non tourist things to do in london

5 Cool Things to Do in Greenwich, London’s Maritime Neighborhood

By: Author The Working Line

Posted on August 27, 2024

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A local’s guide to hidden gems and amazing things to do in Greenwich, London when you want to visit London off the beaten path and discover new, secret places!

Greenwich, London, is one of those places that has a little bit of everything—history, culture, amazing views, and plenty of fun stuff to do.

Whether you’re into exploring iconic landmarks, shopping for bargains, or just chilling by the river, Greenwich has you covered.

From the awe-inspiring Cutty Sark and the stunning Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College to the lively vibes at Greenwich Market and the shopping haven at the O2, there’s no shortage of cool experiences to dive into.

So, if you’re planning a visit, get ready to discover the best of what this vibrant London neighborhood with village vibes has to offer!

5 Cool Things to Do in Greenwich, London’s Maritime Neighborhood

The 02 is one of the coolest places to go shopping in London , but did you know that beyond budget clothes, there are also strong traces of the city’s maritime history in Greenwich?

The Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark or just taking a river cruise allows us to enjoy nature in London , in a way that you simply cannot when spending time in famous – or secret gardens in London .

In addition, Greenwich, one of London’s cutest villages , also offers of vibrant market, as well as views of the Canary Wharf skyscrapers.

And, if you’re the kind of person who loves wandering off the beaten path, you’ll quickly find that walking around the Greenwich area can also lead you to lesser-known neighborhoods, like Deptford and its street food market.

There are so many hidden gems and cool things to do in Greenwich and neighboring areas – these are some of my favorites!

Best Things to Do in Greenwich London: National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum is one of the first places to visit in Greenwich, since it’s one of the most popular attractions – even if places like Southbank and London Bridge , or Canary Wharf on the other side of the river are much more known to tourists.

The National Maritime Museum is already important under one specific angle: it shows just how ancient navigation history is, and its strong binds to London’s history .

There, you’ll see Nelson’s Trafalgar Coat, with the the bullet hole from the battle that ended his life, and be able to visit the Royal Observatory nearby, which also happens to offer some of the prettiest views of London .

Read: The Best Full English Breakfast Spots in London

Best Things to Do in Greenwich London: Greenwich Market

The Greenwich Market has always felt like one of the coolest markets in London as it’s a goldmine for handmade bits, artisan bobs and other vintage clothes stalls.

My favorite place there, though, in addition to the various street food vendors, is a cute little vegan bakery called Ruby’s of London, where you’ll be able to taste some of the best doughnuts in town.

The market is strategically located so that the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark and the view on the Canary Wharf skyscrapers are all reachable within a few minutes.

The one word I would use to describe the Greenwich Market is ‘cozy’ – it goes to show how much of a secret London village Greenwich really is, with winding streets and beautiful homes all around.

Read: 15 Themed London Itinerary Ideas Off the Beaten Path

Best Things to Do in Greenwich London: Cutty Sark

I remember the first time I ever saw the Cutty Sark, and not understanding what it was at all – a huge ship established on the shores of the Thames River, revealing the Canary Wharf area in the distance is what I saw.

As I got older and got ever more interested in London’s history, I came to understand to importance of its maritime past, and the Cutty Sark, a 19th-century tea clipper, is but one of the most famous ships in the world, and one of the fastest of its time.

Walk around and take in the atmosphere of the past, get aboard and explore the ship’s wheel and its masts, and enjoy learning about its history on the lower decks, all the way back to its time as a tea clipper in the China trade.

And, if you were wondering about what cool things to buy in London and bring back home, the gift shop offers plenty of maritime and history books, as well as model ships and more unique presents.

Read: Dark Academia in London: A Secret London Itinerary

Best Things to Do in Greenwich London: Old Royal Naval College

The Old Royal Naval College is another top place to visit if you’re interested in maritime London, as it was originally built as a hospital for retired sailors, and later served as a training center for naval officers.

In addition to its maritime importance, there are a few hidden gems in the Old Royal Naval College you just cannot miss, like the Painted Hall, also known as the Sistine Chapel of the UK.

When you are done admiring the intricate paintings, make your way to the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul, with its neoclassical architecture, complete with columns, carvings and painted ceiling.

Since the Old Royal Naval College also hosts classical concerts and various art exhibitions , do check the schedule to be able to catch a mind blowing performance, right in the heart of a beautiful historical site .

Read: Where to See Autumn Colors in London?

Best Things to Do in Greenwich London: O2 Shopping Outlet

It would feel strange for me to write about a London neighborhood without including a shopping element.

That’s something you may have noticed when I told you about the Bethnal Green area , or the London Bridge area, too – I love shopping in London , and well, Greenwich happens to offer a beautiful outlet shopping center .

The O2 Shopping Outlet is home to Tommy Hilfiger, The Body Shop, Nike, Levi’s, as well as other beauty and makeup brands .

There used to be an outlet Yankee Candle store there, which has shut down, but if you’re ever looking for cheap Yankee Candle scents and other affordable clothing brands, you can always visit the London Designer Outlet in Wembley Park.

And just so you know, if you’re one who loves catching a good view of London , you can climb to the top of the O2 Arena and take in the realness and beauty of the city from up high.

Read: Paris in London: An Unusual Itinerary to French Places in London

There you have them, all the best things to do in Greenwich!

Since this beautiful area is located away from Central London , it’s still one of the most secret and local places to visit when in town, and a place I love from the bottom of my heart.

After all, I lived in Greenwich for a few weeks a couple of years ago, and absolutely loved my time there.

Hungry? You’ll find there lots of secret restaurants , along with famous food spots like Pizza Pilgrims and other Starbucks cafes!

Until next time!

Quirky Themed London Itinerary Ideas

• Italy in London: An Unusual Itinerary to Italian Places in London
• Morocco in London: An Unusual Itinerary to Moroccan Places
• London Foodie Itinerary Around Piccadilly & Soho
• London Foodie Itinerary Around Covent Garden
• Marylebone’s Hidden Gems: A Quick Itinerary in Central London
• Fitzrovia’s Hidden Gems: A Quirky Itinerary in London
• A Local’s Fashion in London Itinerary from Museums to Shops
• A Quirky Bookish Itinerary in London
• The Old London: A Historic Itinerary in the City of London
• How to Spend 10 Days in London: A Complete Itinerary
• How to Spend 3 Days in London: A Fun Itinerary
• How to Spend 24 Hours in London: A Full Itinerary

Curious Traveler’s Guides

• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Spitalfields, East London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Covent Garden, Central London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Smithfield, City of London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Liverpool Street, East London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Fleet Street, City of London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Instagrammable Places
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Street Art Neighborhoods
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Multicolor Places in London
• The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Best Restaurants

Other London Life

• Living in London: Things I Have Learned Over the Years
• The Must Have Apps to Survive in London
• The Best Supermarkets and Food Shops in London
• How to Save Money on Groceries in London
• How to Live in London on a Budget
• How to Eat in London on a Budget
• How to Make Friends in London
• How to Move to London – and Survive as an Expat
• The Best Tips for Student Budget in London
• The Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to London
• First Time Travel to London: All There is To Know
• London Travel Guides for Tourists and Locals
• How to Pack Your Suitcase for Digital Nomads
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Life in a Hostel
• How to Survive Life in a Hostel

Other London Travel

• The Cutest Pink Places in London
• Where to Find Shakespeare Sculptures in London
• The Most Colorful Places in London
• The Best Christmas Decorations in London
• The Poshest Areas in London
• The Prettiest Mews in London
• The Prettiest Streets in London
• The Prettiest Streets in Covent Garden
• The Most Colorful Streets in Camden
• The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill
• The Prettiest East London Neighborhoods
• Why Are There Colorful Streets in London?
• Where to See Christmas Decorations in London?
• The Best Harry Potter Locations in London

Secret London

• Artistic Hidden Gems in London, Statues & Secret Views
• The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane
• The Best Hidden Gems in Mayfair
• The Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden
• The Best Hidden Gems in Oxford Street
• The Best Hidden Gems in North London
• The Best Hidden Gems in South London
• The Best Hidden Gems in East London
• The Best Hidden Gems in West London
• The Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge
• The Most Secret Gardens in Central London
• Chalcot Square Primrose Hill, London’s Most Colorful Spot
• St Dunstan in the East Church Ruins, A Must Visit in London

Other Things to Do in London

• The Best Things to Do in Soho
• The Best Things to Do in London Bridge
• 7 Things To Do in London Bridge in One Hour
• The Best Things to Do in Camden Town
• The Best Romantic Date Ideas in London
• The Best Non Touristy Things to Do in London
• The Best Harry Potter Things to Do in London
• The Best Things to Do on London’s Piccadilly Line
• The Best Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line
• The Best Things to Do During Summer in London
• The Best Things to Do in London When It Rains

Other London Shopping

• The Most Beautiful Bookshops in London
• The Best Secondhand Bookshops in London
• The Best Shops in Camden Town
• The Best Shops on Oxford Street
• The Best Shops in Covent Garden
• The Most Unique Shops in London
• The Best British Shops in London
• The Best Perfume Shops in London
• The Best Budget Shops in London
• The Best Candle Shops in London
• The Best Stationery Shops in London
• The Best Shopping Streets in London
• The Prettiest Shopping Arcades in London
• The Best Department Stores in London
• The Best Things to Buy in London
• The Best Harry Potter Shops in London
• The Prettiest Christmas Shop Windows in London
• The Best Charity Shops in London
• The Best Charity Shops in Bethnal Green
• The Best Charity Shops in Chelsea
• The Best Charity Shops in Kentish Town
• The Best Charity Shops in Camden Town
• The Best Charity Shops in Muswell Hill
• The Best Charity Shops in North Finchley
• London’s Prettiest Department Store: Harrods Egyptian Hall
• Bath and Body Works Shop at Next Westfield

Other London Food

• Where to Have Lunch for £5 in London
• The Best Cheap Eats in Central London
• The Best Food Spots in Borough Market
• The Best Street Food Spots in Soho
• Deliciously Secret Places to Eat in Central London
• The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in London
• The Most Aesthetic Restaurants in London With Statues
• The Most Maximalist Restaurants in London
• The Best Italian Restaurants in London Bridge
• The Best Neapolitan Pizza in Central London
• The Best Neapolitan Pizza in London
• The Cheapest Pizza Spots in London
• The Most Beautiful Restaurants in Mayfair
• The Best Restaurants in Balham
• The Best Restaurants in Knightsbridge
• The Best Restaurants in Whitechapel
• The Best Restaurants in Walthamstow
• The Best Pho Restaurants in London
• The Best Vegan Breakfast in London

Other London Cafes

• The Cutest Pink Cafes in London
• The Best Cafes in London With a View
• The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
• The Cutest Floral Cafes in London
• The Most Instagrammable Secret Cafes in London
• The Best Bookshop Cafes in London
• The Best Cafes for Chai Latte in London
• The Best Colorful Lattes in London
• The Best Breakfast in Notting Hill
• The Best Breakfast in East London
• The Best Brunch in King’s Cross
• The Best Brunch in London Bridge
• The Best Italian Cafes in London
• The Best Cafes in London Bridge
• The Best Cafes in Shoreditch
• The Best Cafes in Brixton
• The Best Cat Cafes in London

Other London Bakeries

• The Cutest Bakeries in London
• The Best French Bakeries in London
• The Best Gluten Free Bakeries in London
• The Best Bagels in London
• The Best Cinnamon Buns in London
• The Best Croissants in London
• The Best Macarons in London
• The Best Cupcakes in London
• The Best Cookies in London
• The Best Pastel de Nata in London
• The Best Ice Cream in London
• The Best Vegan Doughnuts in London

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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The Best Things To Do If You Only Have A One-Day Trip In London

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, for there is in London all that life can afford," Writer Samuel Johnson said in 1777. Nearly 250 years later, this remains true as ever. The bustling British capital vies with New York for the title of the unofficial capital of the world, and it often comes out on top.

It's impossible to see "all that life can afford" in just 24 hours, but we're going to try our damnedest. We start with a full English breakfast, then sail westward along the Thames. After all, British Playwright Peter Shaffer once remarked that while New York is an oil painting, London is a watercolor. We tour the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace before dinner and a show in the West End. You probably won't make all of these stops in a single day, but we're suggesting the route as a template for an efficient way to see the best of London. You can even do just one or two and spend the day meandering around this dreamy watercolor painting.

We strongly suggest a London Pass (Here's how to tell if it's worth the money) , which includes over 95 essential attractions, including the boat ride, for £169 per adult and £109 per child, which can save up to 50%. See Rick Steves tips for having the best vacation in London on the tightest budget . We recommend wearing business casual attire , which is required at many of the sites here. Also, grab a bottle of water, a portable phone charger, and a stiff upper lip in case everything does not go completely according to plan.

Take a hop-on, hop-off Thames cruise

London effectively began in A.D. 43, when Roman forces built the original London Bridge across the River Thames. Since then, the city has grown around the river, which was critical to its development as one of the most important ports in the world. Today, the Thames is as crucial to London as ever, and many of its most iconic sites are located along its banks. Several tour companies offer hop-on, hop-off Thames cruises that allow visitors to enjoy some of London's loveliest attractions at their own pace. We prefer boat rides because they offer panoramic views, fresh river breezes, no traffic, and often offer onboard food, drinks, and informative tours in several different languages.

We recommend Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which offers an east and westbound service between 24 different piers along the Thames from as early as 5:30 a.m. to as late as 11:42 p.m., 7 days a week, including holidays. Most other tour companies only travel between four far-apart piers. The one-day hop-on, hop-off option grants unlimited boat rides for a day and costs £22.10 per adult, £11.05 per child, and £44.20 for a family. An extra £11.05 buys concessions on the boat. An Uber Boat ticket will allow riders to enjoy London from the sky as well. For about £10 extra, any ticket comes with a ride along the IFS Cloud Cable Car, which glides 295 feet over breathtaking scenery.

Eat a full English breakfast near the Tower of London

Both the tour boat and all the tourist sites will offer food, but if you want the true London experience, we recommend stepping back onto terra firma to enjoy the best restaurants and pubs in the world . Since you're in England, we recommend the full English breakfast, one of the country's best-known national dishes. The full English typically features some variation of eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and fried bread or toast. It is often paired with coffee or tea and hash browns.

We're starting our day with a tour of the Tower of London and a walk across the Tower Bridge. For a great full English near the Tower, Byward Kitchen & Bar, just steps away, offers a classic breakfast for £16.20, along with vegetarian options, many other sandwiches, and classic, hearty breakfast meals full of eggs, syrup, and potatoes. Natural Kitchen opens much earlier at 7 a.m. and offers a full English for £19.50, a vegetarian option, and a similarly robust breakfast menu.

If you're pressed for time and are in the mood for possibly the best prison food anywhere, the Tower of London offers four full-time on-site cafés near some of its top attractions. The New Armouries Café, which offers a wide variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads, opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, so it's probably the best choice for a busy day ahead.

Tour the Tower of London and walk across the Tower Bridge

After a full English breakfast, it's time for full English history. The Tower of London is a nearly thousand-year-old tower built in 1078 by William the Conqueror that has served as a royal palace, armory, treasury, and perhaps most famously, a prison and execution site. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Britain's most popular and revered attractions. An admission ticket covers entry to the White Tower, the iconic medieval castle; the Line of Kings, where you can marvel at the historic armor of English monarchs; the ravens, the ancient guardians of the Tower; and the Crown Jewels, which include the crown and clothing still used during coronations. For the best Tower experience, book an iconic Yeoman Warder or "Beefeater" Tour.

Towering over the Tower is the Tower Bridge, which spans 800 feet across the Thames. There are two ways to cross. The lower level is a pedestrian path next to the thousands of cars and double-decker buses that cross the bridge every day. This is free and open 24/7. But for the first of many brilliant views today, climb 206 steps to the Walkways, which connect the two grand Gothic 213-foot towers. A £13.40 timed ticket includes exhibits on the bridge's history and entry to the walkways and the Glass Floors, where visitors can feel as though they are floating above London.

Go to the top of The Shard

For many centuries, the Tower was the tallest building in London. Today, that honor belongs to The Shard, a soaring glass pyramid that, at just over 1,000 feet, is the tallest building in the U.K. and Western Europe. After you've walked the Tower Bridge to the southern bank of the Thames, you can turn around and catch the next boat, or you can walk for about 15 minutes. Reservations are required to ascend to the top floors, which offer sweeping views of London and the rolling green meadows that lie beyond it. The Shard, named for shards of glass, doesn't so much scrape the sky as poke it with its jagged top, and visitors can stand right under these on the open-air Skydeck on the 72nd floor. If the London fog covers up famous monuments, you can return for free within three months.

We recommend packing some nice clothes for your Shard visit, because the tower boasts seven world-class restaurants offering world-class views, which each have a smart casual dress code. We especially recommend lunch at Aqua Shard, which offers contemporary British cuisine and elegant afternoon tea, all while surrounded by three stories of floor-to-ceiling views of the city. Some visitors are put off by the Shard's sky-high prices and recommend visiting the free Sky Garden instead . Located across the river at the top of the 525-foot "Walkie-Talkie Building," this airy space combines a lush garden with panoramic views and elegant restaurants.

Ride the London Eye

It's time for more views, but this time, they move. At London Bridge, catch the next boat and glide along the Thames until you dock at the most famous Ferris wheel in the world. The London Eye is a 443-foot wheel just across the river from the Houses of Parliament, more commonly known as "Big Ben." It was unveiled on December 31, 1999, to celebrate the new millennium, and at the time was the largest Ferris wheel in the world. It was only intended to stand for five years, but it proved so phenomenally popular that it just kept rotating.

As with any phenomenally popular attraction, some planning is necessary. Visitors will need to book a block of time, and booking online will ensure a better price. If you visit on a quiet weekday and book a Fast Track ticket, you can be up in the sky in as little as five minutes. You'll enter into a glass pod connected to the wheel, which will ascend all the way to the top before rotating back down. In the course of the roughly 30-minute ride, visitors will be treated to an ever-shifting view of London's top landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower Bridge, The Shard, and our next two stops, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. On a clear day, visitors can even see Windsor Castle over 20 miles west.

Tour the Houses of Parliament

While riding the London Eye, you'll likely be gazing all over London, but more often than not, you'll probably be drawn to the majestic Gothic clock tower just below you. Whatever you call it — Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster — there's no question that it's London's most recognizable symbol, the way the Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris . As one of the world's oldest parliaments, it's also an international symbol of government and democracy. 

Visitors can enjoy both guided and self-guided tours of this "Mother of Parliaments" on Saturdays throughout the year. During parliamentary recess periods, self-guided tours are available Monday through Saturday, and guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturday. Both self-guided and guided tours take visitors through a roughly 90-minute tour of the sprawling palace. Tours cover highlights like the boisterous Commons Chamber, where members of Parliament shout at each other as the Speaker cries "Order!"; the Lords Chamber, where each year the king sits on a gold throne and opens Parliament; and Westminster Hall, the medieval great hall used for addresses to the two chambers of Parliament. 

When Parliament is in session, visitors can book a free seat in the public viewing gallery to watch the lively debates. If you book early enough, you can nab a spot to climb to the belfry of the famous Elizabeth Tower, where a 15-ton bell called Big Ben chimes at the top of every hour.

Visit Westminster Abbey

Just across the street from Britain's center of government is its hub of faith. Since A.D. 960, Westminster Abbey has been the site of coronations for 40 kings and queens and 16 royal weddings. The abbey has also hosted several state funerals, including those of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana. Three thousand three hundred of the great and good lie in rest under its soaring ceilings, including Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Isaac Newton, and William Shakespeare.

Westminster Abbey is open for both guided and self-guided school tours. Guided tours are led by vergers, knowledgeable lay ministers who help run Anglican churches. Ninety-minute verger tours take visitors to parts of the abbey inaccessible to visitors, like the tomb of Edward the Confessor, an Anglo-Saxon king who died defending England from the Norman invaders. The verger tour also covers Poets' Corner, home to the tombs of literary giants like Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and the Brontë sisters. It also includes the Lady Chapel, home to exquisite stained glass windows and the tombs of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, among others.

But Westminster Abbey is more than just a tomb: it is still a functioning church with numerous services and programs like choral and organ recitals. Services like Morning Prayer, Holy Communion, and Evensong are held daily, and are free for the public to attend. If you have time, stop by London's other superstar church, St. Paul's Cathedral.

Stroll through the royal parks en route to Buckingham Palace

This is a river-based itinerary, but if you were to do nothing but spend your day strolling around London's roughly 3,000 parks, it would be a day well spent. About 20% of London is a public green space, one of the highest percentages in Europe. The famed Buckingham Palace is about a mile west of Westminster Abbey, and if you have the time, why not enjoy some pelicans on your way?

St. James's Park is a 57-acre park located just north of Westminster Abbey. This bucolic gem is one of London's eight royal parks, former royal family hunting grounds that now make up a total of 4,900 acres of public parkland throughout Greater London. Much of St. James's is taken up by St. James's Park Lake, a narrow pond stretching the park's entire width. The lake is a haven for wildlife, including ducks, coots, moorhens, the occasional Black Swan, and six resident pelicans, who are fed each day between 2:30 and 3 p.m. For the best chance to spot the pelicans, head to Duck Island Cottage, the beautifully quaint cottage once home to the keeper of the park's birds.

If you're still in the mood for more strolling, cross the tree-lined Mall to The Green Park. It is a 40-acre park just north of Buckingham Palace. As its name suggests, it is a peaceful, brilliantly verdant respite from the city bustle and the busier Hyde Park next door.

Visit Buckingham Palace

It's fair to assume that every tourist comes to London secretly hoping they might see the King, the same way anyone visiting Los Angeles hopes to spot a celebrity . Both are unlikely, but stepping inside the King's palace is a pretty great consolation prize. From July to September, and on select dates throughout the year, Buckingham Palace offers tours of its 19 State Rooms, the public rooms where the King and members of the royal family receive and entertain guests. You'll be treated to some of the finest art and furniture in the world, including the gold, curving Grand Staircase, the gold furniture and exquisite chandeliers of the White Drawing Room, marble sculptures, and Vermeer paintings.

If you're a royalist and want to indulge all your fairytale fantasies, consider booking a Royal Day Out tour. After the State Rooms, you'll head outside for a tour of the Royal Mews, which contain both the working horse stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach they pull, which was used at coronations and jubilees. The tour also includes a stroll through the King's Gallery, which includes various photographs, paintings, and rare furniture from the Royal Collection. Some of these combination tours cost a princely penny and book up quickly, but the Changing the Guard ceremony is free and takes place every morning at 10:45. Make sure to get there early for the best view.

Have a pre-show dinner in the West End

You've been on your best behavior inside the hallowed halls of church and state. Now it's time for a little fun. There's no better way to cap off a day in London than dinner and a show in the West End, home to some of the best theater, restaurants, and nightlife in the world. This large, bright, buzzy district is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to places to eat, drink, and be merry . 

If you're in the mood for a warm, cozy English pub, try the French House, a watering hole for writers, artists, actors, and aristocrats since 1891. Two blocks down, you can rub elbows with Fleet Street journalists inside the Coach & Horses, which calls itself "The West End's Best-Known Pub." For modern British cuisine in a beautiful terraced restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden, try the Ivy Market Grill, which offers a special theater dinner menu and adorns its creamy walls with photos of actors, Sardi's style. Nearby, The Cross Keys pub is also filled with eclectic pop culture memorabilia and its handsome exterior overflows with plants. If you'd like a pint next to beautiful stained glass windows, head to The Champion. For a Sunday roast next to a roaring fireplace, try Pivot.

The West End also includes Chinatown, whose lantern-strewn streets offer delicious spots like grand dim sum hall Gerrard's Corner, Cafe TPT for Cantonese food, Speedboat Bar for Thai food, and much, much more.

See a West End show

A West End performance is the perfect grand finale to a dramatic day. The West End competes with Broadway as the world's premiere theater district, and many argue that it comes out on top with a wider selection of plays and ticket prices that are, on average, three to five times cheaper. Still, prices are rising, and newer, buzzier shows are bound to cost a little bit more. 

Popular new releases include "Stranger Things: The First Shadow," the prequel to the blockbuster Netflix show; "Six The Musical" about the six wives of Henry VIII, and new productions of "Waiting for Godot," "Cabaret," "Kiss Me, Kate," and "Romeo and Juliet." Popular new musicals include "Back to the Future," "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical," and "Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder!" about true crime podcasters who end up in a real-life mystery; "Next to Normal," about a woman suffering from bipolar disorder; and "Standing at the Sky's Edge," about three generations living in a low-income council flat.

Many old classics are still selling out, like "Hamilton," "Matilda the Musical," "Les Misérables," "The Phantom of the Opera," "Wicked," "Frozen The Musical," "The Book of Mormon," and "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." If you're overwhelmed by choice, try seeing what's playing at some of the West End's more illustrious theaters, like Theatre Royal, which opened in 1663 and is the oldest theater in London, or the palatial Palladium or colossal Coliseum, the largest in the West End.

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Where to Stay in London: 14 Awesome Neighborhoods

Updated September 17, 2023

Wondering where to stay in London? Don’t fret—we know a thing or two about this dynamic city. Check out these 14 amazing neighborhoods to stay in London, complete with each area’s vibe, attractions, transportation options, upsides, and downsides.

#1: Mayfair

Let’s start with Mayfair, which is situated just east of Hyde Park in central London. If you want a place that feels British (aka old, charming, and sophisticated), then you’ll adore Mayfair. Mostly a residential neighborhood, Mayfair glitters with gorgeous Georgian architecture , houses a fair share of traditional pubs, and has and plenty of shopping options, especially if you’re into boutiques!

#2: Brixton

A ways south of the Thames, Brixton is a beautiful concoction of diversity and energy. Brixton goes big on shopping and restaurants, and it’s where you want to go to try all the multicultural cuisines London has to offer. In other words, when you want Mexican for dinner but Italian for dessert, go to Brixton! 

Brixton is safe, lively, and known for its famous street market, Brixton Market—where you can buy everything from traditional Chinese medicine to Colombian handcrafts. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it makes for exciting window shopping. 

#3: South Bank

South Bank lies on the southern bank of the Thames river (duh) and is situated smack dab in central London. It’s well-serviced by the Waterloo Underground and train station, and you’ll find it to be a pretty quintessential mix of modern London and historic landmarks. 

South Bank puts you close to some of the most popular attractions in London, like Big Ben and the London Eye, while also offering tons of new flare via the Tate Modern art museum and Southbank Centre Food Market . The culmination of old and new in South Bank attracts Londoners and travelers alike, making it quite an exciting place to stay.

#4: Chelsea

Chelsea, a borough in southwest London, is an intriguing residential haven of high culture and history. It’ll dazzle you with beautiful Georgian architecture, red-coated soldiers at the Royal Hospital, and the gorgeous pastel-colored houses that line King’s Road . And once you’ve taken in the neighborhood to your heart's content, you can explore its high-end galleries, shopping, and world-class restaurants as well.

#5: Shoreditch

While some neighborhoods in London lean heavily towards historic sites and cultural establishments, Shoreditch has more of a hip, trendy vibe. Here, you’ll find plenty of cafes, coworking spaces, local art, and other off-the-beaten-path things you wouldn’t normally associate with London. 

It’s a bit out of the way in east London, and isn’t super convenient in terms of access to the Underground.

If you’re into music, consider staying in Camden. Camden is a bit of a hipster-turned-alternative neighborhood in the northern part of the city close to Regent’s Park . Its pride and joy is Camden Market , which is a great spot for foodies, craft beer connoisseurs, and silent disco enthusiasts. Camden is also one of the best places in London to catch some live music, no matter if you prefer traditional pubs like The World's End or alternative clubs like the Electric Ballroom. If you want your stay in London to be loud (and so fun) Camden is ideal.

#7: Greenwich 

If you’re looking to stay somewhere with a calmer, more rustic vibe, consider Greenwich. This cozy, residential neighborhood is a bit further removed from the hustle and bustle of things way over in its southeast corner of the city, but thanks to its green spaces (especially in Greenwich park !), chill markets, and its location along the River Thames, it serves as a breath of fresh air in a busy metropolitan city like London.

Pro tip : Even though Greenwich is a bit further from central London than other neighborhoods, it’s well serviced by buses, boats, and the Tube. 

#8: Southwark

Finding a balance between proximity to attractions and distance from the tourist scrum can be difficult—especially if you want to stay somewhere with a mix of landmarks and culture, Southwark, in south-central London (just over Blackfriars Bridge on the south bank of the Thames) toes that line to perfection.

It’s one of the closest neighborhoods if you’re flying in and out of Gatwick, and is well serviced by Underground stations on the northside of the neighborhood. Southwark brings the history of London alive thanks to its steady supply of old taverns and places like Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre .

The Soho neighborhood in west London is vibrant and exciting, and an all-around great, safe place to stay in terms of accessibility (the Piccadilly Circus Tube station is right on its southern edge). It also abounds with local pubs and proximity to some of London’s coolest sites. Besides the great shopping, dining, and nightlife here, crashing in Soho will put you near London’s Chinatown.

#10: Lambeth 

Lambeth is the name of both a borough and a neighborhood in central London. The Lambeth neighborhood lies on the south bank of the Thames and feels like a well-kept garden. It’s a great spot to stay if you want something beautiful and residential that still sports a healthy dose of London pub culture. It has great views via the Lambeth bridge, as well as historic sites like Lambeth Palace, and when you’re done exploring museums in the area there’s no shortage of spots to grab a pint and a meat pie. 

#11: Covent Garden

Covent Garden is found in west-central London and is certainly not the most residential neighborhood—in fact, it’s London’s main theater and entertainment area. That said, it somewhat makes up for it with cobblestone streets, fine dining, and tons of shopping options (especially for fashion outlets). 

Covent Garden puts you right next to Trafalgar Square and also has the Piccadilly Tube Line running right through the middle of it, which is a godsend for getting out and exploring the rest of the city. Just be warned: if you stay in Covent Garden, you’re going to be in the thick of the tourist scene.

#12: Notting Hill

Prince Harry isn’t the only one with charm in London—the west London neighborhood of Notting Hill has its fair share as well! It’s a quaint mix of warm cafes, vintage boutiques, and colorful houses that make it a fun place to just wander around, drink coffee, and experience the best of London’s small businesses. The neighborhood’s main avenue, Portobello Road, is definitely where you’ll want to base your wandering from—just make sure to stop by Portobello Market to check out some of its antiques.

Pro tip: Yes, there are Notting Hill walking tours that you can take to retrace Julia Roberts’ and Hugh Grant’s steps from the eponymous film. Take them at your peril.

#13: Earl’s Court

Just off the Piccadilly Line in central London is Earl’s Court, a lively residential neighborhood packed with Victorian houses, business people, and travelers. It’s safe and easily accessible thanks to the Tube station in its center, has tons of hostels and hotels to choose from (they say there’s one on every corner), but is a bit of a tourist trap for these same reasons.

The upside: staying in Earl’s Court means you’ll have a ton of pubs featuring live music to choose from—but if all else fails, make sure to duck into the historic cafe The Troubadour at least once!

#14: Kensington

Kensington is a safe, calm and affluent residential neighborhood in west London. Its real advantage is the steady supply of Underground stops and train stations it has to offer, as well as its proximity to Hyde Park and the maze of ponds, swans, and palaces you’ll find there. If the swans don’t do it for you, many of the best museums of London are located either in, or quite close to Kensington.

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25 Cool Things to do in London with Teens

A visit to London with teens can be an incredible experience for everyone in the family. As one of the most visited cities in the world and the capital of England, it is no surprise that there are lots of cool things to do in London with teens.

It’s important to keep teens entertained, happy, and engaged while traveling. London is deeply rooted in history, culture, architecture, and shopping. There are also a lot of opportunities to eat yummy British and non-British food. Here are 25 activities that keep our teens happy when visiting London.

The Best Things to do in London with Teens

1. check out historic london royal palaces.

Teenage royalists will love visiting London’s royal palaces to soak up the history and a bit of opulence.

At the Tower of London , you can introduce your teens to 1,000 years of history and experience the Crown Jewels, the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy .

Tell them the story of Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace . Then explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria at Kensington Palace . Other London royal palaces to visit include Kew Palace , Banqueting House , and Hillsborough Castle .

