As you probably already know, The World’s City, more commonly known as “London”, is home to all kinds of activities and immersive experiences. Some of them you’ll have heard of, others will be less familiar to you.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best immersive experiences in London to try in 2024 that you haven’t done yet.
Whether you’re into art, true crime, history or even exploring the galaxy, you’ll find something here that’ll surprise you. Ready to find out which immersive experience in London you’ll be trying this year? Read on…
Best Immersive Experiences London
Short for time or just want to get straight to the point? Yeah, we thought so. Here are our thoughts on the best immersive experiences in London…
Try a Self-Guided London Treasure Hunt
Whether you’ve lived in London your whole life or it’s your first time seeing the city, you’ve been missing out!
One of the best immersive experiences in London for anyone with a curious mind or a sense of adventure, a self-guided treasure hunt in London is an activity that can involve people of all ages and interests (and it doesn’t break the bank, either!).
Wind your way through historic streets, get hand-picked recommendations for pubs, bars and cute cafés, and immerse yourself in the past lives of London’s most famous boroughs. Just pick your trail, gather your team and get lost in a London adventure of your own…
See A Small Theatre Show
Londoners have been enjoying theatre shows since…well, seemingly forever. But there’s more to London’s theatre scene than just the West End.
Undoubtedly one of the most famous theatre capitals in the world, London never ceases to serve up incredible live performances for all to enjoy.
While you might have explored London’s West End (if you haven’t, you absolutely should) few people realise just how buzzing the theatre scene is outside of its world-famous theatre district.
Take a day off from the glitz and glamour of packed out shows to experience some of London’s smaller stages. Perks include (often) cheaper tickets, atmospheric venues and incredible performances from professional and amateur actors.
Some of my favourites include the Finborough Theatre, Orange Tree Theatre or Shoreditch Town Hall (but shop around to find a show you’ll enjoy).
Play a Jack The Ripper Urban Exploration Game
An age-old story, a new immersive experience in London that turns you into a detective!
Despite his crimes occurring over 200 years ago, Jack the Ripper’s name still haunts London’s streets and collective memory to this day. Research into this ruthless and repugnant killer is ongoing, and in this activity, you get to take part!
Return of The Ripper is a self-guided urban adventure that turns you and your friends, family or whoever into amateur time-travelling detectives. Weave your way around Whitechapel as you try to piece together whether a 19th-century murder can be connected to The Ripper.
In this immersive London experience, you’ll visit grizzly, historic pubs, read real quotes from the case and explore the sordid side of London’s previous criminal underbelly…
Will you solve the mystery? Only one way to find out!
Head to a Secret Cinema
Experiencing a Secret Cinema event in London offers an unparalleled immersive cinematic adventure, transforming the way you watch films into a fully interactive experience.
You're not just a spectator; you become part of the narrative, stepping into the shoes of characters, exploring intricately designed sets that replicate movie scenes, and engaging in live performances that parallel the film's plot. This unique blend of live theatre, film, and interactive participation makes Secret Cinema an extraordinary adventure.
The secrecy surrounding the event location and details until the last moment adds an element of surprise and excitement, making it a thrilling exploration of creativity and storytelling.
Play Humanity’s Last - A Live Action Zombie Apocalypse Outdoor Escape Room Game
Want to get some thrills out of your immersive experiences in London? Look no further than this.
Humanity’s Last is an innovative live-action outdoor escape room game set against the backdrop of a thrilling zombie survival scenario on the streets of London.
You and your team play as the city's last survivors amidst a catastrophic outbreak of the fast-acting “Z-Virus”, which has already devastated societies worldwide.
This game cleverly combines the excitement of an escape room with the adrenaline rush of a survival game, challenging players to solve interactive puzzles, make critical decisions, and race against the clock to save mankind.
In this test of wit, endurance, and teamwork - your decisions matter and the “fate” of the city rests in your hands…
Connect With The Milky Way at The Peter Harrison Planetarium
Visiting The Peter Harrison Planetarium offers a captivating journey through the cosmos, right from the heart of London.
Nestled in Greenwich's Royal Observatory, this state-of-the-art facility serves as a gateway to the stars, providing a stunning visual exploration of the universe beyond our planet. The planetarium uses advanced technology to project breathtakingly detailed celestial scenes, from the starry constellations of the Milky Way to distant galaxies, making it an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
It's not just about observing; it's an immersive journey that enhances your understanding of astronomy, space, and the vastness of the universe. The shows are designed to be engaging for all ages, making it a perfect educational outing for families, a romantic escape for couples, or an insightful exploration for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the cosmos.
PSST: If you’re in Greenwich, you might want to try our Greenwich Guile route which uncovers plenty of hidden gems, secrets and interesting places to visit in the area!
London Immersive Art Experiences
Go on A Self-Guided Street Art Walking Tour in Shoreditch
Embark on a self-guided street art tour in Shoreditch to witness the vibrant heart of London's urban art scene.
Search For Shoreditch is an eclectic journey that allows you to explore at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and iconic street art pieces by local and internationally renowned artists.
Shoreditch's ever-changing landscape offers a fresh and dynamic experience, making it an essential adventure for art lovers and urban explorers alike. It's a unique opportunity to see the city's creative spirit up close, capturing the stories and colours that paint the contemporary pulse of London.
Take a Drop-In Drawing Class at The National Portrait Gallery
For immersive experiences in London that sharpen your creative flair, why not give art a try yourself?
Participate in a drop-in drawing class at The National Portrait Gallery for an enriching artistic experience amidst some of the world's most famous faces. Suitable for all skill levels, these sessions offer guidance from experienced artists and provide a unique perspective on the gallery's collection.
