Things to Do in London This Weekend (That Are Worth Doing)

First up on our list of the best things to do in London this weekend, an opportunity to explore.

Adventure beckons and it doesn’t give a hoot that the weather’s cooling down! Treasure hunts like these take you through hidden alleys, secret spots and quirky landmarks, revealing fascinating facts about London's history along the way. 

Perfect for groups or couples looking to discover the city's lesser-known wonders while solving puzzles and riddles, the games last a couple of hours and you’ll take in everything from paranormal facts to famous figures and unsolved mysteries. 

And don’t worry: if it absolutely chucks it down, you can either pause your game or dip into a nearby pub or cafe until it stops without ruining your leaderboard position.

We’re not a drama society or theatre troupe so we can say it: Macbeth is back! 

Everyone’s favourite Scotsman from Doctor Who (or Around The World in 80 Days if you’re more that way inclined), David Tennant, has taken on the role of Macbeth himself.

Catch a showing at the Harold Pinter Theatre for some intense drama, spellbinding performances and Shakespearean soliloquies.

How early is too early? 

Get into the festive spirit early by exploring London’s dazzling Christmas lights with a self-guided lights hunt! 

Follow glowing paths across central London’s twinkling displays, persuade Santa out of his midlife crisis, and explore famous streets to hidden gems while you solve festive puzzles and riddles. 

Great for families, friends, and date nights that sparkle with season’s greetings–-before the real Christmas chaos begins.

Looking for things to do in London this weekend that will make you hungry and leave you feeling a bit confused? We’ve got just the thing for you.

This winter, Japan House is bringing the art of food replica culture to London! Although common in Japan, shokuhin sampuru (artistic food replicas) have yet to make it to Britain–until now.

Take a sensory journey through Japan's prefectures, exploring beautifully crafted food models that mirror real Japanese cuisine. A feast for the eyes rather than the belly, the exhibition is totally free and well-worth seeing.

Roam London's streets as you solve cryptic puzzles, decode clues, and unlock hidden stories right in the midst of the UK capital’s hustle and bustle.

Outdoor escape rooms like these are ideal for anyone looking for a blend of problem-solving and sightseeing. Instead of being cooped up indoors, you’ll take your competitive spirits to the streets themselves and work your way through a series of clues that unlock a London borough of your choice.

Did you know that the finest collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia in the UK is currently being housed in London Bridge?

Well, you do now, and this is the excuse you’re looking for to celebrate the glamour and allure of Marilyn. From iconic films to legendary fashion garments, this exhibit brings her legendary charisma back to life in an enchanting tribute to one of Hollywood’s greatest stars.

Historical records tell us that before he was executed (spoiler alert), Guy Fawkes and his fellow plotters were dragged behind horses through the streets of Westminster.

As this week marks 419 years since the Gunpowder Plot, you might want to get out there and explore how London’s come along since (and even before) it happened.

Self-guided treasure hunts like these allow you to follow clues around London’s historical sites, uncovering details about famous and niche London history in an immersive way–no tour guide needed.

Some items in our cupboards are so iconic that they appear timeless to us: that is until you see them in their evolutionary form.

If you’re looking for things to do in London this weekend that involve something a bit different, head to the Museum of Brands. 

This is where packaging, ads, and cultural icons from the past century are on display in all their glory, and it’s a great opportunity to indulge in some nostalgia, reflect on trends, marketing tactics, and rediscover everyday items that shaped British culture.

Looking for things to do in London this weekend? Step back in time into the world of Victorian London and take on the role of detective in this chilling, immersive experience. 

This outdoor adventure unfolds in real time in London’s streets and allows you to follow clues, read the real case files, and uncover evidence to finally bring justice to who might (or might not) be one of Jack the Ripper’s victims—if you dare.

Looking for fun things to do in London this weekend but keen on keeping your budget down? Head over to Mercato Mayfair.

Admittedly, this historic church turned gourmet food hall is delightful any day of the week but if you haven’t visited before, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. 

Feast on global dishes, and grab a pint from the unique beer crypt, and enjoy one of the quirkiest dining experiences in London.

If you’re looking for things to do in London this weekend that involve capturing London’s vibrant autumnal colours, I know just the places to recommend. 