How much does a trip to London cost ? Use this guide to find out!

2. Do Everything Double-Decker

Riding a double decker bus is a quintessential London experience . Nearly the entire city fleet of city buses are double deckers, so riding one is as easy as a tap of your credit card.

If you want to loop through the city, consider a Hop On, Hop Off tour . These buses provide narration and open-air views (plus ponchos!) of the city’s best sites. ( The London Pass, from Go City , includes the hop on hop off tour as well as 80+ experiences in London!)

England is also known for its high tea, and no visit to London with teens would be complete without experiencing one. One unique way to try it is aboard a double-decker bus riding through the streets of London on B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus London Tour .

While sipping on tea and munching on scones, the bus rides through Central London, past city sights that include   Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street, and more. 

Want to try something unique and TikTok famous? Eat authentic Italian food at Chelsea’s The Jam Restaurant where you can dine in double decker booths!

3.Visit London Museums That Appeal to Teens

Many London museums offer free admission and plenty of them will appeal to your teens. Any creative teen into photography and fashion will get excited about the Victoria and Albert Museum . It’s dedicated to the history of decorative art, and design.

The British Museum is home to some of the most famous artifacts in the world, including mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and sculptures from the Pantheon.

Teenage art fans will love spending time at the National Gallery , observing famous pieces of work such as Monet’s Water Lilies . The Tate offers modern art, sculpture, photography, film, and installations.

Get out of the city for a bit. Check out these amazing day trips from London by train .

4. Explore the Best Markets in London

Ranging from street food to fashion to antiques, London has a plethora of markets for teens to choose from . Teenagers will love Borough Market for sublime food, Spitalfields for vintage clothing, Portobello Road for antiques, and Camden Market for everything from jewelry to trinkets.

Give your teens time to roam around, bargain, sample, and discover. Other London markets worth a visit with teens include Brixton, Brick Lane, and Covent Garden.

5. Go Shopping on Carnaby Street or Oxford Circus

Teens love to shop, and their eyes will glisten at the sight of shopping in a world capital such as London. In Oxford Circus, you’ll find every shop under the sun, including Selfridge, Topshop, and Next. Be prepared to spend a few hours at a minimum, allowing them to shop until they drop.

Carnaby Street, located near Oxford Circus in Soho, also has a great mix of shops including Adidas and Doc Martens and is closed off to traffic.

After all that shopping, give your wallets a rest and check out these free things to do in London . 

6. Ride on the London Eye and London Eye River Cruise

Teens will love the combined experience of the London Eye and London Eye River Cruise. Each is a very close up and personal view of the city.

On the London Eye, you feel as though you are on top of the world. It’s a 30-minute rotation that takes you above the city, giving your teens ample time to Instagram and Snapchat London to their hearts out.

The London Eye River Cruise is equally as exciting but it comes with a bonafide tour guide. From each ride, your teens will spot world famous London attractions such as Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, and Tower Bridge.

7. Take Your Teens to A Show in the West End

It’s really fun to catch a show in the West End. It’s Broadway but not quite Broadway, and the plays and musicals are as impressive as it gets. Often shows go to London before Broadway, so it’s a good way for your teens to get in on the action.

Show range from world-famous musicals like Wicked and Matilda to plays starring well-known actors and actresses.

“During our most recent trip to London, we watched Agatha Christie’s Mouse Trap , the longest running show, of any kind, in the world. Tickets in this intimate theatre are pretty reasonable due to its long run; there isn’t a bad seat in the house.” – Katie Bodell, Blog Editor

8. Dress Up for a Special Dinner at TING at the Shard

For a real treat make a dinner reservation at TING at the Shard. Located in Britain’s tallest building, the views of London are spectacular . Your teens should dress up and prepare for a memorable night, this venue is a special occasion experience.

The name TING derives from the Chinese word for “living room,” TING offers amazing 360-degree views of the city. Get their afternoon tea, featuring delicious finger sandwiches and scones, or dinner which is a three-course culinary flavorful feast.

9. Take a Walk Through Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is a large, ancient London park, covering 320 hectares. Running from Hampstead to Highgate, it’s one of the highest points in London, and it makes for a great afternoon stroll with your teens. The park is accessible by Tube and offers beautiful views of the city that you won’t get anywhere else.

10. Explore the Neighborhood of Shoreditch

Shoreditch is a wonderful trendy neighborhood in East London. It’s artsy and is full of many lovely restaurants and shops.

Teens will love exploring the neighborhood’s markets, such as Brick Lane Market on Sundays, and eateries offering Indian, Burmese, Chinese, and other exotic cuisines.

11. Take in a Production at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is located in Southwark. It’s a modern reconstruction of the original Globe that was built in 1599. You can get tickets to see a Shakespeare production practically every day. So go ahead and introduce your teens to Hamlet , A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Romeo and Juliet. Tickets start at just $5!!

Recommendation from Katie Bodell:

“ We booked a tour of the Globe Theatre instead of seeing a show this visit. We learned a ton of the history of the globe, both its original location and current one, were able to tour and take pictures inside (a big no when productions are taking place- cell phones aren’t even allowed inside!), and even watched a rehearsal. It was one of the highlights in London for my three teens. “

12. Roam Through Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory that took place in 1805. Teens will love exploring this historic London sight, which includes Nelson’s Column, The National Gallery, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields.

13. See Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the House of Parliament

Teens will enjoy Instagramming and posing in front of the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster, which is probably the most famous clock in the world. Westminster Abbey , formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is a large mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster.

Better known today as the Houses of Parliament , the Palace of Westminster is the oldest royal palace in London. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as one of the most recognized buildings in the world.

14. Discover the Magic of Abbey Road Studios

Abbey Road Studios is where the Beatles recorded their albums. It is still being used as a recording studio today.

Music-loving teens will appreciate taking photos outside the studio and walking across the famous Abbey Road zebra crosswalk.

15. Wander Through Chinatown

From bubble tea to red bean rolls, dumplings, and more, teens will find delicious food in London’s Chinatown by just wandering the streets. There are more than 70 restaurants packed into a tiny collection of streets, with cuisines ranging from Malaysian to Middle Eastern, but most are Chinese.

16. Go Shopping on Oxford Street

Teen girls love shopping on Oxford Street in the middle of London. Its stores have a tremendous range, and your kids will be sure to find their favorite shops along the road.

Many of the stores are flagship locations, such as Topshop , so they are big and well-stocked. Other girl teen faves include Uniqlo , Urban Outfitters , Primark , Lush , and H&M .

Teen boys will gravitate toward the new Microsoft store and sporty stores such as Nike Town and Adidas . There are also souvenir stores and department stores, such as Selfridges , John Lewis , House of Fraser , Debenhams , and Marks & Spencer. In addition, most of these stores have food halls with whole floors dedicated to specialty foods and sweets.

17. Spend Time at Madame Tussauds London

Teens will love a visit to Madame Tussauds London where they can scout out lifelike replicas of 250 famous Brits made out of wax. The London location is the original location of Madame Tussauds, so it is a special place.

Which Brits will your teens be able to identify? There’s Elton John, David Beckham, Sir Lawrence Olivier, and, of course, the Royals. There is also a movie, Alien: Escape, Marvel Superheroes 4D . Be sure to book online in advance to save money on the cost of admission.

18. Explore Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is dedicated to the memory of the London 2012 Olympics, one of the most exciting events ever to take place in the history of London.

Teens will enjoy reliving the popular event with its adventure playground, Timber Lodge, and the amazing ArcelorMittal Orbit with views of the park and the rest of London. Your teens can even swim in the London Aquatics Centre.

19. Take Time Out in Hyde Park

Hyde Park covers over 600 acres in central London. Active teens will like taking a break and taking in a bike ride, stroll, or renting bikes on the lakes. Or they may want to chill and spend some time lying on the grass after a day of touring, checking out their phones.

If you’re at Hyde Park on a Sunday, be sure to go to Speaker’s Corner for public speeches and debates by random British citizens taking on random subjects. It will surely be an experience your teens won’t forget anytime soon.

20. Have a Fright at London Dungeon

Horror-loving teens will love reliving the city’s past at the London Dungeon, located on the South Bank. London Dungeon features 19 different live shows and two thrilling rides that recreate historical events and is one of the best things to do in London with teens.

21. Tour Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

If your teen is (or once was) a fan of the Harry Potter series, then the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is an absolute must! The tour is located just 20 minutes outside of London in Leavesden. Buses are available from the city center. 

The tour offers an inside look at at all of the Harry Potter films in the franchise. Your teens will be able to tour the sets of Hogwarts, Dumbledore’s office, the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and more!

22. Have High Tea at the Dukes Hotel or The Sanderson

The Dukes Hotel is a quiet, unassuming, and completely traditional hotel that’s close to Piccadilly and West End. It’s also the perfect place to indulge in your family’s tea and cake obsession.

High tea includes various English teas, chocolate cupcakes, plain scones, cheese & jelly sandwiches, and other English delicacies.

Looking for something more whimsical?

“If you want the fun of high tea with all the deliciousness and a bit less stuffiness, consider the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the posh Sanderson Hotel.

The theming is on point, making it totally Instagram-worthy. The savory offerings are unlimited, unique, and very filling while the sweet treats are ever-so-tasty and fun. Bonus: give them a head’s up and they can accommodate almost all food allergies!” – Katie Bodell, Blog Editor

23. Hit the Tate Modern for a Dose of Art and Take a Stroll Down Southbank

The Tate Modern is located in the heart of Southbank. This modern art museum is free (as are most of the museums in London, a definite perk of visiting the city!) and offers peeks at modern artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali.

Located right on the River Thames, Southbank is a cultural center that houses the Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery, Queen Elizabeth Hall and more.

It’s also a beautiful walkway on the river with restaurants, buskers and a lot to see on a stroll. The views of London across the way are stunning and it also holds much in the way of Instagram possibilities for your teens.

24. See the Changing of the Guard

Watching the changing of the guard is about as “touristy in London” as it gets, but it still is fun to watch! This event will be a true highlight for any teen visiting the city. It typically takes place in front of Buckingham Palace at 11:30am, every other day.

Check the palace website  for up to date information. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure prime viewing.

25. Ride the Canals in Camden & Have Launch at Waterside Cafe

After a stroll through Camden Market’s unique stalls full of interesting fashion items and collectibles, jump on a boat operated by Regent’s Canal Waterbus which takes you for a ride through Camden Lock, Little Venice, and the London Zoo. For about an hour, your can ride through the canals past interesting architecture, industrial history, wildlife, and scenery. 

Then have lunch at the quaint Waterside Café , a restaurant that sits on the water in a converted houseboat in nearby Little Venice.  They serve traditional British cuisine.

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Money blog: Zoopla issues warning to sellers about overpricing homes

The Money blog is a hub for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Today's posts include a word of caution to house-sellers and hotels cancelling bookings on Oasis concert nights. Listen to a Daily podcast episode on the winter fuel allowance as you scroll.

Wednesday 28 August 2024 21:19, UK

• Hotel accused of cancelling bookings on Oasis concert nights - and relisting for higher price
• Capital gains tax rise on way, leading tax firm warns
• Zoopla issues warning to sellers about overpricing homes
• 'Good news for passengers' from Ryanair on fares

Essential reads

• Top chef shares cheap soup recipe - as he picks best budget eats in Kent
• Has the Nike trainer bubble burst?
• Young people doing 'big no-no' with holiday money - here are the golden rules

Tips and advice

• Hidden refund option that could save you hundreds of pounds
• Best mortgage rates for first-time buyers right now
• How to spend less on school uniform

It's taking sellers over twice as long on average to sell their homes when they have to reduce the price than when there's no reduction, according to Zoopla.

The property portal said its latest research shows sellers should be realistic when it comes to pricing up their property if they're serious about moving.

According to Zoopla, it takes 28 days on average to agree a sale where the asking price hasn't been slashed.

But for sellers who've had to lower the price by 5% or more, the typical time to sell goes up to a whopping 73 days.

Around a fifth of homes put up for sale this month had their price cut by 5% or more, Zoopla said.

Executive director Richard Donnell said a rise in the supply of homes meant buyers had greater choice and prices would be kept in check.

But with mortgage rates still high, "buyers have less purchasing power than two to three years ago and remain price sensitive, meaning sellers can't afford to get ahead of themselves on where to set the right price for their home", he said.

Around 10 million people in England and Wales will not receive winter fuel payments this winter.  

Under Chancellor Rachel Reeves' plan, only those who receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits will still get the £200-£300 towards the cost of their energy bills.   

Critics, including Labour MPs, have said the payments will put even more pressure on elderly people as the cap on energy prices rises again in October.   

On today's episode of the Daily podcast, host Liz Bates gets a breakdown of Labour's plan from our political correspondent Serena Barker-Singh and hears from one of its critics, Labour back-bencher Rachael Maskell.   

Plus, could there be an alternative that could keep everyone happy? We hear from the Social Market Foundation's Sam Robinson about its proposal for an alternative to the winter fuel allowance. 

Listen by pressing play at the top of this page - and  tap here to follow the Daily podcast - 20 minutes on the biggest stories every day .

Prezzo restaurants will undergo a major revamp in the next few years after dozens of its sites were closed in a restructuring programme.

The high street restaurant chain announced the closure of 46 loss-making restaurants - more than a third of its sites - last year after it struggled with soaring energy and food costs.

The move put hundreds of workers at risk of redundancy.

Earlier this year, Prezzo bosses said the company had returned to profitability after the business restructure.

It is now planning to invest in restaurant refurbishments across the rest of this year, and in 2025 and 2026.

Chief executive Dean Challenger has said the outlook for the restaurant group is "positive".

The water industry has warned that firms will be unable to deliver reforms such as stopping sewage outflows without even greater bill rises, with crisis-hit Thames seeking more cash from customers than it originally proposed.

Britain's biggest supplier had initially sought a 44% rise to bills across the five-year period but is now proposing a 52% increase by 2030.

That could rise to a 59% hike, taking the average annual bill to £696, if it is given extra spending allowances by the regulator.

Ofwat has proposed water  bills can only rise an average 21% .

Now, a letter from industry trade association Water UK to Ofwat, seen by Sky News, has set the bodies on a collision course.

Read our full story here ...

More employers are offering sabbaticals as a way to boost employee wellbeing and improve staff retention, according to experts.

A new poll shared with The Guardian by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) reveals that more than half (53%) of managers said their firm offered sabbatical leave, compared with 29% who said they did not. 

In the public or charity sector, the leave was more likely to be available (62% of managers said it was offered) compared with the private sector (44%).

Some 80% of younger managers under 55 said sabbatical leave was important for employers to offer, compared with 72% of people over this age.

Sabbaticals offer benefits to employees and employers alike, said CMI director of policy Anthony Painter.

He said companies were "doubling their efforts to boost staff retention" in a "competitive job market".

Taxpayers should prepare for Labour to hike the rate of capital gains tax (CGT) in its autumn budget, a leading tax firm has said.

Blick Rothenberg chief executive Nimesh Shah said Sir Keir Starmer has "clearly signposted" that the budget will be "painful" for higher earners and wealthier taxpayers.

The bleak picture painted by the prime minister in a news conference yesterday came after chancellor Rachel Reeves accused the previous government of leaving a £22bn "black hole" in the nation's finances. 

"One obvious option to [fix] this without breaking Labour's election promises is by raising CGT," Mr Shah said.

"The prime minister and chancellor seem to be acting with urgency when it comes to tax changes, so taxpayers will need to prepare now for a likely mid-year CGT rise."

The tax firm boss said the potential changes to capital gains tax - which is essentially a levy on any profit you make when you sell or "dispose of" an asset - could "encourage individuals to leave the UK and become a non-UK tax resident".

"Currently CGT raises less than 2% of the total tax take – it raised £14.5bn in 2022-23, and this is £2.5bn down from the previous tax year. 

"To improve that tax take the chancellor could potentially increase the rate of CGT to 25%-30%, and apply a lower rate, of say 20%, for sales of business assets to support entrepreneurial growth."

A hotel chain in Manchester has been accused of cancelling bookings from customers on nights Oasis is planning to play in the city in 2025 - and relisting them for a higher price.

Sacha Lord, night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, wrote on X last night that he'd been contacted by "several people" who were told their rooms had been cancelled by Maldron Hotels after a "computer error".

He claimed they were later "back up for three times the price".

Several users have replied saying they have been affected by the issue.

Oasis fan Mark Slinger, 36, who lives on the Isle of Man, told Sky News he booked a room at Maldron Hotels in Manchester city centre for 20 July - the final night of Oasis's run of shows at Heaton Park.

He made the £90 reservation through booking.com yesterday morning when the band announced their major reunion tour.

However, he was contacted by the hotel that evening asking him to cancel the booking.

The email says: "We are writing to inform you of an issue with your booking at Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre. Due to a technical error, you have received a confirmation for a booking that was not successfully made. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate your booking at this time."

It said a cancellation request had been sent, which Mark was asked to "accept promptly".

He told Sky News he hasn't accepted the request and "won't be doing". He also doesn't believe the issue was down to a "technical error".

"They realised they can cancel and re-sell at four times the price due to the Oasis gig," he said.

Maldron Hotels said in a statement to the Money blog that a technical error on Monday and Tuesday led to "substantially more" rooms being booked at its two Manchester hotels than were available for the nights of the four Oasis concerts.

It said it would be unable to honour bookings made on these dates as a result, and no bookings are currently being taken while the issue is investigated.

"This is not an attempt to resell rooms at inflated prices, rather an overbooking issue due to a technical error with our booking systems," the hotel said.

"Additionally, due to the same technical error, a small number of customers were able to book the rooms at a higher price later that evening. We will also be unable to accommodate these bookings.

"We will be honouring all bookings made prior to 26 August. 

"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Hotels operate dynamic pricing so that rates go up along with demand - so it's not unusual for prices to increase substantially around big events.

Yesterday, we reported that hotel prices for Oasis's first night at Wembley were already as much as three times as expensive as the week before.

"I had a quick look at a Holiday Inn a couple of miles away the week before the concert, it's £195 a night. The first night of the concert, it's £594 a night," said correspondent Matthew Thompson.

"So already people are getting on the hotel rooms even before the tickets go on sale. That gives you some sense of just how much demand there is for these tickets."

Have you been affected by this issue? Let us know via WhatsApp .

Some of the country's biggest energy companies are attending talks with the government today about how they can help struggling customers with their fuel bills this winter.

Centrica, EDF and Scottish Power are among those taking part in discussions with minister Miatta Fahnbulleh at the energy department, as are regulator Ofgem, Energy UK and Citizens Advice.

Our  political correspondent Darren McCaffrey  says it's part of a government attempt to have energy firms do more to help customers.

"What the government is saying is there isn't as much help as there has been previously, fiscally we're in a pretty desperate situation - they're looking for the companies to step up," he says.

There are three things in the government's mind:

• The energy price cap will increase by 10% from 1 October
• Household energy debts are said to be at record levels
• Most pensioners are losing their winter fuel allowance

Whether energy companies will be willing to pick up the tab to help is uncertain right now, though.

"The government is trying to push them in that direction," says Darren. 

"That's the key thing that will potentially emerge from this meeting."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

It's another good morning for anyone travelling to the US as the pound has remained near a more-than two-year high against the dollar. 

A pound still buys $1.32, meaning sterling goes further than at any point in the last 29 months. 

Market observers expect the US central bank to sizably cut interest rates, which is weakening the value of the dollar. 

As oil is paid for in dollars, having the currency weakened can make importing motor fuels cheaper. This morning, the benchmark oil price has fallen below $80 a barrel, standing at $78.79, the lowest since Friday last week.  

The share prices of the biggest companies on the London Stock Exchange are down 0.02% for the 100 most valuable (the FTSE 100) and 0.06% for the 101st to 350th most valuable (the more UK-based companies of the FTSE 250).

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Home » Travel » Destinations » 25 Non Touristy Things to do in London: A Local’s Guide

25 Non Touristy Things to do in London: A Local’s Guide

Are you tired of the same old suggestions for what to do in London? Sure, Westminster Abbey and afternoon tea are lovely. But if you’re looking to escape the crowds, or need ideas for a return trip, try these non touristy things to do in London.

From historic pubs to gorgeous parks, there are endless options for exploring London off the beaten path. And best of all, most of these unique places to visit in London are totally free!

After you’ve dropped nearly £30 on a ticket to the Tower of London, your wallet will be grateful for a break.

You could easily fill a weekend with these 15 activities, or mix them into an existing itinerary. If you need a starting point, check out my detailed guide to spending 4 days in London .

Get stellar views over London without money or reservations

Why pay £30 or be limited by a reservation when you can get free panoramic views on your own time? Skip the Shard and Sky Garden, and check out One New Change or The Garden at 120.

Located just opposite St. Paul’s Cathedral, One New Change is a popular shopping and dining spot in the city. However, its free rooftop deck is often overlooked by tourists.

Simply take the elevator to the top and enjoy stellar views of the skyline, including St. Paul’s dome and the London Eye.

For a more comprehensive panorama, head to The Garden at 120. Opened in 2019, this 15th story rooftop offers incredible views of the Gherkin, Walkie Talkie, London Bridge, and other famous landmarks.

You’ll need to pass through a security screening to ride up, so leave your large bags behind.

Skip the Starbucks and pop into a cozy cafe

London has a thriving cafe scene that will delight coffee and brunch lovers from around the world. While the likes of Pret, Cafe Nero, and the ubiquitious Starbucks are speedy and servicable (though UK Starbucks is infamously poor quality), a cozy cafe break is well worth the time.

Some smaller cafes only serve drinks and pastries–both sweet and savory–but most will have at minimum a few “toasties” (toasted sandwiches) and perhaps granola or porridge. That being said, Londoners love a good brunch and the bigger cafes tend to have a full menu with anything from avocado toast to berry-laden pancakes.

Covent Garden and Soho have a large concentration of quality independent cafes, but you’ll find a gem in pretty much every London neighborhood.

Here are some of my favorite spots across the city:

• Alchemy Cafe (near St. Paul’s Cathedral)
• Maison Bertaux (Soho)
• Milk (Balham)
• Mae + Harvey (Bow)

Walk along the Thames in a non-touristy part of London

When most travelers think of walking along the River Thames, they picture the slice of Embankment with the iron lampposts or the bustling area near Tower Bridge. While these are nice spots to take in the scenery, the Thames is a very long river with plenty of off the beaten path sections.

If you have the time (or want to escape the crowds), you can glimpse parts of London that few tourists see. The Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge near the ExCeL building is one such spot, along with Bermondsey Beach, the Thames Tow Path in Twickenham, and the London Wetland Center in Putney.

Have a picnic on Primrose Hill

People flock to the city for expensive meals with a view. But if you want to do something different in London, grab some takeaway and head to Primrose Hill.

This 213 foot mound sits north of Regent’s Park, and it’s a popular spot with local families. From the top of the hill, you’ll have amazing views of the central London skyline. There’s not much seating up here, so bring a towel or jacket to sit on while you eat.

Afterwards, I recommend strolling through Regent’s Park or exploring nearby Camden and Kentish Town.

Search for street art in East London

The Big Smoke is famous for its art museums. But some of the most impressive works can be found on the streets of East London.

Brick Lane is brimming with everything from moody portraits to a bottle of Jack Daniel’s. A walking tour of Shoreditch will take you past colorful murals and a few Bansky works. And in nearby Hackney, you’ll find plenty of vibrant gems on Fish Island.

Book your London street art walking tour here!

Dive into the world of antiquities collectors at the Sir John Soane Museum

Sir John Soane is the perfect example of how rich British people loved to travel the world collecting museum-grade antiques to display in their own homes. Apparently it was quite simple to purchase treasures like Egyptian sarcophagi and 10-foot-tall Grecian statues in the 1700s if you had the money.

Soane’s love of architecture and artifacts is our gain, however, as his home–preserved from the time of his death in 1837–is now a free entry museum that boggles the mind.

The place is absolutely stuffed with priceless finds, particularly sculpture work, and it’s all on display for close-up viewing. Wandering through the narrow corridors and peering into each room is a museum experience unlike any other I’ve had in my European travels.

Get off the beaten gallery path to appreciate artwork

London is home to world-class galleries that are free to enter, and I always recommend dropping into a few during your stay (the Tate Britain and National Gallery are my favorites). But there are loads of smaller spots to visit that don’t require craning your neck around hundreds of bodies and smartphones.

One such place is the Courtauld Gallery. Located in the gorgeous Somerset House, the pieces are displayed inside what was a school for artists and art historians. Each floor features works from different periods, with the crowning jewel being their collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings by artists including Seurat, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.

Other smaller galleries to check out include the Whitechapel Gallery and the Dulwich Picture Museum (which ties in nicely to the next spot on this list of non touristy things to do in London).

Go cottage-spotting in Dulwich Village

Most first time visitors stick to the city center. But if you’re visiting London for the second time, you should venture out to the charming southern neighborhoods.

If you want to see beautiful English cottages but don’t have time for a Cotswolds day trip , Dulwich Village is a decent substitute.

Take a train to North Dulwich station and walk south on Red Post Hill. This will lead you right into the heart of Dulwich Village.

Meander down Turney Road, Court Lane, and through Dulwich Park to spot the prettiest houses. And if you have time, stop into the beautiful Crown & Greyhound for a pint or some tea.

Grab lunch inside gorgeous Leadenhall Market

Harry Potter and architecture fans alike will fall in love with Leadenhall Market. This covered Victorian arcade was a Diagon Alley filming location. And between the cobblestone alleys and richly painted walls, you’ll wonder if you’ve somehow stepped back in time.

The market has a range of lunch options, from fast casual LEON to the refined Cheese at Leadenhall.

Having lunch in the business district is one of my favorite non touristy things to do in London. I love the bustling energy and the efficient service. It’s a completely different feel from the hectic, haphazard lunch spots near the major tourist attractions.

Enjoy a waterside stroll along Regent’s Canal

The Thames isn’t the only place in London for waterfront strolls. For an enjoyable, houseboat-lined walk, head to Regent’s Canal.

The canal stretches across the city from east to west, so there are several long stretches where you can walk along the canal. On the northeast side in Islington, you’ll find a long trail that runs all the way to Bethnal Green.

And if you’re near Camden, check out the path running from Camden Market to King’s Cross.

Visit a local pub for traditional Sunday roast

Going to an English pub is one of those London must do experiences. But if you want an authentic pub experience, head to a residential area on Sunday afternoon for a traditional roast.

For the uninitiated, Sunday roast consists of slow-roasted beef/pork/chicken (or sometimes chestnuts for a veg-friendly alternative), potatoes, root vegetables, gravy and Yorkshire pudding.

There are too many excellent neighborhood pubs to list here. Your best bet is to look on Google Maps for well-reviewed pubs in areas like Fulham, Hampstead, Dulwich, Balham, Islington, Bethnal Green… Whichever area you’re closest to on your Sunday travels.

I recently splashed out on a Michelin-starred Sunday roast at The Harwood Arms and thoroughly recommend it (just be sure to make a reservation well in advance)!

Save me for later!

Lose track of time in a beautiful London bookshop

In a city known for literary history, you’d be crazy not to visit a bookshop. Even if you aren’t a book lover, the beautiful interiors are worth a peek.

Daunt Books (the Marylebone location) is a feast for the eyes, with a gorgeous wooden staircase and dark shelves. Hatchards in Picaddily is another old world gem with charming nooks and crannies, along with a section of rare antique books.

But my personal favorite is John Sandoe Books near Sloane Square. The facade is picture-perfect, and the interior feels like you’re exploring a curated, loving home for books.

I also recommend hitting up a few of London’s secondhand bookshops to score old editions and beautifully bound novels. I’m a big fan of Any Amount of Books in Leicester Square and Hurlingham Books in Fulham.

Meander through one of London’s historic graveyard trails

Visiting a graveyard is probably not high on your list of things to do in London. But if you can get over the creepy factor, there are some hauntingly beautiful walks that will take you past centuries-old tombstones and dense foliage.

The best known is Highgate Cemetery in leafy north London, where you’ll find the graves of affluent Londoners as well as a number of famous authors including George Eliot and Douglas Adams. Rumors of ghosts and vampires persist through the ages, and it’s utterly creepy when the shadows start to thicken.

A less spooky option is Putney Vale Cemetery. It’s one of my favorite places to walk in the autumn thanks to its bright foliage and connection to Putney Heath.

Wander around the posh streets of Belgravia

Who says sightseeing is limited to famous landmarks? To me, the best non touristy things to do in London are roaming the gorgeous residential neighborhoods. And Belgravia is the epitome of posh London charm.

You can do a circular route from Victoria Station, with highlights like Grosvenor Gardens Mews (pictured above), Moyses Stevens’ flower-laden door, and the ultra-charming Wilton Row.

Belgravia is also home to some of the best places to buy gifts in London , including Les Senteurs perfumery and Rococo Chocolates.

Score tickets to a local football match

Brits are mad about football, and each team has their own devoted fan base. The special songs and chants specific to each team make matches extra fun and interactive.

But this love of football means getting tickets to Premier league games nearly impossible for visitors, as the tickets typically sell out to members before public access opens up. Luckily, there are five different football leagues in English football (and more sub-levels) with over 100 clubs in total, so there are lots of options to catch a game in person.

Unfortunately, each club has their own way of operating ticket sales, so it’s a bit confusing if you’re a tourist trying to find tickets! Your best bet is to go to the club’s official website and look for the “general sale” option for tickets. Usually you’ll pay for the tickets online and then pick them up at the stadium’s collection window.

Rock out to live music in Brixton

London’s music scene isn’t just about musicals and symphony concerts. For a dose of urban cool, head to Brixton for dinner and a concert.

If you’re in need of things for teenagers to do in London, I recommend catching a show at the Brixton O2 Academy. They tend to have a mix of up-and-coming and established bands, and you can check what’s on here .

Shop for handmade goods on Brick Lane

Tired of the touristy shops selling fridge magnets and tiny tea sets? Head to Brick Lane for one-of-a-kind, locally made items.

There are dozens of shops along the road itself, but my favorite spot is the Brick Lane Backyard Market. The vendors here sell everything from handmade jewelry to funky animal portraits. And if you get hungry, grab some street food from around the corner.

Rent a paddleboat in Battersea Park

Battersea Park is one of those locals-only secret spots in London. Tourists don’t often cross the river to South London, which means fewer crowds clogging the park’s pathways.

Aside from enjoying the beautiful gardens, you can rent a swan paddleboat for a leisurely trip around the pond. I promise the queue will be shorter than the one in Hyde Park!

Take a dip in the outdoor pools of Hampstead Heath

Of all the quirky things to do in London, going for a swim in murky brown water is high up on the list. And yet, you’ll find locals bathing here almost year-round.

Note that there are multiple ponds: one is mixed, one is ladies only, and one is for men. There’s not much in the way of facilities or lockers, so it’s best if you can have a lookout for your stuff.

Admission is quite affordable at £4.25 (as of 2023), making it one of the best cheap things to do in London in summer. Note that the pond operates a booking system in the summer which you can access online .

Take a morning walk (or horseback ride) around Richmond Park

Between the sprawling green space and roaming deer, you’d never guess that Richmond Park is a short journey from the city center. Taking a walk/run/bike/horseback ride through the winding trails is one of the best fun active things to do in London.

I recommend an early morning visit, as that’s when the deer are most active. For photographers, I can’t think of a more magical photo opportunity than a deer at golden hour surrounded by trees and fog.

Enjoy a Regency-era stroll through the water gardens and woodlands of Bushy Park

Despite being situated along the border of ultra-touristy Hampton Court Palace, Bushy Park is one of the most tranquil places in the city. It also happens to be London’s second-largest Royal Park.

Like it’s larger neighbor Richmond Park, you’ll find herds of deer roaming the open fields on the east side. But the real hidden gem is the Woodland Gardens, which feature a serene mix of duck-dotted canals, flower beds, and stone bridges.

The northwest corner of Bushy Park is home to the Water Gardens, where the large fountain and landscaping retains its Regency-era layout.

I recommend walking the entire width of the park from Kingston to Hampton Hill and rounding out the adventure with coffee or a meal at either end.

Transport yourself to Thailand at Buddhapadipa Temple

Usually I’m the one scouting out unique places to visit in London, but credit for this discovery goes to my husband. Tucked away in a residental area of Wimbledon, Buddhapadipa Temple is an impressive and welcoming place that follows the Theravada tradition of Buddhism.

