22 (Really) Unusual Things To Do In London (Locals' Guide)

First up on our list of unusual things to do in London, a way to swap the typical tourist trail for an adventure.

Treasure hunts like these hit the sweet spot between unusual and iconic. Armed with nothing but WhatsApp (that’s where the clues get sent to) and your mates, partner, family or whoever, you’ll uncover secret spots and hidden gems. Solve riddles and delve into London’s rich history in a way that’s anything but ordinary–and pick up on a bunch of bizarre trivia at the same time.

Practical information: Play and pause the game whenever you want. Hunts typically last 2-3 hours. Prices start from £15 per player, and no prior knowledge is needed—just bring your wits and a sense of adventure!

Unless you’ve been living off the grid your whole life, chances are you’ve at least heard of The British Museum, the V&A, and the rest of London’s iconic museums.

And granted, there’s a strong argument that if you’ve never visited before, they’re all pretty quirky and going there counts as finding unusual things to do in London. 

But if you’re looking to go a step beyond the casual tourist itinerary or take a deeper dive into London’s past…you might want to hit up some of these less well-known palaces of knowledge instead:

• 📍The Fan Museum (Greenwich): It’s the only place you’ll find Salvidor Dalí’s fanboy fan.
  
  
• 📍The Royal Pharmaceutical Society Museum (East Smithfield): In case you ever wondered why our ancestors thought white dog poo might help cure a sore throat.
  
  
• 📍Eel Pie Island Museum (Twickenham): Wish you were around the London music scene in the ‘50s and ‘60s? This is for you.
  
  
• 📍Sambourne House (Kensington): A peek into the home life of one of the top meme creators of the 19th century and how he used photography to pioneer his popular cartoons. 

You asked for unusual activities in London, that’s what you’re going to get.

This immersive experience takes you through the chilling history of one of London’s most notorious criminals, but not as you might know it.

Instead of traipsing around in a big group finding spots connected to the killer, you’ll follow a real case (and read the real case notes) of a murder that occurred around the same time as The Ripper’s notorious killing spree, with whoever you like, whenever you like.

You’ll also solve puzzles, visit the pubs the victims and potential suspects frequented, and come to a conclusion about whodunnit

Practical information: Available daily, with mysteries typically lasting 2-3 hours. Prices start at £15 per person. Perfect for history buffs and amateur sleuths alike—no magnifying glass needed!

Speaking of The Ripper…you probably haven’t heard of Pelican Stairs, or know why visiting it is one of the most unusual things to do in London.

Granted, it doesn’t carry quite the same picturesque and charming connotations as, say, Tower Bridge, but if it’s quirky history you’re after, this is the place to visit.

Back in the early 16th century, Pelican Stairs was not somewhere you’d want to go. Bodies (like, a lot of them) used to mysteriously wash up here all the way up until the 19th century, and the nearby pub, The Prospect of Whitby, went by a more sinister nickname: The Devil’s Tavern.

These days, it’s a quirky hidden gem that reveals a lot about London’s darker history, and the pub is now a very cosy, comfortable place to relax and absorb centuries of stories.

PSST: If nothing else, it’s very cool to say you’ve been to a pub that has been frequented by Samuel Pepys, Charles Dickens, James Whistler and J.M.W Turner.

Looking for unusual things to do in London that sate your appetite? Ditch a standard picnic in the park for an exciting twist—a mystery picnic that leads you on a food-finding adventure! 

Starting with clues that guide you to some of the city's finest hidden food spots, this unique experience lets you collect gourmet treats as you go. Whether in Central or East London, it’s an unusual and delicious way to explore new areas while indulging in local delicacies. Perfect for foodies who love a good puzzle!

Practical information: Mystery picnics are available daily, and prices start at around £80 for two people.

Contrary to popular belief, London is home to abundant numbers of wildlife of all shapes and sizes, and we’re not just talking about Trafalgar Square pigeons (though, they are iconic in their own way). 

It might not seem like one of the most unusual things to do in London at first glance, but wait till I tell you what kind of creatures you can see in London (and why). 

• 📍Richmond Park: Wild deer? In London? They’re too majestic for words, go see ‘em instead.
  
  
• 📍Clissold Park: More deer, but also terrapin turtles (although, they aren’t supposed to be there).
  
  
• 📍Walthamstow Wetlands: Just 15 minutes from Central London, and you can find yourself staring at cormorants, kingfishers, hedgehogs, geese, and even peregrine falcons.
  
  
• 📍Battersea Park: Incredible habitat for numerous birds, and superb if you’re into photography.
  
  
• 📍St James Park: Home to pelicans. Pelicans! They were introduced to the park in the 1640s as a gift from a Russian ambassador, and the rest is history. By the way, they have names (if you want to introduce yourself). 

Relive the best scene from Paddington 2 (marmalade, anyone?) by eating in a restaurant where the staff are real-life felons.