It's a perfect blend of education and creativity, allowing you to develop your drawing skills while being inspired by historical and contemporary portraits. This engaging activity not only enhances your artistic abilities but also connects you deeply with the art of portraiture.
Bonus: It’s free!
Explore Mayfair’s Arty Past with A Forbidden Fayre
Delve into Mayfair's hidden history with "A Forbidden Fayre," an urban exploration of its arty and sometimes scandalous past.
This self-guided walking tour uncovers the secrets and stories of Mayfair's former elite, their extravagant lifestyles, and their clandestine affairs. It's a captivating journey through time, revealing the opulence, creativity, and intrigue that defined this exclusive London district.
Perfect for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike, this experience offers a glimpse into the luxurious and forbidden world of Mayfair's bygone days. Combining everything from American presidents to Victorian Dandys, you’ll find something new to discover with every twist and turn…
Experience AR Art at Leighton House
Looking for London art immersive experiences that nurture your ever-growing feeling of wanderlust? Here’s one for you…
This spring, Leighton House is putting on a cutting-edge experience where art meets technology through Augmented Reality (AR), created in collaboration with Maha Ahmed, a renowned Pakistani-British artist.
This unique exhibition allows visitors to engage with Ahmed’s beautiful paintings that depict Persian and Mughal manuscripts in the style of traditional Japanese painting.
By blending traditional art with digital innovation, guests can immerse themselves in interactive narratives and visuals that bring the artworks and the history of the house to life.
Ideal for tech-savvy art lovers, the “Where Worlds Meet” experience bridges the gap between past and present, offering a captivating glimpse into the fusion of art and technology.
Fun Immersive Experiences London
Rummage Around Historic London Homes
Explore the intimate lives of Victorian Londoners with a visit to Sambourne House and the Charles Dickens Museum.
These former homes, preserved with incredible detail, offer a peek into the daily lives and times of their famous occupants. Sambourne House, with its ornate interiors and personal artefacts, provides insight into the domestic life of the Victorian elite, while the Charles Dickens Museum, once the dwelling of the famed author, immerses you in the world that inspired his timeless novels.
Both are must-visits for history buffs and literature enthusiasts, offering a tangible connection to the past and the stories that have shaped our cultural heritage.
Drink Coffee in A Crypt Under Trafalgar Square
For those who want warming immersive experiences in London, consider enjoying a coffee in the Crypt under Trafalgar Square at St Martin-in-the-Fields.
This historic venue combines the charm of ancient architecture with the warmth of a modern café, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city above. The Crypt, with its ancient stone walls and vaulted ceilings, serves not only as a place of reflection but also as a cosy spot for casual dining and socialising.
Go To A Manga, Lord Of The Rings, Harry Potter or Interstellar Tribute Concert in a Historic Kensington Church
Experience the ethereal beauty of your favourite film’s score at a tribute concert set within the stunning architecture of the historic Kensington United Reformed Church.
Whether you opt for Manga, Lord of The Rings, Harry Potter or Interstellar, these concerts give you a chance to feel the emotional depth of great composers’ music with the acoustic richness and spiritual ambiance of a sacred space, creating an immersive auditory and visual spectacle.
Experience Life as A Roman at The British Museum
How often do you think about the Roman Empire? Only joking, this isn’t TikTok. This is real life!
This immersive experience in London is hosted by the The British Museum and invites you to step back in time and experience life as a Roman with its exhibition, "Legion: Life in the Roman Army."
This innovative display transports visitors to the ancient world of the Roman legions, showcasing the daily lives, duties, and challenges faced by Roman soldiers.
See socks worn by Roman soldiers, real crocodile-skin armour and much, much more in one of London’s most impressive museums.
Sip Drinks in Basement Sate, an Underground Cocktail Bar in Soho
Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of London by visiting a basement cocktail bar in Soho.
This hidden gem offers an intimate and atmospheric setting for sipping on innovative and classic cocktails crafted by expert mixologists.
Nestled below the bustling streets of one of London's most dynamic districts, Basement Sate features offers you the perfect spot to unwind, celebrate, or simply enjoy a drink in a more secretive and enchanting environment.
Each visit promises a memorable experience filled with delightful concoctions, great music, and the chance to step away from the ordinary into a world of nocturnal intrigue…
Do Yoga in London’s Iconic Chelsea Physic Garden
Want to try some immersive experiences in London that improve your overall well-being? This one’s for you!
On one Monday every month, the tranquil surroundings of London's Chelsea Physic Garden becomes a serene and picturesque yoga venue. Held in the evening, you’ll get the chance to get some respite in one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, nestled right in the heart of London.
The garden's rich diversity of plant life and historic significance create a unique backdrop for practising yoga, allowing participants to connect with nature, rejuvenate their spirits, and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Summary
So there you have it - 16 of the best immersive experiences in London!
Interested in finding more fun things to do in London?
Discover London’s secret sights and noteworthy nooks by playing one of our London treasure and scavenger hunts, urban adventures, escape room games or walking tours.
You’ll find curated trails and hunts all over London, including Central London, Mayfair, Shoreditch, Kensington and Southwark.
We also provide team building activities in London that can be made bespoke to include your office, wherever in the capital you are.
All you have to do is team up with your partner, friends, family or colleagues to solve riddles, complete challenges and answer trivia to lead you on an unforgettable journey around London’s most intriguing streets.
The best part? We’ll recommend top-rated pubs, cafés and restaurants and give your team the chance to earn rewards by competing on our leaderboard.
You’re also guaranteed your money back if you don’t have an amazing time - although our previous reviews speak for themselves: we’re rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor and 4.95/5 on Google Reviews!