The grounds and temple interior are open to the public regardless of religion, and it’s one of the few places in the UK where you can see this type of Thai architecture. Strolling along the walking paths and over the stream is wonderfully peaceful.

Discover the London hidden gem that is Wimbledon Village

As a Londoner who longs for cozy villages and open fields, I find myself returning to Wimbledon Village again and again. It’s an absolute gem of a spot, even if you don’t have the means to splash out like the posh locals.

Located just north of bustling Wimbledon proper, the village and surrounding green spaces feel a world away from the frenzy of tennis and the ever-busy District line. There are centuries-old pubs with laid-back lawn chair seating, phenomenal brunch spots (like Demitasse), and similar to Dulwich, there are plenty of pretty cottages to spot.

Cannizaro Park is a particular favorite, especially when the flowers are bursting with color in late spring and summer. And for those willing to drop some cash, the main street is lined with high end shops for fashion, beauty, and specialty foodstuffs.

Set aside half a day to properly explore Kew Gardens

Including Kew Gardens on a list of non-touristy London activities feels a bit silly, but after speaking with a number of international tourists I realized it’s only the Brits who seem to give Kew it’s full due.

Kew (a.k.a. the Royal Botanic Gardens) is absolutely a UK bucket list destination –as evidenced by the 4.7 stars and 40,000+ Google reviews–but you really need at least 4 hours to truly appreciate everything it has to offer.

At more than 300 acres, it has everything from multi-story glass greenhouses to an 18th century cottage plucked straight from a fairytale. Every season has something special on offer, from the spring bluebell fields to the brilliant autumn foliage at the Japanese garden.

With nearby Richmond town center (of Ted Lasso fame) just down the road, you can easily turn the trip into a full day of nature, good food, and shopping.

Chow down on excellent Japanese food in Leicester Square

Japanese restaurants may seem like unusual places to go in London. But some of the city’s best cheap eats can be had in Leicester Square.

For down-to-earth curry and katsu, head to the Tokyo Diner. Misato is excellent for affordable sushi and fun taiyaki ice cream. And for Japanese comfort food with a twist, check out Machiya (and be sure to order the tsukemono).

Other Tips for Exploring London Off the Beaten Path

When you’re traveling a massive metropolis, you’ll need all the support you can get. Here are some extra resources for helping you safely find and access these non touristy things to do in London.

• 31 London Sightseeing Tips From A Local
• London Itinerary: 4 Days of Highlights and Hidden Gems
• The Best Cheap Eats in London
• 21 Easy Day Trips from London by Train

My Favorite London Travel Planning Books

These books win my travel blogger Seal of Approval for vacation planning:

• Rick Steves Pocket London
• The Rough Guide to London
• Fodor’s Essential Great Britain: with the Best of England, Scotland & Wales

8 thoughts on “25 Non Touristy Things to do in London: A Local’s Guide”

I love London, but as an adult I’ve only been twice on long layovers for a couple of days each time. I want to come spend more time there like I did 20 years ago and really explore some of these places. Love this guide!

Thanks, Christine! There is really so much to see in London. I hope you can make a return trip and uncover some new favorite spots.

Hi Chelsea, any suggestions for non touristy high tea gems ? Cassandra

Great question, Cassandra! There are a lot of hotels that offer high tea without the crowds. I had a lovely and peaceful high tea at the Haymarket Hotel near the National Gallery. I’d also suggest the Orangery at Greenwich’s Fan Museum.

You omitted one of the best bookshops in London: Word on the Water. It’s an old dutch barge. It’s moored behind Granary Square. It’s my local and I love it!

Hi Chelsea! I love this locals guide! London is full of unusual / non touristy things to do and it’s amazing to see a list like yours!

Thanks for the tips! We went to battersea park, leadenhall market and the garden at 120. All great locations. Had lots of fun!

Thanks, Rudy! I find myself returning to those places again and again.

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What NOT to do in London: The Truth About These 15 Tiring Tourist Traps

London is one of the coolest cities in the world, but it’s not without faults. 

It’s crowded at all times of year, some areas are just boring shopping landscapes, and some attractions are just built solely for tourists. 

Here’s an insider guide – from a Londoner – on what not to do in London. These are some of the worst London tourist traps that just aren’t worth your time or your hard-earned money. 

Let’s take a look at exactly what to avoid in London, and what to see instead. 

The Worst London Tourist Traps: 15 Places to Avoid in London

As a local, these are the places I see as the worst tourist traps in London. They may not seem like it on the surface, but there are much better alternatives!

Here’s the places to avoid in London, and exactly what to see and do instead.

1. The London Eye: One of the Biggest Tourist Traps in London!  

While offering spectacular views, it’s quite pricey, and the queues can be long. Locals often prefer other vantage points for city views. 

What to do Instead of the London Eye

Try free viewing platforms Sky Garden , The Lookout , Horizon 22 , or check out my full list of the best free viewpoints in London here.

2. Places to Avoid in London: Madame Tussauds

While impressive, this famous wax museum is often crowded and expensive, and similar attractions exist in other cities around the world.

Where to Go Instead of Madame Tussauds

London is full of free museums that don’t cost a thing! And guaranteed there’s a museum for whatever you’re into.

3. Tourist Traps in London: Leicester Square 

True Londoners only pass through Leicester Square when we absolutely have to. It’s always crowded with tourists, the restaurants are terrible pricey chains, and it feels like a vortex meant to suck you into money-spending infinity. 

Go through here if you have to, but only to get to the much cooler places nearby.

What to See Instead of Leicester Square

If you’re looking for a cool square to check out, go to Berkeley Square (a leafy and posh garden near Oxford Street), Soho Square, Russell Square, or St. James’s Square. 

If you’re looking for a shopping district, try Oxford or Regent Street , the posh and kitschy boutiques of Soho, the antique markets of Notting Hill, or the vintagey-cool shopping of Spitalfields and Brick Lane. 

4. Places to Avoid in London: Piccadilly Circus 

This brightly lit confluence is like the Times Square of London , and it’s just as crowded and terrible. Don’t be tempted by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! or M&M’s World – these are made only for tourists to spend all their money in.

There is not much that’s unique or London-y about them, or about this area in general.  

What to See Instead of Piccadilly Circus

Nearby you can wander the quaint streets of Soho, pop into epic museums like the National Gallery, shop at British classic Fortnum & Mason, or eat incredible food in Chinatown. Do literally anything except hang out in Piccadilly Circus!

5. London Tourist Traps: Camden Market

Camden Market is not what it once was, and no, Taylor Swift would not hang out here like in her song “London Boy”. It’s now mostly tacky and overpriced junk, bad food stalls (there are some exceptions), and hoards of people looking for an authentic London experience. This isn’t it. 

Where to go Instead of Camden Market  

London is full of great markets that aren’t as touristy. Try Old Spitalfields, Greenwich Market , Borough Market (though it also gets crowded), Portobello Road Market, or Columbia Road flower market. 

6. What Not to Do in London: Oxford Street

Oxford Street is more than a street. It’s an entire region of high street shopping . But Oxford Street itself is the most boring and touristy part of the whole area. 

Most of the better shops are not on Oxford Street itself (with some exceptions), but are on the nearby streets that are only a short walk away.

Where to Shop Instead of Oxford Street

Right nearby, try Regent Street (a bit more posh, a bit less tacky), Carnaby Street, Bond Street, or Savile Row. 

7. London Tourist Traps: Trafalgar Square

The square itself is usually just crowded with tourists taking photos near the lions. But wander away from the main square and you can find some gems! 

What to See Instead of Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are definitely worth a visit at Trafalgar Square. But if you want the ambiance of a lovely city square, go to nearby St. James’s Square, or over to the nearby Victoria Embankment Gardens. 

8. Places to Avoid in London: Sea Life London Aquarium & London Zoo 

These are major tourist attractions, but locals find them overpriced compared to other city offerings. If you’ve been to zoos and aquariums in America , Australia , or even elsewhere in the UK , you’ve been to much better zoos and aquariums.

I personally don’t think these are worthwhile for the price, especially if you’re visiting London with kids. There are much better free things to do!

What to Do Instead of London Zoo & SeaLife Aquarium

If you want to connect with the natural world, visit the incredible (and free!) Natural History Museum or Horniman Museum. See historic artifacts like Darwin’s dodo, a massive blue whale skeleton, and much, much more. 

These museums give out free “treasure maps” for kids to find all the coolest stuff!

9. Skip: Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard 

While a quintessential London experience, it’s often extremely crowded with tourists, and locals generally avoid the area during this time.

What to See Instead of the Changing of the Guard

Go to the nearby Household Cavalry Museum , where you can learn all about the history of the King’s Guards.

Kids can try on real uniforms, and you can meet the horses (politely, of course, or you’ll get told off by a King’s Guard).

10. London Tourist Traps: Shrek’s Adventure 

What does London have to do with Shrek? Nothing at all. This is a plain old tourist trap for travelers with kids who see Shrek and convince their parents to pay the exorbitant entry fee. 

What to See Instead 

If you’re looking to entertain your kids , do something authentically London! The London Transport Museum just across the river is incredible and very hands-on. Kids of all ages absolutely love it. 

11. Avoid: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

The “Hoho” buses are one of the more elaborate tourist traps in London. Sure, it seems like a good idea to conveniently see the sights.

The drawbacks? These buses can’t use the bus lanes, so you’re really just paying to sit in traffic. Plus, they don’t have as many stops and don’t come as often as a regular London bus.

You’re paying a huge amount for a very inconvenient mode of transport, when London has one of the best transport networks in the world . Use that, instead!

What to Do Instead of a London Bus Tour

Take a regular old red London double-decker bus! Use Citymapper or Google Maps to find out where you want to go.

Use my full guide for how to take a London bus for the first time , and hop on the bus and try to snag the front seats on the upper deck. Poof! London bus tour, for £1.75 instead of £40+ per person. 

Some of the best routes to see iconic London landmarks are the 11, 24 and 9.  

12. Don’t Eat at Restaurants in Tourist Hotspots (including themed restaurants and cafes) 

Eateries in areas like Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and around major attractions often have inflated prices and cater more to tourists.

Especially avoid places like the Hard Rock Cafe and Bubba Gump Shrimp, which are really terrible and overpriced. Only tourists eat there.

Where to Eat Instead 

If you’re in a tourist trap area, walk a few blocks away from the center of the action (this works in any city that has tourist trap areas).

There you can find smaller authentic restaurants that Londoners would actually eat at. 

13. Avoid: Souvenir Shops in Central London

These shops, especially around major tourist attractions, often sell overpriced and generic souvenirs. They are also – legitimately – money laundering fronts . Avoid at all costs. 

Where to Shop for London Souvenirs Instead 

London has an incredible array of really cool gifts. Browse my list of the best things to buy in London here.

If you’re walking by one of these “American Candy Stores” in a crowded area, and you just want a snack or a bottle of water, find a corner store or pharmacy (like Boots) and pop in there instead. 

14. Skip: The Abbey Road Crosswalk 

This is just a crosswalk on a fairly residential North London street. There’s nothing of note nearby, except Abbey Road Studios, which you can only see from the sidewalk and cannot enter.

Vehicles have to stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings, so no matter how much you wave them through, they have to stop. You’ll wait in a queue and play a game of how-many-London-bus-drivers-can-we-anger while constantly blocking a main thoroughfare. 

It’s chaos, your photo will be rushed, and it’s not an enjoyable experience.

If it’s Beatles history you’re after, pop by Savile Row where they played their last ever live gig. Or check out Chiswick House or their former flat at Montagu Square . 

Ps: the Abbey Road crosswalk looks like every other London crosswalk. Take a photo on a less busy thoroughfare, and no one will know the difference.

15. Don’t Buy: Daily or Weekly Travelcards 

This is a sneaky London tourist trap that can seem like a great deal…but it’s not. It’s significantly more expensive than paying as you go. 

A weekly London travelcard is anywhere from £40-£110 , but the pay-as-you-go cap for most zones tourists will visit is only £9.60. Pay only for what you use! Don’t overpay for transport.

What to Use Instead 

Use contactless payment (a different one for each member of your party) and tap in and out with that. You don’t even need to purchase an Oyster Card.

What to Avoid in London: Final Tips

If you still want to visit one of the places to avoid in London I’ve mentioned in this list, no judgment! These are just the tourist traps in London that I would personally avoid, but since I live here, my point of view is different than yours!

Remember: this is your trip to London. You can do exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it! And London truly has something for everyone.

More on Visiting London

The Best Oyster Card Tourist Options to Save Money

There Isn’t Just One ‘Downtown London’: Simple Visitor’s Guide

Ultimate Attraction Map of London: See it All, Efficiently!

The 5 Safest Areas in London (and 2 that are Totally Affordable!)

Where Can I Charge my Phone in London? Local’s Ultimate Guide (2024)

31 Exclusive & Unusual Things to Buy in London, and 15 Things to Avoid

Where to Stay your First time in London

Itinerary for 3 Epic Days in London: An Insider’s Guide

Top 5 Best and Worst Times to Visit London

37 Weird & Wonderful Things London is Famous For: See or Skip?

Mega-List: 250+ Astonishing London Facts From Bizarre To Beautiful

Places To Avoid in London FAQ

What are the “rules” of visiting london as a tourist.

If you want to be polite to London locals, try to follow these common courtesies: -Stand on the right on escalators, walk on the left. -Get out your Oyster Card or payment method before you get to the ticket barriers. -Don’t take up the whole sidewalk walking in a group. -Don’t listen to loud music or speak loudly on the tube or bus. -Pull over on the sidewalk to take a picture. -Be mindful of queues (lines) and don’t cut.

Is Brick Lane a Tourist Trap?

Yes and no. In recent years, it has become somewhat of a tourist trap during market days. But it’s also a thriving community of Bangladeshi and other immigrants, where you can find great restaurants and shops authentic to their cultures.

What are considered tourist traps in London?

Locals consider places like The London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure, Madame Tussauds, Camden Market, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Street to be major tourist traps.

What’s the most visited attraction in London?

The British Museum and the Tower of London are the most popular attractions in London for tourists.

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27 Awesome Non-Touristy Things To Do In London

There is a good reason most people flock to the iconic London tourist attractions, they are certainly worth seeing. But for the more adventurous, less touristy folks, there are even more treasures.

Here are 27 non-touristy things to do in London that will take you off the beaten path into the hotspots only the locals know. From street art in the south-east to the incredible microbreweries and local markets, these places are the reason so many of us truly love London.

1# Find Epic Views of London 

In my opinion nothing beats a good skyline view of a city and watching it from above. With iconic shaped buildings such as the Walkie Talkie, Cheese Grater, Gherkin and Heron Tower what better way to see the city than panoramic views across the city. My top picks are: 

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One New Change

If you want a perfect view of St Paul’s head to the roof of One New Change Building. Depending on the time you visit there may be security guards near the elevators. The bar at the top is quite fancy so there will be dress code restrictions so if you plan on visiting the bar check beforehand. Otherwise, just let them know that you are visiting the balcony and you will be let up (it’s a free balcony after all). 

The Shard 

Ok, so the Shard is a touristy place, but you can make it less touristy by skipping the viewing deck and instead go to the Oblix Bar. It’s free to go up there and a lovely place to grab a drink whilst soaking up the views.

Bussey Building or Franks in Peckham

Peckham is an area in London, just in zone 2. It’s outside the tourist area and has lots of great bars to visit. Two that host skyline views of London is Bussey Building and Franks. 

Skylight Tobacco Dock 

Skylight is in Wapping which is nice and central. During the summer you can play croquet and petanque and in the winter they have rooftop ice rink, ice hockey slap shot and cosy igloos and mountain huts. 

2# Search for Street Art in Penge East 

Penge East has the biggest collection of street art outside of places like Shoreditch. It was a Community Project in Penge and Anerley (SE20) called the SprayExhibition20 and hosts over 120 artworks in the area. The best time to explore the pieces is on a Sunday as some of them are located on shop roller doors, however there are plenty in the area to see on other days. 

For more information read this. 

P.s If you like good craft beer, look out for Southey Brewery which is located near the Gorilla piece on Southey Street. 

3# Crossness Pumping Station

I never thought I would be recommending a former sewage pumping station, but the Crossness Pumping Station is a beautiful piece of architecture. It was designed by the Metropolitan Board of Works’s chief engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette and architect Charles Henry Driver and finally given the green light to go ahead in 1858. 

In 1958 the pumping station was decommissioned and left for 26 year before Crossness the Preservation group began making moves to restore the 1865 buildings and engines. ​

The staff at the pumping station are so passionate about repairing and preserving this piece of history. If you get a chance to chat with one of the staff members walking around.  

4# See the Dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park

Crystal Palace park has the world’s first attempt at making full scale replicas of Dinosaurs. They were commissioned to be built in 1853 and completed in 1855, making them a fantastic piece of history. 

The dinosaurs are wildly inaccurate so don’t take them too seriously. The signs around the park will illustrate what modern-day scientists now believe them to look like. 

5# Alternative Food Markets 

Borough and Brick Lane markets are always on the list of things to do in London but there are some great alternatives to the usual. My favourites include:

Whitecross Market

I was introduced to Whitecross Markets by some co-workers of mine and have loved going ever since! It’s open Monday to Friday and is a hot spot for workers in the area to grab food. Depending on the weather I will either sit in The Two Brewers which allow you to bring your food in as long as you buy a drink or Fortune Street Park on a sunny day. 

Leather Lane Market 

Another great Monday to Friday market lined with food markets and accessory shops. I generally end up getting falafel or Pho whenever I visit here. 

Mercato Metropolitano 

Mercato is another great marketplace style of the venue offering lots of food and drinks options plus they have a cinema. Open every day of the week but does get super popular during the evenings. It does have an indoor and outdoor area so perfect for all types of weather. 

Maltby Street Market

The market is centred on a central alley known as the Ropewalk parade of street food stalls and restaurants. If you’re on the Bermondsey Beer Mile this is the perfect place to grab food to soak up the alcohol. The classic favourite is the Cheese truck. 

6# Mayfield Lavender Fields

Who says you must go to France for lavender fields? Located in Banstead (just 15 miles outside of London) is Mayfield Lavender Fields. 

This is a season activity as the farm only welcomes visitors during the Summer months (usually early June to mid-September). It does have a small entry cost of £1 and make sure you have some spending money to buy some of their lavender essential oils, soaps and syrup made from the organic lavender grown here. 

The café sells lavender infused products such as tea, cakes and much more. 

7# Enjoy Craft Beer on The Bermondsey Beer Mile

Located in southeast London is a stretch of elevated train tracks where a bunch of brewers decided to cleverly locate their microbreweries under the railway arches. Luckily for us, the public, the breweries open their doors to the public on the weekend!

Unlike a lot of breweries which are generally a shopfront, the breweries on the Bermondsey Beer Mile is actually where the magic happens. During the week they are busily brewing beer in their archways and on the weekend convert the workshop into a taproom.

If you want to know more about the Bermondsey Beer Mile I have a whole guide walking you through where to go and a handy map! 

8# Discover London’s Secret Bars

Turn your next night out into a little adventure by heading to one of London’s secret bars. 

Mayor of Scaredycat Town (Shoreditch)

Head to The Breakfast Club on Artillery Lane and announce “I’m here to see the Mayor”. You’ll then step into the Smeg fridge into a quirky, candlelit speakeasy with a great selection of cocktails. 

King of Ladies Man (Clapham Junction)

The Breakfast Club’s venue in Clapham Junction also has a secret bar. Go through a laundry room at the back of the venue, and step inside the 70s themed decor bar serving disco inspired cocktails.

Evans & Peel Detective Agency (Earls Court)

Before you can even enter the bar, you need to make a booking to ‘discuss a case’. Once you’ve made a booking, enter the dim office where a detective will lead you through a hidden door behind a bookcase. Fill up on light dishes, wines and cocktails.

9# Enjoy a Drink at One of London’s Quirky Bars

Why opt for an average, run of the mill bar when London is filled with quirky and unique venues? Here are some of the best ones in town. 

Cahoots (Soho)

This is a 1940s themed bar set inside an abandoned train station. Serving up cocktails, tasty nibbles and live entertainment, Cahoots is a fab place to step back in time and enjoy a night out 1940s London!

Drink Shop Do (Kings Cross)

During the day, this cafe serves hot drinks, light lunches and delicious homemade cakes. But come nightfall, the venue transforms into a merry spot for dancing and drinking. It’s a great place to get creative too, and there is an events schedule filled with arts and crafts workshops. 

10# Explore the Non-Touristy Pubs in London

If you don’t fancy rubbing shoulders with tourists in bars, head to a locals only pub. Dotted around London, here are some of the best ones. 

Wigmore 

Not far from Oxford Circus and Regent Street, the Wigmore is a modern pub with stylish, retro-inspired decor. With a carefully curated drinks list and quintessential British pub food, the Wigmore brings you elevated pub dining.

Old Fountain 

Situated on Old Street, the Old Fountain is a lovely pub with a vast beer selection, rotating choice of cask ales and classic pub food and contemporary dishes. You can even enjoy your meals on the stylish roof terrace up top. 

Lamb and Flag 

The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden is definitely one of the most interesting pubs in the city. It dates back to the mid 17th century, and there is a plaque outside noting how the poet Dryden was mugged in the alley next door. You’ll find traditional pub food and a constantly changing range of lagers, ales and ciders. 

Viaduct Tavern 

In Holborn, the Viaduct Tavern is a beautiful pub with an interior of marbles, mirrors and paintings. The most notable feature of the pub is the basement, thought to contain cells from Newgate Prison or Giltspur Street Compter. The Viaduct Tavern has the usual range of beers, an impressive variety of gin and traditional pub food.

Cask Pub & Kitchen

At Cask in Pimlico, you’ll find world-class beers, spirits and wines alongside simple, home cooked food. Visit on a Sunday afternoon between 16.30 and 19.30 and you’ll be treated to live music from bluegrass and traditional Irish musicians.  

The Marquis of Westminster

In this welcoming gastropub in Westminster, you’ll find top-end pub classics and crafty drinks. What makes it an elevated version of your local pub is the sleek wood paneling, a refined wine list, and chic cocktails.

Waterloo Tap

A short walk from Waterloo Station and set up in a converted railway arch, this funky bar boasts 20 kegs and 6 casks on constant rotation. Although you won’t be able to order meals here, you’ll find a variety of artisan bar snacks like soft baked pretzels. 

11# Grab Lunch Inside Gorgeous Leadenhall Market

With a 19th century painted roof and charming cobbled floors, Leadenhall Market is arguably one of the prettiest markets in London. It’s also one of the oldest markets in the city, dating back to the 14th century, although the current construction dates back to Victorian times. 

Potterheads will probably recognise the market as it was the filming location for Diagon Alley. While you won’t be able to buy wands and spell books here, you can find a variety of produce including flowers, cheese, meat and other fresh goods. 

Alternatively, you could also grab lunch at one of the cafes and restaurants. After lunch, browse through the array of shops, from stationery to fashion to perfumes. 

12# Visit Highgate Cemetery

For those of you interested in something a little different, a visit to Highgate Cemetery is a unique and compelling way to spend a few hours. This place has seen vampire hunters, dueling magicians, and real corpses being dug up. 

The cemetery is split into two sections. The East cemetery is home to some of the most distinguished figures of the 19th century including George Eliot and Karl Marx. You’re free to wander round by yourself, or you can also take tours with expert volunteer guides.

The West cemetery is only accessible via a guided tour. It has impressive architectural features, namely the Chapel, Colonnade, Egyptian Avenue, Circle of Lebanon, Terrace Catacombs and the mausoleum of Julius Beer.

13# Explore Pop Brixton, Market Row and Brixton Village 

If you find yourself in Brixton, make the time to visit Brixton Village and Market Row. These two indoor markets are a lively and bustling hub for independent food and shopping. Brixton is one of the city’s most diverse and multicultural neighbourhoods, and this is reflected in the choice of stalls and traders. 

Find street food from around the world, from Jamaican to Portugese to French. If you’d rather pick up some ingredients to cook, there are fresh produce stalls selling fruit, veg, fish and meat. Stroll through the arcades and you’ll also find shops selling clothes, jewellery, homeware, arts and crafts. 

While you’re there, head to Pop Brixton, a creative space for local, independent businesses. The traders are housed in a jumble of shipping containers and include street food stalls, new and second hand vinyl, vintage fashion, Japanese kitchenware, tattoo parlour, design studios and much more. Enjoy communal dining in the large greenhouse space, or catch one of the music events. 

14# Enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast at a Local Pub 

A Sunday roast is a true British tradition not to be missed out on. The main feature is roasted meat – lamb, chicken, beef or pork – served with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, roasted or blanched vegetables and a variety of sauces including cranberry sauce, horseradish, mint sauce, apple sauce and gravy. 

When done right, it can be one of the world’s most loved national dishes. Many places in London will claim to have the best Sunday roast, but my advice is to head to a local pub for a proper, traditional meal. 

Find the best Sunday roasts in the city at: 

The compton arms.

There has been a pub on the site of this local in Islington since the 16th century. Apart from being one of George Orwell’s favourite locals, The Compton Arms is also known for its fabulous Sunday roasts. 

The Black Dog Beer House

This traditionally furnished neighbourhood pub in Brentford serves up a simple but delicious Sunday roast menu. It also boasts a range of 14 keg lines, 5 real ales, 5 real ciders and over 50 bottled drinks. 

The Brown Dog

Tucked away in the streets of Barnes is The Brown Dog, a pub and dining room cooking up innovative dishes with the freshest ingredients. It’s known for its Sunday lunch menu, which has a range of other roast dishes as well as the classics.

15# Visit the Deer in Richmond Park

Richmond Park is both London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve. It’s a great place to explore, with 2,500 acres of open grassland and woodland. The site is home to an abundance of wildlife, including over 600 Red and Fallow deer which roam freely around the park. 

If you visit in autumn during the breeding season, you’ll likely see males roar, bark and clash with other males as they compete for females. The fawns are born between May and July, but they’re mostly hidden in the long grass by their mothers. If you’re visiting, remember to keep at least 50 metres away, and don’t attempt to touch or feed them.

16# See Cool Science Stuff In The Wellcome Collection

This free museum on Euston Road is a wonderful place to be curious about all things health related. Connecting science, medicine, life and art through immersive exhibitions and collections, the museum is the best place to learn and have fun doing so. In the museum’s permanent exhibitions – Medicine Man and Medicine Now – there is a vast collection of items collected by the 19th century pharmacist Henry Wellcome, such as used guillotine blades, Napoleon’s toothbrush and Florence Nightingale’s moccasins. 

There are also over 100,000 prints, drawings, paintings and photographs dating as far back as the 14th century. If you’re looking for a relaxing break, check out the Reading Room where you can play games, read books, perform digital autopsies, send a postcard to a friend and lounge on sofas and beanbags. 

17# Afternoon Tea at the Wallace Collection 

Although not as common as Sunday lunch, afternoon tea is another quintessentially British tradition that you mustn’t skip. It started in the early 19th century as a private social event for upper class ladies to keep the hunger at bay until dinnertime. 

It was only until Queen Victoria had a taste of afternoon tea that it became a more common tradition. Today, afternoon teas are usually held on special occasions or events. One of the best places to try afternoon tea in London is at the Wallace Restaurant, which is housed inside the Wallace Collection gallery. 

Surrounded by trees and sculptures and basked in natural light, the restaurant serves freshly made sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, a selection of cakes as well as a bottle of bubbly. You may as well check out the Wallace Collection while you’re there – an exquisite collection of 18th century French furniture, paintings, porcelain, medieval armour and weaponry. 

18# Have A Nice Long Boozy Lunch 

Lunch is great, but an alcohol infused lunch is even better. If you have time to spend a few hours with good food and drink, then London is the perfect place for a long, boozy lunch. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a cocktail before 11am.

The Breakfast Club

It wouldn’t be a list of boozy lunch spots without mentioning The Breakfast Club. This relaxed place serves all day breakfast and a fab selection of wines, beers and cocktails. You don’t have to travel too far to find one either, as there are venues dotted all around the city.

Tank and Paddle

With two venues in Minster Court and Bishopsgate, Tank and Paddle is an ideal place to spend a few hours with good food and drink. Alongside freshly made stone-baked pizzas and other small dishes, you can also enjoy home brewed pints of craft beer and real ale. Feeling competitive? Challenge your mates to a round of shuffleboard or board games. 

The Lillie Langtry

A short stroll from Earls Court station, this homely pub mixes traditional with contemporary. Relax in the Victorian cocktail lounge, and enjoy a selection of light dishes and meats from the grill menu. 

Ask For Janice

Ask For Janice is the perfect place for a long, boozy lunch. At this laid back eatery in Farringdon you’ll find fresh lunch dishes, light bites and sharing platters. Pair your food with over 50 gins, over 60 draught and bottled beers, and a unique cocktail list.  

19# Visit the World’s Largest Collection Of Neon Signs: God’s Own Junkyard

Who needs to go to Vegas for neon lights when you have God’s Own Junkyard in London? Located in an unassuming warehouse in Walthamstow, God’s Own Junkyard is a collection of the late artist Chris Bracey’s work, incorporating everything from signs used in strip clubs in Soho, to film props used in the likes of Captain America and Eyes Wide Shut. 

You could spend ages there ogling the vast mish mash of signs and trinkets. If you’re willing to splash the cash you can even purchase something. 

Alternatively, you can rent a sign. Once you’re all signed out, visit the Rolling Scones cafe for some home baked goodies, or grab a drink from the bar. 

20# Visit the Barbican Conservatory

The second largest conservatory in London (after Kew Gardens) is a magnificent rainforest with over 1,500 species of plants. You can take a guided tour and wander amongst the palm trees and banana plants to learn more about the different species. 

Stroll over the wooden bridges and watch the colourful koi carp dart around the fishponds. If you look hard enough you might spot the terrapins basking on the rocks. The conservatory is also home to a cactus house, from tiny cacti to giant spiky monsters, and dainty little succulents.

 The conservatory has recently kept its doors open late on Saturdays, so you can grab a drink from the popup bar while you wander round the greenery. If you’re more of a daytime person, the Barbican does a lovely afternoon tea amongst the plants. 

21# Go For A Swim At Hampstead Heath Swimming Pools

Ever wonder where the locals head to on a hot day in London? Well there’s a high chance you’ll find them at one of the swimming pools in Hampstead Heath. There are three pools here: men only, ladies only and mixed. The men and ladies pools are open throughout the year, but the mixed pond is closed in winter to the Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club.

It’s best to go for a swim in the early morning or on weekdays, as they tend to get very busy. But if you can brave the cold, you’ll find that the pools are a lot less crowded once the summer months have passed. Not a fan of outdoor swimming but still want to be near the water? Hampstead Heath has plenty of grassy areas to relax and sunbathe on. 

22# Find A Good Read At London’s Only Floating Bookshop

The suitably named Word On The Water is one of the most unique bookshops out there. Nicknamed ‘The London Bookbarge’, this 1920s Dutch barge has been floating on the Regent’s Canal since 2011, and is packed with a wonderful collection of new and second-hand books. 

Whether you want to browse through shelves on the deck, or have a nosy at the collection indoors and warm up by the stove, you’re bound to find a good book to sink your teeth into. The bookshop also holds exciting events like book and poetry readings, open mic sessions and performances, and talks on topics like feminism, politics, art and technology. 

23# Go Wildlife Watching At London Wetland Centre

If you feel like escaping the big smoke but don’t have a lot of time on your hands, the London Wetland Centre is the perfect place to spend a few hours. This oasis close to central London will make you feel like you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Stretching over 105 acres, there is a network of walkways that meander around the pools and lakes. See how much wildlife you can spot – birds, amphibians, butterflies, bats, otters and water voles all call this place home. 

There are numerous hides dotted around the wetland, as well as an Observatory to birdwatch. The centre isn’t short of things to keep the kids entertained, and features the Adventure Playground and Wild Walk.  

24# Take A Trip To Dulwich Village

Dulwich is a great place to visit if you want to see more of what London has to offer. This village-like neighbourhood in South London is full of green spaces, white picket fences and independent shops. 

Be captivated by the rural charm of the village as you admire chocolate box houses, have a coffee at a cute cafe and pick up some treats at North Cross Market. 

