20 Unique Experiences In London That Turn A Trip Into A Story
These unique experiences in London can completely change how the city feels on your trip. Instead of rushing between major sights, these activities invite you to slow down and engage in different ways.
Author:James RowleyDec 19, 2025324 Shares54K Views
London is full of surprises. Beyond Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, the city brims with unusual adventures that most tourists overlook. What makes these activities special is not just their novelty, but how they connect you with London’s playful spirit and rich character.
If you want truly unique London experiences and not the usual landmarks, your best options are immersive theatre, unusual viewpoints, only-in-London nightlife concepts, and niche museums. Mixing book-ahead headliners with easy, flexible walk-ins so your plan stays fun even if weather, crowds, or tickets change. Below are 20 of the most unique experiences in London. You can dive in and choose your favorites.
Key Takeaways
- Book earliest:Hidden London tours, ABBA Voyage, Alcotraz, Phantom Peak, Up at The O2.
- Best value (low spend, high novelty):God’s Own Junkyard (free), Word on the Water (free to browse), The Attendant (normal coffee prices), Jack the Ripper walk (£10-£15).
- Most only-in-London feelings:Hidden London, ABBA Voyage, Alcotraz, Phantom Peak, Highgate Cemetery (West tour).
- Biggest mistake:Over-scheduling across the city; cluster by area (Stratford/Olympic Park, East/Hackney, Central/West End).
- Who this list is for:Visitors who’ve done the highlights already, return travelers, or first-timers who want standout stories.
- Next step:Pick one headliner, one quirky daytime stop, and one night experience.
1. Slide Down The ArcelorMittal Orbit (Helix Slide)
For a one-of-a-kind thrill, head to Stratford’s Olympic Park and ride the ArcelorMittal Orbit slide. This twisting red steel sculpture isn’t just a viewing tower, it hides the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide inside. Now operated by Zip World and dubbed “Helix,”the slide spans 178m with 12 hair-raising twists.
After admiring panoramic city views from 76 meters up, you’ll shoot down a tube, hitting speeds up to 15 mph as the London skyline blurs by. Don’t worry, it’s more fun than fear. Riders lie on a mat and zip through the loops in about 40 seconds, whooping all the way.
Standard tickets are about £17 for the slide (plus a booking fee), which includes access to the Orbit’s observation platforms. Be sure to book a dedicated “Slide” ticket in advance so you don’t miss out. Time your visit on a clear day for stunning views before your ride, or consider an evening slot in summer for a twilight slide experience.
- Location:Stratford (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park). Nearest Tube:Stratford Station.
- Booking:Reserve a “Slide”time slot in advance (walk-ups not guaranteed).
2. Climb The Iconic O2 Dome For Skyline Views
Why simply view London’s landmarks when you can climb one? Up at The O2 is a guided roof walk over the famous Millennium Dome. After donning a harness and attending a safety briefing, you’ll ascend a suspended walkway that peaks at 52m above ground; steep at first (a 28° incline) but soon leveling out.
The reward is a 360° panorama spanning the Thames, Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers, and historic Greenwich. The whole experience takes about 90 minutes including briefing and gear-up, and it’s safe and beginner-friendly. Up at The O2 runs daytime, sunset, and twilight climbs, and all equipment is provided.
- Cost:From £37 per adult (weekday daytime; higher for sunset climbs). Includes guide and equipment.
- Booking:Required to book a specific slot, but climbs run in all seasons (weather permitting).
3. Paddle Through London On A Thames Kayak Or SUP
See London from a new perspective right on the Thames itself. Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding through the heart of the city is an unforgettable way to sightsee. Several operators offer guided trips, often launching at twilight so you can glide under illuminated bridges and past landmarks like the London Eyeand St. Paul’s Cathedral shimmering at night.
A popular route starts near Battersea and ends past Tower Bridge, letting you witness the city’s transformation after dark. No experience? No problem. You’ll get a quick lesson, a lifejacket, and all the gear. Then set off in a stable tandem kayak or on a SUP, following an expert guide while the river’s currents carry you along.
