One of the greatest things about visiting London is that, everywhere you turn, famous landmarks are waiting for you. But what if you want something a little different?
Lucky for you, London is also full of surprises. You can find a massive selection of quirky attractions, hidden gems and one-of-a-kind experiences just waiting to be explored. It’s goodbye to Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace and hello to some more unusual places.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the most unusual things to do in London for your next visit.
Quirky Attractions in London
London’s got plenty of quirky things to do at any time of year.
God’s Own Junkyard
Looking for something memorable? Then God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow is a must. This neon art gallery is dedicated to the late Chris Bracey’s work. You’ll find a mix of vintage movie props, salvaged signs and custom-made neon pieces, amongst others.
The space is an absolute explosion of colour and light - ideal for photography enthusiasts. Its Rolling Scones (get it?) café serves typically British tea and cake, making it a great unique spot to enjoy a treat.
Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is a completely different kind of atmosphere. This Victorian burial ground is famous for its stunning Gothic architecture. The overgrown pathways ooze quirky, with notable residents including Karl Marx and Douglas Adams.
When you visit, the East Cemetery is open to the public. However, you can only see the West Cemetery with a guided tour. It’s worth it for the exclusive look at its grand installations, hidden tombs and overall eerie experience.
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities in Hackney is another unusual thing to do in London. It’s pretty small but packed with a collection of oddities - think taxidermy, shrunken heads and rare artworks from Britain, Europe and the world.
Above all, this quirky place celebrates the weird and wonderful. There’s also a great bar serving cocktails inspired by its exhibits - great for chatting about the strange displays after.
Unusual Experiences and Activities
Of all the unusual things to do in London, these are some of the most fun and unique.
Alcotraz
Ever wanted to know what going to jail is like? Turns out, it’s a surprisingly common thing to have on your wishlist. To satisfy that desire without any crimes being committed, Alcotraz started a prison-themed cocktail bar in central London and Shoreditch.
First, you’ll put on classic orange jumpsuits. Then, you’ll attempt to smuggle in your own spirits. As a reward, you’ll get to enjoy custom-made drinks mixed by bartenders posing as fellow inmates. With a bit of theatre and storytelling thrown in, it’s one of the most unusual things to do in London at night - but a lot of fun. Eating porridge the next morning is optional.
Monopoly Lifesized
Board game fan? Then Monopoly Lifesized takes everything to a whole new level. When you visit London, you’ll find it in the West End near Tottenham Court Road, with players moving around a life-sized board. During your game, you’ll complete challenges to buy properties.
This immersive experience is fantastic for groups. It’s also great if you’re just looking for a mix of nostalgia, strategy or pure interactive fun. Pro tip: the Deluxe Board builds on the base experience, with an even more immersive version of the game.
Phantom Peak
Phantom Peak, near Canary Wharf in east London, describes itself as a “steampunk-inspired adventure town”. Guests can explore, solve mysteries and interact with the live actors - blending escape rooms and theatre with open-world gaming.
The name of the game is immersive storytelling. There are tonnes of quests and hidden details scattered throughout the venue, so make sure to arrive on time.
Hidden Gems and Secret Spots
Looking for unusual things to do in London that only locals know about?
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is a gorgeous covered market known for its ornate architecture. Harry Potter fans may also recognise it as the filming location for Diagon Alley.
While the market itself is quite unknown, it can get crowded with fans of the books and films. As such, visiting during weekdays helps avoid the queues, leaving you to take in the intricate details of the market’s design.
St. Dunstan-in-the-East
St. Dunstan-in-the-East is another fantastic hidden gem. This church was bombed during World War Two but has now been transformed into a peaceful public garden. Visit for its gothic ruins, greenery and a quiet escape from the city.
This is a particularly strong recommendation for photographers. In the early morning or late afternoon, light filters beautifully through the remains of the church walls and makes for top-quality snaps.
The Attendant
Now for one of the truly most unusual things to do in London. The Attendant in Fitzrovia is a café... housed in a restored Victorian England public toilet. The 18th-century installations have been repurposed into seating booths to build a pretty unexpected, yet still stylish, setting.
The café itself serves high-quality coffee and seasonal specials. It’s definitely quirky, and it’s also an excellent spot for a break during your day of exploring the capital.
Unusual Food and Drink Experiences
Here are some unique places to eat, drink and be merry.
Dans le Noir?
For dining unlike anywhere else, Dans le Noir in Clerkenwell serves delicious meals in complete darkness. Everything is guided by visually impaired waiters who help build your sensory experience by focusing on taste, smell and texture. Want a truly unique visit? The surprise menu lets you try flavours without any clues beforehand.
The Cheese Bar
Eating cheese is far from an unusual thing to do in London. But only cheese? That’s a different matter. For true cheese lovers, The Cheese Bar in Covent Garden serves a huge range through its conveyor belt service. You’ll find all the most popular types of cheese on the menu. Plus, the seasonal specials bring surprise guest cheeses to your table.
Sketch
For a touch of elegance, Sketch in Mayfair is famous for its themed afternoon teas and exceptional settings. With quirky art installations and amazing service, it’s certainly a memorable venue. As a multi-Michelin star winning restaurant, you’ll need to book well in advance, with required dress codes in some rooms.
Practical Tips for Exploring London's Unusual Attractions
To make the most of these unique experiences, planning ahead is essential. You’ll want to:
Check opening hours and accessibility ahead of time
Use London public transport for the easiest way to get around
Download apps like Citymapper to help with navigation.
If you’re on a budget, try combining free unusual things to do in London with ticketed experiences. You can often find discounts through platforms like Groupon and GetYourGuide - so always check before booking.
Explore Unusual Things in London with The Clermont
Away from the obvious spots, there is no shortage of unusual things to do in London. Many of these locations are also within easy reach of a Clermont Hotel, giving you a comfortable base for exploring the city.