A must-do is a stroll down Lordship Lane and splash the cash on some unique finds. Dulwich isn’t lacking in greenery either – make a stop at Dulwich Park or Belair Park. 

25# Enjoy Live Music In Soho

A big fan of live music? Soho is the place to be. This trendy district hosts some of the best live music venues in London, and you’ll be hard-pressed not to find jamming sessions on any given day of the week. Here are some of the leading venues to check out.

Ronnie Scott’s 

Ronie Scott’s is a legendary venue opened by the British saxophonist himself in 1959. It was the first venue in the UK to host jazz musicians from America, and it has seen some of the most famous names in the world of jazz, including Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald. With its cosy and plush decor, you’ll be transported back in time as you soak up some smooth sounds.

Starting out as a swing bar in 1942, the 100 Club is identical with punk. Bands like The Clash, Sex Pistols and Oasis have all performed here. These days however, the club leans towards blues, jazz, soul and classic R&B. 

The Borderline

Those of you who are interested in a wide range of genres will love The Borderline. Hosting a mix of established and upcoming artists, the club is an intimate venue for rock, metal, indie, blues, country and folk music.

26# Bag Some Sweet Treats At A Bakery

London is a haven for anyone with a sweet tooth. There are countless bakeries all around the city cooking up fresh bread, cakes and pastries – here are some that you simply can’t miss.

Aux Pains de Papy

This rustic French bakery in Bloomsbury is the place to be if you’re looking for traditional, handmade pastries. From crusty baguettes and fresh croissants, to sweet treats like eclairs and bugnes, Aux Pains de Papy is all about old-school French classics.

Soderberg Soho

This Swedish bakery and cafe brings you open sandwiches, meatballs and waffles during the day, and smörrebröd platters and cocktails during the evening. Don’t leave without trying the signature kardemummabullar (cardamom buns). 

The Dusty Knuckle Bakery

You can get a wide range of baked goods at the Dusty Knuckle – sourdough and rye loaves, sweet treats, savoury bakes and innovative sandwiches. You can also get soups, toasties and homemade drinks to take on the go.

27# Byob Vietnamese Food On The “Pho Mile”

You may have heard of London’s curry mile located in Bricklane but east London also has another lesser-known mile (which serves some of my favourite food) – the “Pho Mile!” 

The Pho Mile is located on Kingsland Road and stretches from Shoreditch High Street station to Hoxton. Here you will discover some of London’s best Vietnamese restaurants. 

One of my favourite restaurants is Bunbunbun just near Hoxton station. They are also one of the rare places that allow you to bring BYO! There is a small cover charge for the glasses but still cheaper than buying booze at the venue. 

Watch the Highlights of Hidden Gems in London

Nothing beats visuals of incredible places, in this video, I will show you some of the spots highlighted in this article!

More London Inspiration!

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A Local’s Guide to the Columbia Road Flower Market

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Kat Hi, I'm Kat, an Australian that moved to London in 2013 to start a  new adventure.  What a roller-coaster that was! I love helping others move to the UK  and people  explore the world ! I’d be honoured if you’d say, “Thanks!” with a £3 coffee on Ko-fi.

Tuesday 4th of August 2020

Fabulous Kat I look forward to my next London visit . Thank you

Tuesday 11th of August 2020

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London Like A Local: 11 Non Touristy Things To Do In London, UK

Discover some of the most fun non touristy things to do in London – from a local. 

Despite living in London for nearly four years, I got to tick off few of its main attractions. What I did do, though, is discover many of the non touristy things to do in London. And good news – there’s lot of them! 

If you want to experience London like a local, here are my favourite things to do in the city. These unique experiences can only be enjoyed in London, 

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1 – Fly on the Emirates Air Line 

2 – stay up for museum lates , 3 – immerse yourself in secret cinema, 4 – tuck in on edgware road , 5 – play crazy golf at junkyard , 6 – stroll up to primrose hill, 7 – take a tour of the old tube lines, 8 – float along regent’s canal, 9 – go shopping at connaught village, 10 – visit the sky garden , 11 – get a nature fix at the barbican conservatory  , how to explore london like a local, where to stay in london to feel like a local, alternative, non touristy things to do in london.

It’s easy to explore London like a local if you know how. In such a big city, you may just be surprised at how easy it can be to escape the crowds!

As a former local, here are some of my favourite non touristy things to do in London.

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Non touristy alternative to: The London Eye

The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. What many tourists don’t know, though, is that there’s an even better way to take in the city from the sky.

The Emirates Air Line takes you across the Thames, from North Greenwich to Royal Victoria, offering amazing views on the way.

It’s operated by Transport for London, so you can even use an Oyster card to travel. At just £4.50 a ride (£3.50 if you have an Oyster card), it’s much cheaper than the London Eye, too!

Where to find it:  North Greenwich station (Jubilee) or Royal Victoria (DLR).  

Non touristy alternative to: Visiting in the day time 

London has some of the best museums in the world – fact. When I lived in London, I’d find myself exploring new and familiar museums almost every month. 

The best way to experience, though, is after dark. Every museum has a slightly different schedule – so you can attend more than one, if you wish – but it’s generally the last week of the month. 

For one night, the biggest museums and galleries and London open for an adults-only themed nights. The ones I’ve been to have ranged from a Tim Peake launch at the Science Museum to a silent disco (surrounding by dinosaur skeletons!) at the Natural History Museum. 

Where to find them: Search for any museum + “lates” to find out about upcoming events. My favourites are the Natural History Museum, V&A and Science Museum, all of which are just outside South Kensington station.

Non touristy alternative to: the IMAX

London’s IMAX cinema brings back great childhood memories for me. But, it’s impossible to beat the memories made at Secret Cinema. 

Secret Cinema is essentially films brought to life. I went to a James Bond one last year and it was 3-4 hours of non-stop action. By the end of it, I actually believed I was a spy working for MI6! 

After working on – and hopefully completing – your secret mission, you get to watch the film. And the show doesn’t end there! Throughout the film, actors continued to play out the scenes live. 

It was a very surreal and completely immersive experience, and it’s one of the best things in London. 

Book it: 

• You can see what’s coming up and book tickets online . They sell out quickly, though, so be quick!

Non touristy alternative to: Chinatown

Chinatown has some AMAZING food. Seriously, I love it there.

But if you’re looking for non touristy things in London, Chinatown is definitely a no-go. Surrounded by some of the most popular attractions in London, it’s tourist central. 

For authentic, delicious food that’s just as great, head to Edgware Road for some Lebanese fare. Edgware Road is full of Arab restaurants and shops, and I used to spend a lot of time there as a former Arabic student. 

I still love heading there for food because it has some of the best Lebanese restaurants in London. My favourites are Sannin and Al-Dhiyafa. 

Where to find it:  The best restaurants are closer to the Hype Park Corner end of Edgware Road. Head there rather than to Edgware Road station.

Non touristy alternative to: Covent Garden. 

Once again, I absolutely LOVE Covent Garden. I spent a lot of time there as a Londoner. 

However, if it’s entertainment you’re looking for, it’s hard to beat Junkyard Golf. This indoor venue puts the ‘crazy’ in crazy golf. 

Part disco, part mini golf course, Junkyard Golf is a LOT of fun. There are four themed courses to choose from, too. Having played them all (multiple times, ahem), my favourite is the movie themed course. 

• You can turn up, but you might have a long wait. Book online , especially at weekends.   

Where to find it: 88 Worship St, Hackney, London EC2A 2BE.

Non touristy alternative to: Hyde Park 

Primrose Hill is one of my favourite spots in London. Located in the Camden area, it offers amazing views over the central and south London skyline.

From Primrose Hill, you can soak up views of some of London’s most iconic buildings. On a clear day, you can spot the Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and even Big Ben – yet not many tourists know about it. 

The streets near Primrose Hill are well worth a stroll, too. They’re as colourful as Notting Hill and full of cute little boutiques. 

Where to find it:  Head to Chalk Farm station and it’s less than 15 minutes by foot.

Non touristy alternative to: A sightseeing bus tour. 

While there are plenty of unique ways to see London on an overground tour, the city’s has a secret underground worth exploring.

The Euston tunnels are a labyrinth of tunnels below Euston station. You’ll learn more about the history and spirit of London on this tour than you could imagine. Plus, it’s really fun exploring underground tunnels!

This unique tour , run by the London Transport Museum, was one of the best things I ever did in London and is a must for both locals and visitors. 

Where to find it:  Tours begin just around the corner from Euston station. You’ll be sent directions for the secret spot ahead of your tour.

Non touristy alternative to: A sightseeing cruise on the Thames

The Thames is undoubtedly the backbone of London. But, it’s not the only waterway worth exploring. 

For a more local London experience, head to Regent’s Canal instead. A favourite hangout of London locals, it’s one of the best non touristy things to do in London. 

How you explore the canals is up to you. A barge cruise beats a Thames river cruise for me hands down.

If you want a truly unique and local experience, though, the only option is to hire a canal barge of your own. You can even stay on one , if you wish!

• A ride on this converted narrowboat is the most affordable way to enjoy the canals from the water.
• For a fun and eco-friendly adventure, hire your own electric boat for up to eight passengers.

Where to find it:  The easiest way to join the canal is from Paddington or Kings Cross. Both areas have lots of other things going on, too.

Non touristy alternative to: Oxford Street.

Oxford Street is one of the busiest streets in the United Kingdom (and, sadly, one of the most polluted ).  It’s far from the only shopping spot in London, though.

One of the lesser known – but equally impressive – shopping areas in London is Connaught Village. Just around the corner from busy Oxford Street, it’s full of unique boutiques and artisan shops.

Where to find it:  Connaught St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2AA.

Non touristy alternative to: The Shard 

Sky Garden is a popular hangout among city workers, who often pop in for an after-work drink. 

Set thirty-five floors up in the iconic “Walkie Talkie” building, it’s also a great spot for enjoying views of the surrounding area. 

Stop for a drink in one of the bars if you want to really experience London like a local. If you’re on a budget, the outdoor terrace observation deck are free – just make sure you book online. 

Where to find it:  1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF.

Non touristy alternative to: Kew Gardens

While Kew Gardens are well worth the visit, you can still get a taste of nature in Zone 1. 

The Barbican Conservatory is a well guarded secret among locals. Most tourists head to this area to watch performances in the Barbican Centre, but few of them know about the Barbican Conservatory. 

The Conservatory is free to enter, but if you want to make your trip really special, I highly recommend the bottomless brunch you can enjoy inside. Spaces are super limited, making it a pretty intimate experience. And, let’s face it, nothing says ‘London’ like bottomless brunch!

Where to find it:  Barbican Conservatory, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS.

If you want the most authentic London experience (which you do, right?) then it’s best to explore like a local. 

There’s one big mistake you should avoid: Londoners don’t drive anywhere! The number of tourists I’ve met who tried to get around London is a hire car still surprises me.

If you’ve never been before, see why it may seem like a good idea. But, trust me – it isn’t. London’s roads are congested, slow-moving and expensive to drive around. 

Local generally use public transport or cycle. If you’re not familiar with the roads, I  would avoid the latter. I’ve seen far too many accidents happen, usually involving buses. 

Luckily, though, public transport in London is great. The tube and buses will take you wherever you need to go, and they’re relatively safe. 

If you want to get around as efficiently as possible, I recommend using an app like City Mapper. It will tell you the fastest and easiest routes – and you might be surprised that walking is sometimes easier than you think!

READ NEXT: Other must-have apps for travellers.

To get the full London experience, you’ll want to choose where you stay carefully.

Most tourists stay in Zone 1, but the reality is that few Londoners can afford to live in this pricey area. The one exception would be Shoreditch/Whitechapel and the Citizen M here is one of my favourite London hotels .

If Shoreditch doesn’t take your fancy, Zone 2 is much more realistic. Luckily, there are some really great accommodation options here.

I recommend Fulham – my old haunt – if you want a cute, village feel that’s fun to explore but close the action. The Chelsea Harbour Hotel is an upmarket retreat just minutes from King’s Road, one of my favourite places to shop.

If you’re into nightlife but want to hit the local spots, the only place to stay is Clapham. Try The Windmill On The Common for quintessential British pub vibes.

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About Jodie Marie Dewberry

Jodie has been travelling the world full time since 2017, sharing the most unique places in the world along with tips for living as a digital nomad. She is a passionate wildlife photographer and has worked with a number of prominent travel brands, including airlines, tourism boards, hotels and tour operators.

4 thoughts on “London Like A Local: 11 Non Touristy Things To Do In London, UK”

Amazing photos! xo

http://www.eatlovemerry.com

Thank you, Ting!

I’ve always seen that museum late nights were possible in London and for some reason, even in two years of living there, I still haven’t been in the evening – what a shame! I haven’t been to the Barbian Conservatory either, next up on my list for sure, thank you for sharing! :)

Nice blog! Thanks for sharing non touristy things to do in london.

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The London Local

The Insider's Guide To Visiting London

20+ Crazy Fun Things to Do in London in 2023 (Curious, Quirky & Cool!)

I know there are many people who talk about fun things to do in London . Yet, my goal today is not to talk about famous London attractions . I’ve written quite a few articles about the best things to do in Central London already. For instance, I’ve written about the best free things to do in London when you’re absolutely broke. I also focus a lot on things to do in London by area on The London Local, including Bethnal Green , Brick L a ne , Shoreditch , or even lately Hampstead Heath . In this article, I’m going to be focusing on cool things to do in London in 2023. 

That includes some exhibitions , some absolutely tremendous cemeteries, and some very fashionable museums and art collections. Of course, I know you are looking for the best things to do in London at night and cheap activities . I mean, we are not all very rich when we live in London – far from it.

20+ Crazy Fun Things to Do in London in 2023 (Curious, Quirky & Cool!)

When I talk about cool things to do in London, I have a very specific idea of what cool, quirky, and curious mean.  It is not enough to look for the best free things to do in London if you’re going to be finding yourself at the Tate Modern and the usual walk around Covent Garden and Regent Street up to Oxford Circus. There’s so much more that I want to share with you, even amazing things to do in London tomorrow, during the weekend, or at night. Before we get started, you might like to take a look at these guides I’ve written for you to find them the top things to do in London:

• the best things to do in London for free (when you’re broke af),
•  and the best cheap things to do in London alone

If you’re just feeling like shopping a different way, how about discovering the best Japanese shops in London ? I’ve broken them down for you so you can find the coolest Japanese stationery, makeup brands, snacks, and much more!

City Exploration Games by CityDays

The ultimate London experience for urban adventurers If you’re looking for an immersive day out in London full of fun challenges, then a CityDays exploration game could be just the thing! Not only do you get to explore some of London’s hidden secrets and historic landmarks whilst solving an array of riddles and clues, you also get to stop in top-rated cafes, pubs and bars along the way (some of which will give you a discount if you let them know that you’re on a CityDays hunt!). CityDays have 8 different treasure and scavenger hunts to choose from – The City, Greenwich Guile, A Forbidden Fayre, Secrets of the Squares, Mysterious Mews, A Rift In Time, All Gone South and Shoreditch Shuffle.

The Secret City offers 8 different treasure and scavenger hunts to choose from – The City, Greenwich Guile, A Forbidden Fayre, Secrets of the Squares, Mysterious Mews, A Rift In Time, All Gone South and Shoreditch Shuffle.

CityDays – Mystery Walks of London

Location: Various starting locations depending on which experience you book Price: From £15 per person

🐣 Visiting London for Easter?

Check out our guide for the best things to do in London this Easter ! Including Easter Egg hunts for the kids, tasty themed afternoon teas and classic London Easter traditions .

Have a Harry Potter Themed Afternoon Tea

Interactive afternoon tea for two at wands and wizards exploratorium.

Indulge in a magical and interactive afternoon tea at the Wizard Exploratorium in Soho. You’ll be invited to select a magic wand and then lead to an interactive work station where you’ll brew your teas. The magic wand also controls your afternoon tea stand which is filled with a carefully curated selection of delicious sandwiches, desserts and a traditional English scone for each ‘wizard’.

The main Wizards afternoon tea is aimed at adults and older children from ages 12+. If you are looking to take younger children, you can book in for a Little Wizards Afternoon Tea designed for ages 5-11. University students can get a 20% discount on specific dates and times.

Arcane Afternoon Tea for Two – Wands and Wizard Exploratorium

Location: 26 Greek Street, London, W1D 5DE View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Leicester Square Price: £42 per adult (ages 12+), £32 per child (ages 5-11), £33.60 University Students

DISCOUNT CODE – 10% OFF Potion Making Experience

Use code Magical_Potions to get 10% off all Potion Making experiences booked in March 2023 *End Date: 31st March 2023*

Birdies Battersea

If you are looking for really fun things to do in London, I think you should take a look at Battersea. I feel like this is one of the most underrated areas of London, and under the tunnel, at Battersea Power Station, you can find Birdies.  This is a totally undescribable mini-golf course focused on the most unforgettable features that a golf course in London could have.

I’m talking great menu for food, I’m talking 9 holes, I’m talking super instagrammable golf course.  I’ve never been that much of a golf lover, to be honest. That is not one of the things in London I would choose to do when with friends. However, Birdies is so instagrammable, so actually absurd… I still recommend it to you as one of the fun things to do in London this weekend, or during the week . If you want to eat great street food in London far from the famous London attractions and landmarks,  Birdies in Battersea will definitely make for a good time.

Location: 6 Arches Lane, Nine Elms, SW11 8AB View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Battersea Power Station Price: Adult Peak £12 | Adult Off Peak £8 | Children £6

Fun Things to do in London: Monopoly Lifesized

I spotted the Monopoly Lifesized game while walking from Fitzrovia to Tottenham Court Road one day. This is not one of the cheap things to do in London, far from it, actually. However, when you get the chance to play Monopoly in real life, can you really look at the price?  You could definitely spend a day in London shopping in one of the cheap shopping centers , for instance, or going to one of the amazing art galleries. You could go to one of the famous London parks and visit instagrammable bridges like Albert Bridge or Tower Bridge.  But then, if you really want to have some good fun, Monopoly Lifesized is your immersive destination.

If you’ve played Monopoly before, you already know what the deal is. You’re going to play on your feet, buying properties, solving mysteries, and competing against the clock. In 80 minutes, you need to have won the game. There are 4 life-sized boards to choose from and they will cost you from £49 per adult and from £25 for a junior. Forget about the usual London sightseeing because Monopoly Lifesized is one of your ultimate top things to do in London this weekend. 

Monopoly Lifesized

Location: 213-215 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7PS View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Goodge Street Price: From £49 per person

Fun Things to do in London: Visit Roller Nation

The reason why I don’t like golf that much is the same reason I don’t really like roller skating.  It’s not that much of a matter of not liking , it’s more that I suck at roller skating. However, Roller Nation, a roller-skating nightclub in Tottenham , is one of the best things to do in London in 2023. It goes beyond any fun you could have in the city if you just don’t mind going all the way to Tottenham.

This is one of the most amazing venues for cheap date ideas in London, for instance . To be fair, when you can have that much fun, you don’t really mind spending a few more stations on the tube. You can either meet with friends there, plan a hen party, or just go solo, you know.  If you’re looking for the best things to do in London at night , for sure, Roller Nation is one of them. Basically, it is described as a nightclub on skates. Yet, I’d like to highlight the fact that if you’re looking for the best street food in London , Roller Nation is it .

Roller Nation

Location: 117 Bruce Grove, N17 6UR View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Bruce Grove Price: From £10 per person

Otherworld: Virtual Reality in London

Otherworld is one of the other amazing things to do in London this weekend, during the week, or in the evening. It was mentioned in many famous publications, such as BBC, The Times, The Evening Standard, or even Vogue.  We don’t often talk about cool things to do in East London other than going out in Hackney or going to dinner in one of the best halal restaurants in East London, for instance. But I’ve always been an East London girl, even when I was living in Seven Sisters, up north.

Otherworld is one of the London attractions that focuses on virtual reality . I think I speak for many of us when I say that when we’re looking for fun things to do in London, we’re looking for something that’s gonna knock us off our feet . The London crowd is a demanding one, and that’s definitely the place where you can have an otherworldly experience. You can go on your own or with friends, turn yourselves into avatars, and just ride the wave of the adventure stream in London. I’m talking immersion, I’m talking virtual, and extreme relaxation and fun in the midst of the city.

Location: 336 Acton Mews, E8 4EA View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Haggerston Price: From £14

God’s Own Junkyard

I remember the first time I ever visited God’s Own Junkyard near Walthamstow. This full neon gallery and shop is one of the best free London attractions . I was a make-up artist when I first visited it, and just so you know, you cannot take a professional camera or a reflex when you go visit God’s Own Junkyard. Only phone pictures are allowed. We’re not talking about the best free things to do in Central London as Walthamstow is located far East. However, if you don’t go, you’re going to regret it big time. Especially since it’s free, folks. God’s Own Junkyard is full of neon signs, movie props, controversial objects, and amazing neon lights. Basically, Chris Bracey, God’s Own Junkyard’s owner has been creating art for the likes of David Lachapelle and Martin Creed for almost 40 years. The place is absolutely one of the most aesthetic places in London. There’s even a small independent coffee shop inside, where the cakes are decadent.

Location: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, London E17 9HQ View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Wood Street Price: FREE ENTRY!

Luna Cinema: Outdoor Cinema in London

Luna Cinema is a company that provides an amazing open-air cinema experience in London. They focus on drive-in and open-air cinema , which means you can even watch a movie outdoors in London. Without a doubt, it’s one of the top things to do in London at night with you r other half or with friends after work. It’s not only a company that works in London since Luna Cinema is a moving attraction across the UK. At the moment, of course, since it’s cold, the Luna Cinema is closed. However, you can still follow them on social media or see straight on their website when they’re going to reopen and what kind of movies are going to be screened.  These are mostly classic movies showing in this open air cinema in London , including Dirty dancing and the likes of Pretty Woman. Not only will you pay £15 for a great classic movie but the setting is bound to be exceptional , like the Geffrye Museum and Kensington Gardens. The Luna Cinema tops all London attractions when you want to create memories with your best friends or with the city of London herself .

Location: Various locations across London Nearest Station: Various locations across London Price: Prices start from £19.50 per person

Swingers Crazy Golf – Fun things to do in Londons West End

If you’re looking for unique date ideas in London, I would suggest passing by the Swingers Crazy Golf. Basically, each game lasts about 30 minutes and this is one of the most instagrammable places in London . Also, if you are a sucker for the best street food in London, you will find Patty & Bun, Pizza Pilgrims, and Crosstown Doughnuts at Swingers Crazy Golf.  That’s a true London experience, given how quirky it is and how blown off you’re going to be when you spend time there. It is true that London has always been an aesthetic place, with its skyscrapers and mix of the old and the new. But now, it seems that most of the cool things to do in London are based on Instagram . I would say that spending date night at the Swingers Crazy Golf (which has since then moved away from its Shoreditch warehouse) is one of the most fun things to do in London. Not only are you going to spend an amazing evening, but you’re going to eat well and you’re going to go to sleep with amazing memories.  Much like any of the best London attractions, right?  So if you’ve never gone mini-golfing before, that’s a place you should visit.

Swingers Crazy Golf

Location: 15 John Prince’s Street, W1G 0AB Nearest Station: Oxford Circus Price: £13.50 per person

Fun Things to do in London: Upside Down House

If you’re looking for amazing things to do in London, then one of the best activities I can recommend this year is visiting the Upside Down House at Westfield White City. The Upside Down house arrived in London last year, and it’s the exact replica of a home flipped upside down. There are already Upside Down houses in other United Kingdom cities like Manchester, Bristol, and another city I adore – Brighton. Aside from very overrated famous London attractions, it’s great to know that you can live street art and entertainment another way in the city. I don’t know if you are familiar with Westfield White City: it’s one of the most famous shopping centers in London. There, you can find great brands like Inglot, M&S, and even high-end brands to shop for clothes, perfume, makeup, electronics, and much, much more. 

It seems that more and more activities and installations in London are made for Instagram. To be honest, the Upside Down House is one of the most instagrammable places in London . It is not one of the free things to do in London as the ticket costs £5 per person, while kids under 3 go for free.  However, it is indeed one of the cheap things to do in London at the moment. If you pay attention to your Instagram feed, that’s one of the aesthetic places in London you are going to want to regram . For sure, you’re going to capture some crazy good pictures at the Upside Down House. It makes for an amazing cheap date idea in London whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or a couple.

Upside Down House – Westfield

Location: Westfield Square, Ariel Way, W12 7GF View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Wood Lane Price: £5 per person

Go to a Pancake Art Cafe – Fun things to do in London with the Kids

The first time I came across the Pancake Art Cafe was actually last year. I know that when I talk to you about it, and if you have children or a child, you’re going to want to visit straight away. If you’re ever around Camden ( which, if you like aesthetic places in London, you’re bound to be ),  the Pancake Art Cafe is one of the independent coffee shops in London you’ll want to spend an afternoon at. No one is telling you to actually make pancake art if you don’t want to. But you can definitely get one of the best hot chocolates in London in this cafe. However, I have come to put more value in things I do by myself rather than things prepared by other people for me. If you’re like me, creating your own colorful pancake is something you’re gonna love to do . A few days ago, I wrote about the best instagrammable cafes in London to get your pink latte fix. Although that’s not a coffee shop where you can get a pink latte , you can definitely get an aesthetic matcha latte at the Pancake Art Cafe. That makes for one of the best date ideas in London, and one of the best things to do in London tomorrow, during the week, or this weekend. I would recommend you to go see the Camden street art, go shopping at the best charity shops , and finish the afternoon with a break at the Pancake Art Cafe . For sure, you’re going to go back home with great memories.

Pancake Art Café – Camden

Location: 3 Water Lane Arch, NW1 8NZ7 View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Camden Road Price: £25.00 per person

Go on a London rooftop

One of the best things to do in London will always be to go on a rooftop. There are quite a few rooftops that I’ve talked about. From some of them, you can see the view and from others, you will just enjoy the presence of the city in the background as you’re having drinks and eating the best street food in London . It’s not all about sightseeing when I talk about the best things to do in London, actually. It’s about being able to share evenings with friends, and family experiences with the best backgrounds in the city. When I’m talking rooftops in London, I can give you a few examples that will leave you dumbfounded, including:

• The famous Sky Garden in the Walkie-Talkie building
• The Greenwich Observatory
• The top of the Tate Modern 
• The Fen Court Rooftop at Monument (pictured above)
• The rooftop garden at New Change

I will dedicate a full article to London rooftops and you best believe that is one of the best free things to do in London . The best part is you don’t even need to pay for most of them, whether it’s a garden or one of the skyscrapers in London. 

Fun Things to do in London: Harbour Quay Gardens

I know that when we live in the city, one of the things that we miss the most is the fact that there are not that many beaches in London . There are water points, there are lakes – artificial and natural, there are natural reserves… but I often miss the feeling of a real beach in London.  Well, I’m here today to tell you about Harbour Quay Gardens. Located in Wood Wharf, Harbour Quay Gardens is a long boardwalk built along the water. When it’s spring and summer, taking a walk in this very clean piece of quiet is one of the best free things in London you can do with your other half or with your family.  I actually feel very inspired whenever I am near the water, and I cannot recommend enough ditching the famous London attractions for an afternoon at Harbour Quay Gardens . You can even have a picnic there, read the book or just chill while other people are passing by. There is also fitness equipment right on the Harbour Quay Gardens, and many people come to train here when it gets all sunny and warm. 

Harbour Quay Gardens – Canary Wharf

Location: Harbour Quay, E14 9ZX View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Canary Wharf

Go to the decadent Wallace Museum

If you’re looking for the best free things to do in London and you’re getting kind of tired of all the famous museums , I would recommend visiting the Wallace Museum. The Wallace Collection was built between the 18th and 19th centuries and it is all about fine arts, fine furniture, armor and arms, and everything paintings and sculpture dating back to those centuries. This is even one of the cool things to do in London tomorrow if you have a day off . It used to be a private collection owned by the marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, and it was transferred to the British nation in 1897.  There are countless exhibitions and events held at the Wallace Museum, and to be fair, it might very well be one of the most instagrammable museums in London . If you like aesthetic places and are keen on being brought back in time, this all golden and burgundy gallery is one of the too underrated London attractions.

Wallace Museum London Art Gallery

Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Bond Street Price: FREE ENTRY!

Visit The Chocolate Factory

It always gets better in the city when it comes to cool things to do in London. Next up on my list is visiting the Chocolate Factory in Westfield . I bet you didn’t even know there was a Chocolate Factory in London, right? It is definitely one of the best London attractions in 2023, and it is to tally built on Instagram fame. You can go with friends, solo, or with your family and visit various rooms that revolve around sweetness, cakes, and lollipops all blended together. What is super cool is that the Chocolate Factory is one of the London attractions that run challenges and competitions on their social media and allows you to win various prizes. If you’re looking for fun things to do in London this weekend and you don’t want to go sightseeing, spend an hour at this wonderland.  Rooms there are called Chocolate Town, Lollipop Forest, or the likes of Cupcake Room.   Everything around you is built for you to take amazing selfies. If you were planning in going to Westfield Shepherd’s Bush this weekend or tomorrow, why not book a ticket for the Chocolate Factory as well?  Not only will you be able to experience one of the best cheap things to do in London, but you will also be able to eat sweets and chocolate in this ethereal space . It might very well be one of the best things to do with kids in London in 2023 and I would recommend not to miss the opportunity. It’s fun, family-friendly, and everything you’d expect from the city’s curiosity.

The Chocolate Factory

Location: 1st Floor Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GF View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Wood Lane

Visit the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition

For some reason, the top things to do in central London often seem to revolve around Covent Garden . Many times I have walked around the area and found amazing independent coffee shops, bakeries, and even skincare brands that I really love like The Ordinary. Covent Garden is also home to some of the best stationery shops in London like Kikki K.  Just a few minutes’ walk from Covent Garden, on Wellington Street, is one of your best things to do in London this weekend, namely t he Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition .  Although I am a die-hard Potterhead and a Ravenclaw at that, I too have gotten a bit tired of Harry Potter. Above all of the messy fame that the Harry Potter franchise has garnered over the last years, starting with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition is somewhat a different type of London attraction. If you would like to learn Harry Potter film facts, that’s a journey you’re going to want to take.  It’s not going to be one of the cheap things to do in London, since a ticket for an adult retails for £20 online. However, you’re going to be able to ride a broom, go home with a Harry Potter-style ID, and even go to a Butterbeer Bar.  I have been to the Harry Potter Warner Bros studios in Leavesden more than once, and I have always enjoyed the experience very much. This might very well be your chance to live the Harry Potter craze one more time without having to go all the way to the studios – straight in the heart of London.

Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition at The London Film Museum

Location: London Film Museum, 45 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BN View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Covent Garden Price: £20 Adult, £14 Child (discounts available on family tickets)

Go full-on kid at Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch

If you are into fun things to do in London such as a crazy golf background or neon exhibitions,  then you will love Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch.  This is a London experience that is totally built on quirkiness and reflects the colorful area of Shoreditch . Ballie Ballerson is about colorful ball pits like the ones we used to jump in when we were kids. The goal is to give adults amazing things to do in London at night, and what’s better than jumping around in a colorful ball pool without the fear to be judged ? No one’s telling you that you can’t go London sightseeing during the day but during the night, you can get amazing street food at Ballie Ballerson and enjoy a colorful venue. Plus, if you are an Instagram freak and love finding aesthetic places in London, Ballie Ballerson provides the energy you need to go through the night with your friends or your partner.   That’s definitely one of the best cheap date ideas in London since a ticket is £7.50. I’ve written about the best coffee shops in Shoreditch to work, relax, or study a few days ago. I would totally recommend spending the day working or cramming your exams in one of these London cafes, especially Powerhouse Coffee on Curtain Road since Ballie Ballerson is located on the same street. One of the best fun things to do in London tomorrow, or this weekend.

