Top 10 Quirky things to do in London

Quirky things to do in London

Are you tired of the same old tourist attractions in London? Do you want to discover some hidden gems and offbeat experiences in this buzzing city? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 quirky things to do in London that will add an extra dimension to your trip. From visiting a 300-year-old tea shop to taking on the Dare Skywalk, these unique experiences are sure to create unforgettable memories. So, buckle up and get ready for an exciting adventure through some of London’s most unconventional destinations.

1. Visit Leighton House

If you’re a fan of art and architecture, then Leighton House is a must-visit destination in London. This unique museum was once the home of Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton, and features his stunning artwork alongside Orientalist pieces that he collected during his travels. One of the highlights of this quirky attraction is the Arab Hall – an opulent room inspired by Islamic architecture with striking blue tiles and intricate mosaics. It’s like stepping into another world!

As you explore this hidden gem, make sure to admire the beautiful paintings on display as well as the ornate interiors. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to a lavish Victorian era. Don’t forget to stop by the tranquil garden at Leighton House too – it’s a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of London city life. Visiting Leighton House is an immersive experience that combines art, history and culture all in one place!

2. Take on the Dare Skywalk

For those who love a good adrenaline rush, taking on the Dare Skywalk in London is an absolute must-do. Located at the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower in Olympic Park, this sky-high experience offers breath-taking views of London from 80 meters above ground level. But it’s not just about sightseeing – thrill-seekers can also take on the challenge of walking across a steel walkway suspended in mid-air! The walkway is made up of glass floors and walls which give you the sensation that you are walking on air.

The entire experience lasts around 90 minutes and includes both ascent and descent via lifts. Once at the top, visitors can spend as much time as they like taking photos or simply enjoying the view before embarking on their daredevil skywalk adventure. Safety is paramount during your visit to Dare Skywalk with expert guides providing instruction for participants throughout their journey. And while it may seem daunting to step out onto a platform suspended high above ground level, many participants say that they feel completely safe due to efficient safety measures taken by staff. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that will leave your heart racing and your senses tingling then be sure to take on this unique challenge atop one of London’s most iconic structures!

3. Visit the Underbelly of Tower Bridge

If you’re looking for a unique and quirky experience in London, visiting the Underbelly of Tower Bridge should definitely be on your list. This is not just any ordinary bridge, it’s an iconic landmark that holds centuries worth of history and secrets. The Underbelly tour takes you deep into the belly of this historic structure, where you’ll explore hidden chambers and tunnels that are rarely seen by the public eye. You’ll learn about its construction process, how it has been maintained throughout the years and even witness some beautiful views from inside.

During your visit to the Underbelly of Tower Bridge, make sure to take advantage of their amazing photo opportunities. You will get to capture some truly stunning shots with unobstructed views both inside and outside of this architectural wonder. If you’re up for something different than usual tourist attractions in London then visiting the Underbelly is definitely worth checking out!

4. SAW: Escape Experience London

Are you a fan of horror movies and escape rooms? Then the SAW: Escape Experience London is the perfect activity for you! Based on the popular movie franchise, this immersive experience puts you in Jigsaw’s twisted game as you try to solve puzzles and escape within 60 minutes. The sets are incredibly detailed and eerily realistic, making it feel like you’ve stepped right into one of the movies. You’ll encounter physical challenges that will test your nerve, wits, and teamwork skills. But beware – some traps may be too gruesome for the faint-hearted!

The actors who play Jigsaw’s minions are top-notch performers who stay in character throughout your visit. They add an extra layer of terror to an already thrilling experience. If you’re looking for something unique and adrenaline-pumping to do in London, then SAW: Escape Experience should definitely be on your list. Just remember to bring your bravery with you!

5. Drink coffee in a Victorian toilet at the Attendant

If you’re a coffee lover looking for a unique experience in London, look no further than the Attendant. This quirky cafe is situated in an old Victorian public toilet and offers visitors the chance to enjoy their coffee while sitting in refurbished urinals. Don’t let the unusual setting put you off – the Attendant serves up some of the best coffee in town, with everything from flat whites to pour-over brews on offer. And despite being located underground, there’s plenty of natural light thanks to skylights that have been installed.