Tours usually last 1.5-2 hours, and you’ll paddle through both serene stretches and busy sections with boat traffic, giving you an exhilarating mix. It completely redefines getting around London, swapping packed Tube carriages for a slow, cinematic journey right through the city’s historic heart.
- Location:Launch points vary (commonly Battersea or Lambeth), finishing downstream near Greenwich or Tower Bridge.
- Cost:Typically £40–£80per person, depending on tour length and operator (price usually includes equipment and guide).
- Booking:Required through tour providers (e.g. London Kayak Company). Many tours run April to Oct, with special winter night paddles.
- Restrictions:Usually 18+ or 16+ with adult. Must be able to swim.
4. Brave The Rapids At Lee Valley’s White Water Centre
At the Lee Valley White Water Centre, just outside London, you can ride the same rapids used in the 2012 Olympic canoe slalom. This purpose-built course churns out thrilling grade III-IV rapids, frothy waves that will get your heart pounding right on London’s doorstep.
After a safety briefing, you and up to 8 crewmates strap on helmets and grab paddles. A professional guide steers from the back as you charge through eddies and splash over drops. Prepare to get soaking wet and possibly laugh a lot.
Each session includes multiple runs down the course, so you experience a few wild laps. It’s a fantastic group activity, and the center also offers gentler options like tubing and inflatable kayaking on calmer sections if full-on rafting feels too intense.
- Location:Lee Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross, north of London, which is around 30 to 40 minutes by train from central London.
- Duration:About 2–3 hours including kitting up and 90 minutes on the water.
- Cost:Around £60-£70 per person for a standard rafting session. Price often includes all equipment and instruction.
- Booking:Book through the Lee Valley websiteor experience providers. Weekends book up early in summer.
- Restrictions:Minimum age is 12 for full rafting and family “Hot Dog” sessions available for ages 8+. Participants should be confident swimmers. There’s a brief swim test and safety drill before you raft.
5. Take To The Skies On A London Helicopter Flight
For a bucket-list experience, see London from a helicopter. A short sightseeing flight offers unparalleled views of many famous landmarks in one go. You typically depart from a heliport on the Thames and swoop over the city’s mix of modern towers and historic sites.
The perspective is breathtaking and gives you a fresh appreciation for the city’s layout, even if you know London well. Standard flights last about 12-15 minutes in the air, covering central London’s highlights and longer routes are available if you’re keen. It’s not a cheap ride but it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.
Most tours seat 4-6 passengers, and you’ll wear headsets to hear the pilot’s live commentary pointing out the sights. If you have a special occasion or just want an unforgettable “wow” moment, a London helicopter flight delivers like nothing else.
- Cost:Generally £150-£250 per person for a standard shared flight, but it varies by operator and route length. Private flights cost more.
- Booking:Book in advance with a helicopter tour company. Flexible date tickets are available and flights may reschedule if visibility is poor.
- Restrictions:Usually no strict age limit and kids are often allowed with an adult, but all passengers must occupy a seat with a seatbelt. Photo ID often required.
6. Dive Into An Adult Ball Pit At Ballie Ballerson
The Ballie Ballerson is a legendary London nightspot that features giant adult ball pits. Think thousands of glowing plastic balls to jump into, swim through, and literally party in, with a cocktail in hand. This neon-lit bar in Shoreditch lets you unleash your inner child while enjoying creative drinks and throwback tunes.
Hygiene worry? They do clean the balls regularly, and after a drink or two, you won’t care! You book a time slot for the ball pit to keep numbers comfortable, usually a 2-hour session, and late nights on weekends can be 3-hour all-access parties.
Beyond the ball pit antics, Ballie Ballerson is famous for its candy-themed cocktails and a buzzy dance floor. So, the fun continues after you’ve had your fill of flinging yourself into a sea of balls. Dress casually and get ready for one of the most fun, ridiculous nights out in London.
- Nearest Tube:Old Street; a 10-min walk.
- Cost:Around £8-£16per person for ball pit general admission (cheaper midweek, pricier Saturdays). Cocktails are around £10-£12 each.
- Booking:Sessions often sell out, especially Fridays and Saturdays. Book online for your desired time slot.
