We know all the classic London sights! Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the British Museum and many more. But what we really wanted was to get off the beaten track a bit. Because once we'd admired all these wonders, we knew that London was full of unusual surprises just waiting to be revealed. So we set off in search of the best unusual activities in London, to add a touch of fun to our trip! Are you tempted too? Would you like to discover London in a different way? Mysteries, cemeteries, unusual bars and offbeat museums: follow the guide!
1. The Sherlock Holmes Museum, one of London's best unusual activities
Head to 221B Baker Street in London to discover an unusual place: the Sherlock Holmes Museum! In the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this was the address of the famous detective of impressive deductions. The Victorian London of the time is faithfully retranscribed here, as is the atmosphere described in the author's stories. From the furniture to the objects that have become the detective's cult, we discovered a place halfway between fiction and reality... and we loved it!
If you're interested in this world, we also recommend this Sherlock Holmes-themed walking tour of London, where you can see the places that inspired Arthur Conan Doyle and appear in the books and films.
Do you like unusual museums? Good news, there are plenty of them in London! Among them is Madame Tussauds, a must-see in London in 3 days.
2. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a common but unusual sight!
Admittedly, this is one of the capital's most popular activities. But it's not something you see every day! So, if you're going to admire the changing of the guard, you might as well do it in style at Buckingham Palace! It's even a great family activity if you're visiting London with the kids. On our side, the perfect sweep of the guards amazed the youngest... but also the adults, we readily admit. What grace, what rigor, what perfect dancing! The changeover starts at 10.45 a.m. and lasts 45 minutes. However, we advise you to arrive early, as the activity attracts large crowds.
Tip from Petit Futé: some of London's Free Tours allow you not only to visit the historic heart of the city for free, but also to watch the Changing of the Guard. Reserve your place now!
3. Unusual activities in London: cat bars
Why not push open the doors of a cat café during your visit to London? Several addresses exist in the English capital, including the elegant Whiskers & Cream, known for its artisanal drinks and pastries suitable for everyone, including those on special diets. Here, you can enjoy your tea and homemade sweets surrounded byadorable cats, who come to bring you love and comfort. So nice! The atmosphere is serene, purring... and unusual! Cat lovers love the experience, both rewarding and tasty.
4. Stroll through the unusual Old Spitalfields Market
Whether you're looking for fashion, art, food or antiques, you'll find it at Old Spitalfields Market! Infamous for having played host to Jack the Ripper's first victim, this oversized covered market is a temple to the old school. Here, you can hunt and rummage... and find a few nuggets! Open every day, it's also an ideal place to pass the time when it's raining in London. Steeped in history, this unusual place has been located between Brick Lane and Bishopsgate... since the 17th century!
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5. Marvel at the Museum of Everyday Object Design
We hesitated to visit the Musée du Design des Objets du Quotidien, but in the end we weren't disappointed. Located in the Kensington district, it boasts an impressive and unusual collection of design objects. From fashion to graphics to architecture, wherever our eyes land, they are astonished! The collection is rich, varied and so vast that you're afraid you'll miss a nugget. It's a quirky place to stroll between showers, whether with family or friends.
6. Harry Potter Studios, London's top spot for unusual activities
How about diving into the magic of the cinema together? At Harry Potter Studios, just outside London, we felt as if we'd stepped through a secret passageway into another world. As a family, we strolled through the Great Hall, admired the Forbidden Forest and even crossed the Chemin de Traverse, as if the films were coming to life before our amazed eyes.
To book: Go here to book your Harry Potter Studios tour from London.
The kids couldn't believe their eyes at the life-size sets and behind-the-scenes special effects of their favorite films, while we adults rediscovered our childlike souls! The experience is both fun and moving: costumes, props, filming anecdotes... it's all there! And let's face it, tasting a Bièraubeurre on the way out is the icing on the cake.
Related article: How to visit the Harry Potter Warner Bros studios in London?
7. Discover the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
London is not only the capital of England, but also the capital of street art! If, like us, you're looking for unusual things to do in London, here's a great example. Here, graffiti is elevated to the rank of art, and it's legal to affix your work to one of the walls (or the ceiling!) of these 300 meters of tunnel. Once just a tunnel beneath Waterloo station, the place has taken a new turn thanks to the initiative of the king of London street art , Banksy. By inviting artists to add their paintings, he started a movement that hasn't stopped. While some are just signatures, others are magnificent representations that are well worth a look!
To book: Discover the street art and alternative sites of East London by booking this original Street Art Walking Tour of London, which will introduce you to the cultural diversity and creativity of one of the city's trendiest districts.
8. Chill out at the unusual Clink Prison Museum
This is a place to avoid if you're visiting London with children. This former prison is infamous for holding prisoners in terrible conditions. The Clink Prison Museum tells a terrible story, giving you the shivers, but teaching you more about another time. Located in Bankside, this unusual museum plunges you into a world of torture and extreme detention, so... sensitive souls abstain! From the stories to the artifacts, you'll be immersed in the terrifying atmosphere of this once notorious neighborhood, where the prison was even more terrifying than the streets..
