Quirky Activities In The UK

Let's be real, there's way more to the UK than just gorgeous dining destinations and swish bars. It also happens to boast some of the most unique events, whether it be classics such as bowling and roller skating, or unique painting classes and immersive cocktail haunts. If you're on the hunt for something different, we're breaking down the best-of-the-best when it comes to quirky activities in the UK.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 9th July 2024




London: DesignMyNight Presents The Mistletoe Mixer At Merchant House

@ Secret Bar on Various dates from Thursday 1st August 2024

Santa Claus is coming to town....in the summer. Possibly the quirkiest activity in London, DesignMyNight Presents The Mistletoe Mixer At Merchant House is a two-week festive pop-up sprinkling Christmas cheer all over a cosy, retro-inspired space. Blasting festive, feel-good tunes and whipping up some of the most creative cocktails around, from the candy cane-topped Christmas Vacation to an eggnog and toasted marshmallow creation, this exclusive event seats just 12 people at a time and runs from 1st August until 17th August. For just £35, you and a friend can nab a spot at London's first Christmas bar in the summer, with two drinks per person included in the ticket price. Bringing a large group? If you'd like to rent the entire place, it'll be £65 each, including four drinks each and some free bar snacks. And if you fancy a bite to eat, make sure to pre-order a cheese or charcuterie board for just £25.

UK-Wide: NQ64

NQ64 is a nostalgic gaming bar that's popped up in venues all over the country, from London to Cardiff, Birmingham or Manchester. These neon-splattered destinations are filled with retro games and consoles like Pac Man, Guitar Hero, Mario Kart and much more, perfect for quirky date nights or group outings. They've got brilliant themed cocktails here such as the Disco Stu daquiri or an Aku Aku fruit punch, as well as classics like a negroni.

Birmingham & London: The Big Bakes

One of the quirkiest activities in the UK, The Big Bakes is the perfect spot to put your culinary prowess to the test. Equipped with ingredients, recipes and all the utensils you'll need, you have 90 minutes on the clock to make a delicious sweet treat in pairs - and possibly be crowned champion.

London: Crazy Boules

@ Between The Bridges on Various dates from Monday 22nd July 2024

If you're looking for something a little different to get involved with on London's Southbank, then hit up Between The Bridges this summer as it presents Crazy Boules. Merging the classic French game with everybody's favourite: crazy golf, it's fronting a quirky, one-off course packed with twists and turns for you and your friends or family to navigate from £11 per person. 

UK-Wide: Flight Club

Known for its bottomless brunches and the spot for social darts in the UK, Flight Club is bringing you wood-fired pizzas served on paddles, as well as glasses of prosecco. Enjoy a few raucous rounds of throwing at the oche and don't forget to practice your aim for this feel-good activity.

London: The Great Murder Mystery

@ The Lost Estate on Various dates from Thursday 25th July 2024

The Lost Estate - famous for creating incredible experiences - are bringing you The Great Murder Mystery, complete with top dining, carefully curated cocktails and world-class live performances. Recreating Sherlock Holmes' spookiest case, The Hound of the Baskervilles, this includes three courses of Victorian-inspired fine dining, roaming martini trolleys and wine pairings too, all while you enjoy the unfolding action.

Ipswich: Three Wise Monkeys

If you're searching for quirky activities in Ipswich, then Three Wise Monkeys has got you covered. Touting a plethora of fabulous shenanigans for food and drink lovers, like perfect pairing evenings, this hotspot is bound to impress.

Nottingham: Penny Lane

Kids main, drink and 3 tokens for £4.95 and 1 other offer

This nostalgic location is inspired by traditional seaside arcades, promising machines like ski ball, air hockey, donkey derby and much more. Penny Lane is the perfect place to unleash your inner big kid, with tokens available to play all these classic games. Topping it all off? A tasty menu full of hotdogs, burgers, halloumi fries and nachos, alongside creative cocktails such as the Calippo concoction - served with an entire ice lolly.

London: Avora

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Monday 22nd July 2024

Located in Hoxton, Avora is a unique immersive experience brought to you by the team behind Moonshine Saloon and Alcotraz. You'll be given a series of laboratory missions to complete throughout the experience while wearing custom jumpsuits, journeying through mystical, glowing woodlands and interacting with talented actors. You'll also enjoy three quirky cocktails during your time here, including magical colour-changing concoctions.

UK-Wide: Wing Fest

If you're a fan of this messy food, then you'll be pleased to know that a whole festival is dedicated to it. Wing Fest spans cities like London, Bristol, Sheffield plus Derby and promises a day (and night) you won't forget, with epic eating competitions, beer to wash your favourite saucy snack down with, axe throwing and DJs. 

