CityDays’ guide to finding unique experiences in London, including things you’ve never heard of before.
Ask any Londoner, and they’ll tell you that the UK capital is brimming with opportunity. In other words, looking for unique experiences in London is a bit like asking whether or not the sky is blue: you name it, we’ve got it here.
But let’s be honest. How much is there to do in London that you can’t do anywhere else in the world? Well, it turns out, quite a lot.
We’ve put our heads together and come up with our definitive guide to unique experiences in London you absolutely cannot miss, and be warned: quite a few of them will have you coming back again and again.
And just so you know - we’re not paid by anybody to include these on our list. They’re just places we’ve been to or experiences we’ve loved that we want to recommend to you, so you can find the best things to do in London.
The Best Unique Experiences in London
1 - Uncover London Secrets and Hidden Gems on a Treasure Hunt
Discover London’s secrets and hidden gems through a self-guided treasure hunt.
Solve riddles and clues to explore the city’s rich history and quirky landmarks, and impress everyone you know with your local knowledge.
3 - Solve a 200 Year-Old Murder Mystery
Unravel a chilling, true crime murder mystery set in Victorian London. Follow the clues to uncover whether London’s most infamous historic killer can be attributed to a murder committed over 200 years ago.
4 - Track Down The Birthplace of Fish and Chips
Take a journey through Shoreditch and uncover the origins of Britain’s most iconic dish—fish and chips, as well as street art, famous graves, and one of London’s oldest markets.
5 - Play a Dickensian Detective Mystery Game in Soho and Covent Garden
Step into a Dickensian adventure as you solve a mystery set in the atmospheric streets of Soho and Covent Garden. Solve clues and puzzles, interact with characters and the city around you, and decide how the story ends…
More Unique Experiences in London
Photo: Duncan Cumming
6 - Check Out The Medieval Structure That Stored Thousands of Skeletons
Explore this hidden medieval crypt that once stored thousands of human bones, offering a rare glimpse into London’s macabre past.
HINT: It's tucked just below ground in Spitalfields, but you can view it from pavement level if you prefer a bird's eye view.
Photo: Brian Dooley
7 - Visit The One Place in Britain Where Whistling is “Outlawed”
Stroll through this elegant shopping arcade where the quirky rule against whistling still stands, enforced by the iconic beadles. Well, unless you’re Paul McCartney or a schoolchild called Jaden.
Photo: Jim Linwood
8 - Wander Around Some of London’s Secret Gardens
Discover hidden green spaces and whimsical landscapes in London’s lesser-known gardens, each with its own unique story. Like, the world’s first sculptures of dinosaurs, for instance.
Photo: Matt Brown
9 - See What Remains of an Ancient Roman Military Cult
Descend beneath the City of London to explore the ruins of a Roman temple dedicated to the mysterious god Mithras.
Photo: Paul Hudson
10 - Visit 10 - Visit One of The Oldest Places of Christian Worship in England
Step back in time at one of England’s oldest Christian sites, a serene place surrounded by legends and historic gravestones in a graveyard that inspired Dickens’ graverobbing plots…
11 - Stand On The Site of the Former Execution Capital of Europe
Bet you didn’t know that, did you? Uncover the grim history of London’s execution dock, where pirates and criminals once faced justice.
Even better than that: it’s free. Find more unusual places to visit in London for free here.
Photo:
12 - Wander Around The Wharf Named after Peter Gabriel’s Ancestor
Explore this vibrant riverside area with a surprising connection to the famous musician’s ancestry. Oh, and pay a visit to Gabu Chocolate while you’re there: it’s one of the best places to get hot chocolate in London.
Photo: Matt Brown
13 - See Hercule Poirot’s Home
If you’re a cosy crime fan, you’ve got to pay a visit to the Art Deco building made famous as the residence of Agatha Christie’s iconic detective, Hercule Poirot, in the TV series.
14 - Explore a 19th Century Hoarder’s House
If you think you have too much stuff, come here to feel better.
Step into the eccentric world of Sir John Soane, whose former home is filled with fascinating curiosities and architectural marvels, including, bizarrely, a sarcophagus, 30,000 drawings and paintings, and some artefacts from Pompeii.
Photo: Paxtons Head
15 - Have a Pint in a Pub Named After a Man Who Cultivated Modern Bananas
Enjoy a drink at this historic pub honouring Sir Joseph Paxton, the man behind the cultivation of the modern banana.
Don’t believe us? We made a TikTok about it. Oh, and if you visit on a Sunday, make sure you have a roast. It’s divine.
16 - See The Only Statue of Henry VIII in London
Located above the entrance to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, this is the only outdoor statue of Henry VIII in London. I know, you’d think there’d be more, wouldn’t you?
Photo: Matt Brown
17 - Visit The Cafe Whose Brand has The World’s Oldest Logo in Continuous Use
Sip tea at the historic shop whose iconic logo has remained unchanged since 1787—believed to be the oldest branding still in use.
18 - See The Building That Inspired Wedding Cake Design
Discover the church whose tiered spire is said to have inspired the modern wedding cake design.
Discover More Things to do in London with a CityDays Treasure Hunt
These unique experiences in London prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to uncover the city’s best-kept secrets.
But why just wander when you can solve clues, unravel mysteries, and experience the city in a whole new way?
If you’re ready for a real challenge, discover London’s hidden gems with CityDays’ London treasure and scavenger hunts, food experiences, escape room games or walking tours.
Unravel clues, decode riddles and unlock the path to some of London’s best-kept secrets.
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!