from here.

Price: Free! However, if you would like a house and estate tour, it will cost £19.70 per person.

2. Visit Sherlock Holmes at 221b Baker Street

As a self-proclaimed nerd and a hardcore book lover, I knew that I just had to visit 221b Baker street during my first trip to London.

Why you may wonder? Well, it’s the place that Sherlock Holmes called home. Okay, I know that like Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes is definitely not real.

But if he was then this is where he he would have lived. Near London’ immortal Regent’s Park and opened in 1990.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum was officially opened in 1990 and has expertly brought the living quarters of this famous detective to life; down to the 17 steps that lead up to the sitting room and the beekeeping books that Holmes had in his personal library.

Exquisitely furnished with everything referenced in the novels. This museum brings a beloved, fictional character to life by giving visitors the impression that Holmes and Watson have momentarily stepped out to solve an intriguing mystery.

Be forewarned though! I’m not the only one who loves Sherlock Holmes. So avoid the queue and purchase your tickets in advance online.

Pro Tip: If you love Sherlock Holmes then you may enjoy this 4-hour, private, Sherlock Holmes, guided tour through London

Address: 221b Baker St, Marylebone, London NW1 6XE

Hours: Open daily from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Baker Street station and walk to the museum from there.

Price: Tickets are £15 for adults.

3. Visit The Hardy Tree

By: Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

St. Pancras train station is a familiar sight to most visitors, especially those arriving in London via the Eurostar train from France, Belgium, or the Netherlands.

But, the St. Pancras Old Church right next door, which gave the station its name, is largely unknown and often goes unnoticed by most tourists.

Which is a real shame since this church, and associated garden provides guests with a haven of peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of the train station and  the popular Camden Market  nearby.

Now because this is one of the oldest churches in the entire UK, there are a wealth of interesting things about this historic place – the most unusual of which is a large ash tree that sits just inside the churchyard.

More commonly known as the Hardy Tree, this tree is surrounded by a series of unique, circular rows of gravestones that sit right on top of one another, looking almost like a line of dominos.

How did these gravestones get here, and what happened to the graves they once marked?

The answer lies with St. Pancras train station and the many train tracks that radiate out from it. Throughout the mid-19th century, a large portion of the churchyard was dug up to make room for train tracks there were being built nearby.

In fact, the great English novelist, Thomas Hardy, was an apprentice architect at the time, who later was put in charge of disassembling the graves and relocating the human remains.

Therefore, it was his idea to place concentric circles of gravestones around the tree, which is why the tree now bears his name.

Recently though the tree’s roots have actually grown in around the stones, disrupting the neat and tidy rows that once stood here.

A distinct feature that makes this an even more novel sight, which is why the Hardy Tree is often referred to as one of the Great Trees of London.

Address:  St. Pancras Gardens, London NW1 1UL

Hours:  Open daily from 7:00 am to dusk.

How to Get There:  Take the Tube to King’s Cross station and walk to the tree from there.

Price:  FREE!

4. Word on the Water Bookshop

By: Laura of What’s Hot

Although there are many  bookshops in London , Word On The Water is undoubtedly one of the most unique of them all. That’s because this charming little store is located on an old Dutch barge that is currently moored in Regent’s Canal.

It’s also just a stone’s throw away from King’s Cross Station, and is often referred to as “London’s floating bookshop” since it is filled with a mixture of new and second-hand books of every genre, including classics, young adult books, thrillers, and romance novels.

And If you get the chance to visit on a lovely summer’s day (the best time to visit), you’ll find a choice selection of books laid out on some outdoor shelves, surrounded by potted plants.

As you slowly make your way along this long table, fingering old books as you go, you’ll reach the entrance to the barge.

Dare to step inside and you’ll encounter plenty more titles that are interspersed with homey trinkets, as well as a large, dark red armchair that is the perfect place to relax and mull over your next great read.

Be sure to mind your head though since the ceilings here are quite low.

And as if it Word On The Water wasn’t already quirky enough, the shop also hosts fantastic, live, onboard musical performances, complete with an outdoor disco ball, that are a pure delight for any lucky passersby.

In addition to the music, a wealth of poetry readings and talks on various topics (like politics, technology, and feminism) are also held here, with special guest appearances from the owner’s lovely dog, Star, who is very open to affection of any kind.

Address:  Regent’s Canal Towpath, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BZ

Hours:  Open daily from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

How to Get There:  Take the Tube to King’s Cross station and walk to the cookshop from there.

Price : FREE (unless you want to buy a book).

5. Admire the Panoramic Views from Primrose Hill

If you’re looking for one of the more unusual things to do in London, then a trip up Primrose Hill is an absolute must!

Just be sure to pack yourself a picnic lunch before you go and make your way to the Camden Town Underground station.

Once here, mosey on over to Camden High Street, where you can marvel at   some of the fun and funky bohemian shops here.

Along the way, stop to admire some of the extremely decorative storefronts here before visiting Camden Market and savoring the wealth of fantastic, global cuisine hidden inside..

Next, meander along the scenic canal before visiting the pastel-hued, Insta-awesome homes of Chalcot Square and Chalcot Gardens.

And once you’re impromptu photoshoot is finally complete, you’ll be ready to explore one of London’s most beloved green spaces, Primrose Hill.

Just follow the winding path up to the top of the hill and take in the sweeping, picture-perfect views of central London below.

Because trust me, the views here really are next-level awesome since you’ll be able to see iconic, London landmarks like The Shard, Telecom Tower, and the London Eye.

Address: Primrose Hill, London

Hours: The park is open daily from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Camden Town station and walk to Primrose Hill from there.

Price: FREE!

Unusual Things to do in London: West London

6. afternoon tea at cutter and squidge.

I am certifiably obsessed with scones, clotted cream, and afternoon tea. That’s why, during my visit to London, I made it my mission to try as many unique afternoon teas as possible.

And I did a damn good job considering I was only there for 5 days! That’s why, iIf you only get to attend one afternoon tea in London, then Cutter and Squidge should be it.

Why? They don’t just throw some delicious food at you. Oh no, no, no. Believe it or not, the entire basement of the bakery is dedicated to creating a unique, immersive experience that is centered around a particular afternoon tea theme.

Currently, Cutter and Squidge offer a fantastical, Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea where you actually get to attend and participate in a magical, potions making class. Only with a professor that is infinitely nicer than Snape. And as a mildly unbalanced Harry Potter freak, I absolutely loved it.

Plus, the cake is amazing and the staff members are super kind and only too happy to help you have the best experience possible.

But, If Harry Potter is not your thing, never fear. Cutter and Squidge continually change the theme of their afternoon teas, so you can always wait until their Harry Potter theme says, “Bye, bye, bye”.

Get it? N’Sync reference? Anyone? Yeah, totally showing my age.

Pro Tip: If you’re a Harry Potter fan like me, then check out this Harry Potter themed walking tour of London.  You can also check out my amazing post on Harry Potter things to do in London or read my fantastic list of unusual afternoon tea experiences in London.

Address: 20 Brewer St, Soho, London W1F 0SJ

Hours: Seatings are offered at 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm daily but check their website for more up to date information.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Piccadilly Circus station and walk to the shop from there.

Price: Reservations start at £49.50 for an adult ticket.

7. Paddington Bear Statue

I think the only bear that I love more than Paddington is Cuordoray. Okay and maybe Winnie the Pooh. But whatever, Paddington is pretty cool too. And that’s why Paddington has his own statue in London.

And how could he not? I mean, he is the main character of the beloved children’s books, which are based on a lonely old bear that the author saw in a London store near Paddington station (hence the name).

Plus, in the stories themselves, Paddington is actually sent to London and gets into all sorts of adorable trouble while he’s there. Hence the statue, which was designed by Marcis Cornish and unveiled in 2000.

Today, You’ll find this life-size, bronze statue at Platform number 1, with a note attached to his coat, that reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you/“

One of the many cool things to do in London for children and adults alike.

Address: 19 Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 1FT

Hours: Open twenty-four hours a day.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Paddington station and walk to the statue from there.

8. Feeding Parakeets in Kensington Garden

By: Lauren of Always Find Adventure

Parakeets in London you say? Why yes, it’s true! Because you can find these cute, green birds at none other than Kensington Gardens, which sits right next door to Hyde Park.

Because not gonna lie. Feeding these ring-necked parakeets was such fun. It’s also one of the most unusual things to do in London all year round.

Now, Although these birds are wild and free and can be found throughout the park, they do tend to congregate in one area since this is where people come to feed them.

These birds are also super friendly and are so accustomed to people that they will actually land on your hand, arm, or shoulder as you hold out food for them.

But, it gets even better since the cost of this usual London activity is totally FREE, minus the price of food.

So, to try feeding these magnificent birds for yourself, simply procure some apples, sunflower seeds, or peanuts from the nearby, Hyde Park Superstore.

You also might want to wear some plain, old clothes, or something that can be easily washed, since “accidents” do happen.

Additionally, you’ll also want to bring some paper towels and hand sanitizer with you so that you can wash your hands afterward.

Address: Kensington Gardens, London, W2 2UH

Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Lancaster Gate station. From here, walk towards Kensington Gardens and find the Peter Pan statue. The Parakeets will be in the trees that sit to the right of the statue.

Price: The cost of food.

9. Have a Pint at the Sherlock Holmes Pub

By: Stephen of Copenhagen Rocks

Every time I’m in London, I pay a visit to a themed pub. A pub that pays homage to my favorite fictional character ever.

Who, you might ask? Why it’s elementary, my dear reader. It’s Sherlock Holmes, of course.

Located just south of Charing Cross Station, this pub a great stop for anyone visiting Westminster Abbey or Big Ben. Bear in mind though, like most pubs in downtown London, it fills up rather quickly when people get off work.

Therefore, plan on visiting either early in the afternoon or late evening, to avoid large crowds. However, do not leave without visiting the pub’s upstairs museum, which has been transformed into a complete recreation of Holmes and Watson’s study and sitting room.

There’s also a large collection of memorabilia related to the world’s greatest detective, including photographs, objects, books, and more.

Trust me, it’s a real treasure trove of literary wonder for any Arthur Conan Doyle fans out there.

Although, This wasn’t always the case since seventy years ago, this pub was actually known as the Northumberland Arms. A name that was only changed once a collection of Sherlock Holmes-related objects were moved here.

So, stop by for a wee pint and enjoy some traditional pub grub since this unique bar doubles as a restaurant that serves classic, English dishes like fish and chips and steak and kidney pie,

Address: 10 Northumberland St, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DB

Hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, with extended hours until 12:00 am Friday and Saturday nights.

How to Get There:  Take the Tube to either Embankment or Charing Cross station and walk to the pub from there.

Price: An entree here will cost around £15.00, a sandwich around £7.00 and a beer around £4.00.

10. Hyde Park Pet Cemetery

By: Dave Chant of www.davechant.com

Hyde Park’s Victorian Pet Cemetery is something of an oddity in modern London. It’s set inside of this famous London green space, just off Bayswater Road and right next door to the Victoria Lodge entrance of the park.

Originally, the cemetery was unintentionally started in 1881 when the gatekeeper of Victoria Lodge buried his friends’ dog Cherry in the garden.

Afterward, Hyde Park quickly became a trendy place for wealthy Londoners to bury their dogs, with over 300 burials here before the cemetery was closed in 1903.

However, it’s actually not just a resting place for dogs since there are a few cats buried here, including “Ginger, King of Pussies”, as well as a handful of birds, and even three monkeys.

Sadly though the area is currently closed to the public. Therefore, the best way to visit this amazing place is through a private tour, which can be arranged through The Royal Parks (contact [email protected] or call 0300 0612114).

And FYI: It’s not cheap since an hour tour will cost £60 for a group of up to six people. But, this is one of the most unusual things to do in London so I think the price is absolutely worth it.

Alternatively, Hyde Park occasionally offers general tours of the park, for £10 per person, that make a stop at the cemetery (see the Events Page at www.royalparks.org.uk ). Otherwise, you can always just catch a glimpse of the cemetery by peering through the fences along Bayswater Road!

Address: Hyde Park at Victoria Gate, London W2 2NB

Hours: Open daily from 5:00 am to 12:00 am.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Lancaster Gate station and walk to the cemetery from there.

Price: A private, hour-long tour of the cemetery will cost £60 for a group of up to six people.

11. Have a Drink at the Roebuck Pub in Richmond

By: Ben of DriftwoodJournals

The only thing better than an old-school London boozer is an old-school London boozer with an epic view.

But, although you may be tempted to head to the more urbane corners of East London in search of your fix, those in the know head south to the leafy riverbanks of Richmond instead. Here, perched atop the tree-and-mansion-lined streets of Richmond Hill, is the Roebuck.

It’s a Georgian-era public house that offers guests real cask ales, traditional pub grub, and beautiful panoramic views of the winding River Thames below.

Pop in for lunch and demolish a banging ‘Big Ben Burger’ (vegetarian options available too), or a timeless feast of scampi and chips, fish ‘n’ chips, or an iconic, Sunday roast. Because, truth be told, there’s absolutely no denying that this is one of the best pubs in the UK .

Now, as can be said for most of Richmond in general, the benches out front (just across the road from the pub) are located on some of the most coveted real estate in all of London.

That’s why, it’s not entirely unlikely for you to spot an A-lister at this rock ‘n’ roll friendly pub.

Because big names like Mick Jagger, Pete Townsend, David Attenborough, and Fearne Cotton all live in the area and have been known to throw back a pint or two here.

And if you have time, be sure to precede your visit to this historic pub with some deer-watching at the glorious Richmond Park, and or s stroll through Richmond Green, where you can be entertained for hours by local cricketers playing the king of all sports.

Address: 130 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RN

Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Richmond station and then board the 65 bus. Ride the bus for five stops, get off at the Nightingale Lane Petersham stop, and walk to the pub from there.

Price: A premium burger here will cost around £9.95

12. Explore Chiswick Neighborhood

By: Claudia of My Adventures Across the World

Chiswick hardly ever gets mentioned in any guide about London. But that’s a real pity since it is a pleasant neighborhood with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and hang around for a few hours.

Now, the easiest way to reach Chiswick is via underground, using either the District or Piccadilly Line (depending on the time of day) since you can disembark at Turnham Green station.

Once you exit the station, be sure to turn left and walk towards the main street, where you can stop for a relaxing drink at one of the lovely cafés, restaurants, and bars that line the street.

Ther are also an abundance of independent boutiques here that anyone who enjoys shopping will love.

However, other points of interest in the area include Chiswick House (a fine example of Palladian architecture), St. Nicholas Church (It has a tower that dates back to the 15th century and offers beautiful views of the Thames River), Christ Church, Duke’s Meadows (an enchanting park), and Gunnersbury Triangle (a lovely nature reserve where you will feel a million miles away from the buzz of the city).

And after you’re done exploring, conclude your day at Mawson Arms. It’s one of the nicest pubs in the area and sits inside a quaint-looking building that is the perfect place for a photo op or two.

13. Neal’s Yard

Right down the street from the NOT so secret Covent Garden, you’ll find Neal’s Yard, a quaint courtyard filled with vibrant colors, boutique shops, delightful eateries, and quaint charm (definitely one of the many amazing things to do in Covent Garden ).

Only accessible via two tiny, cobblestone alleyways, Neal’s Yard is hidden from the surrounding neighborhood by a series of tall, brick buildings, that create a secret space of sorts.

Trust me, you wouldn’t know it was there if you weren’t looking for it. But once you walk into Neal’s Yard, it becomes a place where you’ll want to sit, relax, read a book, sip a latte, and watch the world stroll by.

Until you see the hordes of Instagram mavens roll on in…

Yeah, Neal’s Yard used to be a much more hidden London attraction but has recently increased in popularity as a result of Instagram.

And I get it, I love the vibrant colors too, but not the onslaught of the duck face making, selfie stick-wielding teenagers who all yearn to become social media influencers when they grow up.

Sigh. It’s not that bad but you get what I mean. So, Don’t walk, run to Neal’s Yard! Do it now before it becomes way too mainstream for its own good.

Address: Neal’s Yard, London

Hours: Open twenty-four hours a day since this is a public street.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Covent Garden station and walk to the street from there.

Price: Free!

14. Biscuiteers

Not only is this place one of the cutest shops that I’ve ever seen, but they serve amazing, hand-iced desserts that anyone with a sweet tooth will love.

Plus, this store is actually found in the uber-posh and insanely photogenic neighborhood old Notting Hill. So it’s basically like visiting two amazing London attractions at once.

But enough about the location, let’s talk about the food! From cookies to cupcakes to chocolates, Biscuiteers has it all, with baked goods that are expertly decorated to look like London’s iconic telephone booths, cabs, and more!

And if you feel like doing a little DIY, confectionary decoration, you can even sign up for a two-hour icing class and learn about the subtle art of icing cakes. Or you can leave the decorating to the professionals and just have afternoon tea here instead.

Your choice. Whatever you decide though make a reservation because I am definitely not the only one who loves this place.

Address: 194 Kensington Park Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2ES

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to the Ladbroke Grove station and walk to the bakery from there.

Price: Afternoon tea here starts at £30.00 per person.

15. Visit Some of London’s Beautiful, Covered Shopping Arcades

Like Paris , London is home to many exquisitely designed and insanely photogenic covered passages (AKA shopping arcades). Housing luxury shops I would never dream of walking into! These historic shopping arcades are a fantastic place to escape the crowds of London and photograph up a storm.

And while these high-end shopping centers are completely safe today, historically, London businessmen were concerned that criminals would destroy high-end shopping centers like the Burlington Arcade and the Royal Arcade.

Accordingly, prominent businessmen thought it prudent to establish private police forces to patrol these shopping centers (no public London police force had been established yet).

And thus The world’s oldest and smallest private police force was born. Officially known as the Burlington Arcade Beadles, these fine dispensers of justice are still in service today and are dressed as they were in the 1800s, with top hats and frock coats that are remnants of an era gone by.

So head over to the Burlington Arcade yourself and see these bad boys in action.

Address: 51 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 0QJ

Hours: Open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am t0 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Piccadilly Circus station and walk to the Arcade from there.

16. Ziggy Stardust Plaque

Wondering what to do in London? Then why not check out this uber-cool plaque?

See, David Bowie is my kind of weirdo. And as a fellow weirdo, I absolutely adore this plaque. Why? David Bowie was the ultimate, super cool weirdo that made it totally acceptable to be totally different.

And this plaque at 23 Heddon Street? It marks the exact spot where David Bowie introduced the world to his rock and roll alter ego, Ziggy Stardust.

Yup! David Bowie shot the cover photo for his legendary, 1972 album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars at this very spot.

Installed on March 28, 2012, this plaque is only one of a few plaques in London that commemorate fictional characters (FYI Sherlock Holmes and Lara Croft have plaques in London too).

But if nothing else, you can use this little tidbit of information to win Who Wants to be a Millionaire if that show is even still around. I live in a Netflix vortex that blocks out any and all cable television shows.

Address: 23 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4BQ

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Piccadilly Circus station and walk to the plaque from there.

17. Have a Pint at the Admiral Duncan

By: Derek of Robe Trotting

Any gay London guide will tell you that the city is incredibly progressive and an overall great destination for members of the LGBTQ community.

That being said, London still had to undergo a long march towards LGBTQ equality. A march that still continues to this very day.

However in 1999, one watershed event dramatically shaped the landscape of LGBTQ life in London and it occurred at a small gay bar in Soho that is known as The Admiral Duncan Pub.

On the evening of April 30, 1999, a Neo-Nazi planted a nail bomb inside The Admiral Duncan. A bomb that later exploded, killing three patrons and wounding 70 others.

Earlier that month though, the very same bomber had planted two additional bombs, in an attempt to ignite ethnic and homophobic tensions in London.

Thankfully his reign of terror had a far-different result. Because within 48 hours of the tragic event at The Admiral Duncan, the Metropolitan Police held an open-air meeting in Soho.

As a result of that conference, A  police unit was assembled and placed outside the pub to gather witness statements. A unit of crime scene investigators that was staffed entirely by openly gay and lesbian officers.

A stunning series of events that became a turning point in the relationship between the LGBT community and the Metropolitan Police, since both parties had a historically tenuous relationship.

Additionally, this tragedy also helped generate a wave of support and sympathy for London’s marginalized LGBTQ community, which was just recovering from the AIDS crisis and still facing violence and discrimination at every turn.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and alternative, lively gay pub in London, then this is the place for you. Because it is here that you can sip on a pint, watch a fantastic drag show, and honor the history of London’s gay community.

And if you want, you can also view the memorial plaque outside, which commemorates the victims of the bombing and London’s larger, LGBTQ community.

Address: 54 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4UB

Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Covent Garden or Leicester Square station and walk to the pub from there.

Price: Beers here cost around £5.00.

18. Sir John Soane’s Museum

Formerly home to the Bank of England’s architect, Sir John Soane, this fun and funky museum was first started by the previous owner himself, who was an avid collector of all things historic and wanted to share his vast collection with the general public.  

Started in the early 19th century, this museum, and expensive personal library, now showcases a stunning array of Egyptian, Medieval, Renaissance, and Classical antiquities, as well as vast collection of furniture, time pieces, sculptures, stained glass, paintings, and more than 30,000 architectural drawings.  

Now, does the museum itself does feel a bit half hazard? Absolutely! Especially since there are way more artifacts packed in here than the residence was designed to hold.

A fact that becomes all too obvious when you marvel at in-house highlights like the sarcophagus of Egyptian pharaoh Seti I and several William Hogarth paintings.  

However, the glass dome that sits at the top of the home more than makes up for this fact since it allows an insane amount of natural light to stream into the space through hidden skylights.   Light that is then reflected throughout the museum by strategically placed mirrors.  

So, take a stroll through this museum’s exquisite labyrinth of internal courtyards and themed rooms and marvel at unique, architectural attributes like domed ceilings and convex mirrors. Because contrary to what you might think this unique space really does look almost exactly as it did when Soane himself was living here.  

Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn, London WC2A 3BP

Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last admission at 4:30 pm.  

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Holborn station and walk to the museum from there .  

Price: Admission is free while a highlights and private apartments tour costs £15.00.

19.  Sip on a Latte at a Cafe Hidden in a Church Crypt

If you’re like me and a super fan of all things macabre then you’ll love sipping on a latte while admiring the vaulted brick ceilings and tombstone lined back rooms of this slightly creepy feeling church basement.

Because believe it or not, Cafe in the Crypt has been serving up a variety of different foods and drinks from the St. Martin-in-the-Fields church basement for well over thirty years.

And although I found this eatery to have a slightly lame, cafeteria feel to it, with the food and drinks being mediocre at best, the spooky vibes you get while sitting here more than make up for that fact.

Plus, if you’re a total history nerd like me, then you’ll love exploring the cafe’s adjoining, slightly cramped feeling chamber.

Just turn right once you’re inside the cafe and you’ll find a small room lined with ancient grave markers and stones of remembrance, including the life-sized gravestone of Henry Croft, among others.

Pro tip: Check out their website for information about jazz nights and live music nights within the café. Who knows, you might have a DEVILISHLY good time (Sorry but that pun was just way too easy.

Address : Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4JH

Hours: Open Monday and Tuesday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Wednesday !10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.  

How to Get There: Take the Tube to either Charing Cross or Leicester Square stations and walk to the cafe from there.  

Price: A dessert or coffee here will cost you anywhere between £2.75 and £5.00

20. Visit the Leighton House Museum

Home to former fancy pants artist Sir Frederic Leighton (most famous for his work, Flaming June), the interior of this magnificent home is straight, up next level stunning.  

We’re talking magnificent blue tile mosaics, indoor fountains, middle eastern feeling rooms with elaborate Islamic tile floors, decadent peacock statues, and so much more. That’s because, throughout the thirty years that Leighton lived here, he hired architect George Atichison to expand his studio and create a palace of art if you will.

A place where he could mesmerize his guests with a dazzling array of work done by both himself and his contemporaries.   A residence so fabulous that there’s even an “Arab Hall” here with a golden dome.

I mean, come on! Need I say more?

And although you can explore the residence on your own, I’d highly recommend taking a free, descent-led tour of the facility so that can get a better understanding of who Leighton was and the unique history behind the building.

As part of the tour, you’ll also be taken upstairs, where you can see an expensive, private art studio that houses an impressive collection of works done by Leighton, as well as various other artists.

However, before you leave, don’t forget to follow a small path to the back of the brick house, where you’ll discover a peaceful, back garden that feels a world away from the chaos of central London.  

Just as an FYI, no photos are allowed to be taken while you’re inside the museum.

Address: 12 Holland Park Rd, Kensington, London W14 8LZ

Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays ONLY from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.  

How to Get There: You can take the Tube to High Street Kensington station or the London Overground to Kensington station and walk to the museum from there.  

Price: A single, adult ticket to the museum is £9.00.

21. Step Inside the Museum of Free Masonry

Not gonna lie, I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect from my visit to the Museum of Free Masonry. However once I stepped inside this exquisitely designed, art-deco style building from 1933, I was totally mesmerized by the grand staircase, marble columns, exquisite ceiling paintings, and magnificent stained glass windows that were all around me.

However, little did I know that the real magic was yet to come because once I ascended the stairs to the second floor, I was stunned by the impressive collection of artifacts held within the building’s vast museum, library, and archives.  

Items that include super-nifty things like Winston Churchill’s apron and King George IV’s throne.

Yeah, there were so many items on display that I could have easily spent a couple of hours here.

Luckily enough though, I was able to join a free, 3:00 pm, hour and a half long tour of the Freemasons’ Hall, which included a short film about the history of the Freemasons’, the various ceremonies that they hold, and the guiding principles that the organization was founded upon.

Next, our group was taken on a walk through the museum, where our guide explained some of the most important items in the collection – a journey that concluded with a visit to the beautifully designed Grand Temple, which is where the society can accommodate up to 1700 people for some of its most important events.

So yeah, if you can, definitely take a tour of the building since you’ll learn a ton of fascinating things about the organization and be given exclusive access to parts of the building that are otherwise, not open to the public.

Whatever you do though, do not leave before visiting their impressive library, which will then lead you into a second amazing collection of artifacts that are stored within this part of the building.

Trust me, these rooms are not to be missed and are without a doubt, next level stellar.  

Address : 60 Great Queen St, Holborn, London WC2B 5AZ

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours until 8:00 pm the last Thursday of every month.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to either Holborn or Covent Garden station and walk to the museum from there.

Unusual Things to do in London: South West London

22. visit brompton cemetery for a look at some famous tombs.

By: Talek of Travels with Talek

Established in 1840, beautiful, bucolic Brompton Cemetery is one of the oldest in London and one of the most fascinating cemeteries in Europe . That’s why, this 39 acre, heavily wooded, Victorian-era cemetery is listed on the Historic England Registry of Historic Parks.

It also sits in between the West London neighborhoods of Kensington and Chelsea and is frequently used as a filming location for horror movies and period pieces alike, with scenes from movies like  Sherlock Holmes and Finding Neverland  being shot here.

More commonly though Brompton is referred to as one of, “The Magnificent Seven in London”, or one of the seven most enchanting cemeteries in all of London.

Home to over 35,000 monuments, the graves inside this expansive cemetery range in scale and size from simple headstones to splendid, grandiose mausoleums. However, highlights of any visit here include a trip to the beautiful, on-site chapel, the colonnade, and the catacombs, which are open to the public once a year in September.

But, if you miss the catacombs opening date, you can always peek through the gate to see a series of elaborately decorated coffins stacked high atop one another, while nestled along a labyrinth of corridors that sit just beneath the surface.

Additionally, Brompton Cemetery is also the final resting place of many famous people, including Emmeline Pankhurst (a famous suffragette), Dr. John Snow (discovered the cause of Cholera), William Banting (he popularized dieting), Frederick Layland (a shipowner and patron fo the arts), Brian Glover (a television and film actor), Sir John Fowler (engineer of the Metropolitan Railway and the Forth Bridge), and more.

So, to make the most of your visit, feel free to join any one of the cemetery’s fantastic guided tours, which are conducted every Sunday of the month, at 2:00 pm, between May and August and every other Sunday of the month between September and April.

Typically, tours will meet outside the chapel and will last about two hours, making this a great way to experience one of the most fascinating and unusual things to do in London.

Pro Tip: FYI, if you contact the cemetery in advance, private tours can be arranged on other days of the week.***

Address: Fulham Rd, Kensington, London SW10 9UG

Hours: Open daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to West Brompton station and walk to the cemetery from there.

Price: A guided tour of the cemetery costs £5.00 per person.

23. The Embassy of the Republic of Texas

When I found this plaque in the Pickering Place alley, right next to a historic wine shop, my not so inner history nerd literally died of happiness.