7. Challenge Your Friends At A Game Bar
London’s nightlife has embraced a fun trend: competitive socializing bars that mix games with drinks. Instead of just sitting in a pub, why not battle your buddies in a game of electronic darts at Flight Clubor high-tech mini-golf at Puttshack? These venues are decked out with lively décor, music, and friendly competition.
Flight Club offers social darts where your group takes turns throwing real darts at interactive boards that automatically keep score. Over at Puttshack, you’ll play mini-golf on courses full of digital surprises and tube-fed trick shots, all while a server brings you craft cocktails.
Some spots add ping-pong tables (like Bounce), shuffleboard, retro arcade games (Four Quarters Arcade bar), or even axe throwing. These places are lively and welcoming; you don’t need to be good at the games to have a blast. One of the smartest, lesser-known London travel tipsis using game bars like these as your evening anchor; they’re social, weather-proof, and easy to slot around busy sightseeing days.
- Cost:Games usually have a set fee. Flight Club costs about £10-£17 per person for an hour of darts depending on group size and timing. Puttshack is around £12-£15 per mini-golf round. Drinks and food are additional (cocktails around £9+, beers around £5-6).
- Booking:Recommended, especially for evenings and weekends. Many of these bars allow booking an activity slot online. Walk-ins are possible at off-peak times for some venues.
8. Sip Coffee In A Victorian Toilet At The Attendant
It doesn’t get quirkier than having a latte in a former public loo. The Attendantin Fitzrovia is a cozy coffee shop ingeniously tucked into an 1890s-era underground gents’ toilet, and it’s far more charming than it sounds. An iron staircase leads down from street level into a bright little café where Victorian porcelain urinals have been repurposed as a coffee bar and wall decor.
You literally sit at a counter that was once the row of urinals, thoroughly cleaned, of course, surrounded by original green tiles and vintage fixtures. It’s the perfect blend of historic and hip.
Despite the novelty setting, The Attendant serves seriously good coffee from its own roastery and delicious brunch fare. Try a flat white and the banana bread; you won’t be disappointed. The space is small, so aim for a non-peak time if you want a seat, and be prepared for a short wait at weekend brunch hours.
- Location:27A Foley Street, London W1 (just north of Oxford Street). Nearest Tube:Oxford Circus or Goodge Street.
- Hours:Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm. Saturday-Sunday; 9am-5pm. They serve breakfast and lunch until around 4pm.
- Cost:Regular coffee prices are around £3 for an espresso-based drink. Sandwiches and baked goods are around £5-£8.
9. Marvel At Neon Art In God’s Own Junkyard
Step into a psychedelic wonderland of light at God’s Own Junkyard. Tucked away on an industrial estate in Walthamstow, this warehouse gallery is filled floor-to-ceiling with hundreds of vintage neon signs and glowing artworks. Curated by the late neon artist Chris Bracey and his family, the collection ranges from old Soho peep-show signs and retro fairground logos to movie props and custom art pieces.
Entrance is free, and on weekends the atmosphere is lively with fellow explorers snapping photos and exclaiming at the bizarre discovery. You’ll also find the tiny “Rolling Scones” café amid the glow, serving coffee, cake, and even beer or wine.
Visiting God’s Own Junkyard feels like discovering a secret art carnival in the middle of suburban London. It’s particularly enjoyable in late spring, when London earns its reputation as one of the best places to travel in May, offering longer days and lively weekends without peak-summer crowds.
- Location:Walthamstow (Ravenswood Industrial Estate, off Shernhall Street), northeast London. Nearest Tube:Walthamstow Central, then around 15 min walk or short bus ride.
- Hours:Open weekends only. Friday & Saturday 11:00-22:00, Sunday 11:00-18:00. Closed Monday–Thursday except by special arrangement.
- Cost:Free entry. Optional donations are appreciated. Café items are around £2-£5.