9. A change of atmosphere in Brixton Village
After such a visit, it's time to lighten up! We headed for Brixton Village, a shopping mall like no other. The place reminded us a little of Paris's covered passages, which conceal a number of good little addresses. Except that here, vendors selling vintage objects, treasures and food are everywhere, everywhere, everywhere! The atmosphere is lively, light, pleasant and sheltered from the rain. A good point! Abandoned for around 20 years in the 90s, this once bustling venue has been given a new lease of life. It's a more unusual place than the classic shopping streets, and one we'll always remember!
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10. Neal's Yard in Seven Dials, one of London's most beautiful and unusual districts
This is THE highlight of our trip! It doesn't have to be complicated to find unusual things to do in London. The Seven Dials district and its Neal's Yards square are a complete change of scene. You'd think the architects had one thing in mind: color! Each facade, house or shutter takes on a new hue, creating a veritable panache of color. Plants run up and down the facades, adding authentic charm to a neighborhood that's just as authentic. It's great to stroll around, admiring the 1001 colors here and there while window-shopping. One of the best unusual places in London we saw during our stay!
Good to know: at Christmas, the Seven Dials district lights up in 1001 ways. It's the perfect time to discover an unusual place in London with a formidable charm!
11. Unusual activities in London: The Attendant Coffee Roasters
Another unusual bistro... and not the least! The Attendant Coffee Roasters invites you to drink your coffee... in former urinals. Neglected for 60 years, these former public men's toilets were completely renovated over a two-year period. The result is a quirky, original place that attracts the curious in search of out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Many period features have been preserved, including the porcelain urinals that serve as little solo nooks (no pun intended...) for a quiet drink.
Good to know: since the Covid-19 pandemic, the establishment no longer takes cash. So bring your credit card!
12. Cyberdog, London's most unusual store
Camden is one of London's must-visit areas, and the district had a few surprises in store for us. Among them, the unusual Cyberdog store, which welcomes us with two metal giants! 100% heterogeneous, the store offers everything from techno clothes that change color in the dark to pet accessories and a fashion range for children. Beware, though, if you're going with your family, there's an "adult" section you'll want to avoid with them. For the rest, the place offers fashion that's offbeat, original and, above all, colorful! In short, we clearly don't see shopping in the same way since our visit!
13. Visit the unusual Highgate Cemetery
There's nothing gloomy about Highgate Cemetery! Nestled in its dense vegetation, offering pleasant shade in summer, it's one of London's most beautiful cemeteries. One of the most beautiful alleys is called the "Egyptian Alley". With its majestic entrance, it's the one we remember most from this unusual visit to London. Among the places not to be missed are:
- The Circle of Lebanon, home to several mausoleums in stunning fashion.
- George Wombwell's tomb, topped by a lion.
- The tomb of pianist Thornton, surmounted by a granite piano.
- Julius Beer's mausoleum, one of the most impressive in the cemetery.
- Karl Marx's grave, topped by a statue of his head.
Many other celebrities are buried here, including Malcolm McLaren and George Michael.
Good to know: in the past, it was customary to bury the dead in the cemetery of the nearest church. As space became scarce, private cemeteries sprang up. Highgate Cemetery is one of these, becoming part of the "Magnificent 7" - a nickname you'll understand when you visit it!
14. Add some thrills to your unusual London activities
How about following in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper during your visit to London? It's an experience we tried out before having children, as it may offend the sensibilities of younger visitors. From the East End to Whitechapel and Spitalfields, you'll relive one of history's most famous manhunts and try to solve the mystery. On this tour, one of London's best unusual activities, you'll learn more about these unsolved dramas, which are an integral part of London's general culture. With its mix of news, thrills and mystery, this is a great activity for couples or groups of friends visiting London!
Book a guided walking tour here, following in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper in Victorian London, with your own suspect cards and a ripperologist guide to accompany you.
15. Little Venice, the best of London's unusual activities
It's common to find places nicknamed "Little Venice" just about everywhere, including in France. In London, it's Little Venice, a district located between Regent's Canal and Grand Union Canal. It's worth remembering that, in the past, a great deal of trade passed through here by river, which explains this strange canal in the middle of the capital. Today, it's a bohemian, colorful place, where you can stroll along barges and other small boats. As an added bonus, some superb Victorian houses dot this adorable neighborhood. It was in this pretty haven of peace that we enjoyed a well-deserved break in a small café on the water's edge. With the kids keen to try out the barge cruise along Regent's Canal, we enjoyed this rejuvenating experience!
Good to know: if you're interested in free things to do in London, there's a 60 km walking trail linking Camden to Little Venice via the banks of Regent's Canal!
And that's it! You've got everything you need to visit London in a different way, with all its unusual activities. If you like, you can even dine in an unusual restaurant, such as Mercato Mayfair, nestled in a former church. Looking for something truly unusual? Then Christmas is the time to visit London. The whole city is decked out with 1001 surprises that would be a shame to miss, despite the damp, crisp winter air!
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