I mean, who knew the Republic of Texas actually had an embassy in London? Not this chick right here! But believe it or not, between 1836 and 1845, 4 St. James Street was home to the Embassy of the Republic of Texas!

See, when Texas was founded, it was actually a sovereign country and Texas president, Sam Houston, actually sent diplomatic representatives in England in an effort to build international recognition of their country.

Sure, Texas eventually did join the Union in 1845, but this uber-cool plaque still remains as a testament to Texas’ past as an independent country. Mind BLOWN! Definitely one of the hidden gems of London, in my humble opinion.

Pro Tip: While you’re here, you can stop by Lock & Co. since it’s literally right next door and one of the best places to find some awesome London souvenirs .

Address: 4 St James’s St, St. James’s, London SW1A 1EF

Hours: Open twenty-four hours a day since it is an outdoor plaque.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Green Park Station and walk to the plaque from there.

24. Churchill War Rooms

Believe it or not, the first time I actually visited the Churchill War Rooms , I didn’t actually make it inside.I wanted to go inside but had no IDEA how popular it was (guess it’s not one of the more underrated things to do in London).

That’s why I just rolled on up, expecting to walk right in and what do ya know? The line literally swung around the block. I then deluded myself into thinking that the line would move quickly, but no. I waited an hour and a half in line only to walk away because I had an afternoon tea reservation.

Thankfully though, The second time around, I learned from past my mistakes and booked my tickets online, well in advance. And, not surprisingly, I walked RIGHT in. Which is amazing because hidden inside this awesome museum is a giant network of underground tunnels and a super-secret lair where Winston Churchill plotted out the war against Germany.

Super cool right? But it makes sense since the British government had to go underground and protect themselves from the German Luftwaffe during the Blitz. Hence all the secret underground tunnels, and bunkers.

Plus, since the bunkers were basically just locked up and forgotten after the war, the rooms here are remarkably well preserved and basically look like Winston Churchill just stepped out for a quick cup of tea.

So, prepare for the best kind of time war ever as you enter through the small door at the base of the Treasury Building in Westminister and learn about anything and everything Churchill related.

And once inside, definitely be sure to use your super handy audio guide to explore super cool exhibits like the Cabinet Room (Churchill’s chair still sits here, at the head of the table), the Map Room, a broom cupboard that housed a secure, direct line between Churchill and Roosevelt, and more.

Basically, it’s like one giant time capsule, except you, have to pay to get in. And yes, the price of admission is fairly steep, so brace yourself.

Address: Clive Steps, King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ

Hours: Open daily from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm with the last admission at 5:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Westminster station and walk to the museum from here.

Price: Tickets start at £23.00 per person.

25. The Victoria and Albert Museum

No!! Don’t go away!! Come back! I swear I haven’t momentarily lost my wonky sense of self just because I’ve put a rather mainstream museum on this list of unusual things to do in London.

Keep reading! There’s a method to my pseudo-normalcy. Okay, so yes, the Victoria and Albert Museum is rather well known and for good reason since you really should visit, whether you’re looking for unique things to do in London or not.

But, here’s where the weirdness comes in. Believe it or not, on the ground floor of the museum, you’ll find an awesome, crank pipe organ that depicts a tiger devouring a British Imperialist. Sounds like something Hannibal Lector would have in his personal collection, right>

But it’s hilarious and pretty popular since the gift shop sells shirts with this artifact emblazed on the front.

Apparently though, this organ belonged to Sultan Tips, a tiger-loving, ruler of India who hated the British East India Company, and Britain, with every fiber of his being and waged war with them whenever possible.

This organ was a tangible reminder of the hatred felt by many native residents of India towards their imperialist, British rulers,

So, embrace the weirdness of the Victoria and Albert Museum and check out this awesomely quirky historical artifact.

Address : Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL

Hours: Open 10:00 am to 5:45 pm daily, with extended hours until 10:00 pm on Friday evenings.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to South Kensington station and walk to the museum from there.

Price: Free

26. An overnight stay in Harry Potter-themed wizard chambers

Although I’ll forever await the arrival of my Hogwarts letter, I do realize that Harry Potter isn’t actually real. However, that doesn’t stop a girl from dreaming, am I right?

I don’t know. There’s just something so alluring about a world where people fly around on broomsticks and where anything is legitimately possible, thanks to wands and “real” magic.

So why not make the fantasy come to life, consult your handy London packing list, and spend a night in some wizarding chambers (modeled after the Gryffindor bedrooms seen in all the Harry Potter movies and one of my favorite quirky London things to do)?

Well, you actually can spend a night (or 10) in Harry Potter themed, wizard chambers, in the Georgian House Hotel in London. I did it and it’s everything a Harry Potter fan could ever want, and more.

Hidden behind a hotel “bookcase” you’ll walk through a portrait lined hallway and enter your wizard chamber with an antique, skeleton key that has a steel owl dangling off the end.

Once inside your room, you’ll feel as though Hogwarts has come to life with Gothic-style room details like stone walls, stained glass windows, four-poster beds, vintage tapestries, rotary phones, and more.

Plus, you’ll even be treated to a delicious, complimentary breakfast that will render eating totally useless for the remainder of the day.

Expensive? You betcha, but totally worth it to any Harry Potter fan who wants to feel like they’re living in the Harry Potter films.

Besides? How many times are you really gonna get to spend the night in wizard chambers? Exactly my point. Worth the splurge in my humble opinion.

Address: 35-39 St. Georges Drive, Westminster Borough, London, SW1V 4DG, United Kingdom

Hours: The front desk is open twenty-four hours a day.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Victoria station and walk to the hotel from there.

Price: The Wizarding Chambers here start at £219 per night.

27. Visit the Brixton Windmill

Tucked away at the end of a quiet, residential street in Brixton is London’s last working windmill. Because believe it or not, this windmill was originally built in 1816 and still uses its interior millstones, and a little bit of electricity, to produce copious amounts of flour for hungry Londoners.  

Sure, wind power isn’t actually used to generate this local food staple since it was first replaced by steam power in 1902.   But that hardly matters when you gaze up at this majestic relic from a gone by era.

A towering, vestige of the past that sits here to remind us that the trendy, uber-funky neighborhood where David Bowie grew up (Spoiler Alert! You can also visit the famous David Bowie graffiti mural while you’re here) was once an agricultural hotspot.  

And although the windmill had been neglected for some time, the structure was most recently restored in 2010 and is now open to sporadic, guided tours of the cramped interior.  

It also still functions as a working windmill and produces wholemeal flour that is currently sold within several, local shops.  

Pro Tip: Two types of tours of the windmill are available. A long, 40-minute tour of the entire windmill that must be booked in advance on the windmill’s website and a short, 15-minute tour that takes you to the first floor only, where you can see the millstones that were installed in 1902. No advance booking is required for this tour.

Address: 22 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton, London SW2 5BZ

Hours: Open for tours one weekend a month between Easter and October.  

How to Get There: Take the London Tube to Brixton station and then board the 118 bus to Morden. Ride the bus for three stops and get off at Blenheim Gardens. You can walk to the windmill from there.  

Price: FREE to visit the general area but you will need to book a tour to see the inside of the windmill.  

Unusual Things to do in London: East London

28. leadenhall market.

Any Harry Potter enthusiasts in the house? I hope so since this gorgeous, Victorian-era architectural masterpiece was actually the filming location for both Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter films.

Meander down the Bull’s Head Passage and you’ll see the blue door of an eyeglass shop. This storefront was the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the Goblet of Fire. Insanely cool if I do say so myself.

But way before a teenage wizard, with a lightning bolt, shaped scar, took over the world, this covered, Victorian market bewitched shoppers with its cobbled streets and iconic green and red roof.

With origins dating as far back as the 14th century, this marker is the oldest in London and a timeless piece of city history that is well worth a visit.

Address: Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London EC3V 1LT

Hours: Open twenty-four hours per day.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Bank Street station and walk to the market from there.

Price: FREE

29. Ruins of St. Dunstan-in-the-East

Truthfully, the sheer size and number of people in London totally overwhelmed me. At times, London felt almost claustrophobic and I found myself needing an escape from the masses of people who so eagerly packed themselves into train cars that continually sped through the London underground.

That’s why, when I found St Dunstan-in-the-East Church, a true  UK hidden gem , I felt a bit of peace and eventually, fell even more in love with this city

Located between the Tower of London and the London Bridge, this English church was originally built during Saxon times.

However, like most of London, the church was virtually destroyed by the Blitz of 1941. In ruins, the church was eventually converted into a public garden in 1967, a garden that you can still walk through today.

Safely tucked away along a hidden side street, this secret garden consists of hauntingly beautiful ruins that include a hollowed out tower, exquisitely enlaced in cascades of ivy and flowers.

Vacant windows and decrepit archways complete the scene and serve as a living memorial to all those who lived through and died during the Blitz on London. A perfect place to explore during a solo trip to London.

Address: ​St, Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD

Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Bank Street station and walk to the garden from there.

Price : FREE!

30. Stop by the Underground Supper Club

By: Emily of London City Calling

Eating on the London underground is usually not something most people like to do. Unless of course it’s a discreet supermarket sandwich hurriedly devoured on the way to a meeting or a slightly less discreet, fast-food joint burger that you inhale on your way home from a night out on the town.

Yet, Basement Galley’s Underground Supper Club has somehow managed to transform this slightly taboo, altogether mundane activity into one of London’s coolest pop-ups.

Located inside Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum, in the north-east of London, you’ll find a decommissioned 1967 Victoria Line tube carriage which has been turned into a secret restaurant hosting nightly supper clubs with special guest chefs.

And while the tube carriage remains largely untouched from the outside, on the inside, you’ll discover a series of tables placed in between existing seats. Some of which are for smaller groups of 2 or 4, while others, in the main body of the carriage, can accommodate up to 12 people, creating a more communal atmosphere to the supper club restaurant.

Another great thing about  the Underground Supper Club  is that despite the novelty of eating on a decommissioned tube car, they haven’t compromised at all on the taste of the food.

When you dine here, expect a beautifully presented tasting menu of dishes, like Ajiaco (potato and Guasca soup witch chicken and avocado), Cigarros de Pipian (Andean potato and peanut crispy rolls with tomato aji), Ceviche de Bacalao (cod marinated in yellow chili and lime, red onion, green chili, and coriander), and Conchinita Pibil (Confit leg of pork and roasted fillet of pork marinated in achiote and orange, broccoli puree, roasted cauliflower, pickled red onion),  that are all brought out course by course, with a small explanation of what awaits you on each plate.

Plus, you even order something from their decadent wine and cocktail menu to accompany your meal – the only time you’ll ever (legally) be allowed to get drunk on the tube!

Just be sure to book in advance as the carriage can only hold 30 guests per night.’

Address:  S Access Rd, Walthamstow, London E17 8AX

Hours:  Open Thursday through Saturday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

How to Get There:  Take the Overground to St. James Street station and walk to the Supper Club from there.

Price:  Reservations start at £49.00.

31. Enjoy the Electric Hues of God’s Own Junkyard

By: Caroline of CK Travels

As seen in the movies and magazines, a quiet warehouse along a secluded industrial estate in Walthamstow is home to God’s Own Junkyard – a paradise of thousands of vibrant, neon-hued, electric signs.

Started by Chris Bracey, who later became known for making strip joint signs that were displayed throughout London’s Soho neighborhood, this gallery is packed to the rafters with some of the most original and unusual ‘lit’ artworks that you ever did see.

From a Jesus with a gun to large, luscious lips, this is a provocative, stimulating, and altogether dazzling collection of sculptures and light up signs that are sure to suit any and all tastes.

After admiring all these colorful installations, be sure to take a seat amongst the art, enjoy the excellent 70s pop and rock background music, and order either a drink or snack from the onsite café, The Rolling Scone.

Trust me, it really is a total Instagrammer’s paradise. Although, they do ask that you take photos with your phone and not your camera.

And if you’re looking for something to do afterward, then stop by one of the fantastic craft beer breweries in the area or enjoy a nice meal at any of the lovely restaurants in nearby Walthamstow Village

Address: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, Walthamstow, London E17 9HQ

Hours: Open 11:00 am to 9:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Walthamstow station in north London and God’s Own Junkyard will be a 12-minute walk from the station.

Price: FREE. Unless you purchase something from the Rolling Scone cafe.

32. Feel Like a Kid Again on the Orbit Slide

By: Helen of Helen of Her Holidays

There are plenty of unusual things to do in London. But none of them have the power to terrify quite like the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide .

See, when the Olympics came to London in 2012, the organizers felt that a grand, symbolic sculpture should stand alongside the many stadiums and sports venues that were being built. And thus, the Orbit Slide was born,

It is also currently, the UK’s tallest standing structure, complete with a viewing platform at the top that gives visitors astonishing, panoramic views of the Olympic Park site, East London, and Canary Wharf.

However, in addition to this amazing viewing platform, owners also added a long, winding, silver tube slide to the structure in 2016. A feature that is now known as the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide and that is currently the longest, tallest, and fastest tunnel slide in the world.

So, if you want to visit this exhilarating slide for yourself, you’ll start with an elevator ride up to the viewing platform.

Once here, you’ll be outfitted with a soft helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads while you wait for your turn to ride a comfy mat down the slide. A ride that will commence once the light at the top of the slide turns green.

When this happens, you’ll launch yourself down the tube for a twisting, turning, and altogether exhilarating, 178 meter, 40-second ride down to the ground below.

However, for the safest experience possible, any potential riders must be a minimum of 1.3 meters tall, at least 8 years of age, and weigh no more than 22 stone (308 lb).

Tickets must also be booked well in advance , since, not surprisingly, this ride is incredibly popular.

Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton St, London E20 2AD

Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Stratford station and walk 13-minutes to the slide from there.

Price: A single adult ticket for the Orbit slide costs £17.00.

33. Go Shopping at Brick Lane Market

By: Rai of A Rai of Light

Located in the heart of the East End, Brick Lane Market is one of the better street markets that you’ll find in London.

It’s also a particularly fun thing to do in the city since you’ll come across a multitude of independent vendors selling an array of traditional gifts, antiques, vintage clothing, books, and organic, handcrafted items.

However, a wide array of delicious, home-cooked cuisines from around the world are also on offer here, making this a true delight for food lovers of every variety.

Plus, the area’s popular Sunday Upmarket and Backyard Market are both situated inside the nearby Old Truman Brewery, another fantastic shopping spot for anyone who loves art and a good bargain

So, if you’re looking for one of the many unusual things to do in London on Sunday, then this is the place for you.

Especially since this area is an eclectic mix of street performers and musicians from all walks of life.

People who speak  different languages , have unique backgrounds,  and who are of distinct faiths – characteristics that add to the already dynamic and vibrant atmosphere of this amazing neighborhood.

Address:  Brick Ln, Spitalfields, London E1 6QR, United Kingdom

Hours:  Open Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How to Get There:  Take the Tube to Aldgate East station or the London Overground to Shoreditch High Street station and walk to the market from there.

34. Visit the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities

Filling guests with equal parts dread and delight, this modern-day cabinet of curiosities, or the Last Tuesday Society Shop as it is more commonly known, is a small museum (like it holds no more than ten people at a time small) that is brimming over with weird and wonderful specimens of every variety.

Therefore, if you dare to step inside this Victorian-re, gallery shop, you’ll find taxidermied specimens, skeletons preserved under glass display cases, erotic memorabilia, a unique collection of books, and basically anything else you can imagine.

Because these shelves? Well, they’re littered with an array of colorful items that include quartz dildos, vintage speculums, anatomical anomalies, and straight-up mermaids.

And yes, I really did just say mermaids. So yeah, if you have slightly delicate sensitivities, you may wanna take a hard pass on this curious collection of exhibits. Otherwise, dare to be shocked and awed this eclectic assortment of weirdly wonderful items.

Because truth be told: The “museum” really makes no attempt to educate you about the bizarreness that lies within.

Instead, they merely want to evoke a sense of wonder in creators and visitors alike.

Plus, there’s even a super snazzy, ultra-vintage bar on-site where you can stop and sample various drinks and cocktails, as well as some absinth in the old school way, using a fountain, spoon, and a little bit of sugar.

So yeah! Step inside and prepare to have your mind blown, both figuratively and literally.

Address:  11 Mare St, Hackney, London E8 4RP

Hours:  Open Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm and on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

How to Get There:  Take the London Overground to Cambridge Heath (or the Tube to Bethnal Green) and walk to the museum from there.

Price:  A standard admission ticket is £8.00 per person, including a free cup of tea, or £2.50 per person on Thursday evenings between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

35. Take a Stroll through Postman’s Park

Located just 10-minutes away from the hordes of selfie-stick wielding that routinely surround St Paul’s Cathedral:

Postman’s Park is a small green space that stands in memoriam of everyday citizens who died trying to save the lives of others.

First opened in 1880, a Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice was later installed in 1900, by painter Frederic Watts.

A tribute that is meant to honor Londoners who died while saving the life – or lives – of others. Featured in the 2004 film, Closer:

Visitors can relax on any one of the small park’s benches, enjoy a bit of self-reflection, and think about the forty-eight heroes who are honored here individuals who remind us that even the most ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to St. Paul’s station and walk to the park from there.  

Price: FREE!  

36. Learn About the Most Famous Serial Killer of Them All During an Official, Jack the Ripper Walk

Umm… How could I create a list of unusual things to do in London and not mention the most famous serial killer of them all, Jack the Ripper?

I mean… Given my eternal obsession with all things murder-related, I just HAD to visit the Jack the Ripper Museum while I was in London.

And honestly? It was kind of lame. Womp, Womp, Womp.

Yeah, overall the museum is small, feels really kitschy, and doesn’t provide you with a whole lot of information about the killings and about who Jack the Ripper might have been.

Plus, the majority of the exhibits are semi-juvenile recreations of famous Jack the Ripper locations and don’t really feature a ton of authentic artifacts from that time period.

So, if I were you, I would take a hard pass on the Jack the Ripper Museum and just do the museum’s Jack the Ripper walk instead.

Trust me, it’s a super fun and informative tour that takes you to some of the most iconic, Jack the Ripper locations in Whitechapel.

Plus, this walk is a solid, two-hours long and costs a mere £10.00 per person. An incredibly reasonable price tag when it comes to Jack the Ripper tours.  

So, follow in the foot steps of good old Jack, learn all about his victims, discuss the evidence, and come up with your own theories as to who Jack might have really been.  

Pro Tip: The Museum’s guided, Jack the Ripper walk departs at 3:00 pm daily from the Trader’s Gate gift shop at Tower Hill station and lasts about two hours.

Address : 12 Cable St, Tower Hill, Whitechapel, London E1 8JG

Hours: Open daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, with last entry to the museum at 6:00 pm.

How to Get There: Take the Tube to Tower Hill station and walk to the museum from there.  

Price: A ticket to the museum is £10.00, as is a ticket to the guided Jack the Ripper Walk. However, you can serve money and purchase a combined ticket to the museum and to the walk for £16.00.  

37. Broadway Market

By: Coni from Experiencing the Globe

What if I told you there was a working, Victorian street market in London that has become this sort of off the beaten path, hipster farmer’s market?

I know, I’d immediately add this place to my London itinerary too!

See, I first discovered Broadway Market while living in London. And since it made it on this list of unusual things to do in London, then you probably already guessed that I absolutely loved it.

Which is true since it’s a great place to get away from the crowds, and experience all that London has to offer. It’s also a perfect spot for foodies that has been around since the 1890s.

So, stop by and watch in awe as Broadway Street and Broadway market, come alive every Saturday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. You’ll find stalls of every variety here selling things like organic, local produce (think cheeses, fruits, and veggies), fresh flowers, one-of-a-kind memorabilia/ London souvenirs , and more!

And since the market sits close to Regent’s Canal and Victoria park, it’s an ideal place to take a stroll either before or after shopping. You’ll also find some chic cafés and boutique restaurants in the area, so you can easily transform your visit into a fantastic little, London day trip.

Address: Broadway Market street, E8 4PH.

Hours: Open Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How to Get There:  Take the Tube to Bethnal Green station on the Central Line or the London Overground to London Fields station and walk to the market from there.

Price: Free, unless you buy something.

Unusual Things to do in London: South East London

38. explore the historic queen’s house in greenwich.

By: Noel of Travel Photo Discovery

If you get a chance to  visit the Greenwich district of London don’t pass up an opportunity to see the ornate and historic, Queen’s house. Offering free admission to all, a trip to this former royal residence is truly one of most unusual things to do in London.

Built between 1616 and 1635, King James I commissioned architect Inigo Jones to design this manor house as part of an apology gift to his wife, Anne of Denmark.

Apparently, he swore at her after learning that she had accidentally killed one of his favorite dogs during a hunt (whoops).

That’s why when you step inside this regal residence, you’ll be treated to magnificent interiors that showcase classical-style rooms with art collections from some of the world’s greatest masters, including pieces from Turner, Gainsborough, Reynolds, and Hogarth.

Also of note is the enchanting, Tulip, spiral staircase, the Great Hall, the intricately painted ceilings of the Queen’s chamber, and the sweeping, panoramic views of the Thames and Royal Naval College from the manor house’s upper floors.

During your visit, you can also take a docent-led tour of the house and its associated art collections, learning all about the three Tudor kings who were born here. Or, you can always just wander through the museum at your own pace since there is ample signage on display throughout the manor.

Address:  Romney Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF

Hours:  Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How to Get There:  Take the DLR to Cutty Sark for Martine Greenwich Station and walk to the Queen’s House from there.

Price:  General admission is free but if you book a guided tour of the museum it’s £6.75 per person in advance and £7.50 per person the day of.

39. Borough Market

Broke like a joke but still want to experience all the culinary awesomeness that London has to offer? Then look no further than Borough Market (one of the unofficial best food tours in London ). Definitely one of the best things to do in London, even if you’re not broke.

Located right next door to Tower Bridge and The Shard, This fantastic food market is super easy to find and home to an eclectic assortment of food vendors; vendors that allow patrons to go on a culinary journey throughout the world, but without ever actually leaving London.

Personally, I am a huge fan of Balkan Bites, Borough Cheese Company, Flat Cap Coffee Co., Luminary Bakery, etc. But even if you’re not actually hungry, this is a great place to walk around, take in the exciting sights and delicious smells, and do a little grocery shopping for later.

But no matter what, this is the perfect, offbeat place to stop and get a feel for what the local food scene in London is really like.

Pro Tip: Bar Douro is a nice bar here where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the beautiful, Portuguese azulejo tiles throughout the interior.

Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL

Hours: Open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Fridays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed Sundays).

How to Get There: Take the Tube to London Bridge station and walk to the market from there.

Price: Depending on what you buy, most foods here will cost under £10.00

40. Climb Aboard the Golden Hinde Ship

By: Pauline of BeeLoved City

Located on the banks of the River Thames, a visit to the Golden Hinde is truly one of the most unusual things to do in London.

Originally captained by Sir Francis Drake during the 16th century, this famous Elizabethan era explorer, among others, took the Golden Hinde around the world no less than five times.

Which is why a replica of this famous boat now stands in London today, nestled in between London Bridge and Black Friars station, near the Tate Museum.

So feel free to visit the museum after a nice leisurely stroll along the Thames, during which you can admire the stunning views of London Bridge and the Tower of London.

Plus, the Golden Hinde Ship is perfectly situated halfway through the walk, making it an ideal place to take a break since everyone, kids included, will love exploring this amazing ship.

And after your visit be sure to grab a drink at The Old Thameside Inn, a typical British pub that sits just in front of the ship.

Here you’ll find a wide selection of craft beers and ciders, as well as some incredibly delicious food, like their amazing Sunday Roast. 

Plus he bar even has a terrace that sits just above the river –  a perfect spot for an impromptu photo sesh since you’ll see the Golden Hinde on one side of the rives and Tower Bridge on the other! Because even though the pub does get quite busy during the summer, it’s still one of the most relaxing places in all of London.

Address:  St Mary Overie’s Dock, Cathedral St, London SE1 9DE

Hours:  Open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (November through March), with extended hours until 6:00 pm from April through October .

How to Get There:  Take the Tube to London Bridge station and walk to the ship from there.

Price:  An adult ticket costs £5.00.

41. Visit the Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret

Located just a hop, skip, and jump away from Borough Market (as well as Tower Bridge, the rebuilt Globe Theatre, the HMS Belfast, and Clink Prison). The Old Operating Theatre is definitely one of the most unusual things to do in London since, well, getting to the museum itself is a bit of experience.

I mean, you’ll basically need to hold onto a rope and ascend an almost never-ending set of incredibly steep steps, housed within an insanely narrow space, that will leave you gasping for air.

However, once you finally do manage to get to the attic of the St. Thomas Church, hopefully without coughing up a lung, you’ll discover the oldest surviving operating theatre in all of a Britain.

Dating all the way back to 1822, this slightly scary looking surgical area consists of a central operating table that is surrounded by concentric rings of seats that rise up around it.

This way eager onlookers could witness the real life horror of surgery done without anesthesia.

Because believe it or not patients here were actually given nothing more than a wooden cane to bite down on, in a vain attempt to help dull their screams as they writhed around in agony (Sweet baby Jesus, so glad I was born in a time with anesthesia).  

So, if you dare, explore this wonderfully weird museum, which was founded by doctor Richard Mead and includes a fascinating collection of historic, surgical tools (like skull drilling instruments) as well as preserved, anatomical oddities and wares from an old apothecary.

Address: 9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY

Hours: Open Monday 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm .  

How to Get There: Take the Tube to London Bridge station and walk to the museum from there.  

Price: Adult admission tickets are £6.50 per person.  

42. Crystal Park Dinosaurs

Kind of like Jurassic Park, only 10,000 times safer since, well, the dinosaurs aren’t actually real (and I for one am not at all upset by this fact):

The Crystal Palace dinosaurs actually sit inside, not surprisingly, Crystal Palace Park. A former modern marvel of the Gilded Age:

This park was actually the focal point of the Great Exhibition in 1851, an event that was designed to showcase the overall talent and ingenuity of the British Empire.  

However, like with most good things, the Exhibition eventually came to an end, leading to an extensive renovation of the area.

You know… Just for future posterity and maybe even a little cold, hard, cash. Which is why oddly enough, a sculptor by the name of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins was later hired to create life-size models of now-extinct animals like, you guessed it, dinosaurs.

And thus, the Crystal Park Dinosaurs were born, which feature, in total, thirty-three statues of fifteen different species of dinosaurs, including Iguanodon and Megalosaurus.

Now, fast forward a solid hundred years and the park fell into complete disrepair and disarray, after a series of unfortunate events like a local fire In 1936.

Thankfully though, in an effort to completely revitalize the area, the park was totally overhauled in 2002, which is how the dinosaurs themselves got a much-needed facelift. Stop by today and you can marvel at a series of fabulous, life-size dinosaur statues that now come complete with their very own, Grade I designation from ye olde 2007.

Address: 13 Orchard Grove, London SE20 8DN

Hours: Open daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with the exception of Sunday, when the park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  

How to Get There: Take the London Overground to Crystal Palace station and walk to the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs from there.  

43. Explore the Nomadic Community Garden

Imagine some uber-eclectic, hippie era wonderland that is a modern-day oasis for peace, love, and more than a little weed.

Now, take whatever you’re imagining and amplify it by like 10,000 and you’ll have some idea of just how unusual this place really is.

Because truth be told, this is one of those unusual things to do in London that kind of reminds me of Copenhagen’s famed Christiana. Only on a smaller scale and with any hidden, political agenda.

Sprinkle in a delightful smattering of potted plants, abandoned couches, ultra-colorful picnic benches, rogue cars, and street art laden shacks, and you have the tiniest idea of just how epic the Nomadic Community Garden really is.  

Plus, this oasis of hippie-inspired greenery actually sits right next door to Alien Park in Shoreditch; making this the perfect place to kick back, enjoy some food, and watch the people stroll by as various street artists scurry around in the background, creating their latest masterpieces.

So, although there really isn’t much to do here per se (Besides smoke a doobie. But I say no to drugs and remind you that weeds are for whacking), it is a great place to stop and take in the funky scenery all around you.

Address: Fleet St Hill, London E2 6EE

Hours: Open Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (closed Mondays).  

How to Get There: Take the Overground to Shoreditch High Street station, or the Tube to Aldgate East station, and walk to the garden from there.  

44. Pet Some Resident Donkies at Spitalfields City Farm

Surprise! There’s a full-on, working farm right in the middle of London. And you can find it right in the ultra-alternative, hipster chic, London neighborhood of Shoreditch.