Obviously, you could opt for a visit to one of London’s vast parks for some real woodland vibes, but if you’re after somewhere a bit different, check out St Dunstan in The East or Isabella Plantation. Both spots are bursting with seasonal colours, making them perfect for autumn-inspired photo ops–and yes, that includes selfies.

Spooky season isn’t quite over yet, and there’s nowhere spookier (or more fascinating) than London’s cemeteries.

Wander through the ornate tombstones, uncover history, and spot some famous residents in these atmospheric resting places or just enjoy the peaceful charm of these historic cemeteries: some of them don’t cost a penny to visit.

Test your survival instincts in a high-stakes, zombie-themed outdoor escape room. 

This game puts you and your team at the centre of a gripping storyline that involves finding a cure to the (thankfully fictional) Z-virus. 

As you and your team navigate London’s streets, you’ll encounter challenges, interpret clues, and strategise to stay alive and deliver the cure before it’s too late.

Channel your inner child—or competitive adult—at Fair Game in Canary Wharf! 

This adult-only funfair features carnival classics with a modern twist, including nostalgic games and prizes, along with food and cocktails to fuel your playful spirit. Seriously, the taco bar is incredible and you just can’t go wrong with a weekend full of wins.

What if I told you that you can take a cosmic journey without leaving Earth?

This winter, The Painted Hall will host a stunning recreation of Mars’ surface, offering a unique, interplanetary photo op in the grandiose surroundings of Greenwich. The artist, Luke ___ has done several similar installations such as Gaia, but the Red Planet is really something spectacular to see.

PSST: Annoyingly, the social media-friendly slots are only available on Mondays so if you want to visit to get the perfect snap, you might want to postpone this activity for the start of the following week!

Ancient history may or may not be near the top of your list of interests but this exhibition is about as close to time travel as you’re going to get.

Life in Ancient Dunhuang centres around the lives of the inhabitants of Dunhuang, a village on the edge of the Gobi desert and that was once the gateway to China. 

Through ancient artefacts (including the world’s oldest complete book), manuscripts and relics, you’ll be transported across time and Asia without leaving London.

If you love nothing more than curling up in front of a David Attenborough documentary, this should be right up your alley.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is exactly what it says on the tin, but words could never describe just how breathtaking the images are in real life.

Combine sightseeing with a culinary adventure in this unique mystery picnic experience!

Follow a series of clues leading to some of London’s best foodie spots where you’ll collect items for a delicious picnic feast. 

Relaxing, tasty, and interactive way to explore London while indulging in local treats, and it’s a nice way to put a spin on what would otherwise be a typical lunchtime.

If you aren’t already aware, Remembrance Day in the UK is marked on the Sunday closest to the 11th of November, and as such, it’s a busy but poignant day to visit London.

If you’re looking for things to do in London this weekend to mark the occasion a little differently, get some tickets to see the tribute light and sound show at the Tower of London. 

Local memorial services are held in churches and at cenotaphs (the largest is at The Cenotaph) and many public spaces commemorate the day with an exhibition and observing the tradition of a minute's silence.

It happens every year and has done for around 800 years, but surprisingly, few people outside of London know about this particular tradition.

Join the festivities at the Lord Mayor’s Show which features a lively procession through the city. With marching bands, floats, and fireworks, it’s a grand and totally free event!

Looking for things to do in London this weekend that enrich your brain? 

London boasts incredible museums that won’t cost you a thing. 

From ancient artefacts at the British Museum to dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum and contemporary art at Tate Modern, these cultural gems are well worth exploring.

On a particularly fine autumn day, nothing beats taking in the stunning panoramic views of London’s skyline from the Garden at 120 or Sky Garden. 

Both offer free entry and breathtaking perspectives of the city’s iconic landmarks, and they’re both great places to snap some pics.

We can hear jingle bells already! 

This weekend marks the opening of the Winter Market on Queen’s Walk, where you can browse festive stalls offering crafts, gifts, and treats. 

It’s the perfect place to find a Christmas gift or simply soak in the seasonal vibes, and there’s no entry fee either.

If you’re in the area, head to Covent Garden to see costumes from Tina The Musical.

The costumes from the iconic show are on display here and, Tina fan or not (how could you not be), it's a rare chance to examine these pieces of art up close (and free of charge).