The Best Things to Do in Mayfair (You Have Never Done Before)

Looking for things to do in Mayfair that allow you to see it all? This is for you.

This interactive adventure takes you through Mayfair’s hidden gems, historic landmarks and quirky curiosities with a twist. You (and your team) will have to unlock the directions by solving riddles and cracking codes located all around you.

And, without giving any spoilers, you’ll get the answers to questions you’ve never even known you needed to ask, like which Victorian Dandy washed his boots with champagne?

Plus, all you need is a phone, WhatsApp, and a few hours to fill, so it’s easy-peasy to squeeze into an otherwise busy day.

Style is a priority around these parts and if you’re looking for things to do in Mayfair that allow you to bask in some of that fancy glow, get yourself inside these arcades. 

Mayfair has not just one, but three of London's Victorian shopping arcades: Princes Arcade, Royal Arcade and Burlington Arcade. These are worth visiting not just for the luxury boutiques within, but also for the stunning architecture and fascinating history. 

Burlington Arcade, for example, boasts the world's smallest and oldest private police force: The Burlington Arcade Beadles. You can find them there to this day, still clad in their original top hats and frock coats.

Just like it sounds, The Royal Academy of Arts is a pretty big deal (but probably not for the reason you’d expect. 

Firstly, it’s a gallery that houses the works of Michaelangelo, Salavdor Dali and Tracey Emin. Secondly, it’s a 17th Century palace responsible for putting Palladian architecture on the (UK) map; and it’s also the site of (possibly) the most generous rental agreement in London…

In other words, it’s a Mayfair must-see.

Turn the streets of Mayfair into your personal puzzle-solving playground with an outdoor escape room! 

A unique way to explore the area, this hybrid escape game/city tour will take you on a cryptic adventure through Mayfair's past and present. 

Solve tricky clues and untangle enigmatic directions as you work your way between the impressive, the beautiful and the outright bizarre. And, as an added bonus, you’ll get recommendations for great cafes, bars and pubs, and learn the baffling history of Mayfair and its people.

Sculptures, paintings and architecture not your thing? How about a bit of baroque and roll? 

Beyond actual royalty and mega money moguls, Mayfair is home to its fair share of musical history. Turns out Jimi Hendrix and George Frideric Handel were neighbours. 

At the 'Handel and Hendrix in London' museum- 23-25 Brook Street, Mayfair (aka their old houses)- you can learn all about the London lives of these two musical visionaries.

You’re probably getting peckish by now so if you’re looking for things to do in Mayfair that stop your tummy rumbling, head here. 

Mercato Mayfair is Mayfair's very own artisanal food and drinks market. Set in a renovated Greek revival church, it's the perfect place to enjoy food from a host of different cultures. Gelato, sushi, pizza, pasta, bao buns, burgers, wine, they've got it all. 

They even brew their own German craft beer in the vaulted crypt below.

If the weather’s nice (or dry at least) there are plenty of things to do in Mayfair outdoors. 

Brown Hart Gardens, for instance, is a charming and unique spot with a bizarre history. Built on top of an old substation that still powers much of the West End to this day, it is subject to some pretty strange by-laws. 

Singing, quarrelling, shouting and... erm, you won’t see Simone Biles doing any routines here: the practice of gymnastics are all banned on its premises.

Legend has it that 50, Berkeley Square is the home of three cursed spirits: a young girl who fell out of an attic window, a child who was murdered by a servant, and a man who was locked in a room and fed through the keyhole until he succumbed to madness. 

So if that sounds like the kind of thing you’re into, you know where to find it.

Speaking of spooky places and things to do in Mayfair, Mount Street Gardens is the perfect place to relax, read a book and escape from the pressures of city life. Or so it would seem... 

Despite its pleasant appearance, this place has a grim history. It was once a burial ground and, worse still, this was only changed because its conditions were so bad as to put it in breach of Victorian health and safety regulations.

These days of course, they’re perfectly safe and a really lovely place to relax under the trees, spot the local wildlife, and forget you’re in one of London’s busiest neighbourhoods.

If you’re looking to get closer to Mayfair’s literary heritage, pay a visit to the former home of visionary poet William Blake. 

A quick stop here will bring you closer to the life of one of Britain’s most celebrated literary and artistic geniuses, but it may come as a surprise to you that back in his day, Blake was considered a no-name oddball. 

For instance, most English people are familiar with Jerusalem in its hymn-format, but it never earned him a penny during his lifetime. A shame, because it raises the roof at The Proms.

Despite the fact that the awful events of 9/11 happened miles and miles away in New York City, Britain also felt the repercussions of the atrocities. 

Fittingly located near the US Embassy, this memorial is a poignant moment of reflection in an unexpected part of Mayfair that pays tribute to the 67 Britons who lost their lives that day.

Looking for things to do in Mayfair that involve seeing some incredible architecture?

Nestled in Mayfair, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, commonly known as Farm Street Church, stands as a testament to Gothic Revival architecture. 

Established in 1849 by the Society of Jesus, this Grade II* listed building boasts intricate designs reminiscent of Beauvais Cathedral. Beyond its architectural splendour, Farm Street Church also has regular choir practices and performances which are well worth an eavesdrop.

Not that we’re making a point or anything, but Mayfair has a lot of unexpected connections to past US Presidents. 

Established in 1744, The Coach & Horses stands as Mayfair's oldest pub. This Grade II listed establishment retains its original charm with rich, dark wood interiors and a welcoming fireplace. Luckily, its age hasn’t impacted its ability to serve up a lovely pint and the classic British pub experience.

I wasn’t joking when I said style is taken pretty seriously around here.

In case you didn’t know, Savile Row is synonymous with fine tailoring, and this street is where the dinner jacket, or for our American friends, the tuxedo was born. In 1865, Henry Poole & Co crafted the first of these elegant garments for the future King Edward VII, revolutionising formal attire.

Today, this iconic Mayfair street remains synonymous with bespoke tailoring, housing world-renowned ateliers that blend tradition with modern style (and the Christmas lights here are something else!).

Science might not have been your favourite subject at school but don’t worry, these lessons are a million miles away from the days of learning the periodic table. 

Established in 1799, the Royal Institution (Ri) has been a cornerstone of scientific education and research in London. Located in Mayfair, it offers a rich history of scientific discovery and public engagement. 

Visitors can explore the Faraday Museum, which showcases the work of Michael Faraday and other prominent scientists associated with the Ri. The institution also hosts a variety of events, including lectures, workshops, and exhibitions on everything from how to kill a meteor to how sleep works.