Locally known as Spitalfields City Farm, this thin slice of agricultural awesome has been around since 1978 and continues to educate visitors about the importance of animal welfare, sustainable farming, sustainable living, and the importance of ecological biodiversity (FINALLY using that environmental science degree for something).

Additionally, this farm also gives residents the opportunity to fully connect with their community by creating something that all of London can enjoy; a safe place where children and adults alike can connect to the natural world around them.

So, if you feel like getting down and dirty with the in-house donkeys at the  Spitalfields Community Farm , then swing by this little oasis of greenery and frolic through a series of enchanting gardens that are overflowing with evening primrose, musk mallow, bedstraw, yarrow, vervain, knapweed, and ox-eye daisy.

Plus, along the way, you’ll even get to see, and pet, some wicked wonderful, totally adorable animals like geese, sheep, parrots, ducks, chickens, pigs, cats, ferrets, donkeys, goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

So, embrace the beyond epic animal cuteness as you enjoy one of the most unusual things to do in London.

Address: Buxton St, London E1 5AR

Hours: Closed Mondays but open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4;00 pm October through March (and until   4:30 pm April through September).  

How to Get There: Take the Overground to Shoreditch High Street station, or Whitechapel station, and walk to the farm from there.  

46. Enjoy Afternoon Tea with Some Feline Friends at Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium

Cozy up with one of the adorable residents at Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in Shoreditch, London. Stunned that a London cat cafe made it on this list of unusual things to do in London? Yeah, me either.   Especially since cat cafes are all the rage right now.

That’s why I was none too surprised to find a chic AF cat café in the swagerific London neighborhood of Shoreditch. And while I normally pride myself in going slightly against the grain when it comes to pop culture trends, in this instance, I hopped on the proverbial bandwagon, enjoyed the ride, and cuddled with all the cool kitties until my heart almost burst with delight.

The first rule of Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium? Always make reservations since this cat café is incredibly popular among cat-loving Londoners of every variety.

And although you can enjoy a standard, 90-minute cat petting sesh for £15, why not live a little and experience high tea among some free roaming, or hardcore napping, feline friends?

Because for just £30 per person (come on guys, it’s for a good cause), you can enjoy an assortment of sandwiches, teas, cakes, cookies, and scones that are, DUH, served with clotted cream and jam, for 90 glorious minutes, between the hours of 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm on weekdays and 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm on weekends.

Minus Wednesday though since Lady Dinah’s is closed that day.

If you want, you can also try and stop by on a Soothing Sunday, when the café is filled to half capacity, providing you with a little extra, one on one attention from some of your fave felines.

And with 90-minute sessions costing just £20 per person, you can savor all this additional kitty adoration with the added benefit of one, non-alcoholic drink being included in the price of admission.

However, if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, at least when it comes to food, then check out the cafe’s a la carte menu, which features a variety of sweets, as well as breakfast and lunch items, that are sure to satisfy even the most ravenous of my cat-loving friends out there,  

Address: 152-154, Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 6DG

Hours:  Open Monday through Friday, except closed Wednesdays, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

How to Get There: Take the London Overground to Shoreditch High Street station and walk to the tea house from there.  

Price: Afternoon tea starts at £30.00 per person.

Other Unusual Things to Do in London

46. mews streets.

So when I say Mews Streets, I really need to clarify for my predominantly American audience.

See, the term Mews actually refers to a type of street in London that is usually narrow, lined with cobblestones, and basically charming AF.

Typically, these streets are behind or perpendicular to busier, main roads since they were traditionally used by carriages and stables, way before the development of cars.

But ever since society said a fond farewell to our four-legged friends, as a mode of transportation, the mews have become some of the quaintest, and most ridiculously expensive, streets in London.

A true must-see for anyone who has even a slight addiction to either photography or Instagram.

And while there are an infinite number of picturesque mews streets in London:

Some of my absolute favorites include Kynance Mews, Stanhope Mews, Colville Mews, Queen’s Gate Mews, and more.

Definitely one of the more charming, and slightly less touristy places to visit in London (one of the awesome cheap things to do in London too).

48. Party Like a Rockstar at Massaoke

By: Alexx of Finding Alexx

Without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite, unusual things to do in London is Massaoke.

It’s a live, beyond-epic, karaoke event where the masses gather together to belt their hearts out to some of their favorite songs.

I mean, just think about how much fun karaoke is with your best friends.

Then, throw in some super-talented performers, a brilliant playlist, and a HUGE dance floor, and you’ve got a pretty solid idea of what to expect from Massaoke.

Plus, the Massaoke band actually hosts this event on a monthly basis, with each performance having a unique, musical theme like the 80s, 90s, pop, rock, Christmas, or Halloween.

A fact that helps make this a full-on extravaganza, with costumes being encouraged and sometimes even rewarded.

So, if partying like a rockstar is your thing, then I’d highly recommend making a night of it at Massaoke.

Just be sure to grab a bottle of wine, or some M&S cocktail cans, dress up in a snazzy little-themed outfit. meet up with some of your besties, warm up your singing voice, and prepare for a night of karaoke fun.

And if you happen to be in London during the winter then definitely check out their annual Halloween and Christmas Massaoke events.

They are the perfect opportunity for a holiday party with friends, colleagues, or loved ones.

Local Tip: Be sure to eat and hydrate before the party, which is a solid couple of hours of high-energy singing and dancing to tunes from your teenage years. Just minus your teenage stamina!***

Address: The location varies by event, so check their website for more details.

Hours: Shows occur once a month, on a Friday evening, between 7:00 pm and 10:30 pm.

How to Get There: The location varies by event so check their website for more details.

Price: Tickets typically cost between £13.00 and £20.00 per person.

48. CuppaPug

If you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in London then you need to get your PAWS on a cuppa from CuppaPug.

After all, this place is easily one of the best puppy cafes in London .

Because, unlike your traditional coffee shop, this Dalston area café is home to a mega cute bunch of pugs that you can actually pay with.

So, just reserve your hour time slot online, for £12.00 per person, and you’ll be able to feed these resident pugs treats, watch them do tricks, or even play with them in the pink ball pit.

Plus, you’ll rest easy knowing that all of your hard-earned cash is going to the National Pug Protection Trust.

Also, be sure to enjoy a nice cotton candy milkshake for me and pair it with a perfect pug-face cupcake while you’re enjoying one of the coolest things to do in London.

Local Tip: Sign up for one of their cool events like Cocktails & Pugtales.

Also, do note that because pugs actually live in the café, other dogs aren’t allowed at CuppaPug.

Address: 5, Ability Plaza, Arbutus St, London E8 4DT, United Kingdom

Hours : Open Thursday/Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Price: £12.00 for a one-hour time slot.

How to Get There: Take the Overground to Haggerston and walk from there.

49. Fake Houses of 23 and 24 Leinster Gardens

Head to 23 and 24 Leinster Gardens and from the outside, everything looks super normal.

In fact, you’ll quickly wonder why this address is even on this list of unusual things to do in London.

Well, if you do a double take you’ll quickly see that these two houses in Bayswater are actually not real.

Yup, crazy but totally true.

In fact, the original houses were removed to create an air vent that could be used to service the Metropolitan Line.

And when this happened, locals in this posh neighborhood were super angry. As a result, they had officials build two “fake” homes that were used to cover the ugly space that was created by the vent.

So, tada! You now have one of the more obscure things to do in London.

Address: 24 Leinster Gardens, London W2 3ET, UK

Hours: 24/7

How to Get There: Take the Central Line to Queensway and walk from there.

50. Take In The Street Art In Croydon

If you are a lover of all kinds of art then Croydon is probably worth your time. Honestly, most people would never have put Croydon on their list a couple of years ago.

Why? Well Croydon had all these big ugly buildings that were not really that interesting. ‘Were’ being the keyword here.

Slowly the scene in the area changed. How? Well street art duh! Yup this is one of those iconic spots and one of the really offbeat unusual things to do in London. All you have to do is wander down the streets and watch how the drab alleys have been transformed with splashes of color. 

In fact, some of the street art in the neighborhood is by renowned street artists. Think along the lines of David Hollier and Otto Shade!

One of the interesting things about Croydon is how it is constantly transforming. More and more art keeps being added and there are always new surprises!

Address: Croydon

How To Get There: Take the Thameslink to Croydon

51. Head To The London Mithraeum

If you are looking for unusual things to do in London then you really can’t go wrong with a visit to the London Mithraeum. Not everyone knows that they exist. Yup! I’m serious!

Oddly enough the Mithraeum has three floors. You would think that it was hard to miss right? This temple was dedicated to the Roman God Mithras. Hence the temple is called the Mithraeum. It dates back to the 3rd century so it’s super old and super fascinating.

It also gives you a chance to see what Roman London looked like. Did I mention that there are a lot of ancient Roman artifacts on display?

Address: 12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA, United Kingdom

How To Get There: Take the bus to Bank Station / King William Street and walk from there.

Unusual Things to do in London FAQs

What are some unique things to do in london.

Some unique things to do in London include:

• The K2 Telephone Boxes
• Eltham Palace
• Giro’s Grave
• Old Operating Theatre at St Thomas’s
• Museum of Brands.
• Streatham Rookery
• Crossness Pumping Station

What are the Special Things in London?

The special things London is famous for are:

• Tower Bridge
• Oxford Street
• Tower of London
• Covent Garden
• Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
• Buckingham Palace
• Westminster Abbey
• Natural History Museum.
• Borough Market.
• Harrod’s

How can I Enjoy a Day in London?

You can enjoy a day in London by:

• Exploring the Tower of London
• Visiting South Bank and see the London Eye
• Checking out Big Ben/Houses of Parliament
• Saying hi to Buckingham Palace
• Admiring Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and the West End
• Ending the night at a real English pub

What are 4 Sights in London?

4+ top sights in London are:

• Big Ben & Parliament
• Camden Market
• Buckingham Palace.
• St Paul’s

Map Of The Unusual Things To Do In London

Click here to see the whole map.

Additional London Resources You’ll Love

• Best Brunch Places in London

Congrats! You made it to the end of my list of 51 weirdly wonderful and totally unusual things to do in London.

Hopefully, i’ve given you some unique things to see in london. perhaps even some top things to do in london that you’ve never heard of before.   , so if you’re ready to start planning your trip to london (and really, who isn’t), then pin this now and read it again later.

Lauren Cirkot (Always Find Adventure)

Monday 25th of May 2020

I've been to London 4 or 5 times now, and this list just makes me want to go back and do even more!

girlwiththepassport

Monday 1st of June 2020

I totally get it. So much to see and so little time.

Saturday 23rd of May 2020

I loved reading this list Kelly! All those things seems so cool and fun! Saving it for my next trip to London!

I never get sick of going to London as there is so much to see and do.

Love this post! We are from London and didn’t know about half these places. Nooo sorry you missed out on Big Ben - gives you an excuse to return though :) Kenwood House is such a pretty place to explore, especially if you visit London in the Winter. I have heard great things about the Sherlock Holmes museum, will have to try that! Love the afternoon tea at Cutter and Squidge! That is deffo on our list when we are back! We have done an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea over at St James Hotel and that was super cute but you can’t beat Harry Potter!

What a cool list! I especially love all the unique and quirky places for tea, coffee, or food!

Privacy Overview

39 Dark and Unusual Things to Do in London

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Originally published 25 November 2018 | Updated 1 September 2019

London has had a long, dark history. I guess that’s unavoidable in a city as old as London, though. Still, this makes it a pretty ideal dark tourism destination. It is also means there are A LOT of macabre and unusual things to do in London. We set out to see as many of the sites, monuments and other hidden gems associated with London’s dark history as possible.

London is full of creepy activities, but it’s huge. So it was super time consuming, but worth it to compile a list of our favourite scary, weird, and unusual hidden gems in London for dark tourists. Or anyone, really. This list is full of fun and historical places to visit, as well as dark, spooky and non-touristy things to do in London!

Since we know not everyone has time to see all there is to see in London during a short holiday (or in a lifetime, if we’re honest), we wanted to provide a list that showcased some of the best alternative dark tourism spots rather than reiterating the main ones. Sites like the Tower of London, Churchill’s War Rooms, HMS Belfast and St Paul’s Cathedral all fall under the purview of dark tourism – and many of them are unique and different in their own way.

However, all those sites will also come up on nearly any ‘top things to do in London’ list alongside the most iconic London landmarks . So we didn’t want to include them here since this list is all about celebrating the dark AND unusual places to visit in London. Thus, below are our recommendations for those interested in being a dark tourist in the city, or for those merely interested in discovering some hidden gems while exploring the London’s darker history.

If you’re bag of unusual and off the beaten path is a little less macabre and a little more books, then you’ll enjoy this London literary itinerary (say that 10x fast!).

1. GET LOCKED UP IN THE CLINK

Before we break this list down into more specific and helpful categories, why not first start with the perfect place to rest your weird little dark tourist head!

The term ‘clink’ (i.e. ‘lock him up in the clink!’) comes from London. More accurately, it comes from a specific prison in London called ‘The Clink Prison.’ Nowadays, there are several ways you can explore this history. 

One great and unique way is to stay at London’s very own  Clink Hostel 78 . This hostel was converted from an old courthouse with prison cells. A few of the former prison cells are now outfitted with refurbished cell block beds, which you can opt to stay in for the night! You must select this option when booking – it’s not random! In addition to staying the night, visitors may also be able to catch a music gig in the basement. If you’re a musician, you can even arrange to stay for free so long as you play a show. Music is important to the hostel’s history, as this is the courthouse where The Clash were tried.

This place is a hostel, and seeing as they have live shows not always the quietest one, but the vibe is pretty chill, the included breakfast is quite hearty and it just so happens to be down the block from one of my favourite  Vietnamese restaurants in London.

Staying here is definitely one of the more unusual things to do in London, but make sure you stay at Clink Hostel 78,  NOT  261! They are run by the same people, but the second one is just a building and doesn’t have prison cells. This goes for their location in Amsterdam, as well.

If that doesn’t satisfy your curiosity, check out  The Clink Museum  (where the actual prison was). But, just beware, it’s quite theatrical and a bit of tourist trap. Still, you can see Medieval torture devices and heads on sticks. Be sure to get a photo of yourself behind bars!

Unfortunately we haven’t had the chance to stay in the old prison cells (they’ve always been booked up!). But I have stayed at the Clink 78 twice, and although I’m not a partier, it definitely had a good vibe. I also lived around the corner from here for awhile and attended a few gigs. Highly recommend!

Sound like your kind of place – prison cell, or not? Then book  here !

NOT YOUR THING?

If the Clink just isn’t your cup of tea, we have a few other recommendations for where to stay from budget to high-end!

Monopoly Accommodation is a self-catering hostel (with free breakfast) on the border of the Whitechapel and Spitalfields districts. We had a great stay here. The beds were comfy and the hosts were quite friendly. If you stay in Whitechapel, you’ll be surrounded by dark history from Jack the Ripper to the Kray Twins! The original Bedlam Hospital was even in this neighbourhood. Plus, within 5 minutes is Spitalfields Market, Shoreditch (yay street art !), and Brick Lane! Try to ask for a top floor room as they are by far the best!

The Barmy Badger Backpackers … This place surprised me! Honestly, when we booked this hostel last minute before heading to Morocco, I thought I was going to hate every second. The name just screams party hostel. And maybe it is, but up on the top floor, sleeping on one of the comfiest mattresses I’ve ever lain on, I didn’t hear a thing. I can’t speak for the comfiness of the dorms, but our double bed was immense! Also, their wifi speeds are AMAZING! And there’s two dogs!

The Kensington Prime is a higher-end hotel – okay, maybe mid-range, we’re not rich and London is expensive! The rooms are small but incredibly comfy. Great location if you like the Kensington area and comes with free breakfast! If you want top-end without breaking the bank, we recommend!

Weird and Different Things to do in London: Food & Drink

2. grab a drink with some of london’s ghosts.

Visiting a pub might not seem like one of the most unusual things to do in London – after all, it’s part of the culture, right? But London pubs are full of history! When so many of them are hundreds of years old, they kind of can’t help it. You can find any type of dark history in London pubs, from bare knuckle fighting and cholera outbreaks to Jack the Ripper and London’s gangster scene. And of course, ghosts!

We had a great time doing our own haunted histories pub crawl of London .

You can find out about all of London’s pubs with killer histories in our post. However, I will talk about my favourite just to whet your appetite.

The Ten Bells on Commercial Street, across from Spitalfields Market, is quite unique as far as British pubs go. Although it has certainly been refurbished since its Jack the Ripper era days, the pub has maintained many of its original fixtures.

It’s also not designed like any other British pub I’ve been in, making it one of the more unusual places to visit in London for a drink. There are a few seats and booths around the edges of the first floor, but most of the area is standing area. Don’t get me wrong, there’s standing area in most pubs, but it does look very distinct inside the Ten Bells.

Just don’t order a diet “coke” here. I made that mistake once, and it was grim. But hey, who goes to a pub to order a soda? Other than me, apparently.

Book a Jack the Ripper Tour

The Ten Bells only Location: 84 Commercial St, Spitalfields, London E1 6LY Nearest Tube Station: Aldgate East Opening Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 12:00 to 00:00; Thursday – Saturday 12:00 to 01:00

Related: Haunted Pubs in Norwich

3. GET CAFFEINATED AMONGST THE DEAD

Alcohol not your thing? We feel you. We’re not actually huge drinkers (contrary to the above suggestion and corresponding post).

Or, maybe drinking is your thing, but you need your coffee fix and you’d prefer it to be somewhere a little creepy?

Either way, London is home to not one, but two crypt cafes!

There is the Cafe in the Crypt at St Martin’s in the Field, just across from the National Portrait Gallery. This crypt is believed to have once been the resting place of over 70,000 bodies. However, it was cleared out in 1859 due to lack of space. Presumably the bodies were moved to other burial grounds, such as the Magnificent Seven cemeteries around the city.

Today it is a pleasant and lively cafe just beneath the church. Don’t be fooled by the giant ‘London’s Hidden Cafe’ sign above, though, cause it’s pretty popular!

By contrast, the Crypt Cafe at Christ Church, Spitalfields is an equally unique place to visit, but nowhere near as busy. At least not in our experience! Enjoy an afternoon tea before exploring the Shoreditch street art scene, or going for a Jack the Ripper walking tour.

You can find out more about their history and opening times towards the bottom of our historic London pubs post (I know, I know).

4. HOXTON STREET MONSTER SUPPLIES

I fell in love with this quirky little shop before ever stepping foot in it. A monster supply shop that sells edible oddities like ‘a vague sense of unease’ (boiled candies and a poem) and werewolf biscuits (clotted cream shortbread)? Yes please!

Everything about the Hoxton Street Monster Supplies shop and their website is so well thought out and brilliant. From the monster pen pal post office at the shop to the invisible store cat who meows from time to time (Jeremy searched desperately for one to play with until the lovely shopkeeper told us the cat was invisible).

Even little touches on their website, like the fact that a bar at the top informs you it has been “automatically translated for humans.” If you click on the drop down, you’ll find the site can be viewed in mummy, werewolf, vampire bat, and zombie. And I thoroughly recommend you view it in each one.

So whether you need toasted bone chunks, fang floss, zombie mints, or you’re just looking for unusual places to visit in London, the Hoxton Street Monster Supplies shop is for you!

PS: Due to a rather inconvenient curse, all profits go to the  Ministry of Stories , a creative writing and mentoring charity for young humans!

Location: 159 Hoxton St, Hoxton, London N1 6PJ Nearest Tube Station: Hoxton Opening Hours: Thursday – Friday 13:00 to 17:00; Saturday 11:00 to 17:00

Spooky and Unique Things to do in London: Parks & Rec

5. search for creepy street art.

Now, it might come as a bit of a surprise that we’re including street art on here. However, we saw some seriously spooky pieces. Granted, some went up just for Halloween, but others were more permanent fixtures.

Not only is London’s street art scene epic, but many of the more prolific neighbourhoods, such as Shoreditch, Brixton, and Camden are some of the more unique and quirky parts of the city. It’s honestly one of the best free things to do in London , and I’m also impressed how relatively non-touristy it remains. Plus, wandering around looking for street art is just a great way to find some random hidden gems in London.

We always advocate getting out and about to search for some street art, and in London you can’t go wrong. Here are some more of our creepy faves!

Related: The Perfect London Street Art Tour

6. INDULGE IN A DARK TOURISM THEMED WALKING TOUR

I think it’s pretty well established by now that we’re big fans of walking tours! No? Well, you must be new here; you’ll soon learn!

If you’re on the fence about walking tours, London is a great place to give them a go due to the sheer number (and therefore competition to be good). Because there are so many uniquely themed tours, finding new ones is easily one of my favourite unusual things to do in London. The tours available range from Harry Potter sites to food tours to street art to all manner of the macabre.

If you’re looking at this list, I can only assume that you’re at least mildly interested in that last category. In which case, here are a few  darker themed London walking tours  we recommend.

7. HAVE A PICNIC AND REFLECT AT ST. DUNSTAN’S-IN-THE-EAST

Poor St. Dunstan’s-in-the-East. This church was nearly destroyed during the Great Fire of 1666. It took over 150 years before it was rebuilt and reopened. Then, tragically, the church was once again destroyed during the Blitz bombings in WWII. This time around, the city decided against rebuilding. Now it stands as a testament to what the city suffered through.

Still, it’s awfully pretty, if not hauntingly so. Although visitors can see straight through the now hollowed out church, its skeletal remains are shrouded in foliage, truly showing there can be beauty from destruction. Nowadays it’s a popular spot for businessmen and women on their lunch breaks. Families often picnic here.

But few realise that St. Dunstan’s-in-the-East has an even darker history. Like most old churches in London, St. Dunstan’s-in-the-East donated land for burials during the plague. As such, it is a plague pit. Hopefully that doesn’t ruin your sandwich next time you’re there! 

And if it does, you really shouldn’t even be in London. Because pretty much anywhere you go in the city, you’re probably standing on a dead body.

Location:  St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD Nearest Tube Station: Monument OR Tower Hill Opening Hours:  Everyday 08:00 to 19:00 or dusk (whichever comes first); open every day except Christmas (Dec 25), Boxing Day (Dec 26) and New Years (Jan 1). Cost:  Free!

8. SPEND AN AFTERNOON WITH HEROES AT POSTMAN’S PARK

Just behind St Bart’s and around the corner from St Paul’s Cathedral lies a small, inconspicuous little park. Its name is Postman’s Park. You may have even passed by it without realising just how special this green space is.

If you’re looking for relaxing and non-touristy things to do in London for the macabre tourist, you can’t go wrong with a stroll through Postman’s Park. It is one of the remaining hidden gems in London.

The park was initially opened in 1880, and in 1900 painter George Frederic Watts erected the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice installation. Watts created the memorial to honour the everyday men and women who died saving the lives of others. There are 62 memorials in total, and it is reported that Watt’s wife said each one took months, sometimes years for her husband to research.

It has been theorised by some that the earliest documented memorial plaque, that of Sarah Smith who died in 1863, might have been friends with the Watts family.

Sarah’s plaque reads:

“Sarah Smith | Pantomime Artist At Princess Theatre Died of terrible injuries received when attempting in her inflammable dress to extinguish the flames which had enveloped her companion. January 24 1863”

The youngest listed is that of eight year old Henry Bristow who, similarly, died by ripping off the flaming clothing of his little sister, but himself caught fire.

You can find out even more about Sarah and Henry, as well as all of the heroes memorialised at Postman’s Park in this book .

If the park looks familiar, that’s because it’s featured in the 2004 Natalie Portman film, Closer .

Location:  King Edward Street London EC1A 7BT Nearest Tube Station: St Paul’s Opening Hours:  Everyday 08:00 to 19:00 or dusk (whichever comes first); open every day except Christmas (Dec 25), Boxing Day (Dec 26) and New Years (Jan 1). Cost:  Free!

9. GET IN A DEBATE AT THE TYBURN TREE & SPEAKER’S CORNER

This really is for those invested in dark tourism sites. Not because it’s full of severed heads or horrific paintings, but because it will only mean something to hardcore dark tourists since today little remains. The histories of the Tyburn tree and Speaker’s Corner, however, are quite gruesome.

Tyburn used to be a village in Middlesex, near present-day Marble Arch in London. For most of its history, Tyburn was the execution capital of London, even earning the nickname ‘God’s Tribunal’ during the 18th century. 

Prior to being executed, prisoners were driven on horse and cart from Newgate Prison, down Oxford road to Speaker’s Corner. Here, they were permitted to say any last words, before being loaded back onto the cart and taken to the Tyburn Tree.

The eponymous Tyburn ‘tree’ was of course not a tree, but a gallows where prisoners were publicly hung. Spectator numbers were often as high as 20,000. The site was in operation for over 650 years. Although it is impossible to know the exact number as many of the deaths were not recorded, the figure is certainly quite high. 105 Catholics died between 1535-1681; and during the 1570s, 704 felon executions were recorded. Oliver Cromwell’s remains were also posthumously executed at Tyburn. On 3 November 1783, the Tyburn tree witnessed its final execution.

Public debates and protests often still occur at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park. If nothing is going on, visitors can still read about the corner’s history. The Tyburn Tree is commemorated by a plaque and three trees on the floor of a traffic island.

Location:  The Tyburn Tree plaque is located at the junction of today’s Edgware Road, Bayswater Road and Oxford Street; Speaker’s Corner is Located across the street in Hyde Park; There is a plaque to the Catholic Martyrs executed at Tyburn around the corner at 8 Hyde Park Place. Nearest Tube Station: Marble Arch Opening Hours:  24 Hours Cost:  Free!

Scary and Unusual Places to Visit in London: Graveyards & Tombstones

10. get lost wandering around the magnificent seven.

Call me weird, but I’ve always loved cemeteries. I find them quite humbling. And they are certainly one of the more macabre non-touristy things to do in London.

In case you’re unaware, there are  a lot  of dead people buried under London. For hundreds of years, the dead were buried in small parish churchyards outside of the city. These parishes quickly became overcrowded, leading to numerous health crises. Most notably, rotting remains polluted the water supply and caused outbreaks of diseases such as cholera. However, the government refused to allocate funding towards the construction of private cemeteries. Until, that is, Paris’ Père Lachaise cemetery (built in 1804) galvanised the British to request a vote on burial reform. In 1832, London’s first privately owned cemetery, Kensal Green, was built.

Over the next nine years, six more urban cemeteries were built around London. Together, these became the Magnificent Seven.

To be honest, unless you have a significant amount of time in London, you’re unlikely to have time to see all seven. If you do have time, each has its own vibe and architecture – they were, after all, designed by famous architects of the age. 

If you can only pick one, I would be cliche and pick Highgate as it is the most famous, most atmospheric and most uniquely designed. And, while they all have numerous famous people buried within, Highgate cemetery arguably has the most well known famous people (such as Douglas Adams’ ashes, George Michael and Karl Marx). And it’s next to Waterlow Park, which is beautiful!

Location:  Swain’s Lane, Highgate, London N6 6PJ Nearest Tube Station: Archway OR Highgate Opening Hours:  Daily: 10am to 5pm (March to October); 10am to 4pm (November to February) Cost:  Highgate east cemetery costs £4 and includes a map (or £8 for a guided tour). The west section is only accessible through a guided tour, which also includes entrance to the east cemetery and a map. For more information on dates and times, or to book a spot, check out their  website .

11. CROSS BONES GARDEN

If you truly want to see a less touristed side of London, while still being in the heart of the city, head to the Cross Bones Garden. At least, in my experience, there is almost never anyone here. And that is a damn shame, because this memorial park is really beautiful and peaceful, easily one of the best hidden gems in London!

The Cross Bones graveyard was originally established as a graveyard for some of London’s poorest residents in one of its most horrific slums; Southwark. The graveyard dates back to at least 1598, as indicated by the oldest excavated tombstone. At the time, the Southwark district was rampant with poverty, prostitution and violent crime.

Although little is known about the origins of the gravesite (including its exact inception date), it is believed that the Crossbones graveyard was originally established as a makeshift gravesite (i.e. dumping ground) for the “Winchester Geese.”

The Winchester Geese were the local Southward prostitutes, called such as they were licensed by the Bishop of Winchester to work within the Liberty of the Clink. The Liberty of the Clink was an area of London that lies outside of the City of London’s jurisdiction. As such, it was not held to the same laws, and many illicit activities illegal elsewhere with London were legal in the Liberty of the Clink district, such as bear baiting. 

However, whether or not it started as a gravesite for only the Winchester Geese, by 1769, it was used by the whole district as a burial site for the poorest among them.

In 1992, the Museum of London Archaeology Service unearthed 148 graves on the site. It was discovered that more than a third of the skeletal remains were perinatal or less than a year old.

