21 Unusual Things To Do in London (Updated for 2023)

London, the vibrant heart of the United Kingdom, is a city teeming with history, culture, and unique experiences waiting to be discovered.

Beyond its iconic landmarks and world-class museums, London harbors a plethora of offbeat and unusual attractions that will leave you utterly fascinated.

From stepping into Imaginationland to exploring the eerie Highgate Cemetery, we’ve compiled a list of 30 of the most unusual things to do in London.

#1: Imaginationland

Imagine the crowd is cheering, mouthing every word as you show off your moves and your astonishing falsetto, performing some of the greatest rock songs ever made!

Imagine you are Freddie Mercury and give an impromptu concert in front of his former studio and apartment Garden Lodge at 1 Logan Place where he created many of his iconic tunes. 

It’s easy, everybody knows the words to “We Will Rock You”!

Imagine you’ve been followed, you’re carrying an important message that could save lives and you need to find a safe house! That safe house is Morpeth Arms, where you can imagine you’re a spy, looking over the Thames at MI6 HQ, drinking a martini shaken, not stirred in their spy-themed bar!

Imagine you’re a 19th-century policeman retracing the steps of Jack The Ripper throughout the Shoreditch neighborhood, where many creepy overpasses from that era still stand. Related landmarks include Ten Bells Pub and Shoreditch Town Hall.

Imagine orating passionately on a topic close to your heart, spectators hanging on your every word. If you could just get people to listen to you, you know you could change the world! You can do just that at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park, a literal soapbox that has hosted the likes of George Orwell, Lenin and Karl Marx. 

Imagine you’re a bandit who is about to pull off the most audacious robbery in history! You can plan your own at The Star Tavern, where the actual great train robbery was planned and where many celebrities rubbed shoulders with criminals. You might not go through with it, but you can dream it up while sipping a classic manhattan cocktail.

#2: Highgate Cemetery in London

A gothic masterpiece and a haven for nature lovers, Highgate Cemetery is far from your ordinary burial ground. It’s known for its hauntingly beautiful tombs and the famous final resting place of Karl Marx.

#3: Novelty Automation

Located in Holborn, Novelty Automation is a quirky arcade filled with unusual, handmade machines that provide bizarre and delightful experiences. Test your skills on “The Frisker” or experience the “Instant Weight Loss Machine.”

#3: Village Underground

Situated in an old Victorian warehouse, Village Underground is a creative hub in Shoreditch. It’s not just an art space but a club and music venue housed in repurposed tube trains and shipping containers suspended on the rooftop. It’s a fascinating blend of music and art.

#4: Horizon Insects

At Horizon Insects, you can indulge your inner entomologist. Located in London Bridge, this insect emporium offers edible insects, insect-based snacks, and even insect-cooking classes.

#5: Flat Iron Steaks’

Dining at Flat Iron Steaks is an unusual experience. The menu is intentionally limited to one cut of steak, and it’s cash-only, but the meat is exquisite, and the prices are surprisingly low.

#6: Clown International

At Clowns International, discover the fascinating history of clowning in Britain. This unique museum in Holy Trinity Church near Covent Garden showcases clown memorabilia and even a collection of clown eggs.

#7: The Clink

Located on the site of the original Clink Prison in Southwark, The Clink is a museum that provides a spine-tingling glimpse into the horrors of historical crime and punishment in London. You can even witness a replica of an old Clink Prison cell.

#8. God’s Own Junkyard

God’s Own Junkyard, located in Walthamstow, is a neon paradise and the largest neon sign collection in Europe. It’s a psychedelic labyrinth of colorful lights, perfect for a unique Instagram-worthy experience.

#9. Leighton House Museum

This hidden gem in Kensington was the former home of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton. The museum boasts an Arabian Hall with an incredible dome ceiling, which transports you to a different time and place.

#10. Little Venice

This picturesque area near Paddington is where you can take a canal boat ride and explore a network of waterways, quaint houseboats, and charming waterside cafes.

#11: God’s Own Junkyard

God’s Own Junkyard, located in Walthamstow, is a neon utopia. Explore a maze of colorful, glowing neon signs and art pieces, creating a surreal and mesmerizing atmosphere.

#12: The Hunterian Museum

Housed within the Royal College of Surgeons, this London museum displays a vast collection of human and animal specimens. It’s a unique and slightly eerie experience that provides fascinating insights into anatomy and medical history.

#13. Little Venice

Nestled near Paddington, Little Venice is a charming area where London’s canal network converges. Take a canal boat ride and discover the beauty of quaint houseboats and waterside cafes.

#14. Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

Located beneath Waterloo Station, the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel is an ever-changing canvas for street artists. The constantly evolving artwork and the urban atmosphere make it a must-visit for art and culture enthusiasts.

#15. The Little Museum of London

This charming museum in Bloomsbury showcases the history of London in a unique and personal way. It’s filled with an array of quirky and intriguing artifacts, each telling a story about the city’s past.

#16. Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities

Located in Hackney, this peculiar museum is home to an eclectic assortment of oddities and curiosities. Explore strange artifacts, taxidermy specimens, and unusual art pieces, all housed in a delightfully quirky setting.

#17. Cahoots

Step back in time to the 1940s in this underground vintage bar located in a former air raid shelter. Cahoots offers a unique and immersive experience, complete with themed cocktails and live entertainment.

#18. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

This stunning Hindu temple in Neasden is an architectural marvel. It’s made entirely of intricately carved marble and limestone, and its grandeur is an unexpected sight in the London suburbs.

#19. Billingsgate Roman Bathhouse

Hidden beneath a modern office building near London Bridge, this ancient Roman bathhouse is a unique archaeological site.

Discover the remains of an intricate Roman bathhouse, complete with intricate mosaics and intriguing artifacts.

London is a city that never ceases to amaze with its remarkable blend of history, culture, and eccentricity. As you explore these unusual attractions, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s quirky side and its ability to continually surprise and delight visitors.

Whether you’re a local looking to unearth hidden gems or a traveler seeking the extraordinary, London’s offbeat offerings promise unforgettable experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.