Ballie Ballerson – Shoreditch

Location: 97-113 Curtain Road, EC2A 3BS View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Shoreditch High Street Price: From £4 per person

Fun Things to do in London: Go to a rooftop park

Among the best things to do in London, I don’t know how I could leave out spending time at a rooftop in London. There are many more than you could ever imagine. Actually, London rooftops will be the topic of an upcoming guide on The London Local. Can you imagine that a lot of them are actually free London attractions?  One of the best-known rooftops in London is – of course – Skygarden. Located at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, it garners immense popularity because of its free access. Yet, another one of the great rooftops in London is the Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf.  Canary Wharf has always been one of my favorite areas in London. To think that you can spend time at this free rooftop garden is breathtaking. Not only is the pathway there decorated with greenery and plants from all around the world, but it’s also quiet . Plus, it’s a very romantic place if you’re looking for cheap date ideas in London. The Crossrail Place Roof Garden is located at the top of the Canary Wharf shopping center. This one I already mentioned in my guide about the best places for cheap shopping in London . If you want to know where to go shopping on the cheap in London, that’s one of the spots.  This roof garden might be one of the most instagrammable places in London. There are lots of hidden pathways and corners in the Crossrail Place roof garden. Opening times? It’s open every day until 9 pm (until sunset during the summer). The plus? If you’re looking for fun things to do in London, lots of events and shows take place at the Crossrail Place roof garden all year round . One of the best secret London attractions. 

Go to an instagrammable cafe in London

You guys have really enjoyed my guide to the most instagrammable cafes in London for your pink latte fix. I mean, who doesn’t love colorful latte? Soon enough, I’ll write about the most instagrammable cafes in London. We’re talking pink cafes like El&n Cafe, flowers everywhere like Saints Aymes…  For me, a freelance writer , spending time at one of the best cafes in London to work and study is one of the best things to do in London. It’s not free, but when you go to an instagrammable cafe, you’re actually very happy to pay the price. Because they’re picture-perfect, the prices usually follow.  However, as in many parts of London, a latte shouldn’t cost more than £4 or £5. Which is expensive but still worth it. And balanced when you compare those cafes to non-IG-friendly cafes in Central London . So, you know. If you’re looking for the best things to do in London, I would recommend one of those instagrammable cafes. El&n Cafe probably being the first.

Saint Aymes – Instagrammable cafe

Location: 59 Connaught St, St George’s Fields, W2 2BB View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Marble Arch

Visit the cemetery parks in London

Back when I used to live in Mile End, I was literally 5 minutes away from the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. In France, we have a very different cemetery culture than the United Kingdom has. For instance, we wouldn’t consider mixing the words cemetery and park . It’s just not a thing. Except maybe for the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris where lots of famous people are buried.  Well, I’ve found that one of the best free things to do in London is to visit the cemetery parks. To be fair, it makes for a nice walk and a quiet moment, although I wouldn’t recommend it in a list of cheap date ideas in London. Just a bit creepy, innit?  The Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is one of the “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries in London. It’s completely free to access, huge, beautiful, and there are even some colorful benches there. I’d say the best thing to do is to spot the names and dates on the tombs. Since it’s a cemetery park, the fauna and flora remain untouched. They’re pure and green, with great trees towering over the tombs and the occasional ray of sunlight breaking through. Absolutely worthy of any plan for your day of London sightseeing, if you’re looking for free things to do in London.   In case you’re wondering, the other cemetery parks in London are:

• Nunhead Cemetery
• Brompton Cemetery
• Abney Park Cemetery
• Kensal Green Cemetery
• West Norwood Cemetery
• And the very famous Highgate Cemetery

All these cemetery parks in London look a bit alike, but actually – no, they don’t . They all feature that beautiful nature in London, that’s for sure. However, they all have their own personality. Some look more like city cemeteries, while others are true natural attractions in London. 

Do a tour of fun statues in London

I love finding new fun statues in London. That’s one of the coolest free things to do in London, no doubt about it. When I talk about the most famous statues in London, of course, I’d include memorial statues and sculptures. But unless you’re a history freak , that’s not the kind of London attraction I want to recommend.  I’m talking about fun statues in London that represent movie or cartoon characters, for instance . So that would be Leicester Square statues, implemented a few years ago in one of the most famous areas of London. Just a stone’s throw away from Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, you can find statues of famous people and characters, including:

• A Mary Poppins statue
• A Harry Potter statue
• A Mr. Bean statue
• A Batman statue
• A Paddington bear statue, 
• And a Charlie Chaplin statue, among others.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in London at night, that’s one of them. At night, the Leicester Square statues get all lit up . That makes them very unusual and quirky characters to have in your Instagram feed, for instance. And that’s definitely one of the fun things to do in London with kids too.  If you’re with kids, you might love Holland Park (inside which is nestled the famous secret Kyoto Garden ). There, you’ll find several statues and sculptures. That includes a giant wrinkled yellow apple , a sculpture of a walking man, and a giant chessboard built right on the ground. How’s that for London sightseeing?

See the London views from secret places

I know that when you look for London attractions, one thing you’re expecting to see is the beautiful London views. There are quite a few places in London where you can spot amazing views. I’d start with the famous Primrose Hill sunset , for instance. You can also spot the amazing view at Hampstead Heath , still in the London parks register. If you’d like to spot the London views closer to the center, these are some places I can recommend:

• At the top of the Garden Museum
• The Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf
• The Madison Bar
• Ratcliff Beach in Bermondsey

Those are all great spots to see the London views. FYI, Ratcliff Beach in Bermondsey is not really a beach, but it does provide amazing views of Canary Wharf. Going to this secret beach in London is one of the best things to do in the summer. It doesn’t matter that the actual “beach” isn’t that pretty – nor sandy. But this place, like the whole Bermondsey, Wapping, and Limehouse seashores is amazing. Especially when you can spot the London skyline under the burning sunset sky. 

Visit an ethnic market – Brixton Market

There’s nothing I like doing more than learning about other cultures. One of the cool things to do in London, since it’s such a melting pot , is to learn and taste other cultures. I mean, what is the best way to discover a new mindset, other than through food?  The ethnic market you should definitely include in your London sightseeing plans is Brixton Market . That’s one of the very best markets in London , if I may say so. There, you can buy absolutely pure shea butter in London, for instance, along with other great hair products and ethnic food. Since Brixton is such a young and lively place, there is lots of street art all around the station , and lots of cool things to do in London at night in this area of South London. I’m talking about some of the best street food in London, some amazing independent shops and brands for hair, fashion, and many events scattered all throughout the year.  Brixton Market, in Brixton Village, is an African slash Caribbean market. There, you’ll find all the necessary fresh and pantry ingredients to make jerk chicken, for instance, or mafe – both incredible dishes. You don’t even need to buy anything if you want to keep it one of the best free things to do in London. But I guarantee you’ll want to taste some of that amazing street food.   Unlike many other activities you’ll do while London sightseeing, Brixton Market is a breath of fresh air in the hustle and bustle of the super structured London life. It’s lively, colorful, tasty, and culturally richer than any other area of the city. I’d even go as far as saying it might be cooler to spend an afternoon there than in most famous London attractions.

Brixton Market

Location: Electric Ave, SW9 8JX View on Google Maps Nearest Station: Clapham Common

Go see the cherry blossom (from March)

I will write a post about the best places in London to see the cherry blossom, come spring. There are countless areas where you can take super instagrammable photos with cherry trees blossoming all around London . It’s actually one of the best free things to do in London when the weather is warming up nicely and to be honest, I look forward to this season every year. Among the best places to see cherry blossom in London, I can list quite a few. That includes Notting Hill, Hampstead Heath, and Battersea Park. Stanley Crescent is one very famous street in West London to see the cherry blossom too. There, plenty of influencers take cherry blossoms pictures that you then see on social media. If you’re located in East London, you can see the cherry blossom at Aldgate Square , for instance. I would recommend going to get a filling breakfast at Grounded or Dolce Coffee. Then, start walking down towards Whitechapel and Fenchurch Street.  There, on the right, you will see an amazing little square with a church and very fairytale-like cherry blossom trees . Mark it down as it’s going to be one of the best things to do in London in 2023. You would not want to miss the beautiful flowers in bloom .

So there you have them, the best things to do in London in 2023. I’ve included quite a big chunk of free things to do in London . Yet, I do know that some amazing activities that the city brings to us have to be paid for. To be honest, I’m very much okay with paying for London attractions that do not break the bank . And for activities that are really different from anything we’ve ever seen in London . I’ve never agreed with the fact that paying for the London Eye was a thing. And I think I never will .  I’ve tried to include some cool things to do in London at night. Most you can do without having a big budget at hand . Whether you’re looking for places to chill this weekend or during the week after work, those are my best bets. That should help you make the most of your London sightseeing experience. It’s all about learning about history, monuments, and famous landmarks. But London is much more than that . It’s about reaching out to other populations and cultures, to the past and the present, and broadening your horizons.  If you’d like to learn more about other cultures, I’d suggest taking a look at the best halal Malaysian restaurants in London . Or, why not, the best vegan bakeries for cakes and cupcakes , or the cutest cat cafes in London ! Those are definitely some of the best things to do in London, and I know you’ll enjoy the ride!

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Hidden Gems in London | 21 non touristy things to do in London

Looking for the best things to do in London, but you’ve already checked off all of the major attractions and iconic London landmarks like Trafalgar Square or Covent Garden? Well, luckily as a born and bred Londoner, I have a few ideas! That said, to create a cracking list of the best non-touristy things to do in London, we asked some leading travel bloggers to send their secret spots. So, if you are wanting some inspiration on what to do when you’re next in the big smoke, check out our list of the top 21 must-visit hidden gems in London.

Our Top 10 non-touristy things to do in London

Now you’ve got a laundry list as long as your arm, full of the best non-touristy things to do in London to read ahead. But, if you had to absolutely pin us down and select just ten hidden gems in London, these are the ones that make the list:

House of MinaLima

Little venice, leadenhall market, hampstead heath pergola and hill garden, highgate cemetery, the banqueting house.

• Kayak Tour of the Thames
• Eat Pie, Mash and Liquor

All Hallows by the Tower Church

Read next: Want to get the best London quote for your amazing photos at these hidden gems? Check out these awesome quotes about London .

Gods Own Junkyard

Explored by Liliane from My Toronto, My World

London is full of amazing things to do and one of the best hidden gems in London is Gods Own Junkyard.

The store is the brainchild of Chris Bracey who was an artist who specialised in neon light creations. Gods Own Junkyard is a neon sign heaven, filled from top to bottom with different coloured, different sized neon signs that will grant all your photography wishes. It’s easily one of the most instagrammable places in London which you can tell by the number of people/groups having mini photo shoots inside this secret London gem.

It’s a smaller space and with people aiming for the perfect picture it does get busy and so I’d recommend going earlier in the day to try to avoid some of the crowds. It’s important to be respectful and make sure that everyone gets access – this means don’t hog any of the spots for longer periods of time!

Gods Own Junkyard is open to the public on the weekend. On Fridays and Saturdays it’s open between 11am and 9pm and on Sundays it’s open between 11am and 6pm. It’s completely free to visit but you can buy something to support the business either from the store or from the cafe within the store.

Location: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, Walthamstow, London United Kingdom

Open: Fridays and Saturdays 11.00am to 9.00pm, Sundays 11.00am to 6.00pm – closed during the week!

Explored by Paul from Anywhere We Roam

Highgate Cemetery in north London originally opened in 1839 as a response to London’s severe lack of burial sites. With its unique Victorian gothic architecture and a prime elevated position overlooking London, it soon became the hottest place to be buried for the wealthy upper class.

Healthy investment by London’s elite was encouraged, which saw staggering monuments occupy the small hilly plot of land. By the start of the First World War, however, Britain lost its sympathy with high-end burials and Highgate cemetery fell into serious disrepair.

Overgrown trees and decaying Victorian gothic monuments gave Highgate a creepy feel which made it a pop fiction icon for ghost stories, mysteries and other other-worldly anecdotes.

Now under the guardian of a group of charities, Highgate Cemetery is atmospheric and beautiful and much less creepy. On a stroll through the cemetery you’ll find some big names now calling this place home. Douglas Adams, author of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy has a subtle gravestone, while Patrick Caulfield’s simply reads “DEAD.” The most famous resident is Karl Marx with his huge bust.

The cemetery is split into 2 sections. The East cemetery, where Karl Marx is buried, is in a more orderly condition and visitors can stroll around on their own after paying a small entrance fee (4.50 GBP/5.50 USD). The West cemetery contains the most impressive architectural features and the still overgrown sinuous paths create a far more evocative feel.

Location: Swain’s Lane, Highgate, London

Open: 10.00am to 5.00pm daily

Explored by Laura from What’s Hot?

Right in the heart of London’s Soho and a stone’s throw away from the Cursed Child theatre is House of MinaLima, a free Harry Potter gallery in London.

Whilst many won’t be familiar with the names Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, Harry Potter fans will undoubtedly be familiar with their work. This pair are the graphic designers for the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films including iconic items such as the Marauders Map, the Daily Prophet, the Quibbler and more.

The gallery showcases the very best of their work and quickly reveals just how intricate a world the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is. Many of the items they’ve designed won’t be ones you’d really notice in the films, but without them the magical world portrayed would be much less vibrant. Some of the designs by Mina and Lima that can be viewed at the House of MinaLima include the wrappers for all the sweets in Honeydukes, the “WANTED” posters for Azkaban escapees and the covers of the Hogwarts textbook.

It’s a tall, narrow building with winding staircases and creaky floorboards. Pretty much every wall, floor and ceiling are covered in their designs and the full floor Marauders Map is  something not to miss!

This gallery is an absolute must for those looking for all things  Harry Potter in London  and, again, this gallery is completely free. What’s more, you can buy a copy of every single print on show, with different price tiers depending on what ink is used, so you can take home some of these magical designs on your way out. 

Location: 26 Greek St, Soho, London

Open: 10.30am to 7.00pm daily

Interested in a Harry Potter guided tour? Check out this option.

Explored by Jamie & Ivana from Wander In Two

Brick Lane may not be referred to as a hidden gem, especially by London locals, however, it can often be overlooked by anyone visiting the nation’s capital city.

Having lived in London for five years, we often found ourselves visiting Brick Lane every other Sunday morning to soak up the authentic London atmosphere.

Also known as the Truman Market, Brick Lane is actually made up of 5 different markets which you can find nestled in the nitty-gritty of the iconic East End of London.

If you are there as a couple, with family or friends, or even if you just fancy a solo stroll or peruse, then you will find that the 5 markets will literally cater to all tastes.

We would suggest you head to the Sunday UpMarket first, which will literally grab you by the nostrils as you pass by anyway, to enjoy some of the delicious street food on offer.

From there you should head down to the depths of the Vintage Market to see if you can find nostalgic clothing from your past before taking a hop, skip and a jump over to the Backyard Market to check out the arts and crafts on offer.

If you are into looking for antiques to take home as a souvenir or to buy as a gift, then you will be delighted to know there are some diamonds in the rough at the Brick Lane Tearooms.

To round up your experience you should pop your head into the Boiler House and grab another snack from the road. There are lots of international dishes on offer so no one should leave Brick Lane with an unsatisfied stomach.

Location: Brick Lane, London, United Kingdom

Read next: Thinking of other places to visit in the UK? Why not check out the best things to do in Cornwall …

Kayak along the Thames

Explored by Eniko from Travel Hacker Girl

Sightseeing in London by kayak  is a really unique experience. You will be able to see all the major attractions from the surface of the iconic river Thames.

The tour follows the tidal flow making paddling all that much easier. The section between Greenwich and Battersea Park is full of famous landmarks. You will pass by Cutty Sark, the Tower of London, HMS Belfast (a light cruiser from the Royal Navy that served in World War II), St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and the Mi6 building. The highlight of the trip is paddling under Tower Bridge.

You will even have the chance to get your photo taken by the guides. You can keep this epic shot, which will be a nice memory of the good times you had in the city. During this trip, you will cover 17 km in under 3 hours. It is also possible to do this tour in the evening and see what the city looks like with the lights on.

Either way, you will have an unforgettable experience if you decide to explore London by a kayak. 

Explored by Nisha from Nerdy Footsteps

Just a few minutes away from one of the busiest train stations in London, Paddington, Little Venice feels like a different world altogether. This lush and green area deserves a spot on your secret gems in London list.

This primarily residential area has some waterways and canals running through it and hence the name. While Little Venice doesn’t resemble Venice much, it certainly adds a new chilled flavour to the bustling city of London. The waterways and reflections from the greenery around make the view fresh and calming. There are many cafes, wine shops, and bistros and restaurants in this area. You will even find a lot of cafes and restaurants on the bridges on the canal. While you can take a boat trip in the canals and feel like you are in Amsterdam, I would recommend strolling on the pedestrian path along the canal. Walking around the canal, you will find many traditional and quirky boats. Other attractions in the same neighbourhood include Lord’s cricket ground, Regent’s Park, and ZSL London Zoo. I recommend starting the walk from Paddington train station. Make your way along the canal and follow it all the way to the Camden Market, where you can sample a huge variety of international food options. It will take about an hour and a half if you stroll at a medium pace, enjoying the views and of course, taking enough photo breaks.

Location: Little Venice

Explored by James from The Travel Scribes

Eminently Instagrammable, Leadenhall Market – which is starting to garner fame due to the ‘gram – is definitely one of the best non-touristy things to do in London. First coming to life as a meat and fish market back in the 14 th century, this exquisite covered Victorian building got a new ruby red and green painted roof in 1881, which made it even more appealing to photographers and visitors alike.

Nowadays this market sells a bit more than a side of cod as you’ll find everything from fresh flowers to crusty, stinky cheeses as well as some charming little stores and a smattering of gastro pubs and restaurants. It’s also got another claim to fame as Harry Potter-philes will tell you that the marketplace was home to a few scenes from the movie scenes, as the film location for Diagon Alley where the students went to buy their wands and school books. It was also home to the Leaky Cauldron, a pub featured in the films.

A stone’s throw from iconic places like the Sky Garden or evenly the aptly-named skyscraper, the Gherkin, Leadenhall market is a great London hidden gem, and definitely one to visit as part of your London itinerary .

Location: Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London

Open: Mondays to Thursdays – open 24 hours, Friday 10.00am to 6.00pm, weekends – closed!

Eat Pie, Mash and Liquor at Manze’s

Explored by Sarah from A Social Nomad

There’s one thing that you’ll want to do when you visit London and that’s eat street food. And it should be the original London street food.

England’s capital grew around the River Thames, which back in the 18 th century was teeming with marine life, especially freshwater eels. That and a plentiful supply of cheap potatoes led to what was London’s original street food – pie, mash and liquor. The pies were filled with eels, mashed potato was added and the dish was finished with a hearty splash of “liquor” – a sauce made from the eel cooking water and parsley. 

As street food vendors became better off, they moved into premises – and London’s oldest original pie shop is still to be found at Manze’s in Bermondsey.

Today the eels have been replaced with minced beef (and there are vegetarian options too), but the mashed potato is still very much in evidence, as is the parsley sauce, which follows an old family recipe.

This original pie shop is a firm favourite amongst locals – there are definitely more residents than tourists visiting and if you want the proper East End London experience, then once you’ve covered your pie with the parsley liquor, sprinkle it well with salt and vinegar!

Location: 87 Tower Bridge Road, London

Open: Mondays 11.00am to 2.00pm, Tuesday to Thursdays 10.30am to 2.00pm, Fridays 10.00am to 2.15pm, Saturdays 10.00am to 2.45pm, Sundays – closed!

Explored by Erin from Traveling Thru History

All Hallows by the Tower Church is the oldest church in London. It was built in 675AD, 300 years before the Tower of London was built. Having survived a gunpowder explosion in 1650 and the Great Fire of London in 1666, All Hallows suffered catastrophic damage during World War II. Only the tower and the outer walls survived the bombings during the war, but the rest was rebuilt and rededicated in 1957. Along with the original tower and outer walls, All Hallows contains the oldest surviving Saxon arch in the city of London.

Inside the chapel, visitors will find beautiful stained glass, intricate murals, detailed sculptures and carvings, memorials dedicated to people and events, and a beautiful pipe organ. Underneath the chapel lies a crypt which houses an ancient Roman pavement that was found under the church, a diorama of London during Roman times, church registers dating back to the 16th century, ancient artefacts from the church’s history, small chapels, and an altar from the castle of Richard I that was brought from Athlit Castle in The Holy Land. 

Visiting the church is free. They recommend making a donation if the visit is not of a religious nature and charge a nominal fee for an informational pamphlet. Free guided tours are available weekdays from 2pm to 4pm, though visitors should call ahead to ensure there is a volunteer available the day they are visiting.

Location: Byward St, Tower, London

The Operating Theatre and Herb Garret

Explored by David from Delve Into Europe

The Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret is one of the best hidden places in London, located little more than a stone’s throw from London Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in London .

The original St Thomas’ Hospital was built around St Thomas Church, just off what is now Borough High Street. The church was built around 1697, and it remained in use until the early 19 th century. At this time, the upper storeys of the tower were used as a storage area for herbs used by apothecaries, and a section of it was converted into an operating theatre, complete with high seating around three sides for observers to get a good view of proceedings, amphitheatre-style.

This is the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe, indeed the only one from the 19 th century. The Theatre itself is kept until the end of the visit – first you explore the fascinating Herb Garret, complete with labelled bottles of tinctures and all kinds of contemporary concoctions. Surgical skills were at best rudimentary – the false leg on display in a glass cabinet in the Herb Garret shows you all you need to know about that.

The first anaesthetic wouldn’t be developed until 1846, so it helped that some of the walls were soundproofed so that patients’ screams couldn’t be heard.

It’s an amazing place to visit because it’s so unique, and it’s also incredibly atmospheric.

Location: 9a St Thomas St, London

Open: Mondays 2.00pm to 5.00pm, Tuesdays to Fridays 10.30am to 5.00pm, weekends 12.00pm to 4.00pm

See the deer in Richmond Park

Explored by Darek and Gosia from DarekandGosia.com

Richmond Park is the largest fenced city park in Europe with an area of up to 955 hectares. And although it is so huge, it does feel like a hidden gem in London! OK, it’s not really hidden – but the fact that it is located far away from busy centre of the capital city, makes you feel like you are in another world.

Richmond Park is located in the south of London and the easiest way to get there is by tube. Take the District Line towards Richmond and get off at the last station. You can get to the park gates after a 20-minute walk.

The park is one of four, and also the largest Royal Park in London. You can find a variety of wildlife in it and in particular admire the magnificent deer. Yes, many people visit just to watch deer in Richmond Park , but it is so massive that you don’t feel crowded at all! Little changed over the centuries – it abounds in old forests with large oaks, vast meadows, hills, tall grasses and natural lakes.

The park has several roads for traffic. Most of the pedestrian paths are gravel roads that lead through wild areas – a perfect place to ride a bike or just go for a picnic. So, is Richmond Park on your list of hidden gems in London?

Bonus: Want to head to another great hidden gem of a park in London? Check out Victoria Park in trendy Hackney. This acclaimed park has a lake, gardens, loads of walks and even a cricket pitch!

Explore Walworth

Explored by Fiona from London Unattached

If you ask anyone, even a born and bred Londoner, where Walworth is, they will probably scratch their head and look puzzled before telling you they think it is somewhere in East London. In fact, the small pocket of land that makes up Walworth sits between Elephant and Castle to the north, Kennington to the West and Camberwell to the south.

It is packed full of history, from the site of London’s second zoo and pleasure gardens at Pasley Park to Victorian artisan live-work studios and tenement flats at the Pullens buildings. These were earmarked for demolition in the 1980s but survived thanks to a ‘friendly’ occupation by local people. Today the accommodation is mostly privately owned and not connected with the studios, but there are plenty of artisan businesses still working there and open studios twice a year so everyone can buy something original that was made locally.

The birthplace of Charlie Chaplin and very much a traditional London neighbourhood still, Walworth was bombed heavily during the blitz and as a result you will find classic regency architecture in juxtaposition with 1960s social housing. 

Finally, St Peter’s Church, which you might look at and think is from a different part of London altogether, is the first church designed by Sir John Soane, built between 1823 and 1825. A Grade I listed building, it is the little sister to the better-known church at St Pancras, and to Holy Trinity Marylebone.

Top Tip: Interested in the work of Sir John Soane? Then definitely check out the Sir John Soane museum , it’s definitely a bonus addition to the list of best non touristy things to do in London!

The Hardy Tree

Explored by Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

Anyone who has ever arrived in London from France, the Netherlands or Belgium on the Eurostar train will be familiar with the St. Pancras train station. What you may not have noticed, though, is the St. Pancras Old Church, one of the oldest churches in England, which sits right next to the renowned station. The church and its peaceful churchyard offer respite from the loud bustle of the station and Camden Market nearby . A number of notable people are buried in the churchyard, including the transgender spy Chevalier d’Éon and the architect John Soane, whose mausoleum inspired the design of London’s iconic red phone booths. There are not as many graves here as there used to be, though. In the 1860s, a large section of the churchyard was dug up to make way for the train tracks of the Midland Railway line. The uprooted gravestones were lined up back to back around a big ash tree, now known as the Hardy Tree. So why is it called that? Because the English novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy, was the one tasked with dismantling and digging up the graves, and it was Hardy who decided to leave the gravestones encircling the tree. At the time, he was apprenticed to an architect in charge of the project and had not yet taken up writing. The Hardy Tree is one of the 61 trees officially recognized as Great Trees of London.

Location: Saint Pancras Gardens, London

Cruise the Thames on an old Paddle Steamer

Explored by Annabel from Smudged Postcard

The Paddle Steamer Waverley is the last sea-going paddler steamer in the world. Take a trip on the grand old ship from Tower Pier, next to the Tower of London and you’ll take in some of the less familiar sights along the River Thames.

After passing well known landmarks such as HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge, the Waverley passes the towers of Canary Wharf before heading further east. If you have the time, you can travel all the way to the mouth of the Thames but for a fascinating half day excursion, travel as far as Gravesend in Kent (burial place of Pocahontas) before hopping on a train back to centre London.

The Waverley passes luxury apartments which belie their origins as former shipping warehouses. You’ll also pass plenty of docks and warehouses still very much in use: it’s not all history and luxury living in London. Before reaching Gravesend, the Waverley passes the ominous looking Thames Barrier used to prevent flooding in central London, no doubt it will be used more and more in coming years.

There’s also plenty to see inside the Waverley. Head down into the bowels of the ship to discover the huge engine which is on full display for all to see. There’s also a café and gift shop as well as plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Tiny Paintings on Millennium Bridge

Explored by Becki from Meet Me In Departures

This is probably one of the biggest hidden gems in London, that literally thousands of people walk over every day without realising it. On most people’s London bucket list there is a walk over Millennium bridge, over the famous River Thames and to get that iconic framed shot of St Pauls Cathedral.

However, this renowned landmark also hides hundreds of little hidden gems, there are actually tiny paintings all over the bridge. Over the years, millions of feet have walked over these images, most people are unaware of. They are the brainchild of the artist, Ben Wilson.

The tiny creations are made from chewing gum, squished into the grilled texture of the bridge. This then gives a surface that the artist painstakingly paints his designs on.

The more you look, the more you see. It’s impossible to count them all, and new little pieces of urban or street art are cropping up each week. When I discovered this, it took nearly an hour to cross the bridge because there were so many to look at, and I barely scratched the surface. I remember cause havoc with the regular walkers because I kept stopping every few steps to look and photograph something new.

You’ll find aliens, spaceships, city scenes, flowers and many other tiny designs.

I love little London hidden gems like this, which are right in plain sight. Unless I was tipped off, I would never have known about them. Seriously, they are definitely worth checking out on your next trip to London.

St Dunstan’s in the East

Explored by Angie from Where Angie Wanders

One of London’s hidden secrets is the tranquil ruins of a Gothic church known as St Dunstan’s in the East.

It lies within a stone’s throw of the Tower of London but unlike its famous neighbour is not known to tourists despite its vivid history.

Established circa 1100, St Dunstan’s has certainly weathered the storm of time and has had additions and repairs made over the centuries.

The Great Fire of London in 1666 saw the church receive considerable damage and while it was initially patched up, the architect Sir Christopher Wren stepped in some years later to design the tower and steeple we can admire today.

Bombing raids on London during the second World War also took their toll. All that now remain of the original structure are the outer walls, with their stone arched windows reclaimed over time by foliage, and amazingly the tower and steeple. 

St Dunstan’s is an urban oasis for office staff that work in the skyrise buildings that engulf this tiny space. And visitors who unintentionally stumble upon its setting do not forget its allure, especially the ivy climbers that entwine themselves around the ruins.

But now this secret London gem has been shared with you, bring a sandwich, your favourite novel or even a set of paints and enjoy a respite in this magical outdoor space before you continue exploring the myriad of other great  things to discover in London .

Location: St, Dunstan’s Hill, London

Open: 8.00am to 7.00pm daily

Explored by Ella from ManyMoreMaps

Tucked away just behind the Houses of Parliament and a few minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace, the Banqueting House is often overlooked by tourists in favour of the more famous nearby attractions. However, for any British history enthusiasts, the Banqueting House is a must-see, and one of the secret buildings in London you have to add to your list.

The Banqueting House is the only remaining part of the Palace of Whitehall, where the British royal family resided between 1530 and 1698. Completed in 1622 by designer Inigo Jones, the Banqueting House saw countless royal receptions, ceremonies and performances take place within its walls. Undoubtedly, the reason to visit the Banqueting House is to marvel at its famed ceiling, celebrating the reign of James I. It was painted by revered Flemish painter Peter Paul Reubens, and, remarkably, survived both the Great Fire of London in 1666 and The Blitz in the 1940’s. Beanbags are scattered across the floor so you can sit back on one and listen to the audio guide as you inspect the ceiling.

The Banqueting House also has a darker history. It was on a platform outside the Banqueting House where King Charles I was executed in 1649. It was also in the Banqueting House 11 years later that Charles II (Charles I’s son) was restored to the throne.

Tickets, which include an audio guide, cost 7.50 GBP (9.25 USD), and you should allow yourself 45 minutes to look around.

Location: Whitehall, Westminster, London

The Barbican Conservatory

Explored by Jodie from A La Jode

Most tourists head to Kew Gardens for a taste of nature. However, while Kew Gardens is well worth the trip, there’s another garden right in zone 1: the Barbican Conservatory. This lesser known secret spot is a real London hidden gem – both figuratively and physically. Housed in one of the ugliest buildings in London, the conservatory’s exterior gives no clue to what lies inside.

If you’re looking for non touristy things to do in London, the Barbican Conservatory is a great way to spend a few hours. Step inside and you’ll notice that most of the other people there are locals, rather than tourists. It’s completely free to visit, too, meaning it’s great for visitors on a budget.

Although it’s free to visit, the Barbican Conservatory has rather limited visiting hours. It’s usually only open on weekends and bank holiday Mondays, so you’ll need to plan your visit around a weekend. This isn’t such a bad thing though. One of the best ways to experience the conservatory is with its Sunday afternoon tea – something that many people don’t know about. Spaces are very limited, but book in for a very British afternoon tea experience surrounded by the rainforest if you can! 

Location: Barbican Centre, Silk St, London

Open: Check out the opening times here .

Explored by Ellie from The Wandering Quinn

Hampstead Heath is a fairly known attraction in London, this huge park is great if you want to get out of the city for a walk in nature. And the view of London City that can be seen from Parliament Hill is incredible!

However there are plenty more things to do in Hampstead , including the Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola, but this secret London attraction is much more hidden and unknown.

Hampstead Heath is split into two parts, most people visit the Eastern part which is home to Parliament Hill and Kenwood House, however over the road in the North-Western part is a Pergola with a beautiful Edwardian design and Gardens that were built in the early 1900s!

It was Lord Leverhulme’s vision to have a Hill Garden and Pergola in this quiet section of Hampstead that would be used for fancy dinner parties and he succeeded. However after his death, the second world war was not kind to the Hill Garden and at one point it was even used as a hospital. Following World War II, nature quickly took over the gardens and it quickly became dilapidated.

These days neither the Pergola or the Gardens are at the standard of what they once were but in my opinion that’s what makes it so special to visit and why it’s a great non touristy thing to do in London.

It is now looked after by the City of London with opening hours from 8:30 am to the late afternoon, it is free to enter and the perfect place to visit for a weekend stroll and adventure to somewhere only locals know about!

Location: The Pergola, Inverforth Cl, London

Open: Daily from 8.30am to 3.30pm

Bonus: Enjoyed the garden and pergola? Definitely add Holland Park (known for its peacocks!) and particularly the laidback Kyoto Gardens, a Japanese-inspired garden that will have you feeling zen after just a few minutes walking around.

