This is the ultimate guide to the quirky, weird, and downright unique things to do in London, from afternoon tea with a twist to investigating mystery crimes and being captain for the day.
It’s difficult to know where to begin when compiling a list of fantastic London activities. When people began brainstorming, the list became larger and longer.
People couldn’t stop thinking about quirky and unusual things they’d seen, places, and unusual things they’d attempted. There are so many cool things to do in London, from exploring Borough Market’s wonderful gourmet jewels to flying through the air at trapeze school.
Walking the Burlington Arcade (England’s oldest and longest retail arcade), trying ice climbing, skiing, parkour, and fun indoor activities. It also appears to be THE destination for strange and fantastic immersive experiences such as The Murder Express.
While you could find a few of these unusual things strewn across the United Kingdom or the rest of the globe, Individuals don’t believe any other city provides such a diverse range of unique experiences.
35 Unique Things to do in London
Although travelling for a career, individuals spend more time in this city each year to do unusual things than anywhere else on the earth.
So, let us be your tour guide and show you around some of London’s most exciting things to do in London.
1. At the House of Minalima, Immerse Yourself in the Harry Potter Universe
You should visit the House of Minalima, where you can immerse yourself in the Harry Potter universe.
Is there anyone else who is a die-hard Harry Potter fan? Even eight years after the final film, individuals readily acknowledge that they still sit down with the box set every Christmas, pulled into the world of “The Boy Who Lived.”
If you can relate, you should visit the House of Minalima, one of London’s favourite odd spots (and one of the city’s top Harry Potter attractions).
Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the authors of the visual universe in the Harry Potter films, came up with the idea for the House of Minima. The store sells a variety of graphic works from the movie, including some that are directly from the Harry Potter Studios.
2. Visit Leighton House
Leighton House is one of those unusual and unique places you just have to see. It’s magnificent, extravagant, and bordering on the odd. It was built in 1866 as a private studio for Frederick Lord Leighton, and it now features one of London’s most magnificent interiors.
Lord Leighton was an artist; he was an associate of the Royal Academy at the time the home was erected, and before his death, he climbed to become its president.
Lord Leighton envisioned Leighton House as a place for him to work as well as a place to display his enormous art collection, which he curated from the work of his contemporaries.
The finished product is a magnificent work of fine art and design, rich in colour and made from materials obtained from all around the world.
3. At the Tower of London, Have a Look at the Crown Jewels
You should visit the Tower of London & have a look at the crown jewels.
This world-famous castle has a tumultuous past, having served as a jail, royal residence, armoury, and public record office, among other fun things; it currently houses the legendary Crown Jewels. Combine a visit with a River Thames boat and/or walking tour to get the most bang for your budget.
The ‘Yeomen Warders,’ or ‘Beefeaters,’ as they are more well known, are stationed outside the Tower, where lucky travellers may witness the changing of the guard every two hours.
4. Stroll Around the Westminster Abbey aisles
Westminster Abbey, going back over a millennium to 960AD, is one of London’s oldest structures.
It is a history buff’s dream since it has been the site of royal coronations since 1066 and the ultimate resting place for over 17 monarchs in the west end.
The Abbey-hosted afternoon tea is a must-do if you’re looking for something in central London.
5. Check Out the London Transport Museum
Try to visit the London Transport Museum. Regarding transportation, England’s capital city has a rich and interesting history, and there’s no better place to learn about it than the London Transport Museum.
While visiting the London Transport Museum, guests may learn about how London has changed during the 1800s, from horse-drawn carriages to the world’s first underground tube (yep, the renowned ‘Tube’).
6. Take a Look Around the Hyde Park Pet Cemetery
The Hyde Park Pet Cemetery was unofficial in the backyard of then-park keeper Mr. Windbridge.
It was a sad and forgotten area on the border of Hyde Park. Mr. Windbridge buried approximately 300 pets after the first one in 1880 until he had to close the cemetery in 1915 owing to a shortage of room.
Although you cannot enter the garden, you may view it from the park’s pavement via the fences.
7. Be Surrounded by Wild Animals at the London Zoo
The famed London Zoo, which spans 15 hectares of land, is home to a diverse collection of creatures of various kinds and sizes from all around the world!
Gorillas, lions, reptiles, penguins, gorgeous butterflies, and slimy snakes, to mention a few, may all be seen up close and personal. Grab a London Pass to get the most value for the money (plus a skip-the-line bonus).
8. Take a Look at the Street Art Culture in London
While London is famed for its world-class fascinating museums, the city also boasts a thriving street art scene.
Follow a journey to Brick Lane (the epicentre of the street art movement), passing past unusual murals along the route and seeing original works by the one and only Banksy.
9. At the Natural History Museum, Meet Dinosaurs
The highly regarded Natural History Museum has been engaging residents and tourists alike with its assortment of intriguing exhibits since it first opened in the nineteenth century.
One of the most unique things to do in London is to visit the Natural History Museum & admire the massive dinosaur bones on show, learn about the gleaming jewels on display, view the volcanic castings of Pompeiians, and much more!