Now the graveyard is a peaceful memorial garden, and one of my favourite unusual places to visit in London.

Location:  Union Street, London SE1 1SD Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge OR Borough Opening Hours:  Honestly, it’s impossible to find exact opening times, mostly because it’s down to volunteer availability. I think the only time it seems to be “guaranteed” to be open is Wednesday – Friday 12:00 to 14:00. But I’m pretty sure I’ve been there outside of these times – you can also still see in and appreciate the knotted gate from the outside, regardless. Cost:  Free! (Donations welcome)

12. TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN LONDON GIRL

In 1995, while excavating the land that would soon become 30 St Mary Axe (also known as the Gherkin), archeologists made an unusual discovery: a skeleton.

It was concluded that it belonged to a young girl, between 13 to 17 years of age. Thanks in part to pottery that was also discovered near her body, they were able to date her body back to Roman times, and guessed she died between 350 and 400AD.

The skeletal remains were kept safe throughout the construction of the Gherkin in a makeshift tomb. But when the building was complete, she was given a permanent burial site within the foundation of 30 St Mary Axe.

Supposedly, the grave has actually been moved once more to be slightly closer to where she was initially found. Nevertheless, if visiting the Gherkin, you can see the inscription where she is buried. It reads in both Latin and English:

To the spirits of the dead the unknown young girl from Roman London lies buried here

Location:  30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF Nearest Tube Station: Aldgate Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

Even more bodies!

The unknown London/Roman girl is not the only Roman body to be excavated from beneath the city. As more and more is built – or rebuilt – archaeologists keep discovering hidden remains. 

In the 1990s, excavations at Spitalfields Market unearthed a rather large section of a Roman cemetery, including a mostly intact sarcophagus of a woman. This cemetery would have sat just outside of Londinium, a Roman settlement established in 43AD, which is now the City of London.

Even more recently, in 2006, a Roman man in a sarcophagus was discovered during an archeological dig of St Martin’s in the Field (yes, the one with a Crypt Cafe from #2).

The man discovered at St Martin’s in the Field was actually initially believed to only be a couple hundred years old. However, rigorous analysis and carbon dating indicated he was in fact Roman, and is now thought to have died sometime between 390 and 430AD. He is often referred to as “London’s Last Roman.”

If you’re looking for more unique things to do in London, the Spitalfields woman and London’s last Roman are on display at the Museum of London.

Location:  150 London Wall, Barbican, London EC2Y 5HN Nearest Tube Station: St Pauls OR Barbican Opening Hours:  Daily from 10:00 to 18:00 Cost:  Free!

13. THE HARDY TREE

So this is definitely one for those seeking out weird and unusual places to visit in London.

When the Midland Grand Railway announced their plans to turn St Pancras into a great train station, they quickly discovered a bit of a wrinkle in their plan. See, at the time, the main reason anyone came to the area was the St Pancras Church and Cemetery. The owner of the railway did not like the idea that his passengers would alight the train only to be greeted by the dead.

At the time, the cemetery held over 88,000 bodies. To add to the issue, the St Pancras Cemetery was also rife with grave robbery and bodysnatchers. It was kind of the main site in the city for it in the first half of the 19th century. Charles Dickens even has one of his characters, Jerry Cruncher, bring his son to the cemetery for a bit of “fishing” in A Tale of Two Cities . (Just so we’re on the same page, “fishing” is 100% body snatching)

Architect Arthur Blomfield was hired to fix the problem. However, Blomfield didn’t really care to do it himself. Instead he assigned his assistant, Thomas Hardy, to come up with a solution.

Most of the gravestones were dismantled, and sadly many of the former occupants were moved into a mass grave (I’m not really sure where). Although this was not the fate of all the residents. One notable resident in particular, Mary Wollstonecraft, was initially buried at St Pancras Churchyard. Although her tombstone remains, her body was moved to the family burial plot in Bournemouth.

Following the removal of most of the bodies and graves, Hardy did wind up keeping a few. These were all piled together in a corner of the churchyard, and a tree was planted in the middle. It was meant to be a constantly evolving monument. 

Today that tree is known as The Hardy Tree. It still sits in the cemetery of St Pancras Old Church and it is one of the best hidden gems in London!

Location:  St Pancras Old Church, Pancras Rd, London NW1 1UL Nearest Tube Station: Kings Cross & St Pancras OR Mornington Crescent Opening Hours:  Can’t find exact times, but I think the cemetery might always be open. To be safe, maybe stop in between 10:00 to 17:00. Cost:  Free!

14. GIRO THE “NAZI” DOG’S TOMBSTONE

One of the most unusual places to visit in London – if you can manage to find it – is the gravestone of a dog named Giro. Giro belonged to the German ambassador the Britian, Leopold von Hoesch. Hoesch and Giro moved to London in 1932.

Sadly, after only two years in his new home, Giro chewed through a cable in the garden and died by electrocution. 

Heartbroken, Hoesch had a full gravestone made for his beloved dog, whom he buried in the backyard.

The inscription on the gravestone reads:

“GIRO” EIN TREUER BEGLEITER! (A faithful companion!) LONDON IM FEBRUAR 1934. HOESCH.

The gravestone no longer rests in its original spot as this was dug up for additional parking. It is believed that a member of the construction crew saved the tombstone as he was unable to see it be destroyed and placed it where it lies today – just outside of Hoesch’s old London home.

Although he is referred to as Giro the Nazi dog, this is an inaccurate and unfortunate misnomer. Hoesch, who was a representative of the Weimar Republic, would have switched to belonging to the Nazi party (the ruling party) by default when they took over. However, it seems unlikely he actually shared the beliefs of the Third Reich. In fact, although he was well loved in Britain, not a single member of the Nazi party attended his funeral in Germany when he died soon after Giro in 1936.

Also, as far as we know, dogs don’t have political ideologies.

If you want something truly unique to do in London, come pay your respects to Giro, a faithful companion.

Location:  9 Carlton House Terrace St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AJ – nearby in a small, walled off garden area Nearest Tube Station: Charing Cross Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

Dark and Different Things to do in London: Monuments & Memorials

15. see where the great fire of london started – and ended.

The great fire of London raged for only 5 days (Sep 2, 1666 – Sep 5, 1666), but it devastated the city, destroying the homes of 70,000 of London’s 80,000 residents. Although the official death count is only six, it is believed to be much higher. There are two main reasons for this: (1) Losses amongst the poor and middle class probably went unrecorded; and (2) The fire likely incinerated many people, leaving behind no bodies to count.

However, the fire was also thought to be a blessing in disguise, as it is believed to have eradicated the plague. Although this fact is disputed.

Regardless, it is irrefutable that the great fire of London was horrific. For those interested in this aspect of the city’s history, there are three sites to visit.

Two are right next to each other: Monument and Pudding Lane. The fire is believed to have started in a bakery on pudding lane. Those inclined, can buy a pastry in a shop and eat it beneath the Pudding Lane sign and Fire of London plaque. Across from Pudding Lane is ‘the monument’ which commemorates everything lost during the fire. You may be wondering why the monument is not  at  the incendiary site. Due to building restrictions, this was not possible. However if laid on its side, the monument reaches to the exact spot on Pudding Lane.

The views from the top are some of the best views in London , but there’s typically a long line to get in. And we don’t really do lines.

The third stop associated with the great fire is a home on Cloth Fair across from St Bartholomew’s church, another one of London’s hidden gems. The Cloth Fair home is not an official site, but one can see the exact spot the fire stopped at due to the dramatic shift in architecture. It is someone’s house, so please be respectful.

PS: the site where the fire ended is much more off the beaten path!

Location:  Started: Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH // Ended: Cloth Fair Nearest Tube Station: Monument // Barbican Opening Hours:  The Monument is open everyday 09:30 to 17:30, closed December 24 – 26 // 24/7 Cost:  Adult tickets are £5.00, Child tickets are £2.50 // Free!

16. WILLIAM WALLACE MEMORIAL

I’m sure you’ve heard of William Wallace, the Scottish freedom fighter. Yeah, the one Mel Gibson portrays in Braveheart .

Well, what you might not remember – or realise – is that he was actually executed in London, and visiting his grave is one of the more unusual things to do in London.

Scotland and England – despite currently being part of the same United Kingdom – have a rather contentious history. And it goes back hundreds – if not thousands – of years (we recommend you watch this amusing video about it).

The earlier years of William Wallace’s life had seen peace under King Alexander III. However, he died in 1286 after falling off of a horse, leading England to once again gain control of Scotland.

Wallace, like many Scots, joined the army to fight for Scotland’s independence. In May 1297, he participated in the assassination of the Sheriff of Lanark, William de Heselrig. This, and several other similar incidents were considered to be the beginning of the Scottish uprisings.

On 11 September 1297, William Wallace and Drew Moray led a small army into battle against the English at Stirling Bridge. The Battle of Stirling Bridge saw the first real victory for Scotland, despite being heavily outnumbered.

Upon returning home, both were awarded the title of Guardians of the Kingdom of Scotland on behalf of King John Balliol. Sadly Moray died not long after from wounds sustained during the battle.

Wallace continued to successfully fight off the English until 5 August 1305 when he was turned over by John de Menteith. Although Menteith was Scottish, he way loyal to King Edward I.

Back in London, Wallace was put on trial for treason. To the charge he is quoted as saying, “I could not be a traitor to Edward, for I was never his subject.”

Not surprisingly, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was stripped naked, tied to the back a horse and dragged through the city to Smithfield (see #34). There he was hanged, drawn and quartered. His head was preserved by dipping it in tar and placed on a spike on top of London Bridge. He would later be joined by the heads of fellow Scotsmen, brothers John and Simon Fraser.

His limbs were also publicly displayed, as a warning to others, in Berwick, Newcastle, Perth and Stirling.

On 8 April 1956, a plaque was unveiled at the spot he was executed. Most of it is in English, but the end reads: In Latin: Dico tibi verum libertas optima rerum nunqual servili sub nexu vivito fili (I tell you the truth. Freedom is what is best. Sons, never live life like slaves); and in Scottish Gaelic: Bas Agus Buaidh (Death and Victory), which is an old Scottish battle cry.

Location:  West Smithfield, London EC1A 7AQ Nearest Tube Station: Barbican or Farringdon Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

17. VIOLETTE SZABO & S.O.E. MONUMENT

In Lambeth between the Imperial War Museum and MI6 Headquarters is a memorial plinth dedicated to the Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.) agents of WWII.

The S.O.E. was formed on 22 July 1940. Agents were recruited to perform espionage and commit acts of sabotage in occupied countries. There were approximately 13,000 active agents throughout the war. However, 117 of them never made it home. This monument is dedicated to them.

The memorial is topped with a bronze head of a woman. Her name is Violette Szabo.

Violette was French on her mother’s side, British on her father’s. Although it is unclear why she opted to join the S.O.E., she believed in what they were doing.

Her first mission was to ascertain Germany bombing targets, which was successful. Sadly, on her second mission to sabotage German communication during the Normany landings, she was captured. Violette was interrogated and tortured and ultimately sent to Ravensbrück, a women’s concentration camp in Germany. There she was executed on or before 5 February 1945. She was only 23 years old. 

On 17 December 1946, she became the second woman to be awarded the George Cross, albeit posthumously.

Location:  5 Lambeth Palace Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7LB Nearest Tube Station: Lambeth North Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

Related: Dark & Historical Things to do in Norwich

18. BATTLE OF CABLE STREET MONUMENT & MURAL

Oswald Mosley and approximately 3,000 members of the British Union of Fascists (also called Blackshirts) fully intended to march through the streets of East London in full uniform on 4 October 1936.

Instead, over 20,000 anti-fascist protestors showed up on Cable Street to block the protestors.

The Blackshirts had specifically chosen East London due to its large population of Jewish residents. And knowing that because of this the march was likely to result in violence, over 100,000 residents of East London had petitioned for a ban from then Home Secretary John Simon. He denied the request and instead sent a police escort. During the march, between 6,000 – 7,000 police, many of whom were mounted, were installed to ensure the march was allowed.

The anti-fascist protestors set up road blocks and hurled insults, rotten food, and the contents of their chamber pots at the Blackshirts and police as they passed by.

After several confrontations, Mosley finally agreed to call off the march.

Although no one was killed, around 175 people from both sides were injured. 150 protestors were arrested, while many more managed to escape with the help of other demonstrators. Many of those arrested reported harsh and unfair treatment by the police.

The Battle of Cable Street remains an important moment in British politics and history. It is also frequently referenced, such as in Terry Pratchett’s novel Night Watch , which features a battle on a fictionalised Cable Street with Ankh-Morpork’s secret police.

Today, there is a small red commemorative plaque on the corner of Dock Street and Cable Street, and a rather intricate mural on St George’s Town Hall.

Location:  Plaque: Corner of Dock Street & Cable Street // Mural: St George’s Town Hall, Shadwell, E1 0DR Nearest Tube Station: Aldgate East OR Shadwell // Shadwell Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

19. PARK STREET PLAQUE

“An international incident happened here,” an unusual and unobtrusive plaque on Park Street proclaims. If you weren’t looking out for it, you might miss it. We saw it by chance, because we read all the random history plaques in London. And we’re so glad we did because learning about this plaque was one of the most unique things we did in London.

So what is the international incident? 

In 1850, Julius Jacob von Haynau, a cruel and ruthless Austrian general, who had garnered the nickname “the Austrian Butcher” (among several others, such as General Hyena), was on holiday in London.

While there, he popped over to Bankside for a drink at the Anchor bar. Due to his reputation and very recognisable facial hair someone recognised him. After signing the bar’s visitor book, he was confirmed to be the butcher. A few of the bar’s patrons began to heckle him, and he realised it was time to run. As he fled, several people followed him, and more joined along the way. Eventually he was chased down and attacked in the middle of the street.

Most of the mob hit or kicked him, ripping at his clothes. Someone threw scissors at him, apparently in an attempt to cut of his mustache. While still others threw dirt, rocks and manure.

He did manage to escape, and hid in a nearby house until police arrived to escort him away. The next day he left for Austria, and the incident is said to have embittered the relationship between Britain and Austria for several years.

Location:  Park Street, SE1 9EA Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

20. THE ANIMALS IN WAR MEMORIAL

This monument… Just all the feels.

I mean, if you don’t care about animals you won’t get much out of it. And also fuck you very much. But if you do love animals – as everyone should – you may find yourself getting a bit emotional.

The Animals in War Memorial was unveiled in 2004, and is in honour of all the animals who fought and died in wars throughout British history.

The monument depicts various animals that have been used in war such as horses, elephants, donkeys, even birds. One harrowing section even portrays an elephant stepping on the back of an exhausted dog.

As the memorial itself reads: They had no choice.

Truly, I loved this really unique, moving monument and think if you’re looking for dark or meaningful non-touristy things to do in London, this one shouldn’t be missed. The memorial is right next to Hyde Park, so you’d think it got more foot traffic. But no, it somehow remains one of the best hidden gems in London.

Location:  Brook Gate, London W1K 7QF Nearest Tube Station: Marble Arch Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

Related: Wojtek the Soldier Bear Statue and other WWII sites in Krakow

21. THE OLD BALTIC EXCHANGE MEMORIAL GLASS

On 10 April 1992, as Londoners went about their everyday lives—

A white vehicle filled with a one-tonne bomb, wired to fertiliser and 100lbs of SEMTEX (a plastic explosive) detonated just outside of the Baltic Exchange building at 21:20. Responsibility for the bombing was claimed the next day by the Provisional IRA (Irish Republican Army).

Sadly, the blast killed three people: Paul Butt, 29; Thomas Casey, 49; and Danielle Carter, 15; and a further 91 people were injured. It was the worst attack on British Mainland since WWII.

The Baltic Exchange building, a historic landmark, was also badly damaged. Amazingly, the stained glass memorial that was installed inside the building in 1922 survived.

The stained glass was designed by English artist John Dudley Forsyth to honour those members of the organisation that lost their lives during WWI. The memorial is made up of five separate pieces each depicting the personification of the five virtues: Truth, Hope, Justice, Fortitude and Faith, as well as a dome with “Victory.” It had hung above a staircase at the exchange since 1922.

Following some restoration after the bombing, the stained glass was brought to the National Maritime Museum, where it remains today.

The National Maritime Museum is also just generally worth seeing as it has some fascinating exhibits and collections and is one of the more non-touristy things to do in London. My absolute favourite part is the ‘Polar Worlds’ exhibition. FYI: giant Antarctic sea spiders look like facehuggers – you’ve been warned!

That having been said, there are also some incredibly problematic parts of the National Maritime Museum, as well. For example, in the permanent collection that details the British (and the rest of Europe) conquering North America, one plaque actually suggests that the Native Americans enjoyed the British invasion. C’mon people!

In case you’re wondering what happened to the spot the Baltic Exchange was built on, in 1995 it was excavated; a tomb was found (see #11), and the Gherkin – now one of London’s most unique and iconic buildings – was built.

Location:  Park Row, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9NF Nearest Tube Station: Greenwich (DLR) Opening Hours:  Everyday 10:00 to 17:00 Cost:  Free! (Special exhibits often cost money, check their website for what’s on ).

READ: Incredible True Stories of Survival and Adventure

22. BETHNAL GREEN STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN MEMORIAL

I bet if someone asked you where the worst civilian disaster of WWII happened, you wouldn’t guess Bethnal Green, London. You probably wouldn’t even guess London.

But on 3 March 1943, Bethnal Green saw the worst civilian disaster of WWII.

As hundreds descended the stairs into the Bethnal Green tube station to wait out an air raid, a woman with a child slipped, nearly at the bottom of the wet stairs. She toppled over, and before she could right herself in the dark, more and more people began to trip over, as well.

Just outside of the tube station, the unfamiliar sound of a new anti-aircraft rocket batter firing nearby, sent many outside of the shelter into a frenzy. As people tried to clamber in in a panic, nearly 300 people wound up piled on top of each other inside the stairwell which measured around 4.5 metres by 3.4 metres (15 ft by 11 ft).

It took over 3 hours for rescue services to finish pulling everyone out. In total, 173 people had died: 84 women, 62 children and 27 men. Over 100 more were injured.

The disaster went unpublicised until after the war as the UK government believed it could feed into propaganda for the Axis powers.

However, it wasn’t until 2017, 43 years later, when the Bethnal Green Stairway to Heaven Memorial was erected to honor those who lost their lives. Since Bethnal Green rarely gets the love it deserves, this is one of many London hidden gems in the area.

Location:  Unnamed Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9QX (just outside of the Bethnal Green Underground Station) Nearest Tube Station: Bethnal Green Underground (NOT overground) Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free! (However, upkeep fees are much appreciated. You can donate here .)

Related: Things to do in Coventry

Creepy and Quirky Things to do in London: Marvel at Dead Things in Jars

I know it’s super weird, but I’m absolutely fascinated by dead things in jars. Or just generally by the refuse of our bodies. I vividly remember the first time I saw preserved kidney stones. Having, luckily, never suffered from kidney stones (or gallstones), I honestly didn’t understand just what they were. But seeing a collection of literal stones – sharp, porous stones – really crystallized the image for me. It also made me terrified to ever get them!

So, being the creep I am, I appreciate the sheer number of unusual places to visit in London that enable one to walk among preserved body parts and specimens. Definitely dark tourism at its ickiest.

Unfortunately, Jeremy is less keen – as you’ll read about in #27. However, I did convince him to catch a talk on Death Masks at Bart’s Pathology Museum (#23).

Please be aware that it is illegal to take close up photos of human remains in the UK due to the Human Tissue Authority guidelines!

23. HAVE A CHAT WITH JEREMY BENTHAM

Jermey Bentham was an English philosopher considered to be the founder of modern utilitarianism. Upon his death, he requested that his body be dissected and then preserved as an auto-icon. His hope was that his friends could wheel him out for social events whenever they missed him!

Since his death, his body has been kept on display at University College London (UCL). While most of the body on display is Jeremy Bentham’s original one (albeit embalmed), his head is not. Unfortunately, during the early years of being on display, his head was stolen by UCL students multiple times. It was permanently damaged during a “football” match after being ‘kidnapped’ by students from a rival school.

Today, his head is made of wax and he is kept behind glass for his own protection. His original head, which used to sit at his feet, was removed for further testing. It is believed that Bentham may have suffered from autism or aspergers and that his brain may lead to further discoveries that will help those on the spectrum.

Stopping by for a chat with Jeremy Bentham is one of the more unique and unusual things to do in London. Luckily, he is always up for a discussion on philosophy or politics. He may not contribute much, though!

Be warned, it is a bit difficult to find the auto-icon. We wandered around the campus and asked multiple amused students before finally finding it tucked away and the end of a hallway.

Location:  South Cloisters, University College London, Gower St, Kings Cross, London WC1E 6BT (might have to ask for specific directions from students or staff) Nearest Tube Station: Euston Square Opening Hours:  Monday – Friday: 09:00 to 18:00 Cost:  Free!

24. CATCH AN EVENT AT BART’S PATHOLOGY MUSEUM  

Bart’s Pathology Museum is part of Queen Mary University, and is located in St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

Although Bart’s isn’t public, you can book to see a talk, and you can view the museum’s specimens prior. Bart’s typically puts on different talks throughout the year. Typically you can check out the current offerings  here , but annoyingly I’ve noticed this hasn’t been updated in a while. I have searched for a more up-to-date site, but sadly cannot find one. Instead, if interested, you’ll have to google Bart’s Pathology Museum events and something typically hosted on EventBrite or another ticketing site pops up. 

Location:  St Bartholomew’s Hospital, 24 W Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE Nearest Tube Station: Barbican OR St Paul’s Opening Hours:  Depends on event Cost:  Depends on event

25. LEARN WHAT A QUAGGA IS AT THE GRANT ZOOLOGY MUSEUM

UCL’s Grant Zoology Museum is part of UCL. It is a relatively small museum, but still one of the best free museums in London! Most of the specimens are kept within one, rather large, room. What makes it special is that unlike the others, the Grant Zoology Museum is for animal remains, rather than people. In fact, it is somewhat renowned for its jar of moles and Quagga skeletons. 

Location:  Rockefeller Building, University College London, 21 University Street, London WC1E 6DE Nearest Tube Station: Euston Square Opening Hours:  Mon – Sat 13:00–17:00 Cost:  Free! You can even take a free tour, just book ahead of time here .

26. EXPLORE YOUR INNER WEIRDO AT BODY WORLDS

How are people put together? If you’ve always wanted to know, but don’t actually want to cut anyone open (which is good, keep NOT doing that!), then this is the exhibit for you!

Okay, so this one is cheating a bit. It’s not really a hidden gem in London, but it is super unique and weird. And creepy! So it stays because while not off the beaten track, it is certainly one of the more unusual things to do in London regardless. And despite being in the centre of Piccadilly Circus people still don’t know about it!

Body Works is an expensive, but awesome exhibit that looks at the inside of the human body. There are several exhibits worldwide if you can’t make it to – or afford – the London one.

Location:  1 Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 0DA Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus Opening Hours:  365 days a year from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; London Lates (last Friday of the Month): 10 am-10 pm Cost:  Tickets start at £22.50 for adults (16+), £20 for students or 65+, or £16 for ages 6-15. It is free for kids under 5, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. I recommend you buy them in advance . However, you can typically get them at the door or the day for a few £’s more.

27. EMBRACE YOUR WANNABE SURGEON AT THE HUNTERIAN MUSEUM – TEMPORARILY CLOSED

The Hunterian Museum is sadly closed for renovation until late 2021. But it’s one of my favorite medical museums in London for the sheer number of specimens it has. I know, I know, I’m a creeper!

Location:  35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE Nearest Tube Station: Holborn Opening Hours: Closed for renovations until late 2020 Cost:  Likely free, but won’t know until it reopens.

Unique and Unusual Things to do in London: Even More Medical Tourism

28. be regaled with horrific medical tales at the old operating theatre.

The Old Operating Theatre in London is Europe’s oldest surviving operating theatre. The operating theatre is closely linked to St Thomas’s Church. This is because initially, all public hospitals were associated with churches. Because of this, during the dissolution of the churches under King Henry VIII, the country’s churches and hospitals were shut down, significantly endangering the poor. Although the current building was built between 1698 and 1702, there has been both a church and a hospital on the site since medieval times. 

The garret it is located in was closed and forgotten about due to the opening of a new railway line in 1850, and the hospital was moved further south. It wasn’t until 1956 when organologist Raymond Russell was researching the history of the church and discovered that a part of it was ‘missing.’ He was able to get permission to open up the loft – where the operating theatre was once housed – and was met with a monstrous stench. The blood and chemicals that had leaked into the wooden floorboards during the hospital’s operational years, had been preserved within the room during the years it was sealed off.

Jeremy is convinced this is what made him dizzy during  our visit to the Old Operating Theatre . However, he refused going forward to see any more body parts in jars since he was hovering over some when his dizziness kicked in.

In any event, it’s still one of my favourite unusual things to do in London. And any fellow curious traveller or dark tourist can  attend a few talks  at the theatre during the weekends in order to learn about about some of the more gruesome details of its history. Turns out historical medical practices were pretty unpleasant and extremely dangerous!

Location:  9a St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge Opening Hours:  Monday: 14:00 to 17:00; Tuesday – Sunday: 10:30 to 17:00 Cost:  Adult tickets are £6.50; Under 18s are £3.50

29. USE A FREUDIAN SLIP AT THE FREUD MUSEUM

The Freud Museum was actually the first London medical museum I ever visited, so it holds a special place in my heart. But even if you don’t like gross medical stuff like I do, I promise this museum doesn’t have much of it and is just generally one of the best unusual things to do in London.

As a psychology enthusiast, I’ve always been a bit of a Freud fangirl. Okay, so his theories are a tad outrageous, but who doesn’t idolise the founder of psychoanalysis? Just me? Yeah, that’s fair. But whether you love him, hate him, or have absolutely no idea who he is, you’ll definitely walk away from this museum have learned something new about Freud and/or psychology.

This small museum packs a punch and is one of my favourite hidden gems in London. Make sure to check out the special exhibits and events as there’s normally something interesting going on!

Location:  20 Maresfield Gardens Hampstead London NW3 5SX Nearest Tube Station: Finchley Road Opening Hours:  Wednesday – Monday 12:00 to 17:00 (I believe it is only open on Mondays during the summer months) Cost:  Adult tickets are £9.00; Concessions are £7.00, 12-16 (£5.00) and Under 12’s are free

30. KNOCK YOURSELF OUT AT THE ANESTHESIA HERITAGE CENTRE

Okay, so you can’t actually knock yourself or anyone else out at the Anesthesia Heritage Centre . Sorry!

But if you find medical history fascinating, like we clearly do (particularly me), then you won’t want to miss on one of the most unusual places to visit in London.

The museum chronicles the history of anaesthesia, resuscitation and pain relief. My favourite part of the collection are the old inhalers, which seem to essentially be sponges in glass jars doused in soothing ointments.

My, how far we’ve come!

Location:  21 Portland Place, London, W1B 1PY Nearest Tube Station: Regent’s Park OR Oxford Circus Opening Hours:  Monday – Friday 10.00 to 16.00 (I will say, though, the museum doesn’t seem to always be open when it should be. So check the website ahead of time, and possibly even call.) Cost:  Free!

31. BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR DENTIST AT THE BDA DENTAL MUSEUM

We thoroughly enjoyed this tiny little museum. And as one of the more offbeat hidden gems in London, it’s unlikely you’ll have to fight to view.

The  BDA Dental Museum is tucked away in the back of the library of the British Dental Association building. It is incredibly small, but packs a punch ( as small things often do )! It’s incredibly informative and even has interactive elements – like practicing pulling teeth (not on yourselves)!

I’m weird, and I find teeth fascinating. Perhaps in another life I would have been a dentist. And the stereotype about British teeth – well, let’s just say it’s there for a reason. So it was particularly interesting to read about the history of dental care in a country that is, frankly, still kind of lacking in it.

Loved this super unique museum, though! Definitely one of the best quirky things to do in London for museum lovers and fellow weirdos.

Location:  64 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YS Nearest Tube Station: Regent’s Park OR Oxford Circus Opening Hours:  Tuesdays & Thursdays 13:00-16:00 Cost:  Free!

32. LEARN WHAT MAKES US TICK AT THE BETHLEM MUSEUM OF THE MIND

Previously a priory, the Bethlem hospital once stood where what is today the London Liverpool Street Station. A plaque on the station’s (I believe) east side indicates that it was formerly the site of the infamous mental asylum. It was located in the parish of St Botolph, just outside of the London wall.

