London is full of endless fun and famous attractions. But sometimes, you want to go off the beaten path and experience something more authentic. Things that pop to mind might include more unique tourist attractions or local community activities.
But how do you find these not-so-obvious hotspots? Well, that’s why we’ve put together this guide. In it, you’ll find the best non-touristy things to do in London. With less obvious activities in little-known neighbourhoods, these travel tips will help you explore the city to its fullest.
Join a community cooking class
Community cooking classes are a hands-on way to experience London’s food scene. You’ll also get to meet both locals and visitors at the same time. What better activity to be first on our list of non-touristy things to do in London?
So, instead of eating out, why not dine while you learn to make a traditional dish yourself? In central London, everything’s on the menu - from classic British scones to dishes influenced by the city’s diverse communities. It’s a fantastic way to learn new skills, make some memories and impress friends and family when you get home.
Here are a couple of great places to try out a community cooking class in London:
Migrateful – Run by migrant chefs who share authentic recipes from their home countries.
The Avenue Cookery School – With a focus on British baking and seasonal dishes.
Classes typically last two to three hours. Of course, most include a well-earned communal meal at the end. So whether rolling out pastry or mixing spices is your thing, each session provides a highly interactive experience that’s educational, fun and tasty. Book early, especially for weekend classes, as slots can fill up fast.
Join a street art workshop
Next, it’s time to channel your inner Banksy. London’s street art scene is world-famous. But instead of just taking photos, why not stop by a local workshop and create your own masterpiece? It’s a cool non-touristy thing to do in London away from the crowds.
A street art workshop is a fantastic opportunity to see London’s best graffiti spots before picking up a spray can yourself. We can highly recommend the following local art workshops:
Alternative London – This combines travel guides and walking tours with hands-on graffiti sessions.
Leake Street Arches Workshops – Various workshops held in London’s largest legal graffiti tunnel near Waterloo.
When you visit, you’ll start with a guided tour of famous murals and graffiti pieces. Then, you’ll start learning basic techniques from experienced street artists. Your session will end in designated graffiti areas or a workshop where you can create your very own piece. Remember to wear something you don’t mind getting messy - spray paint can go everywhere!
Go on a paddleboarding adventure
Feeling energetic? Then why not try seeing London’s waterways from a different point of view?
With paddleboarding, you’ll get to see landmarks from a new perspective, as you travel along canals and rivers past hidden parts of the capital. And once you get the hang of the technique, it’s actually quite a relaxing activity. You don’t need prior experience to get started.
Here are some great paddleboarding places we can recommend:
Active360 – Runs tours from Paddington to Camden along the Regent’s Canal.
SUP London – Organises sunrise and sunset paddles on the River Thames.
Sessions usually start with a short lesson. Then, you’ll head out on the water. On the way, you’ll pass houseboats, cafés and many of the city’s most famous parks. It’s a great way to plan some of your future outings in London. For the most unique experience, early morning or dusk sessions are usually the most peaceful - and come with phenomenal photo opportunities.
Foraging in London’s parks
Next on our list also takes in some of London’s finest outdoor green spaces. Foraging walks are a way to connect with nature and learn about the capital’s royal parks. You can also learn all about edible plants, too.
You can head out on your own (if you know what you’re doing). Likewise, there are foraging phone apps to help. But if you take a guided tour, you’ll learn about herbs, berries, roots and fungi that are all growing in London’s open public spaces. And, of course, guided by experts, you’ll learn how to identify edible species safely.
These are some of the best spots:
Hampstead Heath – Known for its massive biodiversity and gorgeous wooded greenery, it is perfect for beginners.
Richmond Park – A great spot in West London for spotting wildlife while finding wild mushrooms and edible plants.
If you’d prefer to take a guided tour, we can also recommend the following:
Forage London – Runs expert-led workshops all about urban foraging.
The Woodland Trust – Occasionally holds educational foraging talks, events and activities.
Remember to wear sturdy shoes and bring a small bag for collecting finds. You never know what you’ll spot.
Unwind at a secret outdoor cinema
While all this activity is fun, sometimes, you just want to chill out. Taking place across the city, watching a movie in an outdoor setting is an excellent alternative to your classic cinema experience. You’ll also be treated to comfy seating, blankets and tasty snacks.
Why not try:
Rooftop Film Club – Screenings take place in Peckham and Stratford.
Backyard Cinema – Known for themes and live acts.
Depending on the cinema, the venue usually provides deck chairs, blankets or bean bags. You’ll find a wide selection of films on offer - some even accompany the movie with live music and themed refreshments.
Find the best non-touristy things to do in London with Clermont
So there it is - London has so much more to offer beyond the usual sights. From street art and cooking with locals to paddling the city’s waterways, the best non-touristy things to do in London help you see the city from a different perspective.
Many of these activities are close to The Clermont - find your ideal room and explore the capital in style.