- Restrictions:Family-friendly. Phone cameras are only allowed inside. No tripods or pro equipment without permission. It’s an active art shop, so you can buy many signs if your wallet allows
10. Take A Tour Of Highgate Cemetery’s Gothic Tombs
If you’re into history, architecture, or a touch of the macabre, a guided tour of Highgate Cemeteryis a must. Highgate is one of London’s famed “Magnificent Seven” Victorian garden cemeteries, opened in 1839, and wandering its ivy-covered tombs and leaning headstones is like stepping back in time.
On the West Cemetery side, which is the oldest, most atmospheric part, you can only enter with an official tour, but it’s well worth it. You’ll see the Egyptian Avenue flanked by stone sphinxes, the Circle of Lebanon catacombs built around a massive cedar tree, and ornate Gothic mausoleums of famous figures.
Karl Marxis buried on the East side, which you can visit separately. The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, with wildflowers and overgrown trees everywhere, and knowledgeable guides bring the stories to life. Tours last about 70 minutes and often sell out on weekends, so do book ahead. It’s a peaceful yet eerily charming experience that shows a very different side of London’s history.
- Nearest Tube:Archway, then a 10-minute uphill walk or the 210 bus to Waterlow Park.
- Cost:£18 for adults, £9 for ages 8-17 which includes access to both West and East. East Cemetery only is around £4-£8.
- Booking:Required for West Cemetery tours and you can buy tickets online from Highgate Cemetery’s website. Weekend tours often sell out weeks in advance and they release slots about 4 weeks ahead. Some walk-up tickets may be available on quiet weekdays, but not guaranteed.
11. Explore An Abandoned Tube Station (Hidden London Tour)
Deep beneath London’s streets lie the ghosts of the Underground, a disused tube stations and secret tunnels frozen in time. Thanks to the London Transport Museum’s Hidden London tours, you can venture into these normally off-limits spaces. Each tour has a different theme and location.
These tours truly unveil a side of London few get to see. You'll have guides share historical anecdotes and vintage photos, so you’ll literally walk through time. Tours last about 75-90 minutes and typically run a few times a week in small groups. You’ll need to book months in advance as they are extremely popular and somewhat pricey, but for history buffs and urban explorers, it’s worth it. Remember to wear comfy shoes and expect some dust and darkness down there!
- Locations:Notable tours include Aldwych (Strand), Charing Cross (old Jubilee line platforms), Down Street (Mayfair), and Moorgate.
- Cost:Tickets are generally £45 and up for adults, varying by tour. Concessions (students, etc.) a few pounds less. The price includes a guided experience and often a discount to the Transport Museum.
- Booking:Tickets are released in batches a few times a year and sell out fast. Check the London Transport Museum’s Hidden London webpagefor upcoming tour dates and set reminders.
- Restrictions:Minimum age 10 for most tours and children must be with an adult. You need to be able to walk and climb stairs underground. Hidden London provides safety gear like hi-vis vests. Photography is usually allowed with no tripods, but some areas might be restricted.
12. Get Spooked On A Jack The Ripper Night Walk
After dark, London’s East End holds the secrets of one of history’s most notorious unsolved mysteries. A Jack the Ripper tour leads you down the gaslit alleyways of Whitechapel, retracing the footsteps of an unknown serial killer who prowled these streets in 1888.
With a guide, you’ll stand on the very spots where victims were found and hear the chilling stories pieced together from police reports and newspapers of the time. As you wander cobbled lanes and old yards, you’ll feel transported to the foggy 19th-century East End. You’ll see photos of the period for context, but be warned, some are graphic.
Tours last about 2 hours, usually starting near Aldgate or Tower Hill, and cover roughly a mile on foot. No booking is needed for some, but booking ahead online can secure your spot especially on busy weekends.
- Location:Whitechapel district, East London. Tours typically meet around Aldgate or Tower Hill, with the exact location given by the tour company, and end near Spitalfields.
- Cost:£10–£15 per person is common. Many tours allow you to pay cash on the night. Some companies offer online tickets around £15 which guarantees a spot, and sometimes includes a Ripper map or guide booklet.
- Restrictions:Recommended for ages 14+ due to gruesome content. The tour involves graphic descriptions and some grisly photos; guides usually give a warning before showing them.
