You’ve been to London already? You loved it so much that you’re coming back? And you’ve already seen everything on my first list. Don’t worry, I have you covered. Here’s another ten non-tourist things to do in London.
This takes immersive art to another level. Located just outside of Tottenham Court Road station, you will be surrounded by gorgeous artwork projected all around you. What you see will vary on the actual day, but the Outernet is free to attend, and you can spend as long as you like here.
Afterwards, why not get some dim sum in Chinatown or a curry pocket or Pad Thai at the Seven Dials food market. Sure, there might be some who would dismiss the Outernet, as a screensaver, but have you ever seen a screensaver this big before?
This immersive art exhibition is fun for all the family. Located just five minutes from Wembley Stadium, it is a great place to take the kids. They’ll have so much fun in the ball pit and balloon room. For the grown-ups, you have an infinity room, plenty of selfie opportunities, and, if you pay a bit more, a virtual reality area.
It costs £13.90 – £17.90 and you’ll be spending about an hour here. Afterwards, why not go shopping in the Wembley Designer outlet or get lunch at Box Park? I would personally recommend the burgers from Flipper or the Beef Rendang from Peninsula.
Are you an adrenaline junkie with a head for heights? Then give this high-ropes adventure course a go. They’re located across the country, but in London you’ll find them in Cockfosters, Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park. That’s where I did it last and I had so much fun.
At £39pp, this is great for a date night with a twist or a fun day out with the kids. It would be a great time with your friends too. Yes, this is a high-risk activity, so pay close attention to everything the instructors tell you.
Board games are just for boomers, right? Wrong? At the board game café, you will find the most amazing selection of board games that are fun for all ages. You have your classics like Scrabble, Articulate and Trivial Pursuit, your long-term strategy games like Risk and Settlers of Catan, as well as games just for adults like Cards Against Humanity.
I’ve been to the venues in Waterloo and Haggerston and both are a lot of fun. You could go here for a date night, a fun night with friends or just for a family day out. It can also be booked for private functions.
How much you pay depends on how long you want to stay here but prices start from £15. It’s a great way to get those kids off those bloody video-games. Oh God, now I sound like a boomer.
Paintballing isn’t for the fainthearted but if you can handle then pain, then spend a day with Mayhem paintball in Epping Forest. It’s fast-paced, furious fun. Great if you’re here with a group of friends.
There are all different games you can play like Capture the Castle. Prices start at £43. Just remember, the golden rule of paintballing: never take off your mask. Unless you want to lose an eye.
Regent’s Canalside walk
If you’re looking for something completely free this is for you. The Regent’s Canal is roughly nine miles long stretching from Paddington to Limehouse.
Or you could start two miles in from Camden, perhaps buying lunch at Burger and Beyond, Afghan Street Kitchen or Three Uncles, and head down the canal for a lovely Summer’s Day Walk. You will pass the lovely Victoria Park and through the eclectic Hackney.
The only place you’ll have to go away from the canal is the Islington Tunnel where you will have to head up the Pentonville Road and down through Islington to reach the canal again.
Once you read Limehouse Basin, you can take the DLR to Tower Bridge where you can get some dinner at the sushi bar Kagura. Or if you would rather not spend any money at all then just bring a packed lunch from home. Sam and I walked the canal on our first date. Three years later, we’re still going strong.
Another great thing about the Regent’s Canal is that there is no shortage of cruise companies ready to sail you up and down the canal. Jenny Wren is just one of those. Boarding at Camden Lock, you’ll be taken on a cruise through Maida Vale and into Paddington Basin.
This would be great for family days out or for a date. All it costs is £18.50. And it would make a lovely day out with gorgeous scenery to boot. Especially if you’re here in summer.
Escape Rooms are becoming the hottest new thing to do. You’re locked in a room, and you need to escape by solving a series of puzzles. To make it more fun, the rooms are themed around a certain idea like Ancient Egypt of an alien spaceship.
These rooms are all over London, but I did it at the Tower Bridge venue. Alas, we didn’t escape, but it was still great fun. But something like this would be great if you’re here with a group of friends on a rainy day.
At £76pp it certainly isn’t the cheapest, but it’s great for the logical problem-solvers out there.
Eel Pie Island
You want to plan to see this attraction well in advance as it is only open two weekends a year. If you’re planning on coming next weekend i.e the 6th and 7th of July 2024, you’ll be able to visit. Once a hippie commune, it has become a hub for independent artists.
Located in Twickenham, it is free to enter, and you don’t need a ticket. Spend an hour looking at all the different artist’s studios with genres ranging from sculpture to glasswork and water-colours. Or you could have a cream team overlooking the River Thames. What could be more British than that?
Think dinner and a film is a cliched date idea? Think again as the rooftop cinema provides a whole new spin on the idea. There are cinemas all over London, but I’ve attended the one in Peckham.
From the top of the Debussey building, all you need to do is buy your ticket from £16.50 and take your seat. The seats are unreserved so arrive early to get the good ones. The venue will provide you with wireless headphones and blankets. Plus you can order drinks and pizzas directly to your seat.
Bear in mind, this is an over-18 event, but it’s great for date nights with a twist or an evening out with your friends. The people who say cinema is dying have obviously never been to an event like this.
And that’s ten more hidden gems you can visit the next time you’re holidaying in London. Alternatively, these are great ideas if you’re looking for something new to do with your partner or your friends. And if that wasn’t enough, these are great ideas for family days out too. You’re welcome.
James Linton Writing 