Aside from several changes in location, Bethlem Royal Hospital is Europe’s longest surviving psychiatric hospital. And certainly its most infamous. Yet it is unknown when exactly it transitioned to a psychiatric hospital. The building has been in operation for more than 750 years, while it is believed to have been a psychiatric hospital for at least 600 years.

Fun Fact: the word “bedlam,” meaning uproar and confusion, comes from the Bethlem Royal Hospital, which was nicknamed Bedlam. Although initially not intended to be a psychiatric hospital, Bethlem became synonymous with the horrific patient mistreatment we often associate with mental asylums. This is due largely in part to it being the most well known of its kind during the era of Lunacy reform in the UK. Bedlam is also used as a premise in many films, novels and TV shows. My favorite is the Boris Karloff classic, Bedlam .

The Bethlem Museum of the Mind is part of the updated – and relocated – institution that once housed London’s most unsettled and depraved minds. A section of the hospital has been converted into a museum showcasing its history, as well as the history of psychiatric care.

Location:  Bethlem Royal Hospital Monks Orchard Road Beckenham Kent BR3 3BX Nearest Tube Station: You have to go by train, I’m afraid. Nearest station is West Wickham OR Eden Park Opening Hours:  Wednesday – Friday (except public holidays); Saturday (first and last of the month) from 10:00 – 17:00 Cost:  Free! (Donations welcome)

33. GET CREEPED OUT BY AN IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION OF INHUMANE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AT THE WELLCOME MUSEUM

I adore this little gold mind of a museum. I’ve been quite a few times, and I love that there’s always so much extra going on. It’s definitely top of my list for weird and unusual places to visit in London.

The museum is largely comprised of the personal collection of Sir Henry Wellcome. Wellcome held a strong interest in medical science, and collected numerous items from around the world that represented different medical practices and advances. These, as well as other items of interest and numerous medical books make up the museums permanent collections and library. If you like weird medical histories, you can spend hours wandering through their library collection.

However, the best – and scariest – section of the museum is Wellcome’s extensive collection of medical equipment that I never want stuck inside my body! There are a concerning number of obstetrical forceps that just look like full on torture devices. 

There is also normally a special exhibition or two going on. We have seen special exhibitions on magic and the art of misdirection, Indian medicine and even Bedlam (see #31). 

Location:  183 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BE Nearest Tube Station: Euston Square OR Euston Opening Hours:  Depends on what you want to see, check their website for the different opening times for the galleries, library and other facilities) Cost: Free!

34. CELEBRATE CLEAN WATER AT THE CHOLERA PUMP

… and then grab a drink afterwards because it’s RIGHT in front of the John Snow pub. And really, nothing is more fitting given that, ironically, alcoholism actually saved thousands during the great cholera outbreak of 1849.

The Physician John Snow (so no, not the Game of Thrones one), discovered that cholera was being spread by water – not air. He did this by extensively mapping out the outbreaks throughout London and realising that many originated from areas next to water pumps. He also used many of the prisoners of Millbank Prison – who suffered greatly during the outbreak – as guinea pigs. So raise a glass to John Snow and prisoners!

The cholera outbreak in London wasn’t as bad as other parts of London, in part thanks to John Snow. Although 6,536 died in the city (and 55,000 throughout the United Kingdom), this is small compared to the 20,000 that died in Paris.

Location:  44 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 7AE Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost: Free! (unless you go inside the John Snow for a pint)

Related: The East Grinstead Museum and the History of the Guinea Pig Club

London Hidden Gems: Odds & Ends

35. smithfield market.

Today, Smithfield Market is a fishmongers market, and although you can walk through it at all hours of the day, you’ll need to get up early to catch the actual market.

But the dark side of Smithfield can be discovered at any time and wondering around Smithfield seeking out macabre sites is actually one of my favourite unusual things to do in London. Because thanks to London’s love of marking historical sites (I mean this sincerely), the market’s past is well documented on site.

If you want to visit a place with a wide range of dark history in London, Smithfield Market is for you!

You can easily do so by yourself, or on a tour. We did the Dark Side of London tour which passes through Smithfield, and loved it. Alternatively, if exercise is your thing, you can take a nice peaceful bike tour of the big landmarks, which includes Smithfield – despite it being a relatively less touristed area.

Here are some of the highlights at Smithfields

• William Wallace was hanged, drawn and quartered here (see #15).
• John Hobbs is said to have tried to sell his wife at the market, but I can’t seem to find a date for this. Although the practice certainly happened in England, it is disputed that John Hobbs himself existed, and might be an amalgamation of other men. But he does have his own folk song ! Despite Henry VIII (you know, the one with six wives) creating the Church of England so that he could divorce Catherine of Aragon, divorce wasn’t really available to the masses until the 1857 Matrimonial Causes Act. Instead, from time to time, men would bring their wives – you know, their property – to the local market and sell them to other men as a form of divorce.
• In 1958, there was quite a bad fire at Smithfield Market – it was the worst fire in the city since the Blitz. Two of the firefighters on duty rushed into the flames to fight the fire. Sadly, both men died at the scene, despite several attempts to resuscitate them. Their names were Jack Fourt-Wells and Richard Stocking. (Also, like most of London, Smithfield was mostly destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666 – the house the fire stopped at is around the corner from the market.)
• Let’s end with the most horrific history. Mary I of England derived her nickname “Bloody Mary” in part because she used to have Protestant martyrs boiled alive in oil at the market. Often people who passed out would be removed from the oil until they regained consciousness and then lowered back in. Those who were not boiled, were burned alive at the stake. To be fair to Mary, she didn’t start this practice – her father Henry VIII did. She was awarded the nickname due to just how prolific her murderous reign was, but he was just as cruel and sadistic as she was. Also, let’s be honest, it’s because she was a woman.

36. WAPPING EXECUTION DOCKS

Just down the side of the Town of Ramsgate Pub is a small path. If you blinked, you’d miss it.

If you follow the path, you’ll find yourself standing at the top of a flight of stairs leading straight into the Thames – across from another set of stairs leading into the river.

Confused yet?

If you’re looking for something a little different and unique to do in London, try coming back at low tide and you’ll be able to see the remnants of something quite sinister.

It was along this stretch of the river that pirates and smugglers were kept in individual cages to wait their turn at the gallows.

Remnants of the gallows remain all along the river, but you can only access it during low tide, otherwise you’ll just find yourself wading through water. Plus most of the remnants are now underwater.

However, if you head further along to the Prospect of Whitby pub, you can actually see a hanging noose out the back of the pub, along the river. Although the original gallows is long gone, this one is kept as a reminder of the pub’s infamous patron, Judge Jeffreys. Jeffreys was known as ‘the hanging judge’ due to his role during the Monmouth Rebellion trials.

Location:  Town of Ramsgate: 62 Wapping High St, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London E1W 2PN; Prospect of Whitby: 57 Wapping Wall, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London E1W 3SH Nearest Tube Station: Wapping Opening Hours:  24/7 (for the docks, not the pubs – but check here for information on low tide) Cost: Free! (unless you go inside for a pint)

37. JACK THE RIPPER MUSEUM

To be honest, unless you’re a completionist or you would struggle to make it through a Jack the Ripper walking tour due to disability, I don’t entirely recommend the Jack the Ripper Museum . There’s just not a lot of new information here.

However, as a dark tourist and somewhat of a ripper enthusiast, I did get something out of it. And, I do feel it is somewhat of a worthwhile inclusion as an unusual place to visit in London purely because of the room dedicated to the man the museum clearly believes committed the crimes: Walter Sickert.

This room includes some creepy drawings made by Sickert, as well as medical equipment that Jack the Ripper would have used. Throughout there are also reprints of an illustrated newspaper from the time that showcased the ongoing crime in Whitechapel. And yeah, I know, I’m weird and creepy, but I kind of wish newspapers like that still existed!

I also thought the top floor room dedicated to the victims was quite moving.

Still, as I say, if you’re well versed on the case, or you are able to do a walking tour, perhaps give it a miss.

Oh, unless you want an adorable little Jack the Ripper teddy bear, then make sure to stop by!

Location:  12 Cable St, Whitechapel, London E1 8JG Nearest Tube Station: Aldgate East OR Tower Hill Opening Hours:  Everyday 9:30 to 18:30 Cost: £10.00 if you book online , or £12 at the door

RELATED: Best Historical TV Series for Dark Tourists

38. HITCHCOCK’S HOUSE

I mean, this isn’t all that exciting unless you love Alfred Hitchcock. But I do, so I’m adding it. You cannot go in the house, it’s just a blue historic plaque on the wall of the home he lived in from 1926 – 1939. 

In case you live under a rock and somehow don’t know who he is, Alfred Hitchcock was a British film director who directed and produced a lot of films. He is also considered to be one of the most influential and studied film directors in history.

So why is he on this list? Because a good chunk of his films are considered to be horror.

Some of my favourites are: Rear Window , Rope , Psycho and The Trouble with Harry (an amazing dark comedy).

You may also be interested in the Alfred Hitchcock walk with Sandra (I know it’s top of our list the next time we visit, and will undoubtedly be one of our new favourite unique things to do on London)!

Location:  153 Cromwell Rd, Earl’s Court, London SW5 0TQ Nearest Tube Station: Gloucester Road Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

39. SIR FREDERICK TREVES’ HOUSE

No idea who Sir Frederick Treves was? Don’t worry, we’re massive nerds, so it’s in our DNA.

Frederick Treves was a well-known British surgeon. He is credited with saving Edward VII in 1902 after he was diagnosed with appendicitis – which at the time was normally fatal.

However, he is most well known for his “friendship” with Joseph Merrick, or “the elephant man.” I say “friendship” because although he supposedly did care for Merrick, he mostly treated him as an accessory and party trick.

Poor Merrick, who spent his life as a curiosity, died as one, as well. In fact, his skull is still on display at the Royal London Hospital Museum . You can also learn more about him from the 1980 film The Elephant Man .

So, while at the BDA museum just up the road, you may as well stop by and see where Treves lived for 21 years of his life.

Location:  6 Wimpole St, Marylebone, London W1G 8AL Nearest Tube Station: Bond Street Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

What are your favourite dark tourist spots in London? Are there any quirky and unusual things to do in London that we missed? Did any of these unusual places to visit pique your interest? Let us know in the comments!

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Dagney McKinney

American by birth, miniature by design. I moved for the first time when I was 18 months old, and I haven't stopped since. If I'm not wandering the planet, you can find me seeking out the hottest food possible or reading a good book and/or listening to a podcast in some quiet, remote alcove. I'm a classic introvert with a penchant for Camelidae, salt and underground spaces.

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Linda On The Run

Travel, Lifestyle, And Fitness For Those Over 60

• Destinations

20 Unusual Things To Do In London

May 9, 2023 //  by  Linda On The Run //   8 Comments

Are you looking for unusual things to do in London? Is this perhaps a repeat visit to London and you have already seen the top tier most-visited touristy attractions?

Or maybe you are simply yearning to visit unique London spots maybe you are not aware of. Well,  you have come to the right place!

Planning your trip to London last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top pics for London!

Top Experiences and Tours In London:

• The London Eye Entry Ticket (Save time and book in advance!)
• Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour (Skip the line.)
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels Exhibit (Likely to sell out.)
• High Tea Thames River Cruise (Book ahead to save time.)

Best London Hotels:

• Sanderson London (Close to the subway!)
• The Montague On The Greens (Private and close to the subway)
• The Exhibitionist Hotel (In the heart of South Kensington)
• The Corner London City (Close to all subway connections.)

I adore this city and love all the quirky things to do in London there are.

London is one of the most beautiful and captivating of European capital cities.

With a little research, you can dig into the heart of the city and find what the locals do and where all the cool places to visit in London really are!

And that is exactly what I have done for you here: I have shared my favorite unusual things to do in London to tempt you to discover and explore London’s many, maybe not so well-known, locations.

Here are some of my top tips on remaining healthy while you travel to London

Enjoying Beautiful Views of London At  Sky Garden Is One Of The Unusual Things To Do In London

Sky Garden is one of the more unusual places in London to visit. It is a very exceptional public space that is three stories tall and offers 360-degrees of uninterrupted and stunning views of London.

While this quirky thing to do in London is free, you do have to sign up for tickets in advance online. A limited number of tickets are issued for each day, and there is lag time online, so make sure to sign up early.

You can try your luck without tickets, but the line is long for admittance and there is no guarantee you can get inside at all.

If you do make it inside, you will find scrupulously manicured and tended to botanical gardens on all three stories at Sky Garden.

And of course, the absolute finest views of London all the way around! There are three upscale restaurants to dine at and two bars for cocktails.

Consider reading these next: 

What To Do In London For Three Days

7 Things To Know Before Your First Trip To London

11 Beautiful Places In London You Should Not Miss

The Ultimate 1 Day In London Itinerary

Look here: London: Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Look here: London Explorer Pass

Look here: The Original London Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Leadenhall Market Is Magical And One Of The Cool Things To Do In London

Leadenhall Market is a covered market in the financial district of central London.

Its ornate roof, painted green, cream and maroon, along with its cobbled streets will make for a magical visit.

It is a very popular tourist destination in London, so you will not be alone.

What makes Leadenhall Market one of the unusual places to visit in London is that it has been the backdrop for several movies.

Most notably Harry Potter, and even had a marathon run through it. You can see why visiting it has made the list of unusual things to do in London.

You might decide to visit for lunch or a snack because the market sells fresh foods of all kinds along with fresh flowers to brighten up your day!

What a unique thing to do in London!

Look here: Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

Visit The Royal Exchange For Some History

Located in the heart of London’s financial district, the Royal Exchange building is trapezoidal in shape. It was twice destroyed by fire, and the current building was designed in the 1840s.

Today, the Royal Exchange is a shopping and dining destination and one of the more unusual places in London to visit.

With boutique shops and dining, visiting this historic location is one of the cool places in London to visit.

Here is a London Paris itinerary to consider if you will be visiting both capital cities during the same trip.

The Royal Exchange building in the financial district of London.

Neal’s Yard Is One Of The Secret Places In London You Might Just Pass By

One of the true hidden gems in London is Neal’s Yard. Many people are not even aware of it.

A stylish little courtyard adjacent to Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard is one of the beautiful places in London to stop and take a picture or two. Until recently, it was full of garbage.

Now it has been renovated into the popular location it is today, making it one of the best things to do in London with teens .

It is worth the visit to see the flowers and ivy-covered walls of the colorful shops. and buildings.

Full of independent shops this stylish London attraction has enough to interest anyone.

There are chic eateries and pubs to discover. World-famous Neal’s Yard Remedies offers all things organic for the body and skin.

Good for people-watching, picture taking or eating, visiting Neal’s Yard for an afternoon stroll or an evening out Is one of the unusual things to do in London.

If you will be in London for an extended amount of time, look at this ultimate 5 days in London itinerary for everything you need to know!

Walk, Hike Or Bike The Line 

What is The Line? It is London’s first contemporary art walk.

Opened in 2015, it runs from Greenwich Peninsula (The O2) to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (North Greenwich to Stratford.) The Line Hike is three miles as the crow flies.

However it meanders along the London waterways of the River Thames, so that adds distance, making this one of the more unique places to visit in London.

Set up as an outdoor urban exhibition space,  modern and contemporary art is displayed for all to view.

If you do not have much time in London, this 3 day London itinerary is perfect to look at!

It is possible to hike, bike or walk the entire trail. You can do it all at once or visit different parts of it at different times.

Enjoying The Line is free. However, there are two areas that have fees: the first is a cable car that takes you over the Thames River for a birds-eye view. Secondly, a DLR railway station is close by.

There is a slew of restaurants, bars, and cafes at various locations on The Line or very near it.

Viewing modern art while walking along the River Thames is certainly one of the more unusual things to do in London.

FYI: The Line is a Community Interest Company that thrives on donations from the public who visits. Please give it you are able.

Look here: Climb The Roof of The O2 Arena

See The Greenwich Meridian Where You Can Be In The Same Place But At Different Times

What is this you may be wondering? The Greenwich Meridian is the actual line of the earth that separates east from west. This is the same way that the Equator differentiates north from the south.

It is an imaginary line that marks zero degrees longitude. It is significant because Greenwich Meridian is the starting point of every time zone in the world!

It is definitely one of the more unusual things to do in London!

Look here: River Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise

Tickets here: Westminster to Greenwich by the Thames Barrier: River Cruise

Tickets here: Royal Observatory Greenwich Entrance Ticket

One Of The Unusual Things To Do In London Is To Walk Under The River Thames!

One of the really unusual places to visit in London is the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.

It was completed in 1902 and last renovated in 2012. The Greenwich Foot Tunnel was constructed originally to replace the unreliable and expensive ferry service at the time.

It was used to transport workers to their jobs.

Today entrances on both sides of the River Thames have glass domes and spiral staircases making climbing into and out of it more manageable.

If you want to take a brerak from the big city there are many day trips from London by train!

One of the unusual things to do in London is to walk under the Thames River!

Look here: The London Eye

Grab an Instagram Picture On The Tulip Stairs

One of the hidden gems in London, is really only a few tube stops away. Located in the Queen’s Palace in Greenwich, you will find the Tulip Stairs.

Hailing from the seventeenth century, visiting the Queen’s Palace is like stepping back in time. And admission is free.

The ornate blue Tulip Stairs are an architectural wonder. They have the distinction of being the first geometrical self-supporting spiral staircase built in Great Britain.

This is really one of the cool places to visit in London.

Look here for 20 fab hidden gems in London you do not want to miss seeing!

Visit Little Venice And Walk The Canals

Venice in London? Yes, sort of. The residential neighborhood referred to as “Little Venice” is located where the Regent’s Canal meets the Grand Union Canal.

At that location, a small group of waterways is formed and given the name of Little Venice. Visiting here is certainly one of the more unusual things to do in London.

There are lots to do and see in London’s Little Venice. You can take a boat ride down the canals from April to November. Or walk along the waterways exploring Regent’s Park or the London Zoo.

Rembrandt’s Gardens is also one of the unusual places to visit in London and can be accessed from the strolling canals in Little Venice.

Look Here: Little Venice Waterbus Boat Trip To Camden

Look here: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

Look here: T he Wonders of Little Venice: London City Exploration Game

Visit Saint Dunstan-In-The-East Church Garden

Located on St Dunstan’s Hill, halfway between London Bridge and the Tower of London is the Saint Dunstan-in-the-East parish church. It is one of the pretty London attractions not to miss.

This Church of England/Roman Catholic church was destroyed during World War II and in 1967 it was decided to turn the ruins into a public garden which opened shortly thereafter.

Landscaping and a fountain were installed to add to the charm of the Gothic-inspired building and its grounds. Occasionally open-air services and weddings are conducted there.

Visiting Saint Dunstan-in-the-East is really one of the unusual things to do in London.

Saint Dunstan is now a beautiful park.

Look here: Day Trip From London To Stonehedge

The Hide Bar

Open since 2007, The Hide Bar prides itself on offering locals and tourists alike sustainably sourced and locally produced cocktails and brews.

Using some of the best ingredients from around the world to begin with, this local hangout is chic and comfy at the same time.

Just about every drink on the Hide’s menu is produced within London and that is an amazing feat!

Their menu is a step above traditional ‘bar’ food, and I especially appreciated there were vegan and vegetarian options to choose from.

Having a pint or a cocktail, and maybe some lunch or dinner at The Hide is one of the unusual things to do in London.

Look here: View from the Shard Entrance Ticket

The iconic red phone booths in London.

Imperial War Museum

If you are in search of one of the unusual places to visit in London this is it!

Most of the museums in London have free admission and the Imperial War Museum is one of them!

Founded in 1917, the original purpose of the Imperial War Museums was to record the war efforts and sacrifices of Great Britain during World War I.

However, that original goal has been expanded to include all military conflicts that Great Britain has been involved in since 1914.

When you visit you can view personal and official war documents, photographs, movies, and videos. On the grounds, you will also find various examples of military vehicles, aircraft, and war artifacts.

If you are an avid history buff, and even if you are not, one of the unusual places to visit in London is the Imperial War Museum.

Look here: The London Pass with Access to over 80 Attractions

Cannons guarding the entrance of the Imperial War Museum.

Learn About London By Visiting Her Neighborhood Markets

A great way to experience authentic London attractions is to visit where the locals and tourists alike go. The sights, sounds, and smells of London will greet you at these local markets:

Camden Market is huge with lots of vendors selling everything under the sun. There are quite a few restaurants and bars to refuel and rest at.

You may have heard of Covent Market. It may be the best-known market. It started out as a fruit market but now it is chic and trendy along with its shops and restaurants.

There are so many things to do in Covent Garden, so plan to stay awhile!

The North Hall sells crafts, jewelry and more all made by British craftsmen/women.

The world-famous gourmet Borough Market is made up of more than one hundred stalls with vendors and suppliers from all over Britain selling their wares including food and pastry.

There are other stalls that sell items from all over the world.

One of the best things to do in Shoreditch is to visit the markets there as well.

Whichever of the London markets you choose to visit it will certainly be one of the interesting and unusual things to do in London to learn about the city and how it works!

Look here: Discover Camden with a Local Host

Look here: London Street Markets: 3-Hour Private Guided Tour

Eat Your Way Around London

A really cool yet unusual thing to do in London is to eat your way around town while learning about British food, culture, and history.

Food tours, in the London neighborhood that interests you, is an excellent way to experience Great Britain while eating and drinking at the same time!

This is a unique thing to do in London with great benefits!!

Look here: London: Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Look here: London: 3-Hour Secret British Food Tour

Look here: 3 Palaces Guided Walking Tour & High Tea

Look here: Magic of London Tour with Afternoon Tea at Harrods

Tea and biscuits in London anyone?

Visit the Unique London Attraction The Warped Window In St Martin’s Church

An unusual thing to do in London is view the window exhibit at St Martin in the Fields church.

The church is located in Trafalgar Square, where you can find this extraordinary window.

The current one replaces the one that was destroyed during the World War II bombing of London. It is plain, yet its contemporary flavor is a bit out of character in the stylish and ornate church.

Looking at the window closely, you will find both horizontal and vertical lines which form what appears to be a cross with an opening in the middle.

That allows light to enter, thus lighting the interior of the church.

This is certainly one of the most thought-provoking hidden gems in London.

Visit Churchill Arms A Very Unique Thing To Do In London

What makes this unusual thing to do in London is that the building itself is spectacular. And it houses an eclectic pub and restaurant.

However, if you hit this cool place to visit in London at the right time of year, you will find it literally overflowing with blooming flowers.

Also, it holds lots of Winston Churchill memorabilia.

Rumor has it that Churchill’s grandparents visited the pub frequently.

Prepare To Be Wowed Viewing The Painted Hall

This is one of the cool places to visit in London for the wow factor!

It is located in the Old Royal Navy College, in Greenwich, and its ceiling is nothing short of a masterpiece.

James Thornhill painted it over 300 years ago. However, it recently was carefully restored.

It is now reopened to the public but there is an admission fee.

The price to restore the Painted Hall is equivalent to eleven million American dollars.

You can rent audio or video guides. There are cushioned reclining seats to use to admire the exquisite Baroque-inspired ceiling.

There is a gift shop and cafe nearby as well.

Visit London’s Silver Vaults For Souvenir Shopping

Doing business since late 1802, the large subterranean market known as London Silver Vaults has 40 shops that sell everything silver.

Coincidentally, all of the forty shops are owned by the same families for the past 40 years.

It is located directly under Chancery Lane, and the vaults have never been broken into. They even withstood a direct bombing during World War II without being damaged.

A visit to the Silver Vault is quite an unusual thing to do in London.

Kyoto Gardens Is A Cool Thing To Do In London

There is a tranquil Japanese-inspired garden found in the middle of London.

You can find this beautiful garden in Holland Park in the Borough of Kensington.

It is a gift from the people of Japan celebrating the relationship between the Japanese and the people of Great Britain.

It is gorgeous and one of the most peaceful places to visit in London.

Visit The Old Curiosity Shop

No one really knows if this literary landmark and the sixteenth-century shop were Charles Dicken’s inspiration for the novel of the same name.

It is said that Dickens paid a visit to the little wood-timbered shop a few times. Perhaps he did receive inspiration for his writings.

Today this curious place in London sells upscale men’s and women’s shoes. After 500 years, it is still open for business. It is one of the more unusual things to do in London.

Packing Tips For Visiting Cool Places In London

Using these useful packing tips will enhance your experiences while hopefully keeping you organized while searching for unusual places to visit in London.

You will want to   pack lightly to make your travels easier.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring with you when looking for unusual things to do in London.

This  unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one, like me. If it does not come with RFID protection , these  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft.

This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected.

They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. These are the kind my family and I use not only when traveling but at home as well.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery .

This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips .

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast! I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod  for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use. It is made of durable aluminum and is very lightweight and easy to carry.

I was never a fan of  packing cubes  until I tried them out! Now  I am sold .  These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones I use whenever I travel . I cannot believe how much more organized I am now! And I never leave without them anymore.

Don’t forget to bring along a  universal power adapter  on your 3 days in London, this worldwide power plug is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days.

And this  world traveler adapter kit   can charge several devices at the same time.

This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group, or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time.

Hydration is so important. You want to remain hydrated to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels. 

You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble filtration bottle .  the 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

The replaceable carbon filters ensure fresh drinking water.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is at a premium. Then this  collapsible silicone foldable water bottle  would work well for you. Would not take up much space in your suitcase at all.

You will want a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This  foldable water-resistant backpack  would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from.

The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial backpack for your international travel. This  antitheft backpack   has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.

You will be walking more than usual looking for hidden gems in London itinerary. Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes  are a must-have.

These  waterproof all-season shoes   are extremely affordable yet fashionable.

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these  Air Run high fashion sneakers  come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

If you are visiting London in warmer weather, maybe you want  a pair of sandals  to wear to dinner or to the local cafe, I highly recommend these  Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

I have several pairs of Vionics that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel. They are very comfortable and have orthotic footbeds that cradle and support your feet.

Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl . Scarves and shawls are very popular in Europe and London is no exception. Both men and women wear scarves, both decoratively and as a layering piece to keep warm. This  cotton unisex lightweight   scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season.

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you.

If you are in need of new luggage, this  expandable soft side spinner luggage  is affordable and comes in lots of colors.

If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this  hard-sided luggage set  better. Both sets come with TSA locks and 8 wheels per piece.

Quick Tips When Visiting London

Here are some  quick tips  and  tricks which hopefully will enhance your trip to London and make it less stressful and more enjoyable.

UPDATED:  Stay vigilant!  During our last trip to Paris, our family of four was robbed 3 times. We discussed at great length how we had to remain vigilant to protect ourselves against pickpocketers.

However, we were not successful. My daughter had her brand new Olympus camera stolen in broad daylight in a McDonald’s Restaurant in the Montmartre District of Paris while we were having afternoon refreshments.

My thief was caught red-handed with her arm up to her elbow inside my backpack. Lucky for me my daughter apprehended her, and I was carrying my passport and credit cards on my body.

She wore better clothes, better shoes and more trendy sunglasses than I did. She did not look like a thief.

She did not “fit” our idea of what a pickpocketer was. (I still do not understand how she could unzip my backpack while I was wearing it, without me knowing or feeling it.)

Finally, Terrence had his backpack unzipped while on the very crowded Paris subway. The burglar had his hand inside an outer pocket but was foiled by a Good Samaritan seated nearby.

Please do not have any preconceptions about who can violate you by stealing your possessions.  Stay vigilant and alert. Hope you have more success than we did.

Remember to always  stay hydrated . Bring a nondisposable refillable water container and refill it often! Not only will you hedge the odds against getting sick, but you will also be saving a lot of water bottles from being sent to British landfills.

Call your credit card company  for two reasons: 1) notify the bank that you will be out of the country and give them your exact travel dates.

2) check to see if the bank charges foreign transaction fees every time you are out of the country and use your card. 

If it does, inquire about applying for a credit card that does NOT charge such fees.

When using an ATM  in London, England, make sure it is in your bank’s network, so you do not incur a transaction fee every time you use a British ATM to withdraw money.

Also, consider withdrawing larger amounts of money, fewer times, to limit the transaction fees by your bank.

Whenever you can,  purchase advanced tickets to  London attractions whenever possible when seeking out secret places in London.

Tickets purchased online, in advance, are mostly always discounted, and many times come with a “skip the line” perk.

You will have more time to spend at the attraction since you will not be waiting in the entrance line. Also, you can better pace yourself during your busy days.

I hope these suggestions of the most unusual things to do in London will maximize your planning making it possible to see as many hidden gems in London as your time permits.

Have you ever been to London? Share one highlight that was your favorite thing to do, or place to visit. What would be your top unusual place to visit?

If you are still looking for things to do, there are many clubs and bars in Camden London to explore!