10. Marvel at Victorian engineering at the Tower Bridge
The renowned Tower Bridge, also referred to as “London Bridge,” was erected in 1894 and is a magnificent example of Victorian engineering.
Tower Bridge is among the most photographed bridges in the world. It is unquestionably one of the must-see attractions in London.
The upper level’s glass promenade, which offers some of the greatest river views, is a popular new feature.
11. Street Art Tour in Croydon
Croydon has seen a gradual transformation in recent years.
Many of the installations were part of the rising Gallery’s RISE festival, which saw big artists like Otto Schade, Dotmasters, Hayley Welsh, and David Hollier cover Croydon’s walls with some of the new favourite street art in London.
The rise may arrange a street art tour for you, or you can go into town and explore around on your own.
12. Buckingham Palace is a Must-See
Buckingham Palace is London’s finest renowned and frequented sight; it is home to the United Kingdom’s reigning monarch and gets over 50,000 visitors every day!
Tourists can choose to watch the changing of the guards from the outside or purchase a ticket to see the staterooms, gardens, and Queen’s Gallery.
Additional tours of The Royal Mews are offered.
13. Get Hands-On at the Science Museum
Without question, visiting London’s world-class Science Museum is one of the most exciting cool things to do. It not only has its own IMAX theatre but also a variety of interactive displays designed to make learning entertaining!
There’s something for everyone, with curricula ranging from mathematics to petroleum, medicine, engineering, technology, and space, among other topics.
14. Hear the Bells of St Paul’s Cathedral Ring
With up to 1.5 million visitors each year, St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most significant sites of worship and devotion not only in London but throughout the United Kingdom (or, the former UK, technically).
The architecture is unique (highlighted by one of the world’s largest domes, standing 366 feet above the ground), and the stained glass windows are detailed and stunning.
15. Visit the Postal Museum
Guests may discover all about Britain’s postal history in an engaging, entertaining way at this unusual Postal Museum.
Discover the amazing Mail Rail Tunnels, which haven’t been opened in almost a century; visit the 150-year-old postcard display; and, of course, add to your stamp collection!
16. Take a Helicopter Tour and Soar Across the Skies
If you believed the sights from the London Eye or the Shard’s observation deck were impressive, you’re in for a treat: a helicopter tour allows visitors to experience London from a whole other viewpoint!
Your social media feed is sure to light up with no shortage of photo possibilities on the 10, 20, or 30-minute flights.
17. Enjoy a Ride on the London Eye
There’s no better place to get a birds-eye perspective of London than from atop the fabled London Eye, one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels that soars to unimaginable heights of 135 meters!
One journey takes around 30 minutes, and because queues can be long, travellers are urged to purchase tickets in advance.
18. Fill Your Belly in the Borough Market
After all, who doesn’t enjoy food? Particularly in what is unquestionably one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities! Guests on a local gourmet trip are taken to Borough Market, East London, London Bridge, and many more locations.
Bakery treats, a typical market stall curry, fish and chips at a local pub, and wonderful cider to wash it all down are all on the menu.
19. At a Musical, be Wowed by Vocal Talent
Broadway, step aside! Visit Leicester Square, which is famed for its fantastic year-round entertainment!
Enter the theatre and pick from a variety of shows, including The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Matilda, Wicked, and many more.
It’s the ideal dating night, with so many bars and restaurants around.
20. Play and Drink
Oh, London, you weirdo. The competitive sports/drinking culture in London is rapidly expanding! Bounce, a ping pong bar, was the first to open.
There are, however, a plethora of additional enjoyable London activities to include in the mix these days.
Flight Club is a fun network of bars in which you might participate in interactive darts games.
21. At an Outdoor Movie Theatre, Get Some Popcorn
All movie buffs, unite!
One of the most exciting things to do is to experience an outdoor movie theatre with your loved ones.
With drive-ins, roofs, open park spaces, and more, London’s outdoor movie culture is as diverse as any other, with drive-ins, rooftops, open park spaces, and more—all of which thrive in the summer, of course.
It’s a terrific way to relax, breathe in the fresh night air, and watch your favourite movie, whether you go to Hideaway Cinema, the Rooftop Film locations, or The Luna Cinema in Regents Park.
22. At The Grid, Solve Mysteries While Sipping Cocktails
Escape rooms are all the rage these days now, but The Grid is the ideal combination of cocktail mixing and puzzle-solving.
After registering at the ‘Neosight HQ,’ you’ll be escorted to the first chamber, which contains several difficult riddles to solve.
Fortunately, perhaps they entail concocting a delectable cocktail (I feel much better now!) Then it’s on to a second chamber chock full of codes and puzzles, followed by a simmering concoction you made yourself.
If this seems like something you’d like, make sure to check out my list of the Best Escape Rooms in London.
23. Portobello Road Market is a Great Place to Get Souvenirs
It’s no surprise that Portobello Road Market has become a favourite among locals and tourists alike, with stalls selling unique antiques, secondhand products, fresh fruit, delectable hot cuisine, stylish clothing, and everything else you can think of.
Visiting Portobello Road Market can be a very exciting thing. This is the place to go if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends back home.
