Unusual Things To Do In London

Remember when birthday parties took place in ball pits with ample amounts of Panda Pops to sustain you? While we can't bring back the bubble gum drinks, we can promise some of that unfiltered joy with Ballie Ballerson, the unique ball pit bar in Shoreditch.

Like to think yourself a bit of a whizz in the kitchen? The Big London Bake is putting that claim to the test with their immersive cooking experience taking place in London. You've got 90 minutes on the clock, all the ingredients and equipment - it's all on you...

There's always a time and a place for a standard dinner - ambience, food, decor; you know what you're getting, right? But how about if we pointed you to eateries that are shaking things up in the dining experience department: from interactive table tops providing Battleships while you wait to devouring a top meal in the dark, we've got it all in our guide to quirky London restaurants. 

Nothing's ordinary about Alcotraz: Cell Block Two-One-Two, London's most infamous prison cocktail experience. Don an orange jumpsuit and befriend the crooked guards (to sneak your booze in, of course), all in a bid for them to create bespoke concoctions. 

Last time we checked, it's pretty unusual to find yourself standing on the tables, arms around a complete stranger, screaming out the words to Livin' On A Prayer at the end of a quiz night. This is the norm at Sounds Familiar. A raucous disco in the form of a pub quiz, these guys part with the boring trivia and instead focus on sweet music.

The Last Tuesday Society in Hackney isn't your average bar - it's a world of eccentricity, creativity, and delightful oddities, all wrapped up in one unique venue. Whether you're in the mood for a craft cocktail, like the Chocolate Absinthe Sazerac, a quirky event, or a one-of-a-kind night out, this hidden gem delivers.

From the moment you step inside, you're transported into a whimsical wonderland of eclectic decor, with a dash of vintage charm and a side of the strange. Expect to find immersive events, fascinating art exhibitions, and the kind of atmosphere that makes every night feel like an adventure.

Ever thought you'd seen a ghost before? Well, now's your opportunity for real as you embark on London's premier ghost tour. Join them as they use Ouija boards, K2 Meters and Dowsing Rods to try and find ghosts, poltergeists and strange encounters in some of the most haunted places in the capital.

Ditch the usual theatre plans and dive into The Magic Hour. Hosted at the legendary Sheraton Grand Park Lane and Andaz London, this captivating magic show promises to astonish and delight.

For just £49, prepare to be wowed by spellbinding illusions and enchanting performances. You won't believe your eyes.

With an impressive food menu, ranging from lemon and chilli chicken wings to delicious aged steak burgers, Hip Hop Brunch hope to add a Southern feel to your Saturday afternoons. Alongside the delectable three-course meal, you'll have the chance to spit some lyrics and impersonate your favourite rappers during Hip Hop Karaoke. How better to spend a Saturday afternoon than by butchering a rendition of 'Juicy'?

Hop on board a cute bus from £45 each and devour a gorgeous spread of mini sandwiches and scones thanks to Brigit's Afternoon Tea Ltd. It'll take you around some of London's most iconic spots in an authentic 1960s route-master bus kitted out with leather seats and tables. Tuck into signature baked treats from the bakery and get to know your surrounds in the tastiest way possible. 

Searching for cool and creative things to do in the city? Head to various bars across London for a quirky life drawing class. There's neon body paint, UV lights and models that are transformed into living sculptures for a unique art experience.

Lost Souls Pizza in Camden is not your average pizza joint - it's a wild, flavour-packed experience that will leave your taste buds dancing. This quirky spot serves up a sinful selection of mouth-watering pizzas with a creative twist. From decadent toppings to unique combinations, every pizza is a work of art, like the chorizo-topped Fangs For The Memories and the Pops To Go Pizza, with sausage and broccoli. 

Add in the dark, atmospheric decor and a killer selection of cocktails, and you've got the perfect place to escape the ordinary. Whether you're grabbing a slice with friends or diving into one of their indulgent pies, Lost Souls Pizza offers a slice of heaven (or should we say hell?) right in the heart of Camden. 

What was once the iconic Café de Paris is now the spectacular Lío London, a glamourous and immersive dinner experience which allows you to enjoy delicious Mediterranean dishes all while enjoying a sexy, impressive show. There's plenty of party atmosphere at this spot, with Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays kicking things off with themed performances and tickets starting from around £50 per person. 

Lace up your trainers and prepare to see the sights via some of London's quirkiest walks and tours. We'll help you really get to know the city, veer away from tourist traps and uncover hidden gems with everything from Rock Cab Tours (perfect for music lovers), to scavenger hunts around historic streets. 