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August 12, 2022 at 5:40 am

Amazing and well written blog.

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Offbeat Places to Visit in London

Here are some of the unusual places to visit in london:, quick navigation.

The Magnificent Seven

The Magnificent Seven is the name given to the seven large private cemeteries in London. Built from 1832 onwards to lower the burden of overcrowding in the burial grounds, these private cemeteries were a work of art in themselves. The Magnificent Seven is one of the few unusual places to visit in London, that is popular among the tourists from around the world. The seven cemeteries were: 1. Kensal Green Cemetery. Location : 1832 Harrow Rd, London, W10 4RA. 2.  West Norwood Cemetery, 1836 Location : Norwood Rd, West Norwood, London SE27 Timing: 8:00 AM to 6PM. 3. Highgate Cemetery Location : 1839 Swain's Lane LondonN6 6PJ. Entry fee: -East Cemetery: £4, under-18s free; -West Cemetery: £12, £6 under-18s Opening hours: 10am-5pm. 4. Abney Park Cemetery Location : 1840 Stoke Newington High St London N16 0LH. 5.  Nunhead Cemetery Location : 1840 Linden Rd London SE15 3LP. 6. Brompton Cemetery Location : 1840 Fulham Road London SW10 9UG. 7. Tower Hamlets Cemetery Location : Southern Grove, Mile End, London E3 4PX, United Kingdom. The park is open 24 hours every day. Click Here To Book: Tower Of London Tickets Recommended Read:    Things To Do In London     

The Attendant (Victorian Toilet)

Looking for some offbeat places to visit in London, then Attendant – the Victorian Toilet tops the list. Originally this place was toilets for men but they were closed in the 1960s, and the ironwork shell was left and was transformed into an amazing place to enjoy food. Built in the late 19th century, this place is now a cafe. Around 100,000 euros were spent on the interior, and then it was changed and re-opened in its current state. The café serves delicious cakes and pastries from Bittersweet bakers along with American and British cuisines. Location : 27a Foley Street, London W1W 6DY. Timing : -Mon – Fri 8am to 6 pm -Sat – 9 am to 6pm -Sun – 10 am to 5:30pm. Checkout & Book: Buckingham Palace Tickets Suggested Read:  Places To Visit In London        

The Leake Street Tunnel

The Leake Street tunnel is a part of the Leake Street Arches, and it is London's largest legal street-art area. Since the last few years, it has become one of the offbeat places to visit in London and has attracted numerous tourists from all around. The major original artwork here is by Banksy and the Can Festival in 2008 was hosted here which got 30 artists together who turned it into an artistic marvel. Filled with bars, restaurants, cafes, and creative centers this place is now a hub for fun. It is a 300 meters long street, which runs off York Road and under the platforms and tracks of Waterloo Station. Location : Leake St, Bishop's, London SE1 7NN, United Kingdom. Timing : Open 24 hour. Book Now: Windsor Castle Tickets    Do Read:   T hings To Do In Central London   

Leighton House Museum

Holding a rich history, this museum is recognized for its elaborate orientalist and aesthetic interiors. Leighton House Museum was Frederic Leighton’s home. He commissioned the architect and designer George Aitchison to build a  combined home and studio. This place is among the unusual places to visit in London and is a must-visit place for ancient history and culture enthusiasts. Some of the rare collections include The Death of Brunelleschi, Charles Edward Perugini, Professor Giovanni Costa, Alexandra Sutherland etc. Location : Holland park area of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in west London. Timing : 10 am to 5:30 pm. Entry Fee : -Adult £9.00 per ticket, Entry for children below eighteen years of age is free. Best Offers:   Harry Potter Studio Tour London  Check This Out:  Hidden Places In London     

Best of Switzerland

Hampstead Heath Ponds

Hampstead Heath area has thirty ponds located adjacent to each other. These ponds were dug in the 17th and the 18th century. The main purpose of these ponds at that time was to meet London's growing water demand by creating the reservoirs around here. These ponds are divided into two groups – the three Hampstead ponds on the west side and eight on the east side. The mixed bathing pond is in the center of the Heath. This is one of the offbeat places to visit in London and must be included in your list if you want to explore something different. Location: Parliament Hill Fields, Fields Hampstead Heath, Highgate Road. Timing : 7 am to 8:30 pm. Click Here To Book Now: Stonehenge Tickets   Recommended Read:  Things To Do In London With Kids      

Best of Paris

The Thames Path

The river Thames is the most beautiful part of London which has a long-stretched pathway alongside it called "The Thames Path".Numerous historical sights, which attracts many travelers, can be enjoyed along the Thames path. Starting from the Cotswolds, it covers all major points like Cricklade, Oxford, Windsor, and extends till London City and creates a path of 185 miles. The path was constructed in the late 20th century and was finally open for the people in 1996. The path is extremely safe and accommodated with serenity and nature love. This is a must from the list of offbeat places to visit in London. Location : It starts from Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier at Charlton, south east London. Checkout:  London Packages From Delhi                     London Tour Packages From Mumbai

Best of Italy

Dennis Severs' House

Dennis Severs' house will take you back in the historical time of what life would have been like for a family of Huguenot silk weavers. It is a Grade II listed Georgian terraced house in the East end of central London. Dennis Severs lived in the house from 1979 to 1999 and slowly recreated the rooms in the style of former centuries. After 1999, Dennis Severs' House was opened to the public for visit. This surely comes in the list of unusual places to visit in London as it is quite different from the usual tourists' spots. Location : Folgate Street, London, 141 meters away from the Shoreditch High Street Station. Timing :  12-4 pm (Last admission 3:15 pm (Every Sunday). Entry Fee : -£10 per person (adult) -£5 per person (concessions). Do Checkout:   London Tour Packages From Kolkata                          London Tour Packages From Chennai

Best of England

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is surely one of the unusual places to visit in London. Built using traditional methods and is considered to be Britain's first authentic Hindu temple. The temple was inaugurated on 20 August 1995 by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who is the spiritual leader of BAPS. The entire temple area represents an act of faith and collective effort. There are more than 1000 volunteers working in the building, and many more have contributed to organizing sponsored walks and other activities over the years. Children also help in work to raise money by collecting aluminum cans and foil for recycling. Location : 105-119 Brentfield Road, London. Timing :  9 am to 6 pm. Check This:  Things To Do In Kings Cross     

Best of Istanbul

The Cartoon Museum

The Cartoon Museum is a devoted dometic for British cartoons, caricatures, comedian strips and activities and was possessed and operated by the cartoon craftsmanship trust. The huge library contains over  5000 books and 4000 comics. The museum issues catalogs and features from more than 250 exhibits. The cartoon craftsmanship trust has also established a museum with a gallery and innovative exhibitions to make the creativity of cartoon art past and present, accessible to all for the purpose of education, research, and enjoyment. Location: 63 Wells St, Fitzrovia, London. Timing: -Monday to Saturday 10:30 am till 5:30 pm, -Thursday: Open till 8 pm and -Sunday: 12 to 4 pm. Entry Fee : -£8.00 per ticket (adult ticket), -£3.00 to £5.00 per ticket (Concession ticket). Recommended Read:  Things To Do Near Tower Of London     

Best of Zurich

Daunt Books

Daunt Books is a chain of bookshops in London that was founded by James Daunt. Earlier it was famous for travel-related books only, but then in 2010, it began publishing other genres too. The first branch of Daunt Books was opened in 1912 in Marylebone which possessed to be the first custom-built bookshop in the world. Having more than 10 branches now, this bookstore is the best if you want to indulge in some reading.  It is one of the unusual places to visit in London for all the book lovers, as this site will tickle your reading nerves. Timing : -Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 7:30 pm and -Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm. Do Checkout:  Europe Tour Packages                          Europe Honeymoon Packages

Best of Amsterdam

Neal's Yard

Neal’s Yard is a small alley in London’s Covent Garden between Shorts and Monmouth Street which is named after the 17th century developer, Thomas Neale. In 1976, Nicholas Saunders started the bulk Whole Food Warehouse for £7,000 and then it was transformed into a great and successful business as it is today. The tourists can enjoy the delicacies of London here in a unique style along with the theatre activities, which will surely take you to the authentic London drama field. For those interested in shopping, this 64 m long path holds many local vendors from where you can shop for souvenirs and handmade items. A large number of authentic and chic cafes await you as you enter this street. Location: Between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street. Suggested Read:  Things To Do Near London Eye     

Best of Rome

God's Own Junkyard

If you get fascinated with the neon lights, vintage signs, and artwork, then this is one of the unusual places to visit in London for you.  The Neon Man, Chris Bracey started this by making signs for Solo's strip clubs and brothels. Soon he moved to Hollywood and began fashioning props for directors such as Stanley Kubrick, Tim Burton, and Christopher Nolan. This place is now a free gallery and an Instagrammable location for the tourists with the many colourful signs at display and has now opened the Rolling scones café for drinks and food throughout the weekend. Location : Unit 12 Ravenswood Industrial Estate on the Shernhall Street. Timing : -11 am to 9 pm on weekdays and -11am to 6 pm on sunday. Recommended Read:  Museums Near London Bridge     

Best of Manchester

Kayak at Thames

Kayaking is a common water activity but if that is in the river Thames, you will surely be left mesmerized with the beauty of the surroundings. The river above Putney is benign, and most of the water activities are conducted there only. This trip is perfect for a group of friends, colleagues, couples, and even individuals, and you need not be a good swimmer for this adventure. While kayaking, you can see the Tata Gallery, Lambeth Palace, Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and the famous bridges and enjoy the views of Canaletto, Turner, and Wordsworth, etc. Location: Many locations around the Thames River. Timing : 1 0 am to 6 pm. Price : -Full day: £45 per person -Half day: £35 per person. Check This Out:  Places In East London     

Hidden Roman Temple

During a building's construction in 1954,the London Mithraeum, also known as the Temple of Mithras was discovered in Walbrook, a city of London. The temple has a history linked back in 300 AD when the cryptic organization was famous for merchants, soldiers, and imperial administrators. The temple was constructed to give an image of a cave where Mithras once slayed a bull. This temple still depicts the essence of ancient times and you can easily re-live 300 AD through its ancient relics and marvellous architecture. It has the largest collection of artifacts that tell us about life in Roman London. Location: 12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA. Timing : 10 am to 6 pm everyday. Recommended Read:  P laces In West London     

• Sky Garden is London's highest public garden, a bustling social place with panoramic views of the city's distinctive skyline. 
• Every morning, you can eat breakfast in Sky Garden, which is 155 m above the city.
• Fenchurch, Sky Garden's beautiful trademark restaurant, is hosting an exclusive evening with Hambledon Windery's well-known sparkling wine.
• From this vantage point, you can take in the sights of London. 
• Lush foliage, beautifully designed gardens, exploratory decks, and an open-air terrace are available.

People Also Ask About London

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London Top Attractions

Located on London’s Southbank, the London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilever wheel and an iconic figure in the London sky. This wheel attracts nearly 4 million visitors every year, making it a popular destination among tourists and locals alike. If you're planning a trip to Europe, consider including the London Eye in your itinerary as part of our exciting Europe tour packages.Wheel consists of 32 capsules which are made of glass. On a clear day one can see up to 40 km from the wheel. There are multilingual guides giving a commentary on the details of the spectacular view of the city. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and other famous London landmarks can be seen from the London Eye.The slow rotation of the wheel enables one to take pictures of the famous landmarks. Apart from the stunning view, another major attraction is a 4D show that forms a part of your London Eye experience. Over the past 19 years, it has become an important feature of the London skyline.You can also look out for special themed events like pop-up dining events, Valentine day celebrations or an anniversary dinner. London Eye is one of the major attractions in London’s New Year day firework celebrations. Seeing London at a glance should definitely be a part of your London itinerary. The wheel was dedicated to the public in 2000. It was originally planned to be in public service for only 5 years. However, its popularity made it a permanent feature in the tourist map of London. Tourists love the experience of the thrilling ride on the wheel and observe the breathtaking view of the London city over the River Thames.If you are planning for a honeymoon trip to Europe, you can checkout Europe Honeymoon Packages

Popular as one of the unique UNESCO World Heritage sites in London, Kew Gardens is one of the pleasant getaways in the city to enjoy with your family and friends. Explore this captivating destination as part of our curated Europe tour, home to a fascinating collection of living plants and an internationally recognized scientific research center. With over 14,000 trees, Kew Gardens' exquisite natural landscape spanning 300 acres is truly spellbinding, making it a leading center of research, complete with a library, museums, and beautiful gardens.It invites people of all ages to discover a day of serenity in the city of London. The visitors here can enjoy a number of activities whether it is taking a stroll along the colourful canopies of trees or exploring the beautiful glasshouses. Some of the popular attractions of Kew Gardens include the Palm House, Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Waterlily House.There are activities which the visitors can enjoy at Kew Gardens like the 59 ft high Treetop Walkway, catching the views of the city by climbing the Great Pagoda and getting to know about its history at the Kew Palace. Kew Gardens is also a paradise for photographers who wish to capture the natural beauty of London at its best.

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Discover London’s Unusual Magic: 11 Off-the-Beaten-Path Places

We all know the famous London sights – the Big Ben, Saint Paul’s, Tower bridge, but few of us know that there are so many London off the beaten path places to visit! Here are my favorite secret magical places in London:

Table of Contents

1. Highgate Cemetery

Entrance fee: 12 GBP (combined ticket) Time to visit: 2 hours Address in London: Swain’s Ln, Highgate, London N6 6PJ, UK (closest tube stops: Archway & Highgate)

The Highgate cemetery is one of the ultimate non-touristy things to do in London! It’s usually never crowded and you can only visit the West part via a guided tour. The tour lasts about 75-90 minutes and it’s led mainly by volunteers working at the cemetery. The Egyptian Avenue, the centuries-old Tree of Lebanon and the stone crypts will absolutely take your breath away.

If you’re sold on visiting it, here is all you need know about the Highgate cemetery before you go!

2. St Dunstan Church in the East

Entrance fee: free Time to visit: 30 minutes Address in London: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD, UK (closest tube stops: Monument & Tower Hill)

Saint Dunstan’s is another spectacular London off the beaten path place to see. If you’ve visited London a few times, chances are you’ve walked very close by without even realizing there is an off the beaten path London location right under your nose. It’s located at the heart of London, just a few-minute walk from the Tower of London!

So why is this church so special? Well, it’s not just a pretty sight. You’ll often see locals taking a break and reading a book. It’s very quiet, there is even a small fountain – it’s the perfect escape from the London noise while still at the city center. It’s also not crowded at all, especially on a weekday, and it’s so, SO instagrammable.

3. Queen’s House in Greenwich

Entrance fee: free Time to visit: 15 minutes Address in London: Romney Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF, UK  (closest tube stop: Greenwich)

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Let the tourists and the crowds go to the Greenwich Meridian while you explore this London off the beaten path place – Queen’s House. It’s honestly one of the prettiest things my photographer’s eye has seen in London! The tulip staircase is the first geometric self-supporting spiral staircase in the UK and it is really breathtaking to see it in person. You can also see the vast halls of Queen’s house and enjoy this off the beaten path London sight!

Looking for more to explore of London? Check out this perfect London itinerary !

4. Hampstead Hill Garden and Pregola

Entrance fee: free Time to visit: 30 minutes Address in London: The Pergola, Inverforth Cl, Hampstead, London NW3 7EX, UK  (closest tube stops: Hampstead & Golder’s Green)

Source: Andreas Kambanis, Flickr

Winter or summer, autumn or spring – you won’t regret visiting this unusual thing to see in London in any season! Each time you go there you’ll see a different charm, and you might even get some Game of Thrones vibes , as it has that lovely Dorne atmosphere. But be careful and ALWAYS check the opening times before you visit (as they wildly vary) – we went to see the Pregola on a very windy day only to find it closed 🙁

5. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park

Entrance fee: free Time to visit: 1 hour Address in London: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, Kensington, London W11 4UA, UK  (closest tube stop: Holland Park)

Another magical place to see in London is the Kyoto Garden in Holland park! It’s a true London off the beaten path place and you aren’t likely to find it unless you look for it specifically. You’ll find Japanese trees, koi fish in the cute pond and even a small waterfall! Holland park as a whole quickly became one of my favorite parks in London – it’s located in one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in London and the few buildings inside it are gorgeous!

6. St.Martin’s Window at Trafalgar Square

Entrance fee: free Time to visit: 5 minutes Address in London: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4JJ, UK  (closest tube stop: Charing Cross)

When I was researching unusual places to visit in London, I couldn’t believe how I’d missed this before! If you’re overlooking Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery is behind you, the St Martin-in-the-Fields building will be on your left. You have to go to its side that is opposite the square and you’ll find this true London off the beaten path gem – the warped window!! It was larger than I had imagined, but that optical illusion was soul food for my inner nerd <3

If you’re curious to explore more of London’s unusual places, check out these 10 hidden gems in London’s West End while you’re in the area!

7. Chiselhurst Caves

The Chiselhurst caves are not one of London’s top attractions, but they are intriguing! You can take as many photos as you’d like inside, but bear in mind you would need a proper camera in order to catch all available light. The visits to the caves are always organized by tour – it starts every hour and is about 40-50 minutes long. Here is more information you might need in order to better prepare for your visit.

Looking for even more hidden gems in London? Check out these dark tourism London spots !

8. The London Mews

Entrance fee: free Time to visit: 1 hour Address in London: Kensington, UK  (closest tube stops: South Kensington, Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park)

Now, there are many mews around London, but the main and prettiest ones are around the lovely neighbourhood of Kensingon! But what is a “mew”? Nope, it’s not related to cats! It’s actually from old times when horses were the main form of transport around the city. The mews are large rows of houses, originally some of which were stables with living quarters above them. Nowadays you can still see some operational stables around!

And right here you can explore some of London’s prettiest streets <3

9. Kew Gardens

Entrance fee: 16.50 GBP Time to visit: 4-5 hours Address in London: Richmond TW9 3AB, UK  (closest tube & train stops: Richmond, Kew Gardens, Kew Bridge)

Source: Roger Lighterness, Flickr

I had been in London about 7-8 times before I even heard about the Kew Gardens! For tourists, this is definitely a London off the beaten path hidden gem, but for locals – not at all. These gardens are so vast, they have 4 entrances! They’re located in Richmond, so definitely not in the city center, but not that far by public transport. There are so many things to see there that you’ll absolutely need a whole day if you’d like to explore everything – the Temperate House (largest Victorian glasshouse in the world!), the Rock Garden, the Princess of Wales Conservatory, Carnivorous Plants, The Hive and many, many more – I guarantee that these will be love at first sight for you <3

Don’t forget to check the opening times before you visit, as they also vary quite a bit depending on the season. I highly recommend visiting during late spring/early autumn or summer if you’d like to get the most of your visit!

10. The Hindu Temple in London – Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Entrance fee:  free Time to visit: 1 hour Address in London: 105-119 Brentfield Rd, London NW10 8LD, UK  (closest tube & train stops: Neasden, Stonebridge Park)

Of course, you don’t need to pay in order to explore this spectacular Hindu temple in London – but you need to be respectful! You can take photos from the outside, but not from the inside, and you will be asked to leave all sharp & dangerous objects behind, as well as your shoes. The atmosphere you’ll feel once you step into the temple will be something you’ve only felt before if you’ve visited Southeast Asia <3 It cannot be explained!

This London off the beaten path place is not just pretty on the outside – some of the rooms inside are so unique and ornate, that it’s really worth taking a peak. We even talked a bit to one of the temple’s managers and he told us how many nations are represented there – the carpets, the drapes, the gold – everything is from a different country (and the limestone came from Bulgaria!) 🙂

11. The “Opposite” London Street

Entrance fee:  free Time to visit: 5 minutes Address in London: 2 Savoy Ct, London, WC2R 0EZ, UK (closest tube stops: Leicester Square, Temple, Charing Cross)

If we exclude some bus stops, this is almost the only street in London where you must drive… ON THE RIGHT ! Yep, not on the left, as they usually do in the United Kingdom. You’ll find it right next to hotel Savoy and there are (of course) markings on the ground to let you know how to enter this tiny unusual London street 🙂

Which one of these would you like to visit the most??

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Rositsa Dimitrova

Explore breathtaking new destinations and immerse into different cultures through my lens <3 Travel guides, travel tips and lots of things to do in each destination!

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A really useful guide!! We go in a couple of weeks and your page has been SO helpful planning our trip.

While you’re in Greenwich, do yourself a favour and pop in for a look at the magnificent ceiling of the “Sistine Chapel of the UK”?

It’s the largest painted ceiling in London, the impressive baroque hall, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, took artist Sir James Thornhill nearly 20 years to paint in the early 1700s. If you’ve not seen it then get on down to Greenwich… it’s well worth it!

[…] very open and hospitable. When talking about England as a travel idea, many people think of visiting London and its famous attractions like Buckingham Palace or Tower Bridge. However, when visiting this […]

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15 Most Unusual Places to Visit in London For Free

By: Author The Working Line

Posted on Published: January 17, 2024  - Last updated: February 18, 2024

There may be affiliate links throughout the content you're about to read. When you purchase from my links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you :)

Church ruins, secret gardens and hidden chapels – that’s what you’ll discover here if you want to learn about the most unusual places to visit in London for free .

I am crazy about finding all types of free rooftops and beautiful ruins, and I’ve been sharing quite a bit of that knowledge with you lately.

Notably with some of the most beautiful palaces in London and hidden castles – who wouldn’t want to see that?

Get ready to witness the most beautiful architecture in London, relax for hours during the summer and really discover London off the beaten path !

In this guide, you’ll learn about derelict churches, abandoned places in London which are now the stars of our pictures, and beautiful secret gardens .

I’ve tried to gather the unusual places I love the most, which double as romantic spots if you love adventure.

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: Crystal Palace Subway

You wouldn’t really see Crystal Palace Subway from outside if you didn’t wander around, and that’s partly what makes it one of the most unusual places to visit in London for free.

This abandoned Tube station dates back from 1865 and used to carry passengers to the Crystal Palace exhibition hall.

There are lots of cute hidden gems in London , and if you walk around Crystal Palace Park, you’ll find there not only a life-size maze, but also dinosaur sculptures.

Animal sculptures seem to be quite important in London, haven’t you noticed?

From elephant sculptures in Liverpool St to dinosaurs in Crystal Palace and even a Bugs Bunny sculpture in Leicester Square …

We’re well served in London.

The Crystal Palace Subway was used until 1954 and was then abandoned, notably after the fire that ravaged Crystal Palace in 1936.

I love finding urbex places in London, and with its cream and orange brickwork, vaulted ceiling and well-preserved surroundings, Crystal Palace Subway is a must-visit spot!

Read: The Best Free Rooftops in London

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: Host Cafe, St Mary Aldermary

Host Cafe in St Mary Aldermary church is one of the best hidden cafes in London , I think we can all agree.

Located close to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Millenium Bridge, Host Cafe is a cozy coffee shop built inside a church.

A grand church.

You don’t have to pay to visit the church; if you live in London on a budget , I know how crucial it is mentally to find free stuff to do.

Find at Host Cafe some of the best pastries in London , including the creamiest carrot cake ever, with delicious V60 coffee all hidden inside a very secret landmark.

Read: Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to London

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: Abney Park Cemetery

I do tend to go for hidden places in London , with places like cemeteries and church ruins being particularly attractive to me.

One of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries, which color the picture of the most beautiful cemeteries in London, Abney Park Cemetery, boasts loads of appeal.

Founded in 1840, Abney Park Cemetery, lies quietly in Stoke Newington, which I recommend visiting if you like walking around pretty neighborhoods in London .

Artisan shops, the cutest coffee shops and independent restaurants – that’s what you’ll find in Stoke Newington, beyond a cemetery with some of the most beautiful architecture in London.

The main architecture you’ll come across is Gothic, and like all the Magnificent Seven cemeteries, Abney Park Cemetery doubles as a park.

Good place to have up your sleeve when on the hunt for secret gardens and parks .

And for those who are specifically looking for church ruins in London, the Abney Park Cemetery Chapel (pictured above) is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss!

Read: The Cutest Posh Areas in London

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: St Dunstan in the East

St Dunstan in the East is one of the most unusual places to visit in London for free, especially if you’re traveling to London for the first time .

As a local, I do love spending some time at St Dunstan in the East , despite the fact that it’s garnering ever more popularity.

Damaged in the Great Fire of London in 1666, it was rebuilt by Christopher Wren – one of the most famous English architects, who notably designed St Paul’s Cathedral.

The Blitz in WWII largely destroyed St Dunstan in the East a second time, and at this point, the City of London decided to use the space as a garden.

If you’re looking for romantic date ideas in London , the secret garden is really well-preserved, and a perfect photo spot too!

Read: The Prettiest Villages in London

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: Spriggan Sculpture, Parkland Walk

The Spriggan sculpture on Parkland Walk and its surroundings are probably one of the most unusual places to visit in London for free.

You’re here on a natural walking and cycling path close to Crouch End and Finsbury Park, so you’re in North London here.

This area is mostly famous for its very posh areas and beautiful nature, which you’ll find around Barnet, North Finchley, Muswell Hill and Highgate.

The Parkland Walk follows an abandoned railway line which closed in the 70s, and the Spriggan sculpture is not the only folkloric reminder you’ll find, as there are other pieces of art located along the walk.

Read: The Prettiest Views in London

Most Unusual Places in London to Visit for Free: Hardy Tree, King’s Cross

The Hardy Tree might have fallen in 2022, but the tree named after English poet Thomas Hardy is still an institution in town.

You can still see the many tombs that were relocated to make way for the railway expansion back in the 19th century.

They are the work of young architect Thomas Hardy, and the area went to take on his name.

If you’re planning on having brunch in King’s Cross and checking out the shops and restaurants around, pay a visit to the remainder of the Hardy Tree.

It’s not only one of the most unusual places to visit in London for free, but there are a couple of Harry Potter locations nearby you should not miss.

Read: The Best Charity Shops in London

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: Kensal Green Cemetery and Catacombs

If you enjoy a walk around the most beautiful cemeteries, you’ll love Kensal Green Cemetery.

Especially since its complete name is Kensal Green Cemetery and Catacombs – and to the best of my knowledge, there aren’t many catacombs in London.

Like Abney Park Cemetery and Tower Hamlets Cemetery in East London , it’s one of the Magnificent Seven.

It’s interesting to note that Kensal Green Cemetery was the first cemetery in London open to all people regardless of religious or financial background.

Many notable figures are buried in the Kensal Green Cemetery, from science to architecture, and you will also find many sculptures along the way.

Since it is indeed one of the oldest cemeteries in London, like the astonishing Highgate Cemetery, Kensal Green Cemetery offers beautiful epitaphs and greenery together.

One of the most unusual places to visit in the cemetery, though, is the Catacombs – it’s a peaceful, very peaceful place.

Read: The Best Harry Potter Shops in London

Most Unusual Places in London to Visit for Free: Carrie Reichardt’s House, Chiswick

Those in search of unusual places will be served with Carrie Reichardt’s House, in Chiswick.

One of the cutest villages in London, Chiswick offers pretty bookshops, small streets and a laidback vibe that’s very appreciated when you commute every day .

Carrie Reichardt is a renowned British ceramist and artist, known for her socially and politically engaged work, which shows in the words you can find on her house: ‘I’m an artist your rules don’t apply”.

The perfect hidden gem in plain sight, the mosaic house attracts locals who know of its existence – and are willing to be blown away.

Read: The Best Shopping Centers in London

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: Cafe in the Crypt, Trafalgar Square

The Cafe in the Crypt is located in St Martin in the Fields church, really close to Trafalgar Square and National Gallery.

The entrance to the cafe is quite fun, unassuming and you wouldn’t imagine you’re about to enter one of the most instagrammable cafes in London .

From bare brick to vaulted ceilings and arched passageways, it’s a great cafe slash restaurant to visit when you’ve been walking for a while.

Quite bustling with locals, though, who know the Cafe in the Crypt offers good, fresh dishes, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

This is also one of the most unusual places to visit if you’re looking for secret events, concerts and workshops – all rolled into one.

Read: The Best Shops for Cheap Clothes in London

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: Execution Dock, Wapping

Execution Dock in Wapping is a historical location that is basically borderline creepy – and perfect, really, if you’re ever after creepy places in London.

The dock was used to execute pirates and maritime criminals in the 17th and 18th century, and today, you can find the Prospect of Whitby pub right behind.

It’s very interesting to learn about unusual bits of history in London , isn’t it?

Especially when you see that the Wapping area still really showcases the maritime past of the city.