Opened in 2014, The Clink in Brixton is a charity-run restaurant that aims to rehabilitate prisoners of HMP Brixton. Inmates are given training and accredited NVQs in food preparation, food service, cleaning and horticulture–so, the food is actually great. 

Sure to be unlike anything you’ve experienced before (there is no metal cutlery inside), a visit to The Clink is one to check off your unusual things to do in London list, and it helps provide a second chance to the staff. 

Fancy saving humanity while exploring London’s streets? Try an outdoor escape room game with a post-apocalyptic twist! 

"Humanity’s Last" drops you into a world overrun by a fictitious virus where your survival instincts and puzzle-solving abilities are put to the test. Unlike traditional escape rooms, this adventure lets you stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air while cracking codes and racing against time. 

Trust us, it’s a thrilling and unusual way to experience London’s landmarks—just without real zombies (unless you’re very, very unlucky).

Practical information: Games are available daily, with prices starting at £17.50 per person. Sessions last 2-3 hours—ideal for groups or brave solo adventurers!

Finding quirky things to do in London doesn’t have to be centred around the venue: sometimes changing up the vessel is enough, if you get my drift.

That’s enough water-based puns for now. If you truly believe you’ve been everywhere and seen it all in London, it’s time to see it all from a different POV.

Night paddles like these show you all of London’s icons such as Albert Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, but in a totally new light (and it’s a lot of fun, too). 

Practical information: Night kayaking tours run throughout the year and typically last 2 to 2.5 hours. Price is around £69 per person. You need to have a basic understanding of kayaking before doing the night tour (if you’re a novice, go for a day paddle instead). 

London’s café scene is full of hidden gems that offer much more than just a great cup of tea or coffee–and they’re probably only right around the corner from you. 

From cat cafés or pup-friendly hangouts where you can sip while surrounded by furry friends, to quirky spots like themed cafés or a space that feels like stepping into a fairytale, there’s always somewhere unique to discover. 

Practical information: Opening hours and prices vary by location. Most cafés welcome walk-ins, but reservations are recommended for themed or popular spots.

Speaking of clutter, do you wonder what happens to the thousands of random objects you find lying around on the streets? 

A misplaced glove, a rain-soaked teddy bear, a jumper belonging to someone’s ex…they all have to end up somewhere. Well, there’s a good chance they ended up in East Dulwich, at artist Stephen Wright’s house.

Every inch of the House of Dreams is covered in a bizarre assortment of objects: dolls, bottle caps, fragments of bowls. Each room (and the outside and garden) is packed to the rafters with odd finds from all over the world (France, Mexico, Britain, the list goes on). 

Practical information: Open for visits on select dates throughout the year. Entry costs £15 per person, and advanced booking is essential due to limited space.

As they say, you learn something new every day - why not make today’s ‘something’ edible?

The concept of sushi goes back to the 5th and 3rd centuries BC in China and has only become more popular over time. However, sushi can be expensive (if you want the good stuff) so it’s worth figuring out how to do it yourself at home.

Atsuko’s Kitchen caters for everyone (including vegetarians and vegans) and the classes are held in fashionable Shoreditch - and there’s plenty to do there before or after. 

Practical information: Classes are available on select dates, typically lasting 2.5 hours. Prices are typically around £99 per person. All ingredients and equipment are provided, and no prior experience is needed.

There’s something quintessentially British about a pub quiz - and if you’re going to do one, you might as well pick one with a decent prize and notable proprietor. 

Enter The Grapes in Limehouse. Partially owned by Ian McKellan (you know, real-life Gandalf), The Grapes host a weekly quiz night on Mondays where attendees can battle to win a £50 bar tab and smaller prizes besides.

Practical information: The pub quiz is held on Monday nights from 7:30 pm. Entry is £2 per person, and booking is recommended as spots fill up fast.

Sometimes, the only adventure you need is one for your palate. 

One of the best unique experiences in London is Maltby Street Market, situated right next to the Bermondsey Beer Mile (which is exactly what it sounds like) and its food stalls are packed with delicious cuisines from all over the world. 

Stick to what you know and love or give something new a try: cuisines on offer include Ethiopian, Persian, Venezuelan, Japanese, British, Spanish and more! 

Practical information: Open on weekends, from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays. Entry to the market is free.

Looking for unusual things to do in London you won’t find in the tour guides? Well, we have a whole list of ideas for that, but a good place to start is by checking out London’s “secret” gardens.

What’s secret about them, you ask? Nothing, really. They’re there, more often than not free to visit and require little to no admin whatsoever. But people forget about them or walk straight past them without bothering to smell the roses, literally and figuratively. Don’t be that person! 

Here’s where I recommend: 

• 📍Garden at 120: A cool rooftop garden at 120 Fenchurch Street. Open weekdays from 10 am to 6:30 pm. Entry is free–and you don’t need to book in advance, either. Great for panoramic views of London.
  
  
• 📍Sky Garden: At 20 Fenchurch Street (the "Walkie-Talkie" building). Open daily. Entry is free but requires booking online in advance.
  