Queen’s House, Greenwich

Explored by Noel from Travel Photo Discovery

If you are looking for a cool and historic London hidden gem that also happens to be free, then head out to Greenwich to check out the Queen’s House. It’s located in a beautiful expansive park with views of the Thames and London beyond.

This historic living museum home used to be the Tudor Kings home and during maritime London’s historic rule, the area was thriving with a Maritime naval college, hospital and so many other significant places of interest.

The home is open daily and houses an impressive collection of paintings with famous local and significant artists of note. The rooms and galleries are fun to explore and even the ornate and over the top ceilings are fun to look up and check out the stunning details.

Take a leisurely tour of this magnificent home to get a better idea about its history and place along with the other significant architecture and places of interest around Greenwich. It is a fascinating blend of historic past and ultra-contemporary architecture combined.

The Queen’s House is definitely one of the best things to do in Greenwich , already a fantastic district of London to explore.

Location: National Maritime Museum Gardens, Romney Rd, Greenwich, London

Open: Daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm

The Green Chain Walk

Explored by Cassie from Cassie the Hag

The Green Chain Walk is a great way for Londoners to unwind in the Southern suburbs and for visitors to take some time away from the tourist traps in busy seasons. Although technically 50 miles long, the walk is best split up into 11 connected sections. Depending on your preferences, you can visit 12th-century abbeys, deer parks, hidden castles and secret graffiti. And me? Although I loved my local Greenwich attractions when I lived in London, The Green Chain Walk was the only place I could really unwind. I used to enjoy heading into the woods and feeling like I wasn’t in the city anymore.

My favourite spots on the walk include medieval Eltham Palace and Gardens, which was transformed into an art-deco mansion in the 1930s – a very cool aesthetic – alongside the Crystal Palace Park dinosaurs (yes, there are dinosaurs!) and the locally famous Horniman Museum, which I promise I don’t just like just because of the name. Winding through Southeast London, it’s also a fabulous way to see what London has to offer south of the river and London’s secrets explore like a local!

My tip would be to check your route in advance and base which section you want to do around the attraction which most piques your interest.

Bonus: Hampton Court Palace

Explored by Lee from The Travel Scribes

While it might not be in London’s city centre, it’s worth heading out of the city confines to see the sprawling complex of Hampton Court Palace . It’s actually near to where we live hence we had to add it as a bonus! Perched on the border of London and Surrey, this London hidden gem might be a little more touristy at times, but does a great job of delving into history, as well as offering some expansive green spaces.

First built in 1515 by Cardinal Wolsey, the Palace is most famous as the home of King Henry VIII. Yes, he of the six wives! It’s got a sordid history as Henry’s third wife, Jane, died in childbirth there and Catherine, his fifth wife, was arrested for treason and adultery on the grounds (it’s said her ghost still haunts the corridors), but it’s a gorgeous building and you can definitely time it to be a little emptier for your visit.

You can take a guided tour within the Palace walls or just spend a few hours wandering the fantastic gardens which, incidentally, are entirely free if you get there between 9.00 – 10.00am each day. The grounds has incredible manicured gardens but also a large maze constructed out of yew hedges that will give you at least 30 minutes of fun.

If you’re interested in Henry VIII, one of our top travel tips is to take a walk to the nearby Bushy Park to see the roaming deer – this is where the king used to hunt during his reign.

Hidden gems in London interactive map

So, what do you think of our list of non touristy things to do in London? Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re just in search of the best secret places, we hope we’ve satisfied your appetite for the ultimate hidden places to visit in London!

Did we miss one off the list? Let us know in the comments below if there are more hidden gems that should have made our countdown.

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16 Best Non-touristy Things to Do in London

Do you wish to try some fantastic non-touristy things to do in London? Maybe you’re tired of hearing the same old recommendations for things to do in London. I mean, sure — Kew Gardens, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, and afternoon tea are all wonderful. But if you want to avoid the crowds and/or are looking for something different, you should consider the non-touristy things to do in London.

London is a massive city. With 32 boroughs and a population of over 9 million people, it can be difficult to identify fascinating places that aren’t traditional tourist traps.

London boasts a plethora of attractions, including breathtaking architectural icons, historical sites, prominent museums, and more. But if you’re looking for something a little different, you’ve come to the perfect place.

What you'll find

Best non-touristy things to do in London

Here are some of the top non-touristy things to do in London to experience the city in a different way.

1. Hike up Primrose Hill for the views

Check out Primrose Hill, one of London’s top free vantage spots. Climb that hill and take in the metropolitan skyline from the lush greenery that awaits you at the top.

Primrose Hill was once a wooded area and royal hunting ground. These days, however, it is one of the best and still non-touristy spots to see the London Eye, The Shard, and the BT Tower in all their glory on a beautiful day.

2. Visit the Hill Garden and Pergola

A prime example of how even buildings can age gracefully, the Hill Garden and Pergola is another of the best non-touristy attractions in London. Beautiful views of Hampstead Heath may be seen from this fairytale-like location.

Expect at least two engagement photo shoots taking place in the garden and pergola while you’re there. That’s how stunning this location is.

It is a pleasure to stroll along this lovely terrace and see the architectural splendor of the old Georgian arcade.

If you’re visiting the English capital for the first time and want to know where to go that you shouldn’t miss, this place should be on your list of non-touristy things to do in London.

3. Feel like Lizzy Bennett in Belgravia

If you want to experience life as if you were in one of Jane Austen’s novels, you should go to Belgravia.

Belgravia is a wealthy neighborhood in London that is home to upscale restaurants, shops, and other establishments.

Additionally, it is close to Westminster, which makes it a convenient stop on your more traditional route around London.

Remember to stop by the Grenadier Pub for a pint and a ghost story about a young soldier who cheated at cards. You won’t be disappointed.

4. Visit Hackney Wick

Artists and designers cluster in Hackney Wick, London’s alternative district.

Hackney Wick is a former industrial area converted into a creative hotspot. Industrial-era buildings have been transformed into studios, which is becoming increasingly rare in London.

This dynamic area is home to an abundance of street art, unique restaurants, and breweries, as well as a thriving nightlife.

If you want to see this neighborhood as it truly is, you should come sooner rather than later, as it is quickly becoming highly commercialized.

5. Explore Highgate Cemetery

London’s graveyard woes led to the establishment of Highgate Cemetery in 1839 as a solution.

With its Victorian Gothic design and elevated elevation overlooking London, Highgate Cemetery quickly became the most sought-after location for the wealthy upper class to be buried.

Now that a network of nonprofits has taken over the care of Highgate, the area is more atmospheric and attractive than creepy.

On a walk through the cemetery, you’ll come across some well-known names. While Patrick Caulfield’s gravestone reads “DEAD,” Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy author Douglas Adams has a more elaborate gravestone. Another well-known Highgate resident is Karl Marx, who has a massive bust here.

6. Enjoy some quiet time in St Dunstan in-the-East

St Dunstan-in-the-East Church Garden is widely considered to be one of the city’s most spiritually significant locations. It was one of the few buildings to survive both the Great Fire of London and the London Blitz.

St Dunstan-in-the-East continues to be one of the most entrancing and mysterious parks in London, even though it is hidden away on a quiet side street and has been veiled from view for a long time by contemporary steel constructions and the urbanization of the metropolis.

St Dunstan-in-the-East is a location in London that should not be missed by anyone interested in old, organic, and unrefined London because of its overgrown ivy, trees, wallflowers, and bushes that are creeping through the ruins of arches.

7. Step inside St Bride’s Church

Located off Fleet Street, you’ll find London’s less-touristy side and the spire of St Bride’s Cathedral, which is credited for inspiring the tiered cake design.

As you explore the church’s history, you’ll be standing on the shoulders of 2,000 years of London’s past. Among the treasures to be found in the tunnels beneath St Bride’s Church are coffins crafted from cast iron, ancient bones, and even a Roman road.

8. Watch movies with a twist

When you think of things to do in London, going to the movies might not be the first thing that springs to mind. The city, however, is home to some of the world’s most entertaining and unique cinematic experiences. You can do a lot more than just watch a movie these days.

Many of these pop-up movie experiences are only accessible for a limited time, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time to see what’s available when you’re in London. Here are a few examples:

Hot Tub Cinema — You sit in a hot tub and watch a movie.

Backyard Cinema — With themed sets and drinks, this moviehouse is an immersive experience.

Luna Cinema — They specialize in bringing outdoor cinema to various sites across the UK. They’ve held film screenings at historic locations like Hampton Court Palace and Westminster Abbey.

9. Step into God’s Own Junkyard

God’s Own Junkyard is housed in an isolated industrial estate in Walthamstow, East London, where thousands of neon and incandescent signs may be found.

Chris Bracey, an artist known for his Soho strip joint signage, developed this public exhibition, which is filled to the rafters with some of the most distinctive and strange “lighted” artworks. Magazines love the warehouse as a backdrop for photo shoots and have used it numerous times.

This place is a dream come true for Instagrammers, but they ask that you leave your cameras at home. Mobile phones, on the other hand, can be used to take pictures.

10. Journey into the world of Pollock’s Toy Museum

Pollock’s Toy Museum is a delightful, little-known treasure near Oxford Street. This is like a fascinating nostalgic treasure and a voyage into the life of a Victorian child, displaying Victorian toy theatre collections and a multitude of folk toys from throughout the world.

This museum is an excellent option for people with children who are looking for non-touristy activities in London.

Pollock’s Toy Museum is a bit of a strange place, but that’s exactly why you should go see it!

11. Visit Sir John Soane’s Museum

Regency architect Sir John Soane (1753–1837) was widely regarded for his innovative use of light and space.

Sir John Soane’s Museum is unique in a fashion that it does not focus on the architect. The museum was originally his collection of artifacts and antiquities. It’s as if you’ve entered the mind of one of the greatest neoclassical builders of all time in these dreamlike spaces.

Take the Central or Piccadilly lines and get off at Holborne. It’s a five-minute walk from here to Sir John Soane’s Museum.

12. Explore Eltham Palace

To both tourists and locals alike, Eltham Palace tucked away in South East London, is a true hidden gem. Its origins date back to the Norman Conquest of 1066 when the Normans conquered England.

Eltham Palace has undergone numerous changes over the decades. Presently, it resembles a mix of medieval and art deco styles.

An art deco and architecture enthusiast’s dream, the house as a whole is well-designed. The palace’s grand entrance hall is one of the must-see non-touristy attractions in London. You will also be amazed by the clear domed roof and beautiful wood veneer walls. However, the most luxurious part of the house is the bathroom, with its marble bathtub and dressing table, a gold mosaic wall, and gold-plated taps.

The Great Hall, the house’s lone relic from medieval times, is also a must-see, with its hammer-beam roof and meticulous restoration. If the weather permits, you can also make use of the lovely grounds and sip tea in the Orangery.

13. Have a drink at Gordon’s Wine Bar

With its Dickens-inspired decor and quaint atmosphere, Gordon’s Wine Bar is one of the city’s most under-appreciated attractions. There is no better place to escape the commotion of Charing Cross station than Gordon’s wine bar, which is reputed to be the oldest in London.

It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for a good bottle of wine, as they only serve wine and port and no other alcoholic beverages. A “help yourself” cheese board allows you to choose from crumbling cheddars, creamy bries, fresh baguettes, and olives. You only pay for what you select from the selections.

14. Hang out in secret bars with quirky names

Looking for the quirkiest non-touristy places to visit in London? Then, for your next night out, head to one of the city’s secret bars each with a unique name and wacky ways to get in!

• Evans & Peel Detective Agency (Earl’s Court) —

You must first make an appointment to “discuss a case” to enter the bar. Enter the gloomy office, where a detective will guide you via an unmarked door concealed behind a stack of books. Fill your plate with appetizers, wines, and beverages.

• King of Ladies Man (Clapham Junction) —

The Clapham Junction location of The Breakfast Club features a hidden bar as well. To get to the 70s-themed décor bar, walk via a laundry room at the back of the venue and enter the disco-inspired cocktail bar.

• Mayor of Scaredycat Town (Shoreditch) —

Make your way to Artillery Lane and say, “I’m here to see the Mayor.” Step into the Smeg fridge and you’ll find yourself in a funky, candlelit speakeasy.

15. Shop in Diagon Alley (Leadenhall Market)

Leadenhall Market is one of London’s loveliest markets, with its 19th-century painted roof and attractive cobblestone floors. Another interesting fact about this historic market in the city is that it was built in Victorian times, yet the place dates back to the 14th century.

Diagon Alley was filmed in this market , so Harry Potter fans will recognize it right away. In place of magic wands and spell books, you can find a wide range of fresh fruit, flowers, cheese, meat, and other delectables at the Leadenhall Market.

The cafés and eateries in the area are also good options for lunch. Shop for everything from stationery to apparel to perfumes once you’ve finished your meal.

16. Visit a local pub for a traditional Sunday roast

A Sunday roast includes slow-roasted beef, pork, or chicken (with the option of adding chestnuts for a vegetarian option), potatoes, root vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding for those who are not familiar with the tradition.

One of the many things to do in London is to visit an English pub for drinks. However, the best place to have a traditional Sunday roast is also in one of London’s pubs, preferably those in residential neighborhoods.

Look for well-reviewed pubs on Google Maps in locations like Fulham or Hampstead or Dulwich or Balham or Islington, Bethnal Green, or wherever you’re going on Sunday to see if that’s a good option.

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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. 

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Things To Do

30+ Non-touristy Things To Do In London: A Unique and Exciting Guide

Last Updated on 2 September, 2023

London, the bustling capital of the United Kingdom, is known for its iconic landmarks , rich history, and vibrant culture.

While popular attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum are certainly worth a visit, there’s a whole world of non-touristy things to do in London as well as many experiences waiting to be discovered.

Below, we’ll delve into the hidden gems of London and explore 40 unique activities that will make your trip truly memorable.

When To Visit London

London is a busy city and one that is on many a bucket list which means that when it comes to when to visit whether you are looking for a quiet season or a cheap time to visit London it helps to have a plan.

We have shared lots of posts to help you decide on the best time to visit London in addition to that post we have posted about things to do in London in all seasons from Winter to Summer , Spring and Autumn .

And for each season with have shared tips on things to do in London for each month on the calendar so that you are up to date on activities and event happening in each month. You can see the guide for London in January all the way up to December .

Where To Stay In London

As mentioned above, how much you spend on hotels will depend on when you visit London as well as where you stay of course. We have shared tips on the best hostels in London for those on a budget and 45 amazing luxury hotels in London for those with unlimited budgets. 

For those in the middle, we have post on the best hotels near Borough Market which are central and near attractions like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, The Shard, Sky Garden as well as these cool hotels in Southwark and those hotels near London Eye .

For tips on the best neighbourhoods in London see this guide, and for those visiting with family check out our post on where to stay with family in London .

Non-touristy Things To Do In London

Many of these are perfect for those looking for free things to do in London to ease the budgeting for a trip to London . So let’s get started on the list of less touristy things to do in London.

Picnic on Primrose Hill

London is not just a concrete jungle; it also boasts several beautiful green spaces. One such hidden gem is Primrose Hill.

Located in the borough of Camden, this tranquil park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline.

Pack a picnic basket with your favorite treats, lay out a blanket, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon basking in the sun while taking in the stunning scenery.

Street Art Tour in East London

If you have an appreciation for urban art, a street art tour in East London is a must-do. Shoreditch, Brick Lane , and Hackney Wick are renowned for their vibrant street art scene, featuring works by both local and international artists.

Join a guided tour or explore independently to discover hidden murals, graffiti, and thought-provoking art installations that add a unique charm to the city’s streets.

Shop for Artisanal Goodies at Broadway Market

For a taste of the local culture and a chance to support independent businesses, head to Broadway Market in Hackney.

This bustling street market is held every Saturday and offers an array of artisanal goods, including fresh produce, gourmet food, handmade crafts, and vintage clothing.

Take a leisurely stroll, sample delicious treats, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this hidden gem.

Hidden London Tours

Delve beneath the surface and explore the secrets of London with Hidden London Tours . These guided tours take you off the beaten path to discover hidden tunnels, abandoned stations, and forgotten spaces that reveal the city’s fascinating history.

From the mysterious depths of Churchill’s War Rooms to the haunting beauty of the Victorian Crossrail project, these tours offer a unique perspective on the hidden side of London.

Lunch Inside Gorgeous Leadenhall Market

Step into a world of timeless elegance at Leadenhall Market , a stunning covered market located in the heart of the financial district.

With its ornate Victorian architecture, high-end boutiques, and gourmet eateries, this hidden gem is a feast for the senses.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the market’s many restaurants, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historical and cultural landmark.

Cottage-Spotting in Dulwich Village

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and step into the picturesque village of Dulwich. Known for its charming cottages, quaint streets, and leafy parks, Dulwich offers a tranquil retreat from the urban chaos.

Take a leisurely stroll through the village, admire the architectural beauty of the cottages, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this hidden oasis. When you are ready for a little break, grab a pint at these cute Dulwich pubs .

Vintage Shopping in East London

London is a paradise for vintage enthusiasts, and East London is the place to be for retro fashion and unique finds.

From vintage boutiques to thrift stores and weekend markets, there’s something for every vintage lover. Explore areas like Shoreditch, Brick Lane, and Spitalfields, where you’ll uncover a treasure trove of clothing, accessories, vinyl records, and quirky collectibles. See our guide on the best vintage shops in Shoreditch for where to start.

Stroll Along Regent’s Canal Towpath

Escape the hustle of the city and embark on a peaceful stroll along Regent’s Canal towpath. Stretching for miles through the heart of London, this scenic waterway offers a tranquil oasis amidst the urban landscape.

Enjoy a leisurely walk, observe the colorful narrowboats, and soak up the serenity of this hidden gem. You can also opt to rent a bicycle or a narrowboat for a unique and immersive experience.

Bermondsey Beer Mile

Calling all beer enthusiasts! The Bermondsey Beer Mile is a hidden gem for craft beer lovers. Located in the heart of Bermondsey , this stretch of railway arches is home to numerous independent breweries and taprooms.

Take a leisurely stroll along the Beer Mile, stopping at different breweries to sample a wide range of local brews. Immerse yourself in the vibrant beer culture, chat with passionate brewers, and discover new favorites along the way.

Sir John Soane’s Museum

For a unique and eclectic museum experience, visit the Sir John Soane’s Museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. This hidden gem houses the vast and fascinating collection of renowned architect Sir John Soane.

Explore the beautifully curated rooms, which are packed with artworks, sculptures, antiquities, and architectural models.

From Egyptian sarcophagi to Hogarth’s satirical prints, this museum is a treasure trove of historical and cultural artifacts.

Wander around the Posh Streets of Belgravia

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the luxurious side of London, a stroll around the posh streets of Belgravia is a must.

This affluent neighbourhood, known for its grand Georgian townhouses and exclusive boutiques, exudes an air of elegance and sophistication.

Marvel at the stunning architecture, window-shop at high-end designer stores, and enjoy the refined ambiance of this hidden gem.

Grab Some Food at Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle and step into the peaceful oasis of Dalston Eastern Curve Garden . Tucked away behind the bustling streets of East London, this hidden gem is a community garden and café that offers a tranquil escape from urban life.

Indulge in delicious homemade food, sip a cup of tea, and unwind in the serene surroundings of this secret garden.

Maltby Street Market

For a unique and mouthwatering culinary experience, head to Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey. This vibrant food market is tucked away in a narrow street and offers a wide array of delectable treats.

From artisanal cheeses and freshly baked pastries to international street food and craft cocktails, Maltby Street Market is a haven for foodies.

Explore the stalls, savor the flavors, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this hidden gem.

Shop for Handmade Goods on Brick Lane

Brick Lane , in the heart of East London, is famous for its vibrant street art, multicultural vibe, and diverse food scene.

But it’s also a haven for independent designers and artisans. Explore the eclectic shops and market stalls , where you’ll find unique handmade goods, vintage clothing, quirky accessories, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Support local artists and bring home a truly special memento of your London adventure.

Rent a Paddleboat in Battersea Park

Escape the crowds and enjoy a leisurely paddle on the peaceful waters of the boating lake in Battersea Park. Rent a paddleboat and glide along the serene lake, taking in the scenic views of the park’s lush greenery and wildlife.

It’s the perfect activity for a sunny day, whether you’re looking for a romantic outing or a fun family adventure.

Visit The Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park

Battersea Park is not only a tranquil oasis in the heart of London but also home to a hidden gem—the Peace Pagoda . Located within the park, this beautiful Buddhist monument stands as a symbol of peace and harmony.

Take a moment to admire its intricate architecture, explore the surrounding gardens, and soak in the serene atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for reflection and finding inner peace amidst the bustling city.

Swim in the Outdoor Pools of Hampstead Heath

On a warm summer day, head to Hampstead Heath and cool off in its refreshing outdoor swimming pools. The Heath boasts three swimming ponds—Hampstead Mixed Pond, Ladies’ Pond, and Men’s Pond—where you can take a dip surrounded by nature.

These natural swimming spots offer a unique and invigorating experience, allowing you to connect with the great outdoors while enjoying a leisurely swim.

Deer Spotting in Richmond Park

Escape to the vast wilderness of Richmond Park , where you can witness the beauty of nature and spot majestic deer freely roaming the parkland.

Richmond Park is home to hundreds of red and fallow deer, and observing these graceful creatures in their natural habitat is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Take a leisurely walk through the park, keep your eyes peeled, and have your camera ready for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Regency-era Stroll through the Water Gardens and Woodlands of Bushy Park

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the Regency era as you explore the water gardens and woodlands of Bushy Park.

Located near Hampton Court Palace, this hidden gem offers a tranquil escape from the city. Admire the beautiful water features, stroll through the picturesque gardens, and embrace the serenity of the lush woodlands. It’s a perfect retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Picnic on Hampstead Heath

Indulge in a quintessential British pastime—having a picnic on Hampstead Heath. This vast green space offers endless opportunities for al fresco dining surrounded by nature.

Pack a delicious spread of sandwiches, snacks, and refreshing drinks, find a cozy spot amidst the rolling hills or beneath a shady tree, and savor the flavors while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Bar Crawl on Wilton Way

If you’re in search of a vibrant nightlife scene away from the tourist hotspots, Wilton Way in Hackney is the place to be.

This hidden gem is lined with eclectic bars and pubs, each with its own unique charm. Embark on a bar crawl along Wilton Way, sampling craft beers, signature cocktails, and enjoying the lively ambiance. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local nightlife and mingle with the vibrant Hackney crowd.

Watch a Football Match

Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of a football match by attending a game at one of London’s iconic stadiums.

From the grandeur of Wembley Stadium to the historical charm of Stamford Bridge and Emirates Stadium, London offers a range of options for football enthusiasts.

Cheer for your favorite team, experience the passionate crowd, and witness the thrill of the beautiful game firsthand.

Shopping on King’s Road in Chelsea

For a unique shopping experience away from the mainstream high streets, head to King’s Road in Chelsea .

This trendy and upscale neighbourhood is renowned for its stylish boutiques , high-end fashion stores, and chic home decor shops.

Explore the charming side streets, browse the designer collections, and indulge in a spot of retail therapy in this fashion-forward district.

Visit One of London’s City Farms

Experience the countryside in the heart of the city by visiting one of London’s city farms. These hidden gems provide a fantastic opportunity to interact with farm animals, learn about sustainable agriculture, and connect with nature.

From Mudchute Park and Farm in East London, Hackney City Farm to Vauxhall City Farm in Central London, there are several city farms dotted around the city, each offering a unique experience for animal lovers of all ages.

Museum of the Home

Step into the Museum of the Home, located in the historic Geffrye Almshouses, and embark on a journey through time to explore the concept of home and how it has evolved over centuries.

From period rooms showcasing domestic interiors to thought-provoking exhibitions on the meaning of home, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the personal, social, and cultural aspects of home life.

Visit Kew Garden

Discover a world of botanical wonders at Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.

Explore the vast collection of plants, including exotic species from all corners of the globe. Marvel at the iconic Palm House, stroll along the treetop walkway for a bird’s-eye view, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this botanical paradise.

Sit in on Court Hearings at the Royal Courts

For a unique and educational experience, attend a court hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice. Located in the heart of London’s legal district, this iconic building is home to the High Court and Court of Appeal.

By observing court proceedings, you can gain a firsthand understanding of the British legal system and witness justice in action. Check the schedules in advance and ensure you follow the rules and etiquette while inside the courtroom.

Visit Westminster Cathedral

While Westminster Abbey may be the more famous landmark, Westminster Cathedral is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed among many amazing churches in London worth visiting.

This stunning Roman Catholic cathedral is renowned for its Byzantine-style architecture, magnificent mosaics, and breathtaking interiors.

Take a guided tour to learn about the history and symbolism of the cathedral, climb to the top of the bell tower for panoramic views of the city, and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this hidden gem.

Experimental Cocktail Club

If you’re a fan of mixology and innovative libations, a visit to the Experimental Cocktail Club in Chinatown is a must.

This hidden speakeasy-style bar offers a sophisticated and intimate setting to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails. Sample unique concoctions, chat with the talented mixologists, and let the stylish ambiance transport you to the glamorous world of Prohibition-era drinking.

Rent a Self-Drive Boat Along a Canal

Experience the charm of London’s canals by renting a self-drive boat for a leisurely cruise. Whether it’s the picturesque Regent’s Canal or the peaceful Grand Union Canal, navigating these waterways offers a unique perspective on the city.

Gather your friends or family, pack a picnic, and set sail on your own adventure, exploring hidden corners of London at your own pace.

The Nightjar in Shoreditch

Delve into the world of speakeasies and jazz at The Nightjar ,  a fun bar in Shoreditch and a hidden gem tucked away in Shoreditch . Step inside this intimate and atmospheric bar, known for its creative cocktails and live jazz performances.

Sip on expertly crafted drinks, be transported by the soulful tunes, and soak up the vibrant and vintage-inspired ambiance. It’s a truly unforgettable experience for cocktail enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

Go on a Treetop Adventure at Battersea Park

Embrace your inner adventurer and embark on a thrilling treetop adventure at Battersea Park. The Go Ape course offers an exhilarating experience as you navigate your way through high ropes, ziplines, and suspended obstacles.

Test your agility, conquer your fears, and enjoy panoramic views of the park from above. It’s a perfect activity for adrenaline junkies and those seeking a unique outdoor adventure.

See a Movie at Retro Electric Cinema, One of London’s Oldest Cinemas

Step back in time and catch a movie at the retro Electric Cinema , one of London’s oldest cinemas. Located in Notting Hill, this hidden gem combines vintage charm with modern comfort. Sink into plush leather armchairs, enjoy a drink from the bar, and immerse yourself in the magic of the silver screen.

With its eclectic film selection and unique atmosphere, the Electric Cinema offers a nostalgic cinematic experience like no other. We have also shared posts on the best cinemas in Southwark as well as those in Kensington and Chelsea linked above.

Check out Food at Pop Brixton

For a taste of London’s vibrant food scene away from the tourist traps, head to Pop Brixton. This innovative and sustainable community project brings together a diverse range of street food vendors, restaurants, and bars in shipping containers.

From international cuisine to local delicacies, Pop Brixton is a food lover’s paradise. Indulge in delicious flavors, soak up the lively atmosphere, and support independent businesses. While you are in the area check out this list of cool things to do in Brixton .

Highgate Cemetery

For a unique and atmospheric experience, visit Highgate Cemetery. This historic burial ground is the final resting place of many notable figures, including Karl Marx and George Eliot.

Explore the winding paths, intricate tombstones, and Victorian Gothic architecture that make this cemetery a hauntingly beautiful place.

Take a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history and legends or simply wander through the peaceful and atmospheric surroundings.

Spend a Night in a Museum – Museum Lates

Experience the magic of spending a night in a museum at one of London’s iconic cultural institutions. Various museums, such as the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum , offer special sleepover events where visitors can explore the exhibits after hours, participate in hands-on activities, and even sleep beneath the iconic dinosaur skeletons.

It’s a truly unforgettable experience that allows you to see the museum in a whole new light.

Visit God’s Own Junkyard

Prepare to be dazzled by the neon wonderland of God’s Own Junkyard. Located in Walthamstow, this hidden gem is a visual feast of colorful neon signs, vintage props, and eclectic artwork.

Explore the collection of neon masterpieces, learn about the craft of sign-making, and immerse yourself in the vibrant and electric ambiance of this unique attraction.

It’s a paradise for photographers, art enthusiasts, and anyone with an appreciation for neon art.

Visit the Novelty Automation Museum

Unleash your inner child and indulge in the whimsical wonders of the Novelty Automation Museum. Located in Holborn, this hidden gem is filled with quirky and interactive mechanical contraptions, automata, and arcade games.

Embark on a journey of laughter and amazement as you explore the imaginative creations of artist Tim Hunkin. It’s a playful and entertaining experience that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Kingly Court Food Court

Discover a hidden culinary gem tucked away in the heart of Carnaby Street — Kingly Court Food Court .

This three-story food haven is home to a variety of international cuisines, from Thai and Mexican to Japanese and Italian .

Indulge in a culinary adventure, sampling flavors from around the world, and enjoy your meal in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of this hidden gem.

Hampstead Hill Gardens and Pergola

Escape the urban chaos and step into the tranquil beauty of Hampstead Hill Gardens and Pergola. This hidden gem offers a serene retreat with stunning gardens, pergolas, and panoramic views of the city.

Take a leisurely stroll through the landscaped gardens, relax on a bench surrounded by lush greenery, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this hidden oasis.

Exploring London Mews

Discover the charm of London’s hidden mews , picturesque streets lined with colorful houses and cobblestone lanes. These hidden gems can be found throughout the city, offering a glimpse into London’s architectural heritage and providing a tranquil escape from the bustling streets.

Take a leisurely walk through mews such as Kynance Mews in Kensington or Lancaster Road in Notting Hill , and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of these secret corners of the city.

Afternoon Tea on a Sightseeing Bus

Combine two quintessential British experiences—afternoon tea and sightseeing—by enjoying an afternoon tea on a sightseeing bus.

Hop aboard a vintage double-decker bus, sit back, and relax as you tour the city’s iconic landmarks while indulging in delicious sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

It’s a unique way to see the sights, enjoy a traditional British treat, and create lasting memories of your time in London. For additional inspiration see our guide on the best afternoon tea in London with views .

Visit Eltham Palace

Step into a world of Art Deco elegance at Eltham Palace. This hidden gem seamlessly blends medieval grandeur with 1930s glamour, offering a unique and captivating experience.

Explore the opulent interiors, stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, and learn about the fascinating history of this royal residence turned modern masterpiece. It’s a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike. For additional inspiration check out our list of Palaces in London you should visit .

Visit Little Venice

Escape the bustling city and discover the picturesque charm of Little Venice . Located where the Regent’s Canal and the Grand Union Canal meet, this hidden gem offers a tranquil and scenic oasis.

Take a leisurely boat ride along the canals, enjoy a waterside stroll, and admire the charming canal boats and colorful houseboats.

With its serene ambiance and idyllic setting, Little Venice is a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the busy streets of London.

Barbican Conservatory

Escape to a tropical paradise amidst the concrete jungle at the Barbican Conservatory . This hidden gem is the second-largest conservatory in London, housing a variety of exotic plants, trees, and vibrant blooms.

Take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery, relax on a bench surrounded by nature, and appreciate the serenity of this hidden oasis in the heart of the Barbican Centre. It’s a perfect retreat for plant lovers and a unique way to experience the city’s urban landscape.

Map Of Non-Touristy Places To Visit In London

London is a city full of surprises, and exploring its non-touristy side can be a truly rewarding experience. From hidden parks and markets to unique museums and cultural attractions, there are countless opportunities to discover the lesser-known gems of this vibrant city.

Whether you’re a history buff, food lover, nature enthusiast, or art aficionado, there’s something for everyone in London’s hidden corners.

So step off the beaten path, embrace the local culture, and create unforgettable memories with these unique and exciting activities. Map below to help you locate each of the places mentioned above.

Q: Are these non-touristy activities suitable for families with children?

A: Yes, many of the non-touristy activities mentioned in this guide are suitable for families with children. From picnics in the parks to city farms and treetop adventures, there are plenty of options for family-friendly fun.

Q: Do I need to book in advance for the hidden London tours?