Read: The Best Shops in Oxford Street

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: St Katharine Docks, Central London

I wrote about London’s secret beaches a while back, and if my memory serves me right, I mentioned St Katharine Docks a couple of times here.

It’s a historic and picturesque marina which literally offers some of the prettiest views in London, and really close to Tower Bridge .

There are a few docks and places to see water in London worth a sight, but St Katharine Docks is so central that you can easily and quickly access it.

And if you’re a digital nomad, freelancer or student, not too far, behind the Tower of London, you have one of the best Starbucks in London to study for a while.

There are many restaurants on St Katharine Docks, and not only seafood – they also offer the perfect seat to witness the sunset in London.

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in London

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: Guildhall Roman Theatre

Having lived in Rome and visited many parts of Italy, I am definitely the happiest when I come across Roman ruins in London.

There are many more than what you’d expect, and one of the most brilliant examples is the Roman amphitheater at Guildhall.

You really have to walk around to find it; the first time I found the Guildhall Art Gallery was literally by chance.

One of the most interesting free art galleries in London, the Guildhall Art Gallery offers paintings, sculptures, and in the basement, Roman ruins.

Very interesting place, especially if you’re looking for unusual places to visit in London for free!

Read: The Best Neapolitan Pizza in London

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: St Pancras Caryatids at Euston

St Pancras New Church is a small yet impressive church located on Euston Road, and well worth a visit.

The Anglican parish church was completed in 1822, and you will find elements of Greek Revival architecture that range from Greek-style decor to the Caryatids.

The St Pancras Caryatids are replicas of original female-shaped statues that can still be found in the Acropolis Museum, and one of them can be spotted at the British Museum as well.

For those on the hunt for unusual places to visit in London for free , this is probably one of my favorite sights, and I definitely recommend a walk in the pretty streets around!

Read: The Best Ice Cream in London

Most Unusual Places in London to Visit for Free: St Paul’s Cathedral Replica at Vauxhall Bridge

St Paul’s Cathedral is famous as it is, but what if I told you there is a tiny replica of the landmark?

Located on Vauxhall Bridge, the miniature cathedral is surrounded by eight huge female statues which were created in 1909.

Like the beautiful statues that you can find near Tivoli Corner at Bank, each of these female statues represent an art or a value; agriculture, engineering, science, fine arts, pottery and more.

The one statue which represents architecture is the one holding St Paul’s Cathedral – makes sense, doesn’t it?

Read: The Cutest Bakeries in London

Most Unusual Places to Visit in London for Free: God’s Own Junkyard

One of the most famous pink places in London , God’s Own Junkyard is a neon shop which doubles as a cafe restaurant.

As soon as you pass the threshold, you’re welcomed with pink, red and white neons everywhere you look, which might be perfect for anyone who loves vintage accessories.

We’re straying far from London’s ruins and castles, aren’t we, but the Walthamstow shop is a great sight before heading over to a good restaurant .

Definitely one of the most unusual shops in London , fully instagrammable too – the use of cameras is prohibited, but you can use your phone.

Read: The Best French Patisseries in London

There you have them, all the most unusual places to visit in London for free!

If you’re looking for things to do in London Bridge , you’ll find lots of cool places around St Paul’s and the Millennium Bridge.

If you’re on the outskirts of the city, places like Abney Park Cemetery and God’s Own Junkyard are also magical places to visit for couples and friends!

In any case, you’ll hopefully found here some of the most beautiful Roman ruins in London, derelict churches and stunning architecture…

All that’s left to do is get up and actually see them up close!

Until next time!

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The Working Line

Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.

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I Heart Britain

8 Undiscovered and Unusual Places to Visit in London

Like every capital city, London has its accepted ‘tourist trails’ and must-see attractions, which we hope we covered in our Footloose in London film, but there are also some quirky, and unusual things to do too, so here’s a few suggestions from our second film Footloose in London II – Undiscovered and Unusual bits!

All these wonderful destinations are featured in Footloose In London II   (running time 124 minutes) to be seen on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/london2

Save it to Pinterest!

Top 10 Unusual and Unique Places to Visit in London

Whether you’re hoping to do something a little different during your next trip to London, or even if you’re curious about seeing more unconventional exhibits outside of London’s major museums, then there’s a handful unusual places in London that are unlike any other on the planet; (and that’s putting it mildly).

From historical places, artsy places, and down-right strange and creepy places, London has it all. But out of all the unique and one-of-a-kind spots to choose from, here are a few head-turning locations in London that stand out from the rest:

1. The Wellcome Collection

Address:  183 Euston Road

Nearest station:  Euston Square station

Described as “the free destination for the incurably curious,” The Wellcome Collection has been fascinating the public since it first opened its doors in 1936, and has a specific focus on the connections between art, life and medicine.

This intriguing museum houses everything from Napoleon’s toothbrush to hearing aids and keyholes, and in the past has hosted exhibits on the natural power of electricity, “adventures in refrigeration” and even mental asylums and quack remedies. Visitors can purchase their own audio guide to listen to as they stroll around the building, and the museum even offers guided tours as well.

The Wellcome Collection is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays (but is closed on Mondays).

2. Clowns Gallery-Museum London

Address:  Holy Trinity Dalston, Beechwood Rd

Nearest station:  Dalston Junction

Put those clown fears to the ultimate test by exploring this bizarre museum in London, which contains everything from clown costumes, clown portraits, clown dolls, clown awards – and even clown eggs! (Yes, you read that right).

The museum is actually run by “real-life clowns” who have been in the clowning business for decades, and is only open on the first Friday of every month – which means there’s bound to be a huge crowd during your visit. Here you will find everything from the final suit of Coco the Clown to the largest collections of clown eggs in the world, and visitors can also go on a tour around the Holy Trinity church (which is famous in its own right).

Although entry is free, the museum relies solely on donations from the public in order to keep it running. To access the museum, head to Cumberland Close to the rear end of the church and ring the doorbell. The museum is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.

3. House of Dreams

Address:  45 Melbourne Grove

Nearest station:  East Dulwich

Taking the “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” expression to a whole new level, every inch and corner of this unconventional museum is covered in all sorts of different forgotten and unloved objects, like old Christmas crackers, broken toys, religious objects from Mexico, and much more.

The museum was founded by the local mosaic artist Stephen Wright (known for his mosaic decoration outside the Blue Mountain Cafe), who decided to transform the ground floor of his home into a dizzying display of countless objects that the average person would consider trash. (Wright still resides in this building to this very day, and often conducts tours for visitors).

The House of Dreams is only open on specific days throughout the year (July 25th, August 29th and September 26th) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., so if you plan on visiting make sure you arrive extra early as the building can get quite crowded. Admission costs £10 for adults, or £5 for students, but children can enter for free.

4. Lights of Soho

Address:  35 Brewer Street

Nearest station:  Piccadilly Circus

Walking down the steps into this small cave-like basement in Soho, within seconds you’ll be able to see why this alluring location is one of the most enchanting spots in London.

This small space is crammed full of neon signs and artwork as well as various light art displays (many of which were designed by local artists) and also hosts a variety of events like live music performances, DJs, film screenings, magazine launches, and even talks hosted by various members of London’s thriving art scene. Visitors can also purchase some cocktails from the bar to sip on while they stroll around and marvel at the various pieces of neon art on display throughout the building.

The Lights of Soho is open until 6 p.m. six days a week, although only members will be allowed entry from 6 p.m. to midnight. (Visitors can sign-up to become a member via their  official website ).

5. Battersea Flower Station

Address:  16 Winders Road

Nearest station:  Battersea Park Station

It’s been awarded as the Best Garden Centre in London, and once you visit it you’ll see why. Listed as an “Independent Garden Centre and Florist,” the Battersea Flower Station is a enchanting place packed full of all sorts of different flowers, flower pots, houseplants, olive trees and much more. Visitors can purchase a few bags of compost (costing as little as 20p per scoop!), a bouquet for a loved one, or even just stroll around to get some gardening inspirations of their own.

The Battersea Flower Station is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

6. Alexandra Palace

Address:  Alexandra Palace Way

Nearest station:  Wood Green

North London’s Alexandra Palace represents a unique milestone in not only British history, but worldwide history as well – as it hosted the first ever television broadcast in 1935 which was seen by millions of people (and also led to the palace being coined as “the birthplace of TV”).

But besides this, Alexandra Palace has become a popular location over the years as it has hosted countless events ranging from drone races, London’s International Yoga Day and even music concerts by acts like the Deftones and The Maccabees, so you’ll never know what kind of event will be taking place during your visit. The palace also regularly hosts evening discos and daily skating sessions, and there is also a play area for children, a garden centre, a deer enclosure, a boating lake, a rose garden and a pitch and putt course, not to mention a whopping 196 acres to explore at your heart’s content.

For more info on any upcoming events, check out Alexandra Palace’s  official website .

7. The Sky Garden

Address:  1 Sky Garden Walk

Nearest station:  Monument

Are you itching to see panoramic views of the London skyline but don’t have the money to shell out on a visit up The Shard? Well you’ll be happy to hear that The Sky Garden lets its visitors enjoy stunning views of London from 155 metres above for literally no cost at all!

In The Sky Garden, all of the views of London are labelled on the glass so you can learn more about the different buildings you can expect to see during your visit, and there’s also a picturesque rainforest garden you can stroll around as well.

Sky Garden itself is open from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, but its restaurants are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., all of which provide unlimited access to the gardens. Given its popularity, it’s highly recommended that you book a spot online beforehand, and make sure you bring some form of photo ID during your visit as well.

8. Deptford Creek Low Tide Walk

Address:  Creekside Centre, 14 Creekside, Deptford

Nearest station:  Deptford

Interested in learning more about the River Thames? Well by going on a Deptford Creek Low Tide Walk, you can get down to the nitty-gritty of River Thames’ phenomenal ecological history and see the historic river from an entirely new perspective – literally.

The Deptford Creek Low Tide Walk provides visitors with the fascinating opportunity to wade along the banks of the River Thames from Deptford Bridge on a low-tide day to see around a kilometre of the riverbed when its exposed. During the two-hour walk, visitors should be able to see various freshwater and saltwater plants, birds, butterflies and over 120 different species of wildflowers which call the banks of the River Thames their home.

Because the Low Tide Walk only happens on specific days throughout the year, you’ll need to check the website beforehand and then book a spot online, or by phone/e-mail. For more information visit the Creekside Centre’s  official website .

9. Palace Bingo

Address:  Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre

Nearest station:  Elephant & Castle

Do you consider yourself a bingo champ? Then why not test your bingo skills during an intense game of bingo with some of the best bingo players in London inside Elephant & Castle’s Shopping Centre?

With over 2,000 seats to choose from, Palace Bingo is one of the largest bingo clubs in the country, and could be the perfect way to spend a Friday or Saturday night in London (as these are the nights when the venue truly comes to life).

If you want to compete at Palace Bingo you will need to sign up for a membership on the  Palace Bingo website . Prices vary between £3 and £15 depending on which day you compete; for more information on costs you can contact a member of staff beforehand.

Bingo games at Palace Bingo takes place at:

• 10 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on Mondays
• 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday
• 12 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. on Sundays

10. Dennis Severs’ House

Address:  18 Folgate Street

Nearest station:  Shoreditch High Street/Liverpool Street

Travel back in time and immerse yourself with the smells, sounds and sights of historic London in this thought-provoking Spitalfields museum, which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of what life in London would have been like hundreds of years ago.

The museum was founded by Dennis Severs, who was looking for a spot to serve as a sort of “canvas” for his own artistic imagination. Over the years Severs has redesigned the home with only antique decorations and furnishing, and without any modern-day technology or electricity.

Visitors can walk around the various rooms inside the home (which include the cellar, kitchen, dining room, smoking room and bedrooms) and look at half-eaten plates of food on the table, jackets thrown over chairs, and even the smell the food cooking in the kitchen. The museum is especially unique in that visitors must stroll around the various areas of the building in silence so they can imagine how the original inhabitants of the house would have lived hundreds of years in the past.

Visitors can choose from three separate events which take place at Dennis Severs’ House:

• Sunday “Daytime” events (12 p.m. to 4 p.m., £10 per person/£5 per student/senior)
• Monday “Lunchtime” events (12 p.m. to 2 p.m., £10 per person/£5 per student/senior)
• “Silent Night” events (every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. during the Christmas season, £50 to £60 per person).

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15 Unusual Places to Visit in London

Are you tired of the usual tourist traps in London? Do you want to explore something new and unique? Look no further because we have compiled a list of 15 unusual places to visit in London.

From the enchanting Saint Dunstan in the East to the stunning Painted Hall, there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Take a stroll through Little Venice or Spitalfields and Brick Lane for an authentic taste of London’s culture.

Visit Neal’s Yard, a colorful and quirky corner tucked away in Covent Garden, or uncover the secrets of The Vaults.

If you’re feeling adventurous, head to The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, a hidden bar with a secret entrance. But wait, is it safe to visit these unusual places? In this blog post, we will not only introduce you to these unique spots but also provide tips for exploring them safely. So pack your bags and get ready for an unconventional adventure in London!

Table of Contents

1. Exploring Saint Dunstan in the East

Experience the history and beauty of Saint Dunstan in the East, a hidden gem in London. This unique attraction offers a peaceful ambiance where you can explore historic ruins and stunning gardens.

Learn about the significance of this remarkable place, capturing Instagram-worthy photos in its picturesque setting. Saint Dunstan in the East is a testament to London’s rich history, dating back to the 19th century.

As you kayak on the River Thames or stroll along the banks, you’ll be immersed in the city’s charm. Make sure to include this fascinating place in your London itinerary for a memorable day trip.

History and Significance of Saint Dunstan in the East

Saint Dunstan in the East holds a rich history and significant architectural importance. Over the years, this hidden gem has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the cultural and historical legacy of London.

The ruins and gardens of Saint Dunstan in the East tell stories of resilience and change. It’s standing amidst the bustling cityscape of London adds to its allure.

Exploring this unique landmark allows visitors to immerse themselves in the 19th-century charm of the city. With its proximity to other iconic London attractions like Tower Bridge and the London Eye, Saint Dunstan in the East is a must-visit for those seeking more unusual places in the city.

2. The Charm of Little Venice

Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Little Venice, where you can take a scenic canal boat ride through this picturesque neighborhood.

Discover the charming houseboats and colorful canal-side cafes that add to the unique charm and beauty of this London gem. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the tranquil waterways and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of Little Venice.

With its 19th-century vibes and captivating scenery, it’s a great place to escape the bustling city of London. So, if you’re looking for more unusual places to visit in London, make sure to add Little Venice to your itinerary.

Experiencing Little Venice: What to Do?

Enjoy a delightful brunch or afternoon tea at a charming canal-side cafe in Little Venice.

Discover the trendy neighborhood by exploring its vibrant markets and boutique shops.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending music or arts festivals hosted in Little Venice.

Create unforgettable memories with a romantic gondola ride along the picturesque canals.

Take a break from the city buzz and relax with a picnic in one of the serene parks.

3. Delving into The Painted Hall

Marvel at the stunning beauty of The Painted Hall, a London landmark where art and architecture come together in perfect harmony. Learn about the dedicated restoration efforts that have preserved this masterpiece for future generations.

Discover the intricate details and historical significance hidden within its walls, immersing yourself in the grandeur and opulence of this 19th-century gem. As you explore The Painted Hall, you’ll be transported back in time, marveling at the heroic self-sacrifice depicted in its murals.

This extraordinary place, with its breathtaking props and tribute to the past, is truly a fascinating and unusual destination in London.

Why visit The Painted Hall?

Discover the allure of The Painted Hall in London. Marvel at its breathtaking ceiling paintings and intricate wall decorations. Uncover the fascinating history that surrounds this magnificent attraction . Take a guided tour to delve deeper into the stories depicted in the artwork.

Don’t miss the chance to attend special events and exhibitions held here, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Thames River from the observation deck.

4. A Walk through Spitalfields and Brick Lane

Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Spitalfields and Brick Lane, two neighborhoods in London that are bursting with culture and diversity.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of these areas as you wander through the streets. Indulge in the flavors of world cuisines at the bustling street food markets, where you can sample dishes from all corners of the globe.

Take some time to hunt for unique vintage finds and browse through trendy fashion boutiques. As you explore, be sure to admire the colorful murals and street art that grace the walls of Spitalfields and Brick Lane.

Highlights of Spitalfields and Brick Lane

Discover the vibrant highlights of Spitalfields and Brick Lane, two neighborhoods in London rich in culture and history. Start your exploration at the iconic Old Spitalfields Market, where you can peruse stalls offering antiques, clothing, and artisanal products.

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the famous Brick Lane Market, known for its diverse food stalls and international cuisine.

Learn about the immigrant communities that have shaped the identity of Spitalfields and Brick Lane, experiencing their vibrant street art scene and enjoying the energetic nightlife. With its blend of history and creativity, this area promises a unique and unforgettable adventure .

5. Neal’s Yard: London’s Hidden Corner

Uncover the vibrant and picturesque Neal’s Yard, a hidden corner in London waiting to be explored. Nestled within its colorful and charming courtyards are unique shops that offer a truly distinctive shopping experience.

Neal’s Yard is also known for its organic and natural beauty products, allowing visitors to indulge in self-care while supporting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

After exploring the secret corners and browsing through the shops, take a moment to relax in one of the cozy cafes, sipping on a cup of tea or coffee. Immerse yourself in the bohemian atmosphere and vibrant energy of this hidden gem that captures the spirit of London.

Discovering the Beauty of Neal’s Yard

Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments at wellness centers, savor delicious organic and vegetarian food in hidden restaurants, attend tranquil yoga or meditation classes, learn about ethical practices, and capture stunning photos of colorful buildings and charming alleyways in Neal’s Yard.

Discover the beauty of this eco-conscious neighborhood, tucked away from the bustling streets of London. Take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle to immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Neal’s Yard.

Explore its unique shops, sip on a relaxing cup of tea or coffee, and bask in the bohemian energy that permeates this hidden gem.

6. Unveiling The Vaults

Explore the hidden secrets of London’s underground treasures with a visit to The Vaults. Immerse yourself in the mysterious and intriguing world of this unique cultural space.

Uncover a treasure trove filled with art, performances, and immersive experiences that will take you on an unforgettable journey through history and creativity.

The Vaults offer a glimpse into a unique and offbeat side of London’s cultural scene. Don’t miss the chance to discover this hidden gem and experience the magic that awaits beneath the surface.

Why are The Vaults a Must-Visit?

Immerse yourself in a world of underground art and culture at The Vaults in London. Experience innovative and immersive performances that captivate your senses.

Marvel at the transformation of abandoned tunnels into artistic wonders. Explore a vibrant and alternative atmosphere unlike anywhere else, showcasing the creativity and talent of emerging artists and performers.

7. The Mystique of Tulip Stairs

Step back in time and admire the elegance of the Tulip Stairs, a hidden gem in London. Marvel at the exquisite architectural design of this iconic spiral staircase, which dates back to the 19th century. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating history behind the Tulip Stairs as you ascend its enchanting steps.

Capture Instagram-worthy photos of this unique masterpiece and add them to your London itinerary. The Tulip Stairs is not only a great place for sightseeing but also an intriguing tribute to heroic self-sacrifice.

Experience a sense of wonder as you explore this fascinating place, tucked away from the bustling city streets.

The Story Behind the Tulip Stairs

Unveil the intriguing legends and myths surrounding the Tulip Stairs, an architectural marvel with historical significance in naval architecture.

Hear tales of ghostly apparitions that haunt this fascinating structure, while appreciating the craftsmanship and engineering behind it. Dive into the cultural and artistic influences that have shaped the Tulip Stairs. This iconic spiral staircase is a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship and a tribute to heroic self-sacrifice.

Ascend the enchanting Tulip Stairs and capture Instagram-worthy photos at this hidden gem in London. Experience the wonder and elegance of this unique structure that stands as a testament to London’s rich history and architectural ingenuity.

8. Sky Garden: A View to Remember

Treat yourself to breathtaking panoramic views of London’s skyline at Sky Garden, a hidden gem offering unmatched vistas of the city’s landmarks. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you escape the hustle and bustle of the city in this tranquil oasis.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience amidst stunning surroundings, where you can savor delicious cuisine while soaking in the awe-inspiring views.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to London, a visit to Sky Garden is a must for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable experience . Discover this enchanting space and be captivated by its unparalleled views.

Making the Most of Your Visit to the Sky Garden

For an unforgettable experience at the Sky Garden, plan your visit during sunrise or sunset. Witness the enchanting transformation of the cityscape as it bathes in golden hues.

To elevate your experience further, book a table at one of the restaurants and indulge in a memorable dining experience with breathtaking views. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens, adorned with vibrant flowers and offering stunning vistas of London’s iconic landmarks.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene by attending live music events or cultural performances. Don’t forget to capture Instagram-worthy photos against the backdrop of London’s majestic skyline.

9. A Tour of Sir John Soane’s Museum

Discover the eclectic collections and architectural wonders of Sir John Soane’s Museum. Immerse yourself in a world of art, antiquities, and curiosities as you explore this unique museum.

Gain insight into the life and legacy of Sir John Soane, a renowned British architect of the 19th century. This museum offers a fascinating journey with surprises at every turn.

From the intriguing props to the hidden gems, it is a must-visit for all Londoners and those visiting the city. Experience a true treasure trove of history, art, and architectural marvels. Embark on a tour like no other and be captivated by the extraordinary exhibits.

What makes Sir John Soane’s Museum Unique?

Marvel at the museum’s innovative use of light and space, as you explore its labyrinthine interiors and discover hidden treasures. Admire the extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, and learn about the architectural genius of Sir John Soane. Experience a one-of-a-kind blend of art, history, and architecture at this unique museum.

10. The Silver Vaults: A Treasury like no other

Beneath the bustling streets of London lies a hidden gem – The Silver Vaults. Step into a subterranean world of luxury and opulence, where you can marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship and beauty of silverware.

This unique establishment houses a vast collection of silver antiques, jewelry, and decorative pieces, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era.

As you explore, you’ll learn about the rich history and significance of silver in British culture. The Silver Vaults is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly extraordinary experience in the heart of London.

What to Expect in The Silver Vaults?

Discover a hidden shopping destination renowned for its unique and luxurious silver items. Explore a wide range of silverware, from antique pieces to modern designs, and find the perfect gift or statement piece for your home decor. Immerse yourself in the art of silver making and indulge in the history and glamour of The Silver Vaults.

11. The Churchill Arms: More than a Pub

The Churchill Arms is a famous London pub known for its stunning display of flowers and plants, creating a unique blend of British charm and Thai cuisine. Londoners love this pub for its cozy atmosphere, where they can enjoy a pint of beer surrounded by beautiful blooms.

The vibrant atmosphere of this iconic London pub makes it a local favorite. The Churchill Arms is more than just a pub; it’s an experience that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the city. Celebrated for its floral extravaganza and warm ambiance, this pub is a must-visit on your London itinerary.

The Intriguing History of The Churchill Arms

Dating back to the late 18th century, The Churchill Arms holds a fascinating history. Originally a tavern frequented by Winston Churchill’s grandparents, this beloved pub has seen centuries of stories unfold within its walls. But it’s not just the past that makes this place intriguing. Since the 1980s, The Churchill Arms has been adorned with vibrant flowers, becoming a symbol of London’s love for floral displays.

With its unique blend of history and horticulture, a visit to this iconic establishment is a must for anyone looking to delve into the rich tapestry of London’s heritage.

12. Hidden Bar – The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

Uncover the concealed entrance to this speakeasy-style bar and immerse yourself in a clandestine atmosphere. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town offers a unique and unforgettable drinking experience, where expertly crafted cocktails await in a secret underground setting.

Indulge in delicious drinks and become part of an exclusive group that knows about this hidden gem. It’s a great place to escape the busy streets of London and enjoy a more unusual experience .

Soak up the atmosphere, sip on your favorite cocktail, and imagine yourself in a 19th-century film set. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is a fascinating place to include in your London itinerary.

Why is The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town a Secret Spot?

Discover the allure of The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, a hidden bar tucked away behind a Smeg fridge in a breakfast restaurant. This secret spot adds a sense of adventure as guests must ask to see “the mayor” for entry. Cocktail enthusiasts flock to experience the thrill of discovering this hidden gem.

13. Columbia Road Flower Market: A Feast for the Senses

Immerse yourself in a riot of colors, scents, and sounds at the Columbia Road Flower Market in London. Experience the bustling energy of this famous flower market, where locals and tourists alike gather to explore a wide variety of flowers, plants, and gardening accessories.

This market is a treasure trove for those seeking unique finds and rare blooms. As you stroll through the vibrant market, take in the lively atmosphere and enjoy the street performances that add to the charm of the place. Columbia Road Flower Market is truly a feast for the senses.

Read Also: 10 Reasons Why London Is The Best City In The World

How to Explore the Columbia Road Flower Market?

To make the most of your visit to the Columbia Road Flower Market, arrive early in the morning for the best selection and lively atmosphere.

Engage with passionate vendors to learn about different flowers and plants. Enjoy live music and street performers, and don’t forget to explore the local cafes and shops. Remember to bring a sturdy bag for your floral treasures.

14. Discovering the Royal Exchange

Discover the Royal Exchange, an iconic building in the heart of London. Step inside and be captivated by a blend of history and modernity.

This historic landmark offers a unique mix of luxury retail, dining, and cultural experiences. Marvel at the stunning architecture and grand interior design, a testament to its rich heritage. The Royal Exchange is a thriving hub of activity, bustling with locals and visitors alike.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and uncover the intriguing stories that unfold within its walls. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable London experience, the Royal Exchange is a must-visit destination.

The Royal Exchange: A Blend of History and Modernity

Located at its current site since the 16th century, The Royal Exchange seamlessly blends history with modernity. Once a bustling center for trade and commerce, it now houses a variety of high-end shops and restaurants.

Step inside to explore the exquisite boutiques and luxury brands that line its corridors. Don’t forget to look up and admire the stunning glass roof that bathes the central courtyard in natural light.

The Royal Exchange offers visitors the opportunity to experience the perfect fusion of old-world charm and contemporary sophistication. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of London and its ability to reinvent itself over the centuries.

15. Leadenhall Market: A Victorian Marvel

Step into a world of Victorian elegance at Leadenhall Market, a hidden gem in the heart of London. Marvel at the ornate architecture and stunning glass roof that grace this historic covered market.

As you explore the market, you’ll discover charming shops, bars, and restaurants , offering a delightful experience for both locals and visitors.

This Victorian marvel has even made its way onto the silver screen, with appearances in popular movies like “Harry Potter.” Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Leadenhall Market, a true testament to the 19th-century charm of London.

What to see at the Leadenhall Market?

Discover a variety of unique shops offering antiques and gourmet delights. Indulge in a meal or drink at one of the market’s many restaurants and bars.

Admire the intricate architecture, including ornate wrought-iron work, and the stunning glass roof that fills the market with natural light. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy and timeless charm of Leadenhall Market.

The Unseen Side of London

Discover the hidden gems of central London, where the city’s lesser-known attractions await. Venture into offbeat neighborhoods like Shoreditch and Kensington, and immerse yourself in the vibrant street art scene that defines this metropolis.

Explore unique spots such as Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square, where the essence of London truly comes alive. As you navigate these unconventional landscapes, you’ll unravel the untold stories of a city steeped in history and culture.

From the remarkable architecture to the dynamic energy of Londoners, each corner showcases the multifaceted nature of this captivating city. Embark on a journey to the unseen side of London, a world waiting to be discovered.

Why are these places considered ‘Unusual’?

These places are considered ‘unusual’ because they offer a refreshing break from the typical tourist trail. They showcase the unconventional side of London, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. With unique and immersive experiences, these spots are often overlooked by tourists but loved by locals.

Tips for Exploring Unusual Places in London

When exploring unusual places in London, it’s important to plan your itinerary wisely. Make sure to include a mix of popular attractions and offbeat gems to get a well-rounded experience of the city.

Don’t miss the chance to take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Thames River, offering stunning views of iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye. For an authentic taste of London, visit the local cafes and pubs, where you can mingle with the friendly Londoners.

Consider joining guided tours to dive deeper into the city’s hidden treasures. And don’t forget to explore the lesser-known parks and green spaces, like Hampstead Heath, for a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling cityscape.

How to Plan your Visit to these Unusual Spots?

To plan your visit to these unusual spots in London, start by researching and making a list of the places you want to explore. Check their opening hours and any entry requirements beforehand. Consider purchasing a travel pass for convenient transportation.

To avoid crowds, plan your visit during weekdays. And most importantly, leave room for spontaneity and discovery while exploring these unique locations.

Is it safe to visit these unusual places in London?