The decor at the Attendant is as quirky as its location, with vintage tiling and original features such as exposed brickwork still intact. It’s a great spot for Instagram lovers who want to capture something truly unique. But it’s not just about aesthetics – the staff at this friendly cafe are passionate about their coffee and are happy to chat with customers about different brewing methods or recommend their favourite blends. So if you’re after a truly memorable caffeine fix during your trip to London, head down into this converted lavatory and see what all the fuss is about!

6. Drop into a 300-year-old tea shop

If you’re a fan of tea and history, then visiting the 300-year-old Twining’s tea shop is an absolute must when in London. Located on the Strand, this quaint shop has been serving up quality teas since 1706. Upon entering, you’ll be transported back in time with its old-world charm – from wooden shelves to vintage packaging. You can browse through their extensive collection of loose-leaf teas or opt for one of their pre-made blends like Earl Grey or English Breakfast.

But it’s not just about buying tea here; they also offer daily tasting sessions where you can sample different varieties and learn about the rich history behind each blend. And if that wasn’t enough to entice you, they also have a small museum showcasing antique teapots and memorabilia. For those looking for a unique souvenir to take home, Twining’s offers personalized labels for their iconic yellow tins – making them a perfect gift for any tea lover. So why not drop into this charming piece of London history and enjoy some delicious tea while immersing yourself in centuries-old tradition?

7. Visit the Institute of Making

If you’re looking for a unique and quirky experience in London, look no further than the Institute of Making. Tucked away inside University College London, this fascinating institution is dedicated to exploring materials and their properties. Inside the institute, you’ll find an incredible array of tools and equipment – from 3D printers to traditional metalworking tools – all designed to help visitors experiment with different materials and create their own objects.

The institute also hosts regular events and workshops, ranging from jewellery-making classes to talks on the science behind cooking. And if you’re interested in learning more about specific materials or techniques, there are plenty of experts on hand who are happy to share their knowledge. A visit to the Institute of Making is a must for anyone interested in design, engineering, or just getting creative with new materials. It’s a truly unique experience that’s sure to leave you feeling inspired!

8. Ride the Mail Rail

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride in a train that once carried mail all across London? Well, wonder no more! The Mail Rail is a quirky and fascinating experience located in the heart of London. The ride takes you on a journey through the underground tunnels where letters and parcels were transported between sorting offices from 1927 until its closure in 2003. You can sit back and relax while learning about the history of this important postal service and see some of the original equipment used during its operation.

The ride may not be very long, but it’s definitely worth experiencing as it gives you an insight into how things worked before modern technology took over. It’s also an excellent way to escape from busy city life for a little while! One interesting fact about this railway is that many people who worked here during World War II were women. They played an essential role in keeping communication lines open by working long hours on both ends of the tunnel. Riding the Mail Rail is definitely one of those unique experiences that should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting London.

9. Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel is a hidden gem in the heart of London. Tucked away beneath the platforms of Waterloo station lies this colourful and vibrant tunnel, covered from top to bottom with incredible street art. Originally used by Banksy as a location for his Cans Festival exhibition back in 2008, Leake Street has since become a legal graffiti zone where artists can come and express themselves freely.

Walking through the tunnel feels like stepping into another world. The walls are alive with colour, texture, and powerful messages that make you stop and think. From political statements to abstract designs, each piece tells its own unique story. One of the best things about Leake Street is that it’s constantly changing. New pieces are added all the time, so even if you’ve visited before there will always be something new to discover. If you’re looking for an alternative way to experience London’s creative side, then head down to Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel and prepare to be blown away by the talent on display.

10. Visit London’s Smallest Police Station

London’s Smallest Police Station is a unique attraction that you won’t want to miss. Located in Trafalgar Square, these tiny police station was built in the 1920s and served as a lookout point for officers keeping an eye on public gatherings and demonstrations. London’s Smallest Police Station may look like a tiny shed, but it holds an interesting piece of history. Located on Trafalgar Square, this little station was built in the 1920s for police officers to keep watch over public demonstrations and protests. It’s definitely one of London’s quirkiest landmarks.

London has so much to offer beyond its iconic landmarks and tourist hotspots – it’s also full of quirky gems waiting to be discovered. From hidden historic tea shops to underground tunnels, daring skywalks, graffiti art-filled alleys, escape rooms with horror themes, coffee spots set up in old toilets and even mini-police stations – there are plenty of unconventional things to do that will add excitement to your trip!