A: It’s recommended to book in advance for the hidden London tours, as they tend to be popular and have limited spots available. Check their websites or contact the tour providers for more information on booking procedures.

Q: Can I visit Sir John Soane’s Museum for free?

A: Yes, admission to Sir John Soane’s Museum is free. However, donations are encouraged to support the preservation and maintenance of this unique institution.

Q: Are the outdoor pools in Hampstead Heath open all year round?

A: The outdoor pools in Hampstead Heath are open seasonally, usually from late May to early September. It’s best to check their official website or contact them directly for specific opening dates and times.

Q: Are the city farms in London free to enter?

A: Most city farms in London are free to enter, but they often rely on donations to support their operations. Consider making a contribution to help sustain these valuable community spaces.

Q: Are there vegetarian and vegan food options available at the Kingly Court Food Court?

A: Yes, the Kingly Court Food Court offers a wide range of food options, including vegetarian and vegan choices. You’ll find a variety of cuisines to suit different dietary preferences.

My name is Bianca and welcome to my local guide of London's Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Everything you need to know about exploring London in addition to the coolest hangouts and Instagrammable spots.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 25 Best Things To Do In London (England)

25 Best Things To Do In London (England)

Attracting 27 million visitors every year, London is the most visited city in Europe. It’s no surprise that London is top of so many people’s travel plans: the city was founded by the Romans and has thrived over the centuries.

Today, London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a rich history and some of the most outstanding culture on the planet.

The City of London is the ancient center of London but is actually the smallest city in England . The London that we’re familiar with covers a much wider metropolitan area and is home to almost 9 million people.

Split into the vibrant and distinctive areas of North, West, South and East London – as well as the commercial and tourist hub of Central London – every district has its own recognizable neighborhoods. There is always something to see and do in London. With some of the world’s best art, entertainment, shopping, dining, and history, it’s impossible to be bored in London.

Let’s explore the best things to do in London :

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is possibly the most famous park in London, and it is one of the largest. The park has historical significance, having hosted a number of demonstrations and protests including protests by the Suffragettes.

The park’s famous Speaker’s Corner is still occupied by debates, protests, and performance artists every week. The park is home to several memorial features, as well as two bodies of water, the most famous being the Serpentine. Here you can go paddle-boating, see a number of swans, and take in a breath of fresh air in the center of the city. A must-visit.

Want to see it from above? Try the London: Helicopter Flight Experience

2. Westminster

Westminster is considered the political hub of London and is home to the Houses of Parliament and the world-famous Big Ben. Big Ben is the name of the bell housed within the iconic clock tower, and it still chimes every hour.

You can also find Westminster Abbey here, which is open to the public most days. Whilst visiting these landmarks, be sure to rest your feet in Parliament Square which features statues of important political individuals including Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill.

Book online : Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket

Camden is a well-known cultural neighborhood in north London. Known for its alternative culture, the crowds here are filled with goths, punks, rockabillies and tourists alike. Camden has a vibrant body mod community and you will find a number of piercing and tattoo shops in this part of town.

Camden Market is eclectic and diverse, featuring street food from international cuisines, and lots of stalls selling trinkets and unique artwork to take home. Rummage through vintage clothing racks, find a used book to take on your travels, or visit one of the city’s best vegan bakeries at Cookies And Scream.

After your shopping spree, stroll down to Camden Lock to relax by Regent’s Canal or walk along the water all the way to King’s Cross.

Related tour : Regent’s Canal Waterbus Little Venice & Camden Town

4. London Eye

A trip to London isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic London Eye. Originally constructed to celebrate the millennium, the Eye is a giant ferris wheel offering gorgeous views across the city. At night, the wheel is lit up in seasonal colors and is the centerpiece of London’s annual New Year’s fireworks display.

You can share one of the spacious pods with other keen visitors, or splurge on a private pod for you and someone special. Team your visit to the Eye with a trip to the adjacent London Aquarium to see aquatic creatures from around the world, including jellyfish, seahorses and crocodiles.

Book online : The London Eye Tickets

Soho has long been known as the base of London’s sex industry. The area is now the most popular nightlife spot although there are still some sex shops dotted here and there, giving Soho a delightfully risqué vibe. Soho is often considered the center of the city’s LGBTQ* community with plenty of gay and lesbian bars to check out after the sun goes down.

In addition to bars and clubs, Soho has a number of theaters, jazz bars and restaurants to explore, making it a cultural hotspot. Its close proximity to Leicester Square means it’s also a great place to go for a few drinks after a play or stage show.

During the day, Soho loses none of its charm. Here you’ll find lots of music shops, small cafes and quaint bakeries. Stop for a coffee and pastry on Old Compton Street for perfect people-watching.

Take a tour : Piccadilly and Soho Beer Bike Tour

6. Shoreditch

Shoreditch is one of the trendiest areas of London having recently undergone extensive regeneration. It is now one of the hottest nightlife spots in the city and one of the coolest places to stay in London.

Packed full of bars and eateries, it’s the perfect place to spend a day and an evening. Check out Trapeze, a circus-themed bar that serves endlessly inventive drinks out of popcorn tub-style cups.

For pop culture lovers, there’s Far Rockaway, a chilled bar and restaurant filled with comic books, band posters and a regular 90s night. Or visit the Blues Kitchen for a blues night accompanied by sticky ribs and other American staples.

Available tour : Jack the Ripper walking tour

7. Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of the largest parks in London, covering a massive 790 acres. It sits atop of one of the highest points in London, offering excellent views of the city from Parliament Hill.

The Heath features grassy fields, wooded areas, and a number of large ponds. It is the best place to experience nature in London with plenty of wildlife around and small woods in which to get lost.

There are swimming lidos for those feeling brave enough to swim outdoors in the great British weather. For history buffs, visit Kenwood House, a historical stately home that is known for its curated art collection.

Interactive tour : Hampstead Self-Guided Walking Discovery Game

The BFI – or British Film Institute – is a must-see for film lovers. The BFI is situated on the ever-popular Southbank and is the perfect spot to relax after a stroll along the waterfront taking in the culture and atmosphere of this vibrant part of the city.

The BFI show films every day, from mainstream blockbusters to reshowings of cult classics to one-off screenings of indie hits. There is also a library and shop for those who like to take their cinema seriously. The BFI also houses its own bar and riverfront restaurant for a delicious meal or to chat about the latest film releases over some drinks.

9. Thames Cruise

The Thames is the lifeblood of London, bringing industry to the city for centuries. It is England’s longest river, leading into the North Sea at its end. It has been the base for settlements since prehistoric times, and was a strategic importance to the Romans and English Kings, as well as during both World Wars.

There are a number of companies in London offering cruises across the Thames. Cruises run as regularly as every 30 minutes from several key locations. The cruises pass several key sightseeing locations, including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.

Some cruises run at night so you can see the sights all lit up, whilst others are served with a meal or afternoon tea. This is a lovely and unique way to view the city, traveling along the historic Thames.

Check out this list of cruises you can book online.

10. Baker Street

One of the cultural staples of London is Baker Street, best known as the street that Arthur Conan Doyle’s infamous detective Sherlock Holmes lived on.

Today you can find a Sherlock Holmes museum near the Underground station, especially popular after the BBC revival ‘Sherlock’.

Madame Tussauds is just around the corner, the internationally-famous wax museum where you can pose with your favorite celebrities.

Afterwards, escape the crowds of Baker Street in the nearby Regent’s Park, or by climbing Primrose Hill for London’s most spectacular view of the city.

11. Brixton Academy

For those on a hunt for live music, London has thousands of unique venues to offer. Venues span every niche or you can just go to an open night at a local pub and see some up-and-coming musicians. One of the best venues in town, though, is Brixton Academy in south London.

The Academy was originally a theater and cinema called the Astoria, opened in 1929. Fifty years later, the venue became the Academy and now hosts some of the biggest rock and pop acts in the world.

Some acts that have played at Brixton Academy include The Clash, Sex Pistols, New Order and Madonna. The Smiths played their final ever performance at Brixton Academy. This is the go-to music venue if you want to catch some live music in London.

The O2 Arena was originally constructed in celebration of the millennium, under the name of ‘the Millennium Dome’. It once acted as exhibition center with various exhibits and hands-on activities aimed primarily at children.

Today, it is a premier destination for live music and stage shows, hosting the biggest names in entertainment on a regular basis. It also houses a cinema as well as various bars and restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world.

The O2 is an ideal spot to hang out with friends. If you’re seeking some adventure, try climbing to the top of the O2. On these guided walks, you can climb along the dome to the roof where you will witness beautiful views of the city. Afterwards, take the Emirates Air Line across the water. The Air Line is a cable car link offering an exciting and unique view of the city.

Top rated (most booked) tour: Climb The Roof of The O2 Arena

Another great way to explore the nightlife of London is this top rated London Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour

13. Brick Lane

Brick Lane was made famous by the book and film adaptation of the same title. As the book’s narrative made clear, Brick Lane is the heart of London’s Bangladeshi community. An incredibly diverse neighborhood, Brick Lane features road signs in both English and Bengali, and is well-known for its abundance of curry houses.

This is the perfect spot to find something spicy to eat but be sure to go to one of the many sweet shops for some authentic South Asian desserts. The area also features a number of trendy bars as well as regular marketplaces, attracting a young and fashionable crowd.

For an art fix, head around the corner to find Whitechapel Gallery – or hunt down the many pieces of street art on Brick Lane and its neighboring streets.

14. Chinatown

London’s Chinatown can be found around Gerrard Street, sandwiched between Soho and Leicester Square. With its Chinese lanterns and eye-catching red arches, it’s difficult to miss this vibrant neighborhood. Filled with authentic Asian restaurants as well as supermarkets and secret bars, there is always something new to explore in Chinatown. For a slice of genuine Asian cuisine, try the HK Diner for delicious roast duck, good service, and big portions. They also serve bubble tea, an Asian trend that has recently swept across the city!

15. Electric Avenue

Electric Avenue is a street in Brixton, south London, famous because it was the first market street in London to be lit by electricity. It spawned the #1 song by Eddy Grant and has been the center of some parts of London history, including the Brixton race riots in 1981. Today, Electric Avenue is home to Brixton Market, a diverse and eclectic food market.

Afterwards, check out the rest of the neighborhood. Brixton features a multitude of small businesses selling unique, quirky and handmade items. This is one of the most diverse areas of London and an excellent spot to do some shopping or catch some live music.

16. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is instantly recognizable, a square filled with bright lights and big electronic screens. Piccadilly Circus has been a busy London spot since the 17th century when it was a commercial hub.

Today it is still the heart of the West End, with easy access from Piccadilly Circus to some of London’s biggest theaters and nightclubs, including the Criterion Theatre. The Statue of Eros in the center of the circus is itself a popular meeting point and tourist destination.

Pay a visit to Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum at Piccadilly Circus to learn some new facts and see the world’s weirdest things. The Trocadero houses a games arcade and some niche shops to satisfy any pop culture cravings.

17. Oxford Street

Oxford Street is not only London’s top spot for shopping but is Europe’s busiest shopping street. It has 300 shops and receives over 500,000 visitors every day.

Shop ‘til you drop in designer stores and internationally-famous department stores like Debenhams and House of Fraser. Selfridges features intricate and beautiful window displays that change with the seasons. These frequently feature interactive windows and work by acclaimed artists.

Around Christmas, the Oxford Street Christmas lights illuminate your shopping sprees and add some glitter to the evenings.

18. Leicester Square

Walk in the footsteps of Hollywood stars by paying a visit to Leicester Square. The square is most famous for hosting film premieres to some of the biggest blockbusters. In fact, the square has been a London hotspot since 1670 and an entertainment center since the 19th century.

The square is surrounded by a number of cinemas with some of the city’s biggest screens, as well as a variety of restaurants. The garden in the center of the square is perfect for cooling off in during the summer or resting your feet after a long day of exploring London.

Visit the Prince Charles Cinema for cult films, singalong screenings, and epic marathon nights. Leicester Square also hosts celebrations for the Chinese New Year where you can see traditional dancing dragons and get lost in the crowds.

19. Galleries

London is an ideal city for art lovers with so many galleries to visit, featuring the best in classic and contemporary art. Most of the city’s galleries are free to visitors, including the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery has something for everyone with work by da Vinci, Turner, van Gogh and Rembrandt on display.

For prolific modern art, visit the Tate Modern on the Southbank. The building itself is a piece of art, towering above the waterfront. Inside, find pieces by Picasso, Klee and Delauney. The gallery also features exciting temporary exhibits on every level of the building making it the perfect place for an art fix.

20. Harrods

Harrods is one of London’s most famous department stores, known particularly for serving the elite and the super-rich. Since opening in 1824, Harrods’ patrons have included Oscar Wilde, Laurence Olivier and the Royal Family.

The luxury is spread across a number of floors, laid out in style through Harrods’ themed halls. The food hall sells indulgent delicacies from fresh meat and cheese to superior marmalades and pates. The Egyptian hall sells fashion in opulent style to make you feel like a pharaoh as you pass through.

At Christmas, Harrods puts together a number of luxury Christmas hampers filled with goodies to make the festivities even more special. Explore the building and get lost while shopping for lavish perfumes, children’s toys, and even pets in London’s most exclusive department store.

21. Platform 9 ¾

King’s Cross is one of the city’s busiest locations with a train station that has been open since 1852 serving much of the country. Recent renovations have given a sleek, modern look to the station – try to find the hidden tunnel with walls that light up with art.

But for many people around the world, King’s Cross is known best for something else: the station that Harry Potter uses to journey to Hogwarts. Now you can visit Platform 9 ¾ in real life, in King’s Cross railway station.

Pose besides a luggage trolley disappearing magically into the wall and have your photo taken to commemorate your wizarding journey forever! Don’t forget to wear house colors.

22. Museums

London is one of the best cities in the world for culture with a number of free museums to enjoy. On Exhibition Road in South Kensington, you can find many museums close together.

Start with the Natural History Museum and pose for a photo with the infamous Diplodocus skeleton in the main hall. Explore the museum and find ancient fossils and stuffed animals including a dodo replica.

Afterwards, go to the Science Museum next door for hands-on activities and to investigate scientific progress throughout the ages.

A short stroll to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) will shift focus to cultural history.

The V&A Museum has artwork on show alongside fashion and living tools from around the world. Here you will find art students diligently sketching the classical statues and ironwork.

Finally, pay a visit to the British Museum where you can see the Rosetta Stone, mummified remains and explore centuries of archaeological discoveries.

The Samsung Digital Discovery Centre is perfect for children, with hundreds of free activities to explore history and culture through modern technology.

23. Bond Street

Bond Street connects to Oxford Street and is a popular shopping district in its own right. Bond Street differs to Oxford Street in its selection of stores, with a much greater focus on the exclusive and the designer. Bond Street is one of the most expensive shopping streets in London and is worth visiting for a taste of the indulgent.

Doormen stand patiently outside many shop entrances. Diamonds glitter in the windows of watchmakers, jeweller’s, and even handbag stores. On this street you will find Tiffany’s, as well as the flagship stores for Cartier and Ralph Lauren.

After a spot of window shopping – or flashing the cash – pose with the ‘Allies’ statue of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt sitting on a bench. Finish your trip to Bond Street by seeking out London’s oldest outdoor sculpture above the entrance to Sotheby’s. This sculpture is from Ancient Egypt and is over 3,000 years old.

24. Buckingham Palace

A trip to London is incomplete without strolling through Green Park to catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace. The palace has been home to the British Royal Family since 1837. It features 775 rooms and the largest private garden in London.

Some of the palace is open to visitors so you can see a little piece of the royal lifestyle. From outside, watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard. This procedure happens a few times every day and is a great opportunity to witness a historic tradition and the utmost discipline of the Royal Guard – who are all wearing the iconic London bearskin.

25. Explore at Night

London is a vibrant metropolis both during the day and throughout the night. There is always something happening even after dark, from one-off events to club nights. As the sun sets, London’s lights switch on providing the city with a magical illumination.

There are free walking tours that explore the city at night or hop on a night tour bus. See St Paul’s Cathedral lit up after dark or visit the Gothic architecture of Big Ben and Westminster Cathedral. Go to Soho and the West End for buzzing nightlife amongst the big neon signs.

Travel a little further out to Hampstead Heath for a spot of stargazing or see Hyde Park at night where bats are frequently sighted. Finally, after a long day and night exploring one of the best cities in the world, visit Polo Bar at Liverpool Street for 24/7 greasy spoon dining.

25 Best Things To Do In London (England):

• Westminster
• Hampstead Heath
• Thames Cruise
• Baker Street
• Brixton Academy
• Electric Avenue
• Piccadilly Circus
• Oxford Street
• Leicester Square
• Platform 9 ¾
• Bond Street
• Buckingham Palace
• Explore at Night

• Photography Portfolio
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Accommodation
• Travel Guides
• Travel Tips & Hacks
• Food/Recipes
• Sustainability

The Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in London by a Local

Uncover the best non touristy things to do in London and plan local during your visit to the British capital. Our non touristy London itinerary will tell you all the best things to see in London that aren’t (too) touristy.

London never fails to impress with it’s rich history, neo-classical and Victorian architecture, fine museums, pub culture and one of the best food scenes in the world.

I grew up in London, living there for 25 years and never run out of things to do, see or places to eat. London is a city where locals and tourists intertwine. Even in the most popular areas of central London you’ll see local people go about their day.

Having said this, it’s very easy to go off the tourist trail and experience London like a local. In this guide I’ll discuss all my favourite non-touristy things to do in London so you can experience this epic city like a local.

What I personally love most about London is its variety; the variety of people you can meet, the food,, culture, shopping. It’s as though somebody went to every country in the world and bought back a piece to London. In some way, shape or form almost all cultures are represented here.

That being said however, British history and culture seeps through every crevasse of the city and you could spend one week alone just learning about it.

However long you have in London you’ll easily be able to fill up your time doing as much or as little as you’d like.

This non-touristy-things-to-do-in-London guide is perfect for those who have already visited all the main sights and want something more local to do. It’s for those who want to explore the non touristy London side to get a sense of what life in London is really like.

*This ‘best non-touristy things to do in london’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book using them at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with free, quality content.

The Best Time to Visit London

London is the perfect all-year destination. Tourist numbers remain steady throughout the year and while the most popular attractions will always be busy it’s generally very easy to get away from packed squares and heaving revolving wheels.

It is busier in the summer however, due to higher temperatures and fewer rainy days.

Note that the weather changes dramatically in the UK and it’s always a subject of conversation for the British- whenever you visit bring clothes for all seasons and weather conditions.

My favourite times to visit is in Spring, early Autumn or around Christmas for some serious Christmas cheer. In the spring and early autumn, you’ll still be able to enjoy fairly warm temperatures while also avoiding the tourist crowds.

If you visit in winter, make sure to add a few days to your London itinerary to make up for the shorter days. Make sure to also pack layers and a very warm jacket because it can get really cold, especially in January and February.

Getting Around London

The easiest and fastest way to get around London is by public transportation which includes the tube or underground (metro), bus and bicycle. Public transportation in London is extensive and generally quite efficient*.

I highly recommend you don’t rent a car and drive in London- it’s simply not worth it.

What you will need to get around London is an Oyster card. An Oyster card is a pre-paid card that allows you onto all Transport for London services. This includes the tube, trains, DRL, buses, trams, bicycles and river services. You simply put money on the card and it will start discounting your journeys as and when you use it. There is a daily cap of £12.80 (for use of Zones 1-6) so it won’t charge you more than this per day.

You can top-up your Oyster card at any tube station- at the machines or is some local newsagents.

Also, note that when taking the tube you have to swipe in AND out. At some stations, there are no barriers but make sure you find the Oyster touchpoint as if you don’t this will incur extra charges later on. 

There are actually two types of Oyster card, the Oyster card and the Visitor Oyster card. If you’d like to get special discounts on museum entry and sightseeing cruises the Visitor Oyster Card may be worth your time. Click here for more details on discounts and offers. 

Nowadays you can also use your credit or debit card and even Apple Pay to touch in and out of the public transportation system. I’m not sure, however, if this works for foreign cards. If you try and find that it does, let me know!

*At the weekend many lines partly close or have delays due to weekend engineering works on the tube. This does tend to cause some disruption so make sure to plan ahead when moving around at the weekends.

For all tube updates make sure to download the TFL Go app on your phone to move around with ease.

Top Non-Touristy Things to Do in London

There are many not touristy things to do in London and in a city like London, touristy and non-touristy activities are quite blurred. In many cases, both locals and tourists share the same spots, especially at the weekend.

The major museums are visited by both tourists and art-loving locals and so are parks, pubs and shopping areas. Here is non touristy London guide and my favourite things to do, as a local in London that involve few other tourists. 

Take in the London Views

London has a truly iconic skyline that can’t be missed by any visitor and there are various places you can view it from.

The best viewpoints in London are always going to be a little touristy because let’s be honest, everyone wants to get a view of London.

Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, The Shard , and The London Eye are just some suggestions for an incredible view over the city. These can be a little touristy, however. I would personally recommend the Sky Garden as entrance is free and it’s a cool place. You’ll just need to reserve your ticket ahead of time on their website. 

There are also many London non tourist attractions, rooftop bars, for example, Madison at One New Change, with extraordinary views of St. Pauls and 12th Knot on the South Bank.

Go Vintage Shopping on Brick Lane

Brick Lane is a mecca for vintage clothing and accessories fans among other things. Exploring East London is also a great way to get off the beaten path in London.

Rummage through store after store of glamorous and great-quality vintage wares and accessories. Even if you’re not a fan of vintage clothing Brick Lane should definitely be on your London bucket list. It’s a great area to wander around in, check out some street-art, drink coffee and people watch.

In recent years word has gotten out about the uber-cool East London neighbourhoods of Hackney, Shoreditch and Dalston and more and more tourists are coming here but still, it’s much less than in central London. You can definitely find some hidden gems here and some cool London non tourist places.

Best Non Touristy Things to Do in London: Visit Kew Gardens

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet from the non-stop movement of London life head to Kew Gardens for a breath of fresh air.

Wander around the vast gardens and make sure to visit the Japanese gardens, the Great Pagoda and Rock Gardens as well as the famous Palm House- a stunning indoor rainforest.

Skip the queues and book your Kew Gardens admission ticket online here .

I probably wouldn’t recommend a visit in the late autumn or winter just because the gardens can be quite grey. Kew Gardens are one of the top non touristy things to do in London, especially in West London.

Shop for Antiques at Portobello Road Market

While open every day of the week Saturday is the best time to visit this sprawling market in West London.

Browse some of the most unique antiques and shop for something special in the numerous stalls that line the streets of Portabello Road.

Antiques don’t tickle your fancy? Don’t worry there are plenty of other stalls in Portobello Road selling all kinds of bric-n-brac as well as fresh fruit, vegetables and baked goods.

When you’re done, take a walk around the neighbourhood to see all the now Insta-famous colourful houses. While Notting Hill and Portobello Market can be touristy, it’s also definitely an area for locals. As soon as you start exploring past Portobello Road you’ll discover a new off the beaten track London.

Play Art Historian at the British Museum

Yes, the British Museum is touristy, but it’s also loved by the London locals too. Here you can learn about art from all over the world- the pieces here mainly come from what the British Empire managed to loot back in it’s glory days.

The British Museum collection is extremely impressive and you won’t see so many pieces from all over the world under one roof anywhere else. It’s one of the most unique places to visit in London.

To avoid the crowds arrive at 10 am when the galleries open or wait for the late opening on Friday night where you’ll find many more art-loving locals visiting after work.

Have a Sunday Roast

Epically British, the Sunday Roast is the typical meal eaten by British people every Sunday for lunch.

While some don’t bother, others make it a ritual but it’s something you have to try when in the UK.

A Sunday roast consists of a protein, normally roast beef, chicken, pork or nut roast served with roast potatoes, boiled vegetables, a Yorkshire pudding (think circle shaped- baked pancake dough) and it’s all smothered in a rich gravy.

There are many great places to enjoy a Sunday Roast but my favourites are The Gate in Islington, Cafe Van Gogh in Brixton and Manna in Primrose Hill for their spectacular plant-based Sunday Roasts.  

Have a Pint in a Pub

Pub culture is something really special and unique to the UK and Ireland and I’d say it’s one of the most non-touristy things to do in London.

The Brits spend so much of their free time in pubs socialising with friends that it’s, without doubt, something you have to do too.

British ale is also fantastic (if you’re a beer fan) and personally, it’s my favourite kind of ‘beer’ around. Visit a pub, go to the bar and grab a pint of ale (there is no table service in pubs) and relax taking in that quintessentially British atmosphere.

My favourite pubs are The Churchill Arms in Kensington, Ye Old Cheshire Cheese in Aldwych and The Star & Garter, Soho. If you’re after the ultimate non touristy things to do in England this is it.

Have a Picnic in a London Park

Visitors are always surprised to discover how green London is. Central London is full of many parks from Primrose Hill and Regents Park in the North to Hyde Park and St. James Park further south.

A picnic is a fabulous way to enjoy and see the parks and get a feel for London life, provided it isn’t raining. Head to any one of the sandwich/sushi chains such as Pret a Manger, Eat or Itsu or even a local supermarket, load up on ready-made picnic treats and head to the park.

The most non touristy parks in London are Battersea Park, Richmond Park and Victoria Park but even in a park like Hyde Park, it’s easy to get away from the crowds.

Explore the Canals of Little Venice

Canals in London? You bet!

Little Venice is such a lovely area of London and is often overlooked by many visitors. Located near the Warwick Avenue tube station in West London it’s a small area full of meandering canals, leafy gardens and cafes on canal boats.

It’s a superb place to wander around for a couple of hours and get off the tourist trail- make sure not to miss the beautiful church of St Magdalene. I’m not sure why it’s called Little Venice, it reminds me more of Amsterdam.

From Little Venice, you can follow the Regent’s Canal all the way to Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill and Camden Town to make a day of this area.

See a Musical or Play in Theatreland

London’s theatreland is full of highly acclaimed musicals and plays from classics like Les Miserables to modern productions like Aladdin. London’s theatre scene is bursting with talent and a night at the theatre is a must-do.

Theatreland is always a little touristy, given its proximity to Central London but there are many other theatres you can visit that are frequented by locals more than tourists. Try the Barbican Center, The National Theatre, The Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells Theatre for more local productions.

Go Second Hand Book Shopping on the South Bank

The South Bank is extremely touristy but only at the London Eye end. Forget entering from Westminster (over Westminster Bridge) and come by the Waterloo side instead.

Just under Waterloo Bridge is a delightful little second-hand book fair where you can browse all the titles until you’ve found the one you want.

While you’re there it’s worth checking out the BFI (British Film Institute) for any classic films that are showing. You can also pop into the National Theatre for last-minute theatre tickets.

Visit the Tate Modern

There are so many art museums to choose from in London and if you’re limited for time I’d do some research online to find the one that suits your art taste most.

If you like modern art the Tate Modern is the place to go. It’s full of both locals and tourists strolling through the halls admiring avant-garde Picassos and colourful Warhols.

Upon leaving don’t forget to check out Millennium Bridge, just by the main river entrance of the gallery. 

Visit Camden Market

Camden Market is a bit of a punk/grunge institution and due to this attracts many visitors. Saying this I’d still consider it a non-touristy place to visit as you can really get away from the crowds.

Explore the market, the street food stalls, and the locks- there’s plenty to do and honestly, it is one of the most alternative places to visit in London.

Visit a Lido

Of all the offbeat London things to do this is it.

If you’re in London during the summer and you happen to experience a hot summer’s day then a lido is where you need to go. Grab a towel, a small picnic and head to a lido- natural outdoor swimming pools dotted around London.

No doubt they’ll be full as Londoners tend to be sun worshipers but you’ll have the opportunity to experience something really authentic. My favourite lido is London Fields Lido in Hackney. To do summer in London like a local, a visit to a lido is a must.

Eat Your Way Through Borough Market

For all things food, head to Borough Market just on the south side of London Bridge.

Eat your way through traditional British pies, pasties and fish and chips as well as the highest quality fresh fruit juices and smoothies, bread, cheeses, cakes, pastries and many more delicious, local products. You’ll find many locals here, especially at the weekend. It’s definately one of the places not to miss in London.

Visit God’s Own Junkyard

One of the most unique places in London, a visit to God’s Own Junkyard is a must. This quirky space, located in Walthamstow is an eclectic art gallery full of neon signs and old movie props.

The neon signs in the gallery are all from the collection of Chris Bracey, the ‘neon man’ who has been working with neon and creating iconic art pieces for 37 years. If you’re looking for unique places to visit in London it certainly is a gem.

Go for a Walk Around Hampstead

Hampstead is one of London’s prettiest and local neighbourhoods. Home to incredible houses, charming streets and the lovely Hampstead Heath, taking a walk around Hampstead is the ultimate non touristy thing to do in London.

You’ll be able to grab a coffee in a local cafe, perhaps pick up a bunch of flowers and potter around an independent bookstore or two. Hampstead is really one of those places not to miss in London.

Take a Day Trip Outside London

Probably the most non touristy thing you can do in London is to actually leave. Many travellers come to London and fail to ever explore other parts of England. Make sure to not make the same mistake.

There are so many day trips from London that’ll allow you to see some of the gorgeous English countryside, some picturesque villages and even the quaint English seaside.

How about a day trip to Brighton to check out England’s most iconic amusement pier? Or a day trip to the medieval city of Canterbury ? There’s also Oxford , Cambridge, Bath and even York that make fantastic day trips from London. If you have more time you can also head to the Cotswolds for the perfect weekend out of the city.

Visit St. Dunstan’s in the East

St. Dunstan’s in the East is a hidden, historical church in the midst of the modern heart of the City of London. Destroyed during the Second World War and never rebuilt, St. Dunstan’s in the East still functions today as a church with a few outdoor services.

During the week it’s a really peaceful place to escape the hustle of the city. Take a seat on one of the benches with a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.

Top Tip : Due to this the church’s recent Instagram fame it now receives quite a few visitors and photoshoots. If you’re after some peace make sure to come early if you’d like it to yourself.

Grab a Coffee in Belgravia

Kensington and particularly Belgravia is another really lovely neighbourhood to explore. Explore some of London’s most expensive real estate and grab a coffee at Cafe Kitsuné. Then wander the green, nature-filled squares and admire the architecture.

Non Touristy Things to Do in London: Visit Neasden Temple

Not featured in most tourist guides, Neasden Temple or BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a stunning hindu temple in North-west London. You won’t find any tourists here and while it can be one of the most crowded places in London, it’s almost always full of Hindu locals who come here to worship from all parts of London.

When visiting the Neasden Temple you can also learn more about Hinduism in the on-site exhibition ‘Understanding Hinduism’ as well as uncover the beautiful, intricate architecture that’ll transport you right back to India.

Explore Hackney Wick

One of London’s newest and up-and-coming areas, Hackney Wick is full of vibes. It’s a really cool place to relax, and grab a drink, meet some new friends or even go for a walk, jog or bike ride along the canal.

There are so many cool urban spots to explore in Hackney Wick, especially at the weekend when the area comes alive. When it comes to London’s special places, Hackney Wick is right up there.

Have you got any questions or comments about these non-touristy things to do in London? Leave them below, I’d love to hear from you.

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Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!

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Booking.com  for great deals on hotels

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Alex Wieteska

Alex Wieteska is a full-time travel writer and photographer. She has visited 50+ countries and lived in 4 long term. She's renowned for her ability to discover the world's most coveted destinations, chicest eateries, and unique accommodations. Her curated travel guides are read by thousands of people daily, whom she inspires to travel the world slowly and live more consciously. She visits every destination she writes about and handpicks all recommendations. Find out more about me

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Great piece of content! We have been living in London for 6 years and we miss it so much. Are the pictures all your own? They are great!

Aw that’s great guys- you’ll know all about what to do then! Thanks- yes they are all mine. 😉

haha. nice one!

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ENGLAND , EUROPE , LONDON , UNITED KINGDOM · March 22, 2018 Last Updated on July 23, 2024

LONDON AS A LOCAL: THE BEST NON-TOURISTY THINGS TO DO

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

London is an incredible city. It’s cosmopolitan, entrepreneurial, and a lot of fun. But if you’re visiting for a few days, it can be a bit overwhelming.

