Activities in Central London (You’ve Never Done Before)

Huh, that’s a Cold War dead drop right there.
You’re telling me Hendrix and Handel lived in this same building?
THIS is the birthplace of fish and chips!?

This is a tiny insight into the weird and wonderful thoughts that might occur to you while giving these treasure hunts a try, and if you’re intrigued, the good news is: you’ll love ‘em.

Solve puzzles, follow clues and unravel cryptic directions as you uncover strange, secret corners of areas you thought you already knew. All you need is WhatsApp, a pair of comfy shoes–and someone to play with. 

Fan of Dickens or just enjoy a mystery? This is for you.

A Rift in Time is a live, in-the-streets adventure game where you unravel a story centred around a mysterious, ghost-like figure. What’s he up to? Where will he lead you? 

Well, spoiler alert, he’ll take you all around the secret sights and cosy nooks of Covent Garden and Soho. As to the first question, well, you’ll have to play to find out…

If you’re really stuck for ideas on Central London activities, take a closer look at the world around you. And I mean, really look. 

After all, this is where London’s story began, thousands of years ago with the Romans who gave it its name. They’ve left their trace, as has every generation who came after them. Track them down by ticking off this list. 

If you only have an hour or two to spare but your fun barometer is at an all-time low, head to an arcade bar. 

There’s a chance you won’t be able to sample the drinks if you’re planning something on a work day, but there’s no rules against squeezing in a game of Pacman, Mario Kart or Street Fighter (or three!).

Looking for activities in Central London that get your heart rate up? Head over to Argyle Square Gardens and take your position on the free-to-use basketball courts. 

Don’t turn up expecting NBA-approved facilities: yes, the court is a little uneven, it’s not the best-looking place in the world, but it is somewhere where you can burn off some energy with friends without spending a penny.

London does a lot of things incredibly well, but I’d argue that one of its best features is just how much green space is available to the public.

At first glance, you’d be tempted to think I’m talking about the Royal Parks (which are fabulous) or the extensive countryside surrounding London in Kent, Surrey and Essex, but actually, I’m talking about gardens tucked away in Central London itself. Here are a few of my favourites:

📍Montague Street Gardens
📍Phoenix Garden
📍Mecklenburgh Square

In need of cheering up? 

Head to Leicester Square and familiarise yourself with all the famous faces you know from the big screen, except these ones don’t mind when you repeat their iconic catchphrases back to them (members of the public might, though!).

Even if you don’t think there’s an artistic bone in your body, it’s impossible not to feel a tiny bit inspired while surrounded by the largest portrait collection in the world. 

Go along to meet new people, have a sketch and to hone your craft! 

Don’t feed the pelicans, obviously (and you might want to keep your lunch tucked away in a bag or something, they’re not shy about approaching strangers). 

That said, there’s not many places as urbanised as London where you can hang out with these massive, beautiful birds.

Ever wondered where the course of WWII was determined? You’re looking at it.

If you’re looking for activities in Central London that go behind the scenes at what was once one of the most important sites for military planning in the 20th century, head here. 

Check out the cabinet rooms, find out what life was like down there for the men and women who worked there, and then enjoy a cuppa at the cafe. 

Speaking of cafes: On 21 March, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an Afternoon Tea down in the Churchill War Rooms. How’s that for unusual?

If you’re a fan of the Boy Who Lived, there’s a good chance you’ve already tracked these places down. But even superfans have been tricked by the likes of CGI and clever angles.

There are loads of places in London that were used as backdrops for the famous Harry Potter films, and they’re cool even without the wizarding connection in my opinion.

Here my favourites:

• Gringotts Bank (Australia House)
• Diagon Alley (Cecil Court)
• Diagon Alley again (Leadenhall Market) 
• Ministry of Magic entrance (Scotland Place)

Did you know some historians believe that the original “nosey Parker” was Archbishop of Canterbury in the 16th century? His name was Matthew Parker, which seems a bit unusual for the time. Anyway, there’s a reason for that bit of trivia. 

If you’re looking for activities in Central London that turn you into a nosey parker (the best kind, of course), try to rack down the seven sculpted noses hidden across Soho, supposedly placed by an artist rebelling against CCTV surveillance.

Ah, pubs. Whether you’re partial to an alcoholic beverage or not, London pubs are a fascinating window into the city’s past and I’ll never tire of finding out unusual things about them. 

Here are some top recommendations:

• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (rebuilt in 1667)
• The Prospect of Whitby (a pirate’s haunt)
• The Spaniards Inn (a literary favourite).
• Mayflower (a nod to the famous journey to North America)
• The Blind Beggar (the setting of a real-life gangster shootout)

If you’ve got time to take a look around the Guildhall, then I’d recommend that as one of the best activities in Central London full stop. But even if art isn’t really your thing, go just to see the remains of an ancient Roman gladiator arena, hidden beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery.

And if you’re into your Romans, make sure you check out The Temple of Mithras as well.

It’s a bit of an odd one but well worth it (even if it’s what you use for water cooler chat from here on).

Hidden in plain sight, this tiny stone structure near Nelson’s Column was once a police lookout for protests and riots. Now it’s an unnoticed oddity (and great for showing off to other Londoners).

Looking for activities in Central London that come with a side of mystery?

Speakeasies have popped up all over the place in London and if you haven’t been yet, this is your sign. It’s a bit different from the pub, and it’s a fun little excursion into the past. 

I recommend the Prohibition-themed Evans & Peel Detective Agency or the 1940s speakeasy at Cahoots.