London is generally a safe city for tourists. It’s important to use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. Follow any safety guidelines provided by the attractions and take precautions against pickpockets in crowded areas. Trust your instincts and avoid any potentially unsafe situations.

What are the most unexpected experiences you had in these places?

Discovering the captivating street performances in Covent Garden, exploring the lively markets of Camden and Portobello Road, stumbling upon hidden gardens and secret alleys, enjoying breathtaking views from rooftop bars and gardens, and uncovering the fascinating stories behind each unusual place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some off-the-beaten-path places to visit in London?

Explore the Leake Street Tunnel near Waterloo Station, a legal graffiti art tunnel. Immerse yourself in God’s Own Junkyard, a neon wonderland in Walthamstow.

Visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, a traditional Hindu temple. Discover the Victorian tombs and famous graves at Highgate Cemetery.

Are these unusual places accessible by public transportation?

Most of the unusual places mentioned in the blog can be easily accessed by public transportation. Some require a bus or train ride, while others are within walking distance from a tube station.

Check the location’s website or Transport for London for specific details. Using an Oyster card or contactless payment is convenient for travel in London.

Can I find any hidden gems for food or shopping in these unusual places?

Some of London’s unique spots offer hidden gems for food and shopping. Camden Market features diverse food stalls and unique shops selling vintage clothing and handmade crafts.

Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden is a colorful courtyard with health food stores, cafes, and beauty salons. Brick Lane offers Indian restaurants, vintage shops, street art, and weekend markets.

Is there any cultural or historical significance to these unusual places?

Many of the unusual places in London hold cultural or historical significance. Highgate Cemetery, for example, is the final resting place of notable figures like Karl Marx. King’s Cross Station’s Platform 9 3/4 is not only a popular spot for Harry Potter fans but also has historical importance as a major transportation hub. The Clink Prison Museum provides insight into the harsh living conditions of medieval prisoners.

London is a city full of unique and fascinating places to explore. From hidden corners to historic landmarks, there is no shortage of unusual spots to visit.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these hidden gems offer a different perspective on the city and allow you to discover a side of London that is often overlooked. So step off the beaten path and venture into the lesser-known areas of this vibrant metropolis.

Experience the charm of Little Venice, wander through the colorful Columbia Road Flower Market, and uncover the secrets of the underground Vaults. With so many unusual places to visit in London, you’ll never run out of adventures .

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Ferona Jose is a passionate travel writer and blogger at Travelistia. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her writing focuses on cheap travel destinations, travel experiences, cultural insights, and travel hacks.

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30 Unique Things to do in London For Free + Map 2024

Last Updated on November 8, 2023

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London is a city full of surprises and hidden depths.

Most people have an understanding that it is an expensive city with a lot of the major attractions not being budget-friendly.

But the great thing is that in reality there are so many fun and unique things to do in London for free!

Plus, you could spend your entire life here and you would never be able to experience all the different things to do in London.

I have compiled this list of what to do in London for free because I am sick of everyone recommending the expensive tourist traps that many travellers can’t afford.

So, if you’re visiting and wondering what are the best things to do in London today for free, hopefully you’ll find something below!

This way you can enjoy fun and cheap days out in London with the whole family that won’t break the bank.

🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. I recommend either SafetyWing or World Nomads .

If you want to visit any of these things to do in London for free, you can follow along using this Google Map .

Table of Contents

Here are 30 unique things to do in London for free!

1. Postman’s Park

Amongst the concrete jungle that is London, there is a park with a difference. Postman’s Park is dedicated to those who lost their lives whilst trying to save another.

It’s very peaceful, so make sure you spend some time just reflecting and enjoying this beautiful little park.

You won’t want to miss one of the most unusual free things to do in London, and can easily get there from St Paul’s tube station.

2. Little Venice

Little Venice is overlooked by many tourists, but it’s such a beautiful little place, especially for affordable days out in London.

It’s a picturesque canal that is filled with quaint boat cafes and great pubs.

You can walk with the canal on the footpath, which leads to the centre of London. It’s a beautiful walk on a summer’s day.

You can get off at the Warwick Tube station and walk along the canal towards Paddington.

3. London Roman Wall walk

Are you a history lover looking for unique and unusual places to visit in London for free? Then do the London Roman Wall Walk!

Everybody knows about Roman London but people don’t know that the wall that surrounded London still exists today! The walk is 2.8km and can be seen if you follow the 21 market panels. 

You can start in either Tower Hill Postern Gate or go backwards by starting at Noble Street, which is close to the Museum of London.

The best thing is, it’s completely free and it’s a great option if you want to learn a little bit more about the fascinating history of Roman London.

This is one of the best free things to do in London that not many tourists know about!

4. Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is a restored Victorian market, which is beautifully decorated and has some of the finest food in London.

You can find the market off Whittington Avenue.  It’s open from Monday to Friday, 11am until 4pm.

5. Execution Dock

The name is not inviting, but the history behind the execution dock is pretty jaw-dropping. It was used for more than 400 years to execute… pirates!

They would be hung on the scaffold right next to the Thames at Wapping. The last executions that happened here took place in 1830.

Unlike many hangings, the bodies were not cut down straight away – they were left hanging until three tides washed over them.

Can you imagine what it would be like back in those days watching the public executions as some sort of event?

What a different world we live in today! This is definitely one of the top  unique things to do in London!

6. St Bartholomew the Great

The oldest church in London has been used since 1143. If you remember the movie, Four Weddings and a Funeral, you might recognise this as the location of the fourth wedding!

7. Guildhall Yard – Roman Amphitheatre

Below Guildhall Hall lies the remains of the largest Roman amphitheatre that was built in London.  These remains were only discovered in 1985!

More than 7000 spectators would gather around to watch wild animal fights and the execution of animals.

Below the Guildhall Art Gallery you can see the ruins of the amphitheatre for absolutely free.

8. The oldest house in London

On 41 Cloth Fair lies the oldest house in London, which was built between 1597 and 1614. It’s said to be the ONLY house in London that survived the Great Fire of London in 1666.

This is the more uncommon things to do in London, though it is a popular stop on some ghost and historical walking tours.

Top tip: walking tours are one of the best activities in London, and there are many free options! However, you really should tip if you enjoy the tour, so technically they’re not free.

9. Borough Market

One of the best things to do in London is to see this market. It’s been going for over 100 years, making it the oldest food market in London.

If you just want to wander and see what’s available, this is definitely one of the best free places to visit in London. You might even be able to get some free samples.

There are over 100 stalls selling fresh fruit, cheeses, meat, pastries and much more. There’s also a great selection of food trucks here too that shouldn’t be missed.

I highly recommend the vegan burger from Big V, it’s simply delicious!

10. Bushy Park

Bushy Park is the second largest park in London and is famous for its wild deer. It’s a stunning place to visit so I highly recommend coming here.

If you’re looking for cute things to do in London, a chance to see deer in the heart of the city should be top of your list!

11. Saint Dunstan in East Church Gardens

One of London’s most beautiful secrets is the remains of Saint Dunstan, which has now been turned into one of the city’s most beautiful gardens in my opinion.

It was built around 1100 but was severely damaged when the Great Fire of London hit. It was then patched up but, unfortunately, most of it was again destroyed during World War 2.

Saint Dunstan’s is one of the most unique places in London, and though it is growing in popularity, still remains a hidden gem.

On a sunny day, one of the best things to do for free in London is enjoy a picnic here.

12. Hunterian Museum

The Hunterian Museum is one of the WEIRDEST museums in England, and one of the most unusual things to do in London.

It is home to John Hunter’s collection of over 3500 anatomical and pathological preparations, paintings, drawings and fossils.

As I said, one of the top weird things to do in London, but it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind place and is absolutely free for you to enter!

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13. Number 10 Adam Street

Want to get a photo at number 10 Downing Street but the enormous gates and police officers are blocking your way? No problem!

Head to 10 Adam Street, near Charing Cross station. It looks amazingly similar to the Prime Minister’s house so it’s the perfect place to get a picture!

This is one of the most fun and quirky things to do in London as it’s perfect for getting photos and pretending you visited the Prime Minister.

14. Hampstead Pergola and Hill gardens

Another beautiful secret is the Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens! It’s definitely one of London’s hidden attractions and one of the top things to do in London for free.

A wealthy philanthropist wanted to build a pergola for his extravagant Edwardian garden parties, but sadly when he passed away the pergola was left to fade.

It may not be shiny and new anymore, but this place has a special atmosphere that I have never felt anywhere else in London.

15. Cockpit steps

Cockfighting, an old sinister sport, used to happen in this small passageway, which can be found between Birdcage Walk and Old Queen Street.

Not only was this a venue for the upper class to watch cockfighting, but it’s also rumoured that these steps are haunted by a headless lady.

In 1804, two guards witnessed the lady heading down the steps and over to St James Park. They were so scared that they had to be restrained in the hospital.

In 1972, a man driving past the steps hit a lamppost because he was swerving to avoid the same woman in a red dress!

16. Princelet Street

Princelet Street has got to be the quaintest street in East London. It boasts a strong character, resulting from the old shop fronts and houses that were built in the 18 th and 19 th centuries.

What I love about this street is the shop fronts seem to look like they did hundreds of years ago, complete with cracked facades and old sign writings that date way back.

It’s like this street has been frozen in time, making it one of the most unique places to visit in London!

For this reason, this street is often used in movie sets.

17. The smallest police station in the country

The space that’s currently a cleaners’ broom cupboard actually functioned as a police station in the past!

Located in Trafalgar Square, this little masterpiece used to accommodate 2 criminals at a time, but now is one of the places to visit in London for free.

However, its main purpose was to be used by a single policeman to spy on people – kind of like an old-school CCTV system.

18. Kyoto Gardens

Located in Holland Park is the very peaceful Kyoto Gardens, one of the best free things in London.

This park is beautiful in general, but the Kyoto Gardens are definitely a highlight making it a unique London sight that’s absolutely free to visit!

Bring a picnic down with you and enjoy the quietness right in central London – believe it or not, it’s possible!

Kyoto Gardens is perfect if you are looking for what to do on free days out in London whether by yourself, with friends, a partner or the whole family.

19. John Snow’s Water Pump

On the intersections of Broad Street and Lexington Street is one of London’s historical killers – a water pump.

This water pump used to be one of the main sources of water for thousands of people until a cholera outbreak occurred and killed over 600 people.

John Snow was the hero who discovered that the outbreak came from leaking sewage because of the influx of people in the Soho area.

20. Goodwin’s Court

One of the most unique places to go in London is another little alleyway that has been frozen in time: Goodwin’s Court.

It still uses flickering gas lamps to this day! Which is just one of the reasons one of the most fun places to visit in London for history buffs.

It dates back to 1690 and, for me, it’s one of London’s hidden treasures that is missed by thousands of tourists walking right past it!

21. The first public drinking fountain

Well, I don’t think this needs any explanation! But for anyone interested in important historical things to see in London for free, it’s a must.

After the whole incident with the John Snow pump, London decided they wanted to provide the residents with fresh, clean and free drinking water.

The fountain was built in 1859 and can be found on Holborn Viaduct.

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22. Portobello Road Market

Another one of London’s great markets and also one of my top 3 favourite is the Portobello Road Market .

It’s located in the beautiful Notting Hill and stretches for about 2 miles. The market first started in the 1800’s and is most famously known for its antiques.

It’s the busiest on a Saturday, but also open from Monday until Friday as well.

23. The oldest street sign in London (Tavistock St)

Just because we’re on a roll with old things here, the oldest street sign dating back to 1636 was found on Tavistock Street, which was formerly known as Yorke Street.

It is really hard to spot, but the easiest way to see it is if you stand across from Café Murano and look right at the top. There you will spot a white plaque.

Chances are that you will not be able to see the carved date or name of the street unless you have amazing eyesight!

24. Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is one of the 6 protected viewpoints of London and boasts extremely beautiful views of the city. Bring a blanket and watch the sunset over magical London!

25. Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park

In one of London’s iconic parks is one of the most interesting places to be, Speakers’ Corner.

It’s where open-air public speaking, debate and discussions are allowed, and there’s usually a few people hanging off the lampposts.

The tradition first started in the mid 1800’s and is still going strong today.

If you’re looking for educational, but quirky things to do in London for free, don’t miss Speaker’s Corner!

26. The Anchor Pub

The Anchor Pub is located not far from the Borough Market and has a pretty gruesome past. It’s the site of a Roman grave, but was also used as bear and bull baiting pits.

On top of all that, it’s also one of the sites used as a plague pit in 1603.

27. The Royal Observatory

This famous site is home to where longitude and the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was founded.

There are lots to see here, including a range of artefacts used by Royal astronomers and galleries exploring the mysteries of the world.

28. St Magnus The Martyr Church

I stumbled across this on my way to St Dunstan and I’m so glad I did. This church sits where the entrance for the original London bridge used to be.

Back in the day, people used to have to come by this church when they entered the city of London. There’s even still pieces of the original bridge that you can see here!

29. The hidden ears of London

If you are looking for strange things to do in London, you have to spend a day finding all the hidden ears of London!

Artist Tim Fishlock randomly decided to make casts of his own ears and dot them around Covent Garden, two of them are on Floral Street.

Good luck trying to find the rest! This is easily one of the best entertaining things to do in London for free!

30. The hidden noses

Another one of the best cool quirky things to do in London is to find hidden noses!

Just like the ears, if you make your way to Soho you can then search for the seven noses that artist Rick Buckley hid in protest of CCTV cameras that had been scattered across London.

The rumour is that if you can find all the seven noses all the wealth will come your way!

🧳 Joining a Contiki tour was one of the best things I did when I took my first solo trip. Check out their latest deals here.

Accommodation suggestions!

There are so many excellent hostels that are situated in London so I thought I would list my top 5 you should definitely check out!

Also, read my article on top hostels located around London .

• Generator Hostel London – Perfect place for making friends
• Clink 78 – Includes a free London walking tour
• Wombats City Hostel London – Very trendy and in East London (one of the most fun neighbourhoods in London!)
• YHA London Central – Right in the heart of London
• Safestay Holland Park – You will feel like you’re in a hotel, not a hostel!

Your trip doesn’t have to be expensive, there are loads of things to do in London for free that are tons of fun!

You can now make your trip to London even easier by filling out a UK e-visa application form for an electronic visa waiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! There are tons of fun things to do in London for free all across the city. These range from small, quirky monuments to museums and gardens where you can spend the whole day.

London is a city full of oddities. But some of the most fun and quirky things to do in London are searching for the hidden noses and ears around the city, the Hunterian Museum and Postman’s Park.

Other articles you might love:

• Get the London Pass? Is it Worth Buying?
• The best hostels in London for backpackers
• The best European Contiki tours
• Beautiful places to visit in England

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The Comments

Megan indoe.

I haven’t seen any of these things! It makes me want to go back to London right now, especially since the exchange rate is doing well for the US dollar! I love the parks you mentioned here. I love finding things not everyone knows about!

Samantha | There She Goes Again

Yesss, I want to do everything, especially Bushy Park! I’ve only been to London ONCE for one day and with people who spent most of the time on the London Eye and figuring out where to eat lunch. Like literally, I hung out in a book market while they waited for the Eye -_-. Definitely need to return and experience all of these–especially for free (not even the public toilets are free!).

Definitely bookmarking for my next trip! I’ve only been to London once so I’d love to go back soon 🙂

Anita Hendrieka

Thanks for reading!

violetaloredana

I always look for free things to do in a city prior to my visit there. I plan on going to London in the near future, so this list is great! The parks, Kyoto Garden, the oldest house in London, and that unusual museum you’ve mentioned are already on my list – but I found new items to add!

Yay that’s fantastic!

Karla | karlaroundtheworld

I just came from London and I feel like there’s more on this list that I would love to do. Gosh, I should have seen this, I would have stayed longer.

Londons ‘things to do’ list never ends…

Great list of free things to do in London. I’m a Londoner and I didn’t know some of these! I do love a visit to the Hunterian museum. It’s so weird and wonderful

Trisha Velarmino

Thanks for putting this together. London has been a very expensive city for me, it’s good to see there are some things to do for free!

mappingmegan

I’m actually very impressed, I’ve been to London several times, and in every post which claims “unique things to do” I’ve always done them all already. Pleased to say though that you’ve given me a lot to add to my list for my next trip!

I’m so glad you have found some new things to do in London. That was my goal! 😉

Christopher

When I first came to London, I spent a lot of time with family, drinking beer and tea and eating fish and chips. Next time I come back I will explore some of these places. Very cool.

Antonette Spaan

Great suggestions! I love spending time in London, just walking around and observing things. I will definitely save this post for my next visit, I still haven’t been to Portobello for example …

Chris Boothman

I love this collection of FREE things to do in London! Just wandering around in London is a cool experience but it’s nice to have a list of things to do that will keep you intrigued during your visit to England’s capital.

Ticker Eats The World

Hey, lovely little collection of hidden London spots. Will keep it handy when I visit next. Cheers

love this! I’ve been so many times to London and there’s still loads more to do:) so I’m saving this list:)

Rhonda Albom

I wish I had your tips when I was in London 4 years ago. After looking at your list, I can see I really missed a lot.

Excellent read! There’s so many on here I haven’t done so I now have a good list to work through over the course of the next month ? Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Thanks for reading 🙂

shannonelizabeth

I lived in London for five years but you’ve definitely mentioned some places that I’ve never visited. LIke you say, it’s impossible to see everything there. You’re so right about people always flocking to the tourist traps and not seeing the interesting nooks and crannies it has!

There are so many unique things to do here and it’s a shame people miss out on them! Thanks for reading

The Common Wanderer

OHHHH this is exciting! We’ve recently moved to London and are always on the lookout for things to see and do! Great post 🙂

Stefan Arestis

As a Londoner, this is an excellent post, filled with tips that not even I knew about! Have pinned to one of our fav Travel Tips boards. My favourite thing to do in London is the walk along the South Bank from Westminster right up to Tower Bridge – particularly on those rare occasions we get a sunny day 🙂

Anne @TravelTheGlobe (@TTGLOBE4L)

Gosh there are so many things to do on this list that I have never heard of. What a great insight into a city I thought I knew but clearly didnt. Saving for later

Tamara Elliott

This is a great list- I still haven’t made it to London but I’ll have to remember these for when I finally do!

Sara Broers (@TravelWithSara)

What a great list! The smallest police station in the country looks interesting, as well as The Oldest Street Sign in London~ 30 great things to do… looks like there is no time for boredom when visiting London.

annafaustino

I love London….and I love free things! great list. Will refer back to it next time we’re in town.

So many amazing free attractions in London, people always seem to think it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world, but I always tell them it’s only expensive if you let it be. You can have just an amazing an experience hitting up the many fascinating museums, parks, and historic cathedrals, all for nothing!

Megan MacNee (@Traveling9to5er)

I was only in London for 36 hours so I need to head back and get a more of these in. I’d love to explore the Borough Market as well as some of the old buildings on your list.

Didn’t even know about Little Venice. It’s kind of like the canals at Venice Beach in California, but with grey clouds. And Kyoto Gardens really does look like Kyoto! Really unique destinations.

Only a person who truly loves London can write an article like that 🙂

Absolutely loved that red windows and door photo! I will remember this free things post when I visit London again on a layover!

Francesca @onegrloneworld

I’ve been to London twice and each time I found it to be way too expensive! The only free activity I found besides walking or checking out the changing of the guards was the Natural History Museum. This is an excellent resource! Had no idea there were so many options.

Saint Dunstan must be my favourite place out of everything on your list. Such an amazing little garden!

It’s so cute isn’t it?!

Crystal Luminescence

Hi Anita, you have certainly found some interesting places in London that I didn’t know about, (British and live in Essex lol). I don’t go up to London much anymore, apart from LHR to go to SE Asia, but the Kyoto Gardens do look interesting and maybe I’ll have a look this summer, plus a few others on your list.

Chris Casselden

Sadly Greenwich Observatory is no longer free.

Hostelgeeks (@Hostelgeeks)

Found this one via pinterest (great design btw), and it’s really interesting what you put together on london.

The oldest street, Goodwin’s Court, drinking fountain….really an awesome list. i put it on my list for the next London trip. I may even update then my own article on fun things to do in London. When I do, I’ll link you up 🙂 https://hostelgeeks.com/fun-things-to-do-london/

Thanks, Matt

Great article! I love London and have been there multiple times. But I still found lots on this list that I haven’t yet seen. Now I can’t wait for my next trip!

Shiralee Hoy

Knew off some of these Hidden Gems. But was not sure where they were. Thanks too this Artical, it has reminded me to ware they are.

Thank you Shiralee.

Nagendra Sai Patanjali

Great info. Missed a lot during my visit to London last year. Would love to visit next year and visit all the places mentioned by you. Thanks for all the details, it was lovely

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Total solar eclipse: What can I see in the UK? Timings and locations of what will be visible for Britons

Where exactly will it be spotted from, what will be seen and what makes this solar eclipse particularly special?

News reporter

Monday 8 April 2024 21:53, UK

A total solar eclipse will dazzle people tonight in what's been described as "our planet's greatest spectacle".

The perfect alignment of Earth, the sun and the moon will be seen later - meaning people in North America will experience a total solar eclipse, which will plunge much of the continent into darkness.

Here in the UK, there's a chance we'll see a partial eclipse - and unfortunately, that's the best we'll get in a while - because our next total eclipse isn't due for another 57 years.

So where can you see it, why is this one so special and is there anything you need to be aware of? Here's everything to know.

Although North America will enjoy the full spectacle of a total eclipse, people in parts of the UK will get to see a partial eclipse.

Dr Edward Bloomer, senior astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, said the UK is only going to get "a small grazing" of the eclipse in the West and North of the country.

The start of the partial eclipse will be at 7.52pm (BST) and it will end by 8.51pm.

Here's where you might see it - weather permitting:

In Glasgow , about 12% of the sun will be obscured at around 8pm (BST).

Edinburgh could see a 6% obscuration.

Liverpool will only see a maximum of 3.1% coverage at 7.57pm when the sun is right on the horizon - the window is very small as the start and end times are 7.55pm and 8pm.

Belfast will be treated to more of an eclipse with a maximum of 28.1% coverage at 8.10pm - the full window in which people might see it here is 7.55pm until 8.14pm.

Stornoway in Scotland will see 33.7% maximum coverage at 8.13pm. Here it will start at 7.53pm and end at 8.23pm.

It may also be slightly visible in parts of Wales - mainly in the northern city of Bangor , where there will be a 3.95% obscuration from 7.55pm until 8.01pm. There will also be 2.19% obscuration in Aberystwyth from 7.56pm to 7.59pm.

Anything in London?

Dr Bloomer said: "I'm afraid the South and the East are out of luck this time around.

"We won't ourselves get to see anything from the observatory, which we're a bit sad about."

However, you can watch our live coverage of the total eclipse on the Sky News channel, the Sky News app or on our YouTube channel.

NASA will also be providing a live stream of the celestial event, providing telescope views from several sites along the eclipse path.

You'll be able to watch that on NASA's official YouTube channel or on its site here .

As well as Belfast and Derry in Northern Ireland, people in the Republic of Ireland will have a chance to see the partial eclipse.

The best opportunities will be in the West. The town of Belmullet , in County Mayo on Ireland's west coast, could be treated to an eclipse which covers 44% of the sun, according to UK Weather Updates on X.

The account also says Galway will be a good spot to catch the partial eclipse, where it's estimated more than 35% of the sun will be covered.

It will also be possible to watch in Ireland's capital, Dublin . But here it's thought only around 15% of the sun will be covered.

Even if you're in a prime viewing location, the weather may put an end to hopes of seeing anything but a cloudy sky.

Check your local forecast by putting your postcode in here .

In the US, Mexico and Canada

The US , Mexico and Canada will be in the totality path of the eclipse, meaning more than 31 million people across 15 states will be treated to the mesmerising sight of the sun being obscured by the moon.

The time it will last in each area varies from just under four-and-a-half minutes in Zaragoza in Mexico to around a minute in Montreal, Canada.

According to NASA, the first location in North America where people will be able to view the eclipse in totality will be Mexico's Pacific coast at around 11.07am PDT.

The eclipse's path will then enter the United States in Texas and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine .

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total eclipse, before the path moves on to Canada in Southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breto . Its last sighting will be in Newfoundland .

What exactly do people see during a full solar eclipse?

The event will see the sky fall dark as if it were dawn or dusk, and a halo form around the sun as its light is blocked out by the moon.

If there is clear weather, people along the eclipse's path will see the sun's corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the sun, according to NASA.

NASA urges viewers to wear specialised eye protection during the eclipse, as it's not safe to look at the sun apart from at the very brief moment when it's completely blocked by the moon.

"A total solar eclipse is one of the grandest sights in nature - and may be very rare anywhere in the galaxy," Chris Lintott, professor of astrophysics at the University of Oxford, told Sky News.

"I get a shiver down my spine every time," he added.

Partial solar eclipses are known to make the sun appear to have had a bite taken out of it, because the moon only covers part of the sun rather than the entire thing.

Why is this one so special?

This one's a bit of an anomaly because total solar eclipses are only meant to happen once every 375 years in any one place in the world - yet people in the US state of Illinois will see it for the second time in seven years.

The 21,000-strong city of Carbondale in Illinois saw a total solar eclipse in August 2017 and the fact people there will now see one again so soon afterwards is incredibly rare.

It's earned the state a new nickname - the 'eclipse crossroads of America'.

"Southern Illinois is considered the eclipse crossroads of America because it was in the centreline for the path of totality in 2017 and will be again in 2024," the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why scientists are excited too

Both professional and amateur scientists plan to carry out experiments and observations as Earth falls dark.

NASA's deputy chief Pam Melroy says it will give an "entirely different" opportunity to study the interaction between the Earth, moon and sun.

The US space agency and others will focus much of their work on observing the corona, the sun's outer atmosphere, which can't normally be seen because the sun is too bright.

During an eclipse, though, the corona's white halo can be seen bursting out from behind the shadow. It's hundreds of times hotter than the sun's surface and it's the source of solar wind.

It's also a complete enigma. Scientists still don't know how the corona is heated to such extreme temperatures.

NASA's scientists will be hoping to get more data on it, as well as answers to other questions when they send research planes as high as 50,000ft (9.5 miles) to conduct a series of experiments on 8 April.

Some of the things they're hoping to observe include:

• How fast particles are moving when they are flung out into space
• Photographing in both infrared and visible light to try to identify new details in the middle and lower corona
• Using a spectrometer to study light from the corona, hopefully learning more about the temperature and chemical composition of the corona and the particles it emits
• Studying a dust ring around the sun. Dust is the leftover remnants from when the solar system was forming
• Searching for asteroids orbiting nearby.

Hundreds of citizen scientists are also expected to get involved in Monday's eclipse, looking at things like the quietening of birds and other wildlife, the dip in temperature as the sun is blocked, and what effect there is on communications.

US university students will be releasing hundreds of weather balloons to monitor atmospheric changes.

Are there any health warnings?

Yes. You could permanently damage your eyes if you try to watch the eclipse with normal sunglasses.

If you are planning on looking directly at it, you need proper eclipse glasses, which are "thousands of times darker" than sunglasses, according to NASA.

But you need to make sure they work, as bogus retailers capitalise when an eclipse is due and you may be duped into buying a counterfeit pair.

The American Astronomical Society advises these three steps to check if your glasses are safe.

1. "Put them on indoors and look around. You shouldn't be able to see anything through them, except perhaps very bright lights, which should appear very faint through the glasses. If you can see anything else, such as household furnishings or pictures on the wall, your glasses aren't dark enough for solar viewing."

2. "If your glasses pass the indoor test, take them outside on a sunny day, put them on, and look around again. You still shouldn't see anything through them, except perhaps the Sun's reflection off a shiny surface or a puddle, which again should appear very faint."

3. "If your glasses pass that test too, glance at the Sun through them for less than a second. You should see a sharp-edged, round disk (the Sun's visible "face") that's comfortably bright. Depending on the type of filter in the glasses, the Sun may appear white, bluish-white, yellow, or orange."

If you feel your glasses pass all these tests, they are "probably safe", says the AAS.

When will a full solar eclipse next be seen in the UK?

A partial eclipse will be viewed across 90% of the country in 2026, but it won't be a total one until 2081 in the Channel Islands or 2090 in the South West.

The last full solar eclipse seen in the UK came in 1999, which was spotted over Cornwall and parts of Devon. Unfortunately, clouds covered it from view in most other areas it should have been spotted over.

Total solar eclipses generally occur every 18 months or so, but whether or not you can see one depends on where you are in the world and, of course, the weather. Partial ones take place between two and five times a year - with the same caveats.

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