UK-Wide: Alcotraz

Taking inspiration from Hollywood prison stories, Alcotraz is one of the most popular UK attractions for adults. Why you may ask? Well, you'll get to don orange jumpsuits while smuggling in booze and interacting with the sketchy guards. Nothing better than a little mischief, right?

UK-Wide: Bada Bingo

With events in places such as Falkirk and Basildon, Bada Bingo is the perfect place to head to if you're looking for a boozy version of the game. Play a few rounds while taking in the nightclub vibes, your killer drag queen host, and non-stop hits from all your favourite female artists.

Henley-on-Thames: The Lockdown Lodge

@ Hambleden Lock on Various dates from Thursday 25th July 2024

Treat yourself to an absolutely divine three-course meal with £65 tickets to The Lockdown Lodge. Quaint and tranquil, the pretty venue is tucked away by the Thames, offering boat taxis for evening bookings. It celebrates a five-year milestone in 2024 with a seasonal menu in partnership with Christie's Catering which showcases some of the most popular elements over the past couple of dishes. Look forward to tucking into homemade crusty tiger bread, smoked salmon with sorrel mayonnaise, roasted pineapple and chilli jam, plus so much more. 

London: Ale Hunters

Big brew lover? If you fancy an evening of beer and a boozy good time, then Ale Hunters is your answer. Enjoy tutored tastings, pub history lessons, and tours all around London so you can learn a thing or two from your expert sommelier.

Nottingham: Entertainment Golf @ Riverside Golf Centre

Boasting Inrange radar ball tracking technology and high-res touchscreen monitors at every single bay, Entertainment Golf @ Riverside Golf Centre is one of the most cutting-edge activity bars around - suitable for experts and beginners alike. You can compete in small or large groups to suit all occasions, from stag nights to team building sessions, with prices starting from just £6.75 per person for 30 minutes.

Rossendale: Golf Kingdom

Putt your skills to the test at Golf Kingdom Rossendale, a cool adventure golf venue. Here, you can try out the quirky Squirrel's Lair course, an 18-hole, woodland-inspired green featuring interactive rafts, awe-inspiring countryside views and life-like animal sculptures.

BYOC City - Carter Lane

Think quirky bars in London, and BYOC City is guaranteed to pop up in your head. A personalised cocktail adventure in the heart of St. Paul's financial district, this one-of-a-kind boozer doesn't just serve drinks; it serves up experiences. Bring your fav spirits to their Carter Lane haven for their mixology wizards to work their magic and craft tailor-made concoctions that are as unique as your very own palate.

Castleford: Immersive Gamebox

For a truly interactive experience, Immersive Gamebox is a fabulous shout for big groups. Each room uses high-tech projection mapping, touch screens and surround sound for a totally unique game. Check out the likes of a real-life Squid Game and a quirky Alien Aptitude Test.

UK-Wide: Junkyard Golf Club

Sometimes regular golf doesn't quite cut it and you need neon-lit, bonkers 9-hole courses fronting the likes of toilets and disco lights to spice things up. That's where Junkyard Golf Club comes in, with locations across the UK in Newcastle, Liverpool and beyond. Tickets start from £9.50 per person, and there are plenty of snacks available to refuel on while you're there, like pizza and nachos. Plus, the cocktail list is pretty whacky too, fronting the Fizz Pop, garnished with bubblegum bottles, and the Creepy Clown, topped with vanilla cream and sprinkles.

Castleford: Gravity MAX

Located in Castleford, Gravity MAX is home to all kinds of quirky fun. Not only can you zip around the track in their state-of-the-art E-karting experience, but you can also explore a new world through their virtual reality gaming - themed around Ghostbusters, Squid Games and more. They've even got sophisticated private karaoke rooms where you can belt out tunes in style, all with a classy cocktail in hand.

Manchester: Electric Gamebox

Perfect for date nights and team-building with friends, Electric Gamebox brings a unique immersive experience where you'll get to step into a room that uses a touch screen and high-tech abilities. Get lost in alternate realities as you and your pals can play various games - think alien aptitude tests and CIA training.

UK-Wide: Boom Battle Bar

With venues in Leeds, Plymouth, Birmingham, Norwich and beyond, Boom Battle Bar is a fun-filled activity bar where you can get competitive over all kinds of quirky games. We're talking crazy golf, axe throwing, shuffleboard, ping pong and everything in between, perfect for birthdays, hen dos, team nights out and more. Even better? They've got a mouthwatering menu full of cheesy bacon fries, fried chicken burgers and cauliflower wings.