London is big and the list of things you can find on Google is endless. How do you know where to go? What are the best non-touristy things to do and places to stay in London?

NON-TOURISTY LONDON ADVICE

I’ve put together this guide because I’m always being asked by friends from around the world – “I’m going to London soon, where shall I go?” And it’s pretty impossible to answer spontaneously. There are so many places to go and so many things to do in London, so there is no quick answer.

I’ve specifically not included the main tourist attractions here, like Big Ben, Madame Tussauds, and The London Eye. Yes, they are cool, but they are expensive and often so full of tourists that it’s not where the locals hang out. 

In order to fully enjoy the city, you’ve gotta know where to go. So hopefully this post will give you some ideas for where to stay, where to eat, the best ‘underground’ bars, and what else you can do in the city including flying trapeze, neon naked life drawing, and yoga!

LONDON’S BIG, WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY?

I have a friend from Portugal who boldly claimed “there’s nothing to do in London”. But when I asked him how he came to such a ludicrous conclusion he told me that he stayed in Hounslow. For those of you that don’t know, Hounslow is a small borough on the very outskirts of London.

It’s close to Heathrow Airport, about an hour on the tube from Central London. It’s very residential and there’s really not much else here apart from chicken shops and newsagents. Moral of this story? Stay in a good area!

Whatever your budget – whether you’re looking for an Airbnb, hostel or hotel – the list below should give you some ideas for where to look, based on what you like.

• For the hipsters: Shoreditch , Old Street , Hackney
• For alternative music lovers (think techno, hip hop, & jazz): Dalston
• For the boho market-loving hippies: Brixton
• For the boutique shoppers & pastel-coloured house lovers: Notting Hill and Holland Park
• For the Aussies: Clapham Common

I generally recommend not staying too Central because it’s usually more expensive and, in my opinion, less fun. The areas above are all buzzing with locals and independent coffee shops, bars, and restaurants for you to explore.

SWANKY LONDON RESTAURANTS

If you’re looking for a special restaurant to treat yourself (and maybe a loved one), then you might like one of the following restaurants. They aren’t cheap and you will need to reserve in advance, but if you want to wine and dine in true London style, check out the following.

• Duck & Waffle  (Liverpool Street): On the 40th floor of The Heron Tower, this is the highest restaurant in the city’s tallest building. Expect monumental views, incredible British-inspired food and your ears to pop. Try their signature dish, the “duck and waffle” where you can drizzle maple syrup all over the top.
• Sushi Samba  (Liverpool Street): On the 38th floor of The Heron Tower, specialising in a menu that’s a fusion of Brazilian, Portuguese & Peruvian food – with a lot of sushi.
• Oblix  @ The Shard: On the 32nd floor of The Shard, with panoramic views of the skyline and an extensive cocktail menu.
• The Ned  (Bank): Located in the old, impressive Midland Bank building, it’s part-members club, part-open-to-the-public who book. Try the Sunday Feast: all-you-can-eat  Sunday brunch , including lobster and oysters, for £45.
• Dans Le Noir  (Farringdon): The famous restaurant ‘in the dark’ – and ‘dark’ means completely pitch black! The idea is that your taste senses are heightened when you can’t rely on your sight.
• Coppa  (Tower Bridge): Where you can sit on The Thames in your own private igloo, decked out with furry chairs.

CHEAP(ER) BUT STILL DELICIOUS RESTAURANTS (ALL WITH GREAT VIBES)

There are a ton of amazing restaurants in London, but here are some of my favourites. They are all popular so if you don’t book (you can’t book all), head down early to beat the queues.

• Dishoom  (Soho, Kings Cross, Kensington): For posh Indian tapas (great for breakfast too!).
• Patty & Bun (all over): A popular burger joint with a selection of adventurous flavours in toasted brioche buns.
• Le Bab  (Soho): For posh kebabs, a lot of spices and chewy flatbreads.
• Hoppers  (Soho): For Sri Lankan food that’s so exotic you may not understand any of the menu – but if it’s tasty, does it matter?
• Flat Iron  (Soho, Covent Garden, Shoreditch): Specialising in perfectly charred, juicy steak at affordable prices. The Flat Iron steak with house salad is just £10 (the creamed spinach as an extra side and the salted caramel mousse are both worth tasting too!).
• Wahaca  (all over): For Mexican-style street food.
• Franco Manca  & Pizza Pilgrims  (both are all over the city): The great pizza debate amongst Londoners, with both offering a selected menu of sourdough pizzas.

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, and are looking for healthy meat-free restaurants in London here are some great options:

• Redemption  (Notting Hill, Shoreditch): Wheat-free, low in sugar, and no alcohol – it’s self proclaimed the “world’s healthiest bar and restaurant”.
• Farmacy  (Notting Hill): Food that’s so healthy it’s like medicine – Farmacy isn’t fully vegan (they do eggs) but there are plenty of vegan options available. They even offer “Farmaceutical Syringe Shots” – health drinks served in a syringe.
• The Gate  (Marylebone, Islington, Hammersmith): A wide selection of delicious vegetarian dishes – with an even more spectacular dessert menu (try the dark chocolate shell, filled with chocolate mousse & salted date caramel sauce!).
• Ethos  (Oxford Street): A buffet selection of meat-free dishes where you weigh what you choose. Again, there’s a very extravagant, large selection of no-refined-sugar desserts.

BEST LONDON STREET-FOOD MARKETS

• Box Park  (Shoreditch): An eclectic mix of independent food stands, cocktail bars, and clothing shops nestled in the heart of Shoreditch.
• Borough Market  (Borough): Possibly the most touristy thing here – but Borough Market is the godfather of street-food markets in London. And if you need a cup of coffee while you’re there, go to the famous Monmouth.
• Maltby Street Market : You could describe Maltby Street Market as Borough Market’s lesser-known younger cousin: similar food, similar location, but smaller and with a lot less people.
• Dinerama  (Shoreditch High Street): For a selection of street food stands and killer cocktail bars that’s under a roof, including Mother Clucker fried chicken, Prawnography’s shrimp, and dumplings from Yumplings.
• Pop Brixton  (Brixton): Launched as a pop-up in 2015 to help support independent start-up businesses, it’s been so successful that it’s still going strong today. You’ll find some of the best independent and emerging food stands, cocktail bars, and clothing shops as well as free exercise classes and sometimes even small art exhibitions.

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THE BEST LOCAL LONDON BARS FOR WHATEVER YOU FANCY

There are so many quirky bars and pubs all over London that it’s very easy to just stroll into the first place you see when you fancy a drink. But why go to a vanilla bar when you can go to a ‘secret’ one where you walk through a fridge, laundrette or bookcase to get inside? Or one with bottomless brunch & board-games?

FOR “SECRET” BARS

• Mayor of Scaredycat Town  (Shoreditch): Where you walk through a fridge to get to the bar. At the door, ask to see the Mayor. (Located within Breakfast Club, Shoreditch)
• King of Ladies Man (Clapham Junction): Where you walk through a laundrette to get to the bar. (Located within Breakfast Club, Clapham)
• Evans & Peel  (Earls Court): Make sure you book, and when you arrive tell the man on the door that you have an appointment. You’ll then walk through a bookcase to get inside.

FOR QUIRKY INTERIORS

• Sketch (Mayfair): Arguably the most Instagrammable bar in London due to the famous pink walls, and white pods in the toilets.
• Katzenjammers  (Borough): A pretty crazy German-designed underground bar that serves litre beers, perfect if it’s Oktoberfest.
• Cahoots  (Soho): Decked out with old school 1940s London decor, an elaborate newspaper-style cocktail menu and vintage tube decorations.
• Blues Kitchen  (Shoreditch): There are a few Blues Kitchens around London, but the Shoreditch one has a funky 1950s airstream caravan available to hire – or you can hop in if it’s not too busy. (Weekends do get busy though, so get down early)
• Near & Far  (Peckham): The staircase to Near & Far feels like a pop-art designed maze. Situated in a creative shared building with startups and yoga studios, it feels quirky, funky, and cool.

FOR ROOFTOP VIEWS

• WigWam @ The Queen of Hoxton  (Shoreditch High Street): Every season, the guys at the Queen Of Hoxton decorate the WigWam with incredible bespoke decor; this year it was fully decked out in Moroccan style. In the winter, you can toast marshmallows over fires, while sipping on mulled spiced cider; in the summer, it’s home to a rooftop cinema.
• Pergola on the Roof (Shepherds Bush): On top of a car park in Shepherds Bush – but quite posh and swanky with tasty food stands. (Only open in the summer)
• Franks  (Peckham): Another one that’s on top of a car park – but the crowd here are a bit edgier than Pergola, and vibes a little more laid back. (Only open in the summer)

FOR ENGLISH PUBS WITH BEER GARDENS

• People’s Park Tavern  (Victoria Park): On the beautifully green Victoria Park with it’s very own mini golf, it’s where all the cool kids in Hackney hang out.
• The Faltering Fullback  (Finsbury Park): With an outside area that’s designed a little like a maze, it’s a bit of a hidden gem that’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of London streets.
• Duke of Edinburgh  (Brixton): With a huge beer garden hiding behind the pub, this is the perfect spot to go if the sun is shining.

FOR AN ACTIVITY (you’ll need to book all of these in advance)

• Bounce (Holborn, Shoreditch): Europe’s biggest “social ping pong club” – with cocktails, Italian pizzas, and eclectic music.
• Cafe Kick  (Exmouth Market) and Bar Kick  (Shoreditch High Street): Both ran by the same team, offering table football and a daily happy hour, it’s a fun (but competitive) place to have a game of fussball.
• Fight Club  (Shaftesbury Avenue, Shoreditch): For darts & pizzas, the atmosphere is always buzzing here.
• Drink Shop Do  (Kings Cross): Where bar meets cafe, with a range of board games that you can play. At the weekend, they do a bottomless brunch, bagels & board game combo for £25 per person.
• Swingers Crazy Golf  (Bank): Home to two 9-hole crazy golf courses, along with cocktail bars, street food stands, and DJs.
• Ballie Ballerson (Hackney): A ball pit bar with one million plastic balls to dance in? Yes, this is a thing and it is amazing.

OTHER LOCAL THINGS TO DO IN LONDON

• Cinema – if you fancy watching a film, there’s no point settling in a soulless chain of cinemas. Instead, head to one of the comfortable cinemas with sofas and a bar, like The Electric  (Notting Hill), The Picture House cinemas (all over), or Genesis (Stepney Green).
• Naked Neon Life Drawing : Life drawing with really beautiful models wearing nothing but neon drapes, in the back of a pub with very chilled music. It doesn’t matter how bad you are at drawing, the teacher is so inspiring and the whole event is so relaxing, that it’s very therapeutic.
• Flying Trapeze @ Gorilla Circus : If you’ve ever wanted to join the circus, now you can learn how to swing on the flying trapeze with Gorilla Circus. In the summer, they are located in Regents Park or Battersea Park.
• The Design Museum  (High Street Kensington): Home to the fascinating (and free) exhibition about how design affects our society, looking at the evolution of transport, computers, mobile phones, and apps. There are usually always paid exhibitions available too so check what’s on.
• Victoria & Albert Museum  (Knightsbridge): A pretty spectacular building with many interesting and arty exhibitions that are free, as well as paid, to visit.
• Hayward Gallery (Waterloo) : quite an unassuming, unpretentious art gallery.

If you want to do a spot of exercise, there are heaps of pay-as-you-go classes that don’t require full-on memberships. Just check the timetable online, sign up & book in advance. For example…

• HIIT Classes: If you want to work out where David Beckham, Harry Styles and Ellie Goulding have all been, try Barry’s Bootcamp . The world-renowned hour long cardio and weight workout, otherwise called “the best workout in the world”.
• Yoga: Hot Pod yoga , Yotopia , and Battersea Yoga  all offer single drop in classes.
• Spinning: Boom Cycle , Psycle London  and 1Rebel  all offer intense spinning classes with funky tunes all over the city.

Hopefully this guide has given you a few ideas of how to spend your time in London. If you’re looking for somewhere edgy and hipster, stay East (around Dalston , Hackney , or Old Street ) and eat the street food at Dinerama Street Feast, play ping pong at Bounce, or darts at Fight Club. Or if you’re looking for somewhere a little more upmarket, stay West (around Notting Hill or Holland Park ), eat at the “healthiest bar in the world,” Redemption, and hop into Mayfair to drink at the famous pink bar, Sketch.

There are so many new places popping up all the time that by the time you’re reading this, there will most likely be other great places to visit too. Just do a little research, plan an itinerary, and wherever you go, I hope you enjoy London like a local.

Have you ever visited London? We’d love to hear your local tips in the comment section below!

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You’ll Also Love

March 23, 2018 at 4:10 am

As a Londoner, this was great and I found myself agreeing to so many of the points! It definitely delivered on the non-touristy bit. I’d also add Troubadour to the pub list — an Earl’s Court gem where artists like Adele, Ed Sheeran, Hendrix, Eric Clapton all played before getting famous. They still do live music featuring up-and-coming artists and some bigger names. Mondays are for £5 comedy nights where comics test out new material. Amazingly good Bloody Marys and food too! Beer garden out back for the summer as well.

Natalia says

March 23, 2018 at 5:31 am

This is such a comprehensive list! Having lived in London I completely agree with almost everything here! I would also recommend Bone Daddies in Soho for fantastic, yet affordable, ramen!

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22 Out-Of-This-World Things To Do In London

We’re no stranger to seeing fantastical and futuristic places on screen, but sometimes you can find otherworldly spots right on your doorstep…

Rocketing into the black void of space, losing yourself in the wilderness of a bioluminescent jungle and exploring a ramshackle shop packed with magical oddities might only seem possible in the realm of cinema, but London can surprise you. The city is full of fascinating sci-fi-suitable architecture , hidden havens and intergalactic experiences that will make you forget you’re in the capital and wonder whether you’ve been whisked away to a new world. We’ve rounded up some of London’s best otherworldly places and experiences that look like they could have been plucked from the pages of fiction.

1. Explore the wilderness of Barbican Conservatory

2. Sip cocktails in a spellbinding new world at Avora

There are few things more otherworldly than colour-changing cocktails sipped under luminescent jellyfish-like tendrils in a psychedelic setting bathed in purple light. That’s the kind of thing you can expect at Avora: New World Cocktail Experience found at the Rosewood Building in Hackney . The mesmerising adventure invites you on a mission into an Avatar-reminiscent world, where you’ll wander through a mystical woodland filled with exotic fauna and flora, sip on three different cocktails created from secret elixirs , and confront a moral dilemma: support a billionaire’s nefarious plan or rebel and join the resistance? We’ll see what you decide when night falls and the bioluminescent ecosystem blooms into vibrant, colourful life.

3. Head into an underground labyrinth at Waterloo Vaults

Descend into the depths below Waterloo Station and you’ll discover the Waterloo Vaults , a graffiti-covered labyrinth of tunnels which is home to immersive theatre productions , alternative art and all things weird and wonderful. The subterranean haven feels like tumbling down the rabbit hole into a warped wonderland, where you can forget reality for a while as you stroll along oddity-filled tunnels and settle in to watch fabulously eccentric and off-the-wall shows.

In previous years it has hosted productions such as ‘ The Witches Of Oz ’, a glittering, gravity-defying battle between good and wicked, and coming up this year will be ‘ Stranger Sings ’ a parody musical of, you guessed it, Stranger Things. For pre or post-show tipples, you can swing by the Vaulty Towers pub , fittingly decked out in bizarre stage props and often hosting a dog or two, this watering hole is the perfect prelude to your journey underground.

4. Experience an alien invasion at The War of The Worlds Immersive Experience

Offering a thrilling journey into H.G. Wells- iconic science fiction novel, The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience is an absolute must-visit for literary-buffs, movie fans, and sci-fi nerds alike . The cutting-edge experience combines virtual reality, live actors, and special effects to transport visitors directly into a Martian invasion of Victorian England.

You’ll be trusted into a gripping narrative , navigating through meticulously designed sets and interactive scenes , encountering everything from eerie Martian interactions to dramatic rescue missions. So, if you’re ready to save the world, book your tickets for this fantastic immersive experience in the heart of London.

5. Go stargazing at the Royal Observatory

This one speaks for itself. A gateway into the far-flung reaches of Space, the Royal Observatory will take you out of this world with their mesmerising planetarium shows and astronomy demonstrations and you won’t even need to step foot outside of London. For those who daydream of living on the moon, there’s a special immersive experience called Moonbase , which explores the idea of growing food and extracting water while facing the alien conditions of reduced gravity and toxic lunar dust. When you emerge from the Royal Observatory after having your head in the, well, stars, you’ll be brought back to earth with a wander through the emerald expanse of Greenwich Park .

6. Bend your mind at the Paradox Museum

This all-new experience in London promises to be a mind-bending addition to the city’s unbeatable selection of immersive attractions. The innovative space challenges the boundaries of perception and reality , through an awesome series of interactive exhibits and displays that are designed to play with the laws of physics, as well as human cognition.

Each exhibition at the Paradox Museum is crafted to engage the senses and stimulate curiosity , making it an ideal destination for both families and groups of friends seeking an unconventional outing. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of paradoxes and optical illusions , without falling too deep down the rabbit hole. Click here to get your tickets.

7. Journey up to the Crossrail Place Roof Garden

A leafy oasis in the heart of London’s financial district is a recipe for sci-fi goodness. Crossrail Place Roof garden in Canary Wharf is the perfect place to escape for a peaceful lunch break among lush greenery. The garden has been divided into hemispheres, with east on one side and west on the other, and winding paths will take you past everything from Australasian ferns to Japanese maples . All of which is cocooned by giant geometric windows and surrounded by gleaming glass skyscrapers, making the whole setting feel like a rare pocket of plant life that has been preserved in a future overrun by technology. But then again, maybe I’ve just been watching too many dystopian flicks.

8. Dare to discover the weird and wonderful things inside Victor Wynd’s Museum Of Curiosities

Peculiarities, oddities and concoctions are the name of the game at Victor Wynd’s Museum Of Curiosities in East London , also home to the absinthe parlour known as Last Tuesday Society Bar . Inside, an old-world setting is punctuated by a menagerie of taxidermied creatures – so those prone to shuddering under the gaze of sightless eyes might want to steer clear – a hefty collection of mystical remains (think unicorn skulls and mermaid skeletons) and even a cabinet of monsters which includes mummified fairies and an eight-legged lamb .

The museum blurs the line between reality and fantasy, but while some could easily while away the hours exploring the often shudder-inducing phenomena others will likely feel more comfortable sticking to the bar. There, you can pick your poison from absinthe cocktails, absinthe liqueurs and absinthe highballs . Basically, those with a penchant for absinthe will be in their happy place.

9. Enter the fascinating Otherworld

10. Explore the wonders of the galaxy at the Science Museum

11. Indulge your inner Potterhead at Leadenhall Market

One world we’re yet to delve into on this list is the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you fancy a lunchtime stroll in a spellbinding location then Leadenhall Market ticks the boxes. Used as the filming location for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the centuries-old market has a fantastical, old-worldly charm with its intriguing features – from stone dragons perched on giant pillars to the ornate gold detailing and Victorian lettering. You can easily channel your inner Potter ducking into the Leaky Cauldron (an opticians in real life) or simply enjoy a spot of window shopping before grabbing a bite to eat at French bistro Luc’s Brasserie or, for fans of pub grub, The Lamb Tavern .

12. Venture further afield to the glittering Crystal Grotto

Ok, this one’s not quite in central London but the fascinating crystalline cave in Painshill Park can be found within the boundaries of the M25, more specifically in Surrey , which kind of counts? Besides, it’s the perfect excuse to escape the crowds for a bit, wander around the winding trails of the sprawling park and take a gander at this man-made crystalline gem .

At first glance, the honeycomb-esque walls look eerily like stacks of skulls – almost as if you’ve stumbled upon the den of a well-fed dragon – but thankfully there’s no fire-breathing creatures dwelling here, just bubbling water, craggy rock and (albeit, lethal-looking) stalactites. If you’re a fan of fantasy films and fairytale kingdoms, this is sure to float your boat.

13. Pay a visit to the glorious havens of Kew Gardens

There are not many places where you can explore a variety of different ecosystems, basically travelling around the natural world, in the space of one afternoon, but Kew Gardens is pretty special that way. The UNESCO world heritage site is a transporting experience for many, with its botanical collections and abundance of plants creating a wondrous warren of natural environments.

In the Princess of Wales Conservatory alone you will find yourself breathing in the fragrances of giant water lily flowers, meeting prickly customers in the dry tropics section and emerging into a steamy space punctured by colourful orchids and bright bromeliads. If you like a bit of drama, we would recommend swinging by the hypnotic Hive, a 17-metre tall piece of art found among the swaying flora of a wildflower meadow. It looks almost alien in its mesmerising intricacy and is a touching visual tribute to Britain’s honeybees .

14. Expect stylish surprises at the unassuming Crossness Pumping Station

Who knew a city sewage system could be so otherworldly? Anyone who’s set eyes on Crossness Pumping Station , that’s who. Also known as the Cathedral of Sewage, the unexpectedly striking station is found in Abbey Wood and dates back to the 1800s when Joseph Bazalgette hatched a plan to help de-stink the city.

You can visit the Grade I Listed building and explore the intricate interiors to this day – with its bold colours, swirling wrought-iron detailing and gleaming red pillars it almost makes you feel as if you have stumbled into Willy Wonka’s wondrous chocolate factory, only given its purpose I would advise you don’t make the same mistake as Augustus Gloop and stay clear of any brown-looking rivers.

15. Channel your inner Doctor by visiting the TARDIS

Whovians, unite! There are only a handful of the iconic blue police boxes dotted around the country, and two of them are located here in London. The one near Earl’s Court tube station even has a direct link to the Doctor Who series itself, with the allusive Police Box getting a makeover back in 2005 for the first-ever (and totally iconic) revival of the sci-fi series. So, if you’re a fan of the Doctor, the Daleks, and the multitudes of madness in Doctor Who , visit the last remaining police boxes in London. For more information, check out our article .

16. Frolic through purple fields at Mayfield Lavender Farm

Charge up your phones or dig out your favourite camera – they are going to get an epic workout at this stunning location. Located in Banstead , a town in Surrey on the outskirts of London, Mayfield Lavender Farm invites you to wander through purple fields and breathe in the rich fragrances of lavender.

The vibrant blanket of flora is almost unearthly in its colourful, sweeping beauty and will give the illusion you have landed on another planet. Plus, to bring you back down to earth, here’s a classic red London phone box in the middle for some irresistibly Instagrammable shots. The farm is now open for the summer and is also home to a bee safari, tractor rides, and on select days, open-air performances , so you can truly make a wondrous day of it.

17. Sip among the stars at the Sky Garden

Travel up to the heavens to drink and dine among the clouds at London’s Sky Garden . In a setting seemingly stolen from the future, the glass-encased haven in the sky boasts unbeatable views across the city . Take in the glittering lights of the capital over delicious cocktails as live music provides an atmospheric soundtrack to a cinematic evening. It won’t just be the far-flung views you can soak up, it’s called Sky Garden for a reason as you’ll be surrounded by an abundance of leafy plants that gives the illusion you have entered a jungle in the sky.

18. Soak up the natural beauty of St. Dunstan In The East

There’s something magically dystopian about the way nature reclaims the remains of abandoned buildings and St. Dunstan in the East is a perfect example of that. Found in the City of London , a weekend stroll, free of suited-and-booted business people, will take you to the ruins of this centuries-old church which was damaged by the Great Fire of London and then destroyed further by a German bomb in 1941. Now a public park, cascades of ivy burst from gothic windows and climb up the walls, while a canopy of thick tangled tree branches provides shade for a spot of reading in the summer months.

19. Bathe in red wine at Aire Ancient Baths

Any Game of Thrones fans out there? This will be right up your street. A luxurious London bathhouse, Aire Ancient Baths has a fantastical air to its dimly lit, 18th-century interiors that look strikingly similar to the ancient fortresses seen on screen in George R. R. Martin’s famous book-turned-show.

For a full immersion in the (often blood-splattered) world, you might want to try the Wine Ritual, where you’ll be submerged in a tub of red wine. The crimson waters may look morbid at first glance but once you sink into them and enjoy a cranial massage any worries will soon melt away – just be warned it is £450 so maybe save it for an extra special occasion. You can find this deluxe spa a stone’s throw from Embankment or Charing Cross Station.

20. Discover a luminescent paradise at God’s Own Junkyard

When you imagine a neon-drenched wonderland your first thoughts may instantly go to the vibrant lights of Tokyo or Las Vegas, but there’s actually our very own psychedelic playground right here in London. God’s Own Junkyard illuminates the interiors of an unassuming warehouse in Walthamstow, a colourful treasure trove of old film props, retro signs, circus lighting, salvaged signs and neon art . Plus, once you’ve finished exploring the kaleidoscopic inside, you can give your eyes a rest and swing by the impeccably named Rolling Scones cafe for a drink and bite to eat.

21. Get your hands on some unearthly curiosities at Hoxton Street Monster Supplies

Forget counting down the days to Christmas, Halloween is when the marvellously monstrous magic happens. If you’re a lover of the spooky season then you might want to pay a visit to Hoxton Street Monster Supplies , who specialise in ‘bespoke and everyday items for the Living, Dead and Un-Dead’. It’s a shop that wouldn’t look out of place on Diagon Alley, selling everything from witch’s brew tea and edible eyeballs to salt made from tears of boredom and a bone grinder (aka black marble pestle and mortar).

Bookworms can pick up all the gothic classics here or, if you’re planning a trip abroad, the ‘awfully bad guide to monster travel’ may come in handy. It goes without saying, but any Van Helsing descendants should probably steer clear. For more information, click here .

22. Travel back in time at the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London offers a captivating journey through time, akin to stepping into a time machine or the previously mentioned TARDIS . From an extraordinary dinosaur collection to exhibits on extinct animals, this iconic museum provides an insightful window into the distant past.

Visitors can marvel at the towering Tyrannosaurus rex, the majestic Diplodocus, and numerous other prehistoric giants, as each display meticulously brings ancient eras to life in immersive and interactive ways . So, traverse millennia and gain some knowledge on the planet’s fascinating evolutionary history and the forces that have shaped our world.

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12 Non-Touristy Things to do in London

• June 30, 2023

12 Non-Touristy Things to do in London – Pinot & Picasso

Things we don’t want to look like in London? An obvious tourist. Visiting London can be so much fun, and while most tourists visit the famous landmarks, you can find a hidden gem if you look in the right place.

We’re going to uncover the best non-touristy things to do in London where you can avoid tourist crowds at places like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. You will see there is a diverse range of fun activities and attractions that give you the taste of London you crave.

1. Visit Hampstead Heath

A real hidden gem is Hampstead Heath, a woodland and meadow tucked away in north London. Hampstead Heath is a popular spot among locals and is among places in London recommended to tourists. With over 800 acres to explore, there are many non touristy things to do in Hampstead Heath.

Take in the London skyline with a picnic on Parliament Hill. This viewpoint on Parliament Hill will have you spotting famous landmarks from Canary Wharf to central London.

Cool off at one of the many swimming ponds around Hampstead Heath or watch locals play sport around the gardens. It’s a great place to relax, read a book and even ride horses.

2. Check Out a London Street Market

What London is best known locally for is its markets. Many local businesses flock to the streets on weekends, and even during the week, to sell products and goods adored by many.

Vintage shopping is a hobby for most in London, and many locals would agree that Shoreditch and Brick Lane are one of the best places in London to get some retro threads. Brick Lane Market is filled with local vendors and vintage jewels.

Just around the corner, you’ll find the blooming Columbia Road Flower Market. This market occurs every Sunday from 10am selling the most beautiful flowers and plants that are perfect for gifting to a loved one, or even spoiling yourself.

For some delicious street food, Camden Market is the place to go. Not only will you treat your taste buds, but you can shop til you drop, enjoy some live music and experiences across four unique quarters. There’s even a canal with river boats!

3. Visit an Art Gallery or a Museum

To truly experience London, it’s great to get a taste of the culture and history of a powerful nation. In the city centre, you can uncover the history of the world at the British Museum (it’s hard to miss!). While this comes under touristy things, it is worth the visit.

For more historic hidden gems, we recommend heading to the Sir John Soane’s Museum. John Soane was one of England’s greatest architects of the Regency era.

For a greater understanding of life in England over time, the Geffrye Museum (now known as the Museum of the Home) has eye-opening events and exhibitions to view.

4. Check Out Some Street Art at Leake Street Tunnel

One of the fun non touristy things to do in London is tucked away near London Bridge and central London. Introducing the Leake Street Arches.

The Leake Street Tunnel was formerly railway arches and now is a street art gallery. With graffiti walls and hidden paintings, this rejuvenated site is now a thriving community of restaurants, bars and entertainment. The Leake Street Arches really celebrates urban culture in central London.

5. Attend a Paint and Sip Session with Pinot & Picasso

We consider this hidden gem to be a local favourite. Avoid non touristy places in London by treating yourself to an arty party at Pinot & Picasso. Enjoy a fun night out with your travel partners with a paint and sip session where you transform a blank canvas to a colourful masterpiece.

Head east from central London to the Pinot & Picasso Shoreditch studio where you’ll be greeted by a talented artist who will guide you step-by-step through your chosen artwork – you will need to purchase tickets before attending! Get ready to unwind from doing touristy things by purchasing a bevvy and snacks from the studio bar. Master the art of fun with Pinot & Picasso in London!

6. Head to Shoreditch High Street For a Drink or Two

Once you’re finished exploring London, head to east London and the streets of Shoreditch and cheers to this great city. Shoreditch High Street has an abundance of vibing places to get you in a good mood. From a local pub to live music venues, you can find all the places only locals visit in London.

7. Visit the Houses in St Luke’s Mews

One of the non touristy things to do in London is walking along the cobblestone streets in Notting Hill and admiring the houses in St Luke’s Mews. This part of Notting Hill is the location of famous scenes in the Christmas classic ‘Love Actually’.

These beautiful homes in St Luke’s Mews will have you wishing to stay in west London longer and maybe become a local.

8. Go on a Picnic to One of London’s Many Parks

One of the best things about London is the amount of green spaces. When you visit London, it’s best to know which parks are unknown to masses of tourists.

Hyde Park is a famous landmark and definitely worth the visit during quieter times of the day. For hidden gems, Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park will give you unmatched views on the London skyline that are perfect for sunrise through to sunset. Another park with skyline views is Greenwich Park that looks back over Canary Wharf in south east London.

Bushy Park in Richmond is the second largest Royal Park in all of London. It’s best known for its unique waterways, beautiful gardens and fallow deer that roam the space.

9. Take a Canal Boat Ride Down Regent’s Canal

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through Camden along Regent’s Canal. Regent’s Canal will have you feeling like you’re out of London. You can hop on one of the colourful boats from Little Venice and see the sights of Regent’s Park including London Zoo.

The highlight of this canal ride is passing through Camden Town and seeing their unique stalls and shops. This is the perfect place to hop off and walk through Camden Market.

10. Go For Afternoon Tea

What’s synonymous with the UK? Afternoon tea, of course! There are plenty of classy and affordable options for an afternoon tea in the city centre.

Treat yourself to a high tea full of sweet and savoury treats – why not add a little champagne? Many high tea venues offer afternoon tea for the little ones too, so you can make it a family event.

11. Go on a Bike Ride at Richmond Park

Head out to west London to Richmond – made famous through the hit TV series Ted Lasso – and see the beautiful gardens and greenery in Richmond Park. The wide open spaces and watching fallow deer roam throughout the park is a nice way to give yourself a time out from the hustle and bustle of central London.

It’s London off the beaten track when you ride a bike in Richmond Park. You can even do some off-road cycling along the Tasman Trail if you’re looking for something more exhilarating.

12. Check out the Royal Botanical Garden

While you’re in south west London, more specifically in Richmond, you can’t visit without stopping by the stunning Kew Gardens. This Royal Botanical Garden is home to over 50,000 plants and florals including tropical plants and a Victorian Glasshouse.

Kew Gardens is perfect for plant lovers and those who need a time out for the busy streets of central London.

Find a Pinot & Picasso Studio Near You!

A paint and sip session is one of the fun non touristy things to do in London. Why not ignite your creative spark and create a masterpiece destined for The Louvre today. 

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