13. Browse A Floating Bookshop On Regent’s Canal
Book lovers, don’t miss Word on the Water, London’s only floating bookshop, moored on a 100-year-old Dutch barge in King’s Cross. This charming book-barge has been bobbing on the Regent’s Canal since 2011, packed to the gills with new and secondhand books across every genre.
There’s something magical about stepping onto a boat lined with bookshelves, with wood-burning stove warmth in winter or an open-air deck in summer, gently swaying on the water as ducks paddle by. The selection is curated and you might find contemporary fiction next to vintage classics and odd out-of-print gems.
Word on the Water isn’t just a shop; it often hosts live acoustic music or poetry readings on the roof stage, adding to the ambiance. The proprietors are friendly and passionate, always up for a book chat or a recommendation. Even if you’re not looking to buy, it’s a delightful little haven to pause during a stroll along the canal.
- Location:Regent’s Canal Towpath, just off Granary Square in King’s Cross (central London). Nearest Station:King’s Cross St Pancras, which is about a 5-7 minute walk via the canal-side walkway.
- Hours:Open daily between 12:00–7:00pm, and closes only on Christmas Day. In very poor weather they might shut early, but generally it’s year-round.
- Cost:Free to visit. Book prices are reasonable with paperbacks often between £5 and £8. They take card or cash. Live music events on the barge are usually free.
14. Sing And Dance With Holograms At ABBA Voyage
ABBA Voyage is London’s hit new show featuring the legendary Swedish band ABBA; except the four band members on stage are digital “ABBAtars” of their 1970s selves. Set in a custom-built arena in Stratford, with a massive high-tech LED screen and spectacular lighting, this concert uses motion-captured performances and a live 10-piece backing band to create an astoundingly real experience. You’ll swear you are seeing ABBA live in their prime as the avatars sing, dance, crack jokes, even interact a bit with the audience, all in ultra-realistic detail.
The setlist is all the classics; “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo,” plus a few new songs, and the crowd goes wild for every number. It feels like a time-traveling dance party where 1977 ABBA has come to life in the 21st century. The show is about 90 minutes of pure pop euphoria, with arena-quality sound and light effects to match the stunning visuals.
It’s truly a one-of-a-kind production, and it is currently only in London. Even if you’re not a huge ABBA fan, you’ll be impressed and likely on your feet dancing by the end.
- Location:ABBA Arena, a purpose-built venue at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London (near Pudding Mill Lane DLR station).
- Cost:Tickets start around £30 for upper bowl seating. Closer seats and the dance floor are £60-£100+. Different price tiers for how close you want to be to the “stage” where the avatars appear.
- Booking:Book online via the official ABBA Voyage siteor ticket vendors. Shows have been very popular; prime weekend slots may sell out weeks or months ahead.
15. Relax In A Rooftop Sauna With City Views
After busy days of sightseeing, why not unwind in a sauna… on a rooftop? Yes, you read that right: in London you can book a private rooftop sauna session with the skyline as your backdrop. One notable spot is Rooftop Saunas Hackney at Netil360, where barrel-shaped wooden saunas are perched atop a building in Hackney, East London.
From your hot steamy cabin, you get 360° views of skyscrapers in the distance and neighborhood rooftops nearby while you detox and relax. Even better, these saunas come with cold plunge pools and shower buckets right outside, so you can alternate between roasting and an invigorating cold splash as per Nordic tradition.
Sessions are typically private for your group (up to 4 people) and you can choose 30, 60, or 90 minutes. Operators provide herbal teas or infused water, and sometimes essential oils, to enhance the experience. Bring a swimsuit, your own towel or rent one), flip-flops, and be ready for an incredibly refreshing experience.
- Cost:Prices vary by length and group size. For example, at Rooftop Saunas Hackney, a 60-min session for 4 people is £66 (£16.50 off-peak). Solo or couple bookings cost more per person (around £30-£45 each). Generally, from around £20-£30 per person for a shared booking.
- Booking:Required.Book online for your desired time slot. Weekends and sunset slots can fill up days in advance. Arrive 10 minutes early to check in because rooftop locations can be a little tricky to find first time.