Monopoly Lifesized offers you the chance to get up close and personal with the much-loved game as you take to the physical experience board for the chance to win it all. Choose between classic, classic: own it all, city and luxury and complete four escape room-style challenges, build your own houses and even escape jail. There's also the Top Har Bar & Restaurant on hand whipping up themed cocktails and classic eats like burgers and Monopoly's very own Millionaire Cheesecake.

It's time to get creative over at Hobgoblin Music in Fitzrovia, where they're hosting a whole bunch of fabulous experiences. From guitar lessons led by a specialist staff member through to an introduction to weird and wonky instruments, there's something for everyone.

Brushstrokes And Nudes is shaking up the stereotypical life drawing class with the addition of BYOB, sexy nude models and experienced artists on hand for guidance. Better right? If that wasn't enough, the buff muses will also move around and interact with you throughout the session, giving you more chances to gawp away.

Looking for something a little different to do in London? Gather your friends for an afternoon of clue decoding and riddle breaking at Game of Stones. You'll be tasked with racing against time to find various locations around Kingston and Richmond.

If you're going to talk about Flight Club, do it really loudly, all the time to everyone you meet because it's great and we're spreading the word across the city. This place is all about social gaming like never before, with revolutionised social darts, great drinks and bottomless pizza paddles.

Tucked away in Shoreditch, The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is one of London's best-kept secrets, and entering it feels like stepping into a whole new dimension. Behind the unassuming fridge door in a quirky cafe lies this hidden, speakeasy-style bar, where expertly crafted cocktails and a mysterious vibe take centre stage.

The eclectic decor, dim lighting, and offbeat charm give the space an intimate, almost magical feel. Whether you're sipping on one of their signature concoctions, like the Mayor's Tea Party or the gin-based Flower Power, or enjoying the playful atmosphere, it's the kind of place where time slows down and every drink feels like a new adventure. 

The original quirky London dining experience, Dans Le Noir plunges you into pitch darkness for a meal that depends entirely on your tastebuds and sense of smell. Your night starts with blind waiters leading you to your table, before you feast on an unknown delicacy.

Become a part of an illicit liquor-smuggling operation with tickets to Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience as you get to know Wanted Man Clyde Cassidy and all the going-ons of the land. Rub shoulders with locals, wear your best cowboy gear (with help from the local tailor) and sip on four bespoke tipples crafted by your smuggled booze - if you don't get caught, that is. Snap up your spot now from £36.50 per person while it's yee-hawt.

If you're looking for a little dose of quirky, then Gravity in Wandsworth is a top choice. Touting eight immersive experiences, three bars and restaurants, you can rely on this hotspot to upgrade your boring ol' plans. From shuffleboard to E-karting and street golf, this is bound to impress.

Fairgame Canary Wharf is the ultimate grown-up playground where nostalgia meets competition. If you're looking for a fun, high-energy night out in Canary Wharf, this is where the magic happens. Packed with arcade games, immersive attractions, and a seriously stylish bar, it's the perfect place to unwind, channel your inner child, and enjoy some friendly rivalry.

Plus, with a killer cocktail menu featuring bespoke creations like the gin-based Fizz & Floss (topped with candy floss, naturally), craft beers, and great food, you can fuel up while you battle it out for bragging rights.

As traditional as red buses and quintessentially British as Buckingham Palace, the afternoon tea is a part of our culture, so it makes sense that we've played with its format to create some seriously quirky offerings. In our guide, you'll find everything from dim sum delights to Sherlock Holmes-themed affairs - there's even a chocolate-fuelled spread for you cocoa lovers out there. 

London is full of fantastic museums - some of the best in the world - that are totally free to enter. The Natural History Museum, V&A... you name it, we've got it, but what about the whacky ones? Scattered across the city you'll find plenty of alternative spots offering up the likes of wholphin skulls, Freud's furniture and so much more, and you can find them all in our guide.

Not just any old ice rink, Queens Skate Dine Bowl is your go-to for icy adventure in the capital. Alongside skating, the venue puts on festive films, ice-karting and one-off pop-ups throughout the year. Still not convinced? They've got burger pros MEATliquor in the kitchen, cooking some of the finest monkey fingers in the city.

Immerse yourself in the works of your favourite artists like Cézanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Dalí, Van Gogh, and more with tickets from £20 per person to Frameless. The one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience allows you to witness digitally remastered pieces set against surround sound soundscapes - think 42 masterpieces and four galleries all within one ticket. 

From £67 per person, experience the chance to catch a futuristic experience like no other as Abba Voyage brings the quarter to the stage in Stratford in avatar form, performing hit after hit. Created by CGI experts known for their work in the Star Wars and Marvel films, Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid come to life to relive the memories of Dancing Queen, Chiquitita and more. You're bound to have an Abba-solutely good time.