24. Visit the Old Curiosity Shop
You should plan a visit to an Old Curiosity Shop. It’s a quirky and lovely shop that’s both a gallery and a museum. Viktor Wynd, an oddball, started the old-fashioned ‘curio store’ as a joke in 2009.
The East London hangout is still going strong, with a steady stream of patrons interested in anything from taxidermy and sensual toys to completely useless ideas.
There’s also a bar where character actors lead tours that take the craziness to new heights.
25. Visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich
Any Londoner will tell you that the Royal Observatory in Greenwich is one of the greatest places to see in the city.
Guests will be able to stand with one foot in the eastern and one foot in the western hemispheres (ideal for a corny photo caption).
26. A Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Trip Allows You to See All of the Major Sights
Try a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, which is a terrific way to visit all of the key London sights in a fraction of the time it would take to see them on foot (or by Tube).
It’s ideal for individuals who are short on time.
While travellers have a variety of alternatives, the original trip sees around 80 sights, including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, and much more.
27. Bath’s Old Architecture is Worth Admiring
Experience the old architecture of the baths. While the city’s modern areas are stunning, Bath’s historic Roman baths are what draw so many visitors.
Follow the baths with a visit to the holy springs, Roman temple, and museum for a full immersion in Roman history.
28. Take a Closer Look at the Trafalgar Square Lions
Visit Trafalgar Square because it is a must-see attraction for anybody who has visited London.
The four lions in the square’s front row are famous in and of themselves, not to mention the constant stream of prancing, posing airheads who refuse to respect the sign advising them not to jump on them.
29. Covent Garden is Full of Hidden Beauties
Travellers may explore the bustling streets of Covent Garden, stop for a drink at one of the numerous cafés and restaurants in the neighbourhood, see St. Paul’s Church, and discover the area’s intriguing history on a specialized Covent Garden walking tour.
See the hidden beauties of the convent garden. It’s a terrific area to spend the day in because there’s so much to see.
30. The Smallest Police Station in London is Worth a Visit
Have you ever wondered what that little Tardis-like box on the corner of Trafalgar Square is all about? The tiniest police station in London is the solution.
The box (which is an observation post constructed out of a hollowed-out lamppost) provides the officer with a 360-degree view of the plaza, which was a significant element in the days when Trafalgar Square was a popular protest venue.
31. Take a Trip Down Regent’s Canal
One of the most unique things to do in London is to take a trip down Regent’s Canal.
The Regent’s Canal, which connects the major tourist destinations of Camden Town and Little Venice, offers a calm respite from the crowded streets.
Take a seat on the deck and float by the London Zoo, taking in the unusual architecture, beautiful gardens, and urban graffiti along the way—it’s the ideal way to experience the contrast between modern and classic buildings.
32. Brunch on a Brightly Coloured Canal Boat
Darcie & May Green, two brightly adorned canal boats made by British pop artist Sir Peter Blake, may be found around the rear of Paddington Station.
It’s a terrific venue for catching up with friends, sipping drinks, or having a strong coffee after a stroll along the canal, and it specializes in Aussie brunches (absolutely delicious!!).
People also recommend their bottomless brunch, which is only available on weekends and is a fantastic alternative for a drunken weekend!
33. Take a Trip to the House of Dreams
One of the most unique things to do in London is to take a trip to the House of Dreams.
Stephen Wright has spent years developing his house and yard into a wonderful sanctuary filled with one-of-a-kind and brightly coloured masterpieces.
Indoors, there are amazing mosaics fashioned from old crockery, a garden archway with dolls’ heads, and a plethora of unique artefacts.
It’s in East Dulwich (South London), and it’s only open once a month, so check Stephen’s website and arrange a time slot if you want to visit it for yourself.
34. Enjoy Afternoon Tea, a Traditional British Activity
Have a classic afternoon high tea, which consists of tea, sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats, which is a must-try for any traveller.
When it comes to afternoon tea services in London, you’ll be spoiled for choice (Notting Hill has many options; you can dine while taking a Thames cruise or even get a seat on a double-decker bus!).
35. God’s Own Junkyard Will Brighten Your Day
One of the best locations to have a coffee in London is Walthamstow’s surprise and warmly lighted cave!
There are hundreds of neon signs inside, so think of it as a light museum with a sense of humour. It’s completely free to attend, open Friday through Sunday, and while Walthamstow is a bit of a journey, it’s well worth it!
Closing Remarks
Do you believe you’ve “been there, done that”? Reconsider your position. There are many hidden gems to be discovered & unique things to do in London. Are you looking for some motivation?
Visit London. It has everything you’d want in a city and more with quirky and unusual things to do: a melting pot of food, culture, art, and entertainment; a beacon of history and European sport; and a bucket-list visit for nine out of 10 tourists.
The list of things to do in London is as lengthy as the Tube itself, with world-class museums, amusement parks, West End theatres, beautiful royal palaces, eccentric street art, and more bars and restaurants than any visitor could count.
Visiting London gives you the liberty to enjoy all the quirky spots. So, what do you have to lose? Begin planning your vacation now!
Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