  
• 📍Isabella Plantation: A 40-acre woodland located in Richmond Park. Open daily from 7 am to dusk. Entry is free.
  
  
• 📍Crossrail Place Roof Garden: An incredible garden divided into Eastern and Western Hemispheres, with plant life from all over the world. Located above Canary Wharf station. Open daily from dawn to dusk. Free to enter.
  
  
• 📍St Dunstan in The East: The ruins of a 900-year-old church, now reclaimed by nature and a total oasis. Located between London Bridge and the Tower of London. Open daily from 8 am to dusk. Free to visit.

• 📍Brown Hart Gardens: Situated in Mayfair, Brown Hart Gardens is mostly interesting for its many bizarre rules that still exist today (no gymnastics allowed under any circumstances, for instance).  Open daily from dawn to dusk. Entry is free.

Did you know that tea and coffee only became a typical British breakfast drink in the late 19th century? 

Before that, the vast majority of Britons (including kids!) started their day with a beer - albeit a beer that had very little alcohol in (under 2.8% ABV). This type of beer -“small beer”- is making a comeback - and one brewery in Bermondsey is leading the way!

The Small Beer Brewery offers visitors a one hour tour which includes a welcome drink and a sample session.

Practical information: Tours run on Wednesdays, lasting around an hour or so. Tickets cost £15 per person. Booking in advance is recommended.

I don’t know why, but there’s something that makes you feel 100x cooler when you hold a sword. And, obviously, you look even cooler when you know how to use it.

For those drawn to martial arts, there’s only one answer: take a class with London Longsword Academy. 

The academy offers group classes where you can study medieval and Renaissance weapon styles up close, and whether you’re a beginner or martial arts master, you’re bound to have a great time.

Practical information: Classes take place at Old Street (EC2A 4SH) and Crystal Palace (SE19 2RX). With 11 class options available, prices start at around £20 per session. All skill levels are welcome!

Well, you wanted unusual things to do in London–and it probably doesn’t get much more unusual than this.

In and of themselves, London’s many burial grounds aren’t that unusual. Yes, many of them are old (make that really, really old, some of them), most of them have become the final resting place of many names you’d recognise, but they’re also treasure troves for tracking down London’s unique history.

Practical information: Each cemetery has its own opening hours and tour options. Some, like Highgate, charge a small entry fee, while others are free to roam. Remember to be respectful while visiting the graveyards.

These days, gaming is a hobby that pretty much anybody can take up, so chances are you’ve already indulged in a few games over the years. But unusual doesn’t have to mean “out there” – sometimes, it’s enough to say “hey, I haven’t done that in ages!”

The point is, you’re never too old to enjoy classic arcade games like Pac-Man or Street Fighter (especially if you get to do it while sipping on a craft cocktail or a beer). 

From pinball machines to vintage video games, arcade bars offer a perfect mix of nostalgia and excitement that’s unusual for all the right reasons. 

Practical information: Arcade bars are located throughout London, often staying open late. Entry is typically free, but you’ll need to purchase game tokens or cards to play.

If you’re looking for unusual activities in London that you can easily squeeze into any old day, this is for you. 

According to recent data, there are around 4,314 pubs in London. Obviously, that’s a lot, but as we all know, pubs are not made equal. George Orwell even wrote a whole essay about it.

But the good thing about having so many pubs is that there are so many out there that have quirky features, such as The Viaduct Tavern (which has a few historic cells underneath it), or The Ship and Shovel (London’s only pub to be split in two). 

There’s only one way to find them–by paying them a visit!

PSST: Enjoy visiting unusual pubs? The Viaduct Tavern is included in our route The City, and all of our trails include recommended stops at interesting pubs along the way. 

Practical information: Most pubs are open year-round. No entry fees, but it's a good idea to book a table during busy periods or on sunny days (if you can).

London is packed with iconic landmarks, and if you’re a gamer, you’ll know that plenty of them appear in massive video games.

Pop aside the console vs computer debates for a sec and prepare to nerd out IRL by visiting some of the places from your favourite games like Assassin's Creed or Tomb Raider.

Wander Leadenhall Market, which inspired Diagon Alley and appeared in Harry Potter Lego and Mario Kart 8 (Nintendo fans, I see you!) or marvel at St Paul’s Cathedral—famously scaled by Lara Croft herself. AC fans, I haven’t forgotten about you: visit the ancient Temple of Mithras.

You might have seen this quirky art installation pop up on social media but, if you haven’t, it’s well worth a look. 

In the streets of Soho, artist Rick Buckley installed sculpted noses on walls as a prank against CCTV surveillance. Spotting all seven hidden snouts is trickier than it sounds (tip: they’re often above eye level), but it’s a hilarious way to explore one of London’s liveliest areas. 

Legend has it, if you find all seven, you'll be blessed with infinite wealth. Or at least some brilliant pub trivia. So, look up, stay alert, and take some pride in completing one of the most unusual things to do in London!