- Restrictions:18+ only as these are adult wellness experiences. Not advised if you have certain medical conditions. Facilities are up stairs and on rooftops, so not wheelchair accessible.
16. Step Inside FRAMELESS, An Immersive Digital Art Gallery
For an only-in-London art experience, check out FRAMELESS, the city’s largest immersive digital art exhibition near Marble Arch. This cutting-edge venue takes world-famous paintings and projects them floor-to-ceiling in huge, interactive galleries. You don’t just look at art here, you wander inside it. One room surrounds you with moving images of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, while in another, your motions might cause colors and patterns to shift on the walls.
You can watch Edvard Munch’s The Screamcome alive and ripple around you, or stand in a Starry Night as Van Gogh’s brushstrokes swirl across massive screens. The experience is multi-sensory, so expect classical music or bespoke soundtracks, subtle scents, and ever-changing visuals that respond to visitors.
It’s family-friendly and awe-inspiring for all ages. Plan for about an hour to explore the four gallery spaces at your own pace. FRAMELESS is a fantastic rainy-day choice, but it’s popular, so consider booking ahead.
- Location:Marble Arch Place (West End). Nearest Tube:Marble Arch (1 minute walk).
- Cost:£28 for adults if booked online in advance (off-peak); on-the-day tickets from £31. Children 3-15 from £18 online. Family bundles and other concessions available.
- Booking:You can buy tickets at the door, but popular timeslots (weekends, holidays) can sell out. Time slots are every 15 minutes, though once inside you can stay as long as you like.
17. Explore Phantom Peak, London’s Immersive Wild-West Town
One of London’s quirkiest new attractions is Phantom Peak, an open-world immersive experience often described as a steampunk Wild West theme park. Located in Canada Water, it’s essentially a fully built 19th-century-esque town where you become an adventurer in the story. Upon entry, you’ll receive a trail or mission to follow (if you want), and then you’re free to roam.
You’ll stroll by a Main Street with a saloon, a trading post, a waterfall and lake, secret back alleys, all populated by quirky characters who might engage you in conversation or invite you to play a part in a mystery unfolding in town. Perhaps you’ll help find a missing person, expose a corporate conspiracy, or assist the local mayor with a problem. There are dozens of storylines and side quests you can choose to pursue.
The beauty is you can also just hang out and play carnival games, enjoy a craft beer and tasty street food, watch a puppet show or band at the saloon. The experience operates in sessions of about 4 to 4.5 hours long, and you likely won’t solve everything in one go. Repeat visits reveal new layers, and they change the overarching “season” every few months. It’s ridiculously fun for both families and adult friend groups, especially if you love immersive theatre or escape rooms.
- Location:Surrey Quays Road, Canada Water, SE16. Nearest Station:Canada Water (Jubilee line / Overground), about 7-minute walk.
- Session Times:Friday, 6pm-10pm; Saturday, 12pm-4:30pm and 5:30pm-10pm; Sunday 12pm-4:30pm. They occasionally add weekday sessions during holidays or special events.
- Cost:Adult from £55, child under 18 from £30. Price varies slightly by day and time. Food, drink, and optional game tokens inside are extra, and you can budget another £10-£20 if you plan to eat or play lots of games.
- Booking:Tickets are booked for specific dates and entry times via the Phantom Peak website or Visit London. It often sells out on weekends, so grab tickets in advance. If you’re going with friends, book together in one order so you enter as a group.
18. See London’s Lights On An Illuminated Thames Cruise
For a laid-back yet enchanting adventure, spend an evening on an illuminated Thames cruise. Instead of braving the river in a kayak, you can relax on a boat as you glide through the heart of London after dark. Many operators run special night tours, and one highlight is the Illuminated River official boat tour, which sails under nine illuminated bridges that have been turned into a light art installation at night.
As you cruise, you’ll also see the iconic skyline twinkle of the Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s, the London Eye, and more all lit up against the night. Most tours have live commentary, so you’ll hear a bit of history and trivia, or you might opt for a more romantic cruise with background music and a glass of wine. Either way, a night boat ride gives you a perspective of London that’s impossible to get on land.
You’re cocooned on the water, passing under the ancient arches of bridges, watching reflections dance on the Thames. It’s a peaceful, magical experience that is perfect for photographers, couples, or anyone who wants to see London at its most visually striking.
- Location:Cruises depart from central piers like Tower Pier, Westminster Pier, or Bankside depending on the tour. The Illuminated River tour, for example, leaves from Tower Pier and does a circular route.
- Duration:About 40 minutes for the Illuminated River tour. Other evening sightseeing cruises can be 1-2 hours.
- Cost:£15-£30 per adult for most basic night tours. The Illuminated River official tour is around £14.70 per adult and £9.90 per child. Special dinner cruises cost around £50 or more).
- Booking:While you can often buy tickets at the pier, these night tours run on limited schedules. The Illuminated River runs only on specific nights/weekends. So, book online to secure your spot, especially for weekend evenings or any cruise with food/drink.
19. Discover The Viktor Wynd Museum Of Curiosities
Tucked beneath an unassuming cocktail bar in Hackney lies one of London’s weirdest hidden gems; The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & UnNatural History. This tiny museum is a modern Wunderkabinet displaying all manner of bizarre artifacts and oddities. We’re talking two-headed kittens and stuffed bats, Fiji mermaids and occult trinkets, erotic vintage figurines, celebrity poop, Victorian taxidermy, skulls, dolls, old medical implements.
The space is literally crammed floor to ceiling; every glass cabinet reveals something jaw-dropping or head-scratching. It’s the kind of place you can spend an hour and still not notice everything.
The museum was founded by Viktor Wynd, an eccentric collector, and it embraces the surreal and the grotesque in equal measure. Despite the provocative exhibits, the tone is somewhat tongue-in-cheek, educational, and there are informative labels accompanying most items. Above ground, the venue is The Last Tuesday Society bar, which itself is quirky and worth a stop for a cocktail either before or after you delve into the curiosities. Your museum ticket usually allows re-entry so you can take a bar break.
- Location:11 Mare Street, Hackney, East London, in the basement of The Last Tuesday Society bar. Nearest Overground:Cambridge Heath (2-minute walk); Nearest Tube:Bethnal Green (10-minute walk).
- Hours:Generally Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm-10pm. Museum last entry is around 9pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except private bookings. Hours can vary for events, so checking their website before visiting is wise.
- Cost:£10 per adult entry, which can be purchased online or at the door. Concessions, £8. They sometimes offer a combined ticket with a cocktail included for a bit more. The bar upstairs has bespoke cocktails around £12-£14.
- Booking:You can usually just walk in and buy a ticket. However, the space is very small, with a maximum of 15 people at a time in the museum, so there might be a short wait at peak times. You can pre-book tickets for timed entry on their site if you’re on a tight schedule.
- Restrictions:Due to some explicit and creepy content, this museum isn’t really for young children, and those under the age of 16 must be with an adult, and even then, some may find it disturbing or not be allowed in. Photography is allowed but no touching the exhibits!
20. Play Inmate At Alcotraz, The Prison Cocktail Experience
One of London’s most talked-about immersive bars is Alcotraz, a place where getting locked up is part of the fun. Inspired by the infamous Alcatraz prison, Alcotraz is an interactive cocktail night where you become an “inmate” smuggling liquor past the warden to enjoy bespoke cocktails in your cell.
Upon arrival, you’re given an orange jumpsuit to wear and “processed” into the prison by actors in character as guards. You bring your own bottle of alcohol which the sneaky prison bartenders will use to mix up personalized drinks for you. The staff and actors fully commit to the bit; some play stern wardens, others are fellow inmates who will help hide your contraband.
Over about 1 hour 45 minutes, you’ll be served several cocktails in metal tin cups, all while a storyline unfolds around you. Maybe you’ll have to hide evidence during a cell search, or pass a secret note; the more you play along, the more fun it gets. There are Alcotraz locations in Shoreditch and Covent Garden, each with slightly different scenarios, but in all of them you can expect dimly lit jailhouse ambiance, cheeky humor, and a totally unique night out.
- Location:Alcotraz Shoreditch (Hackney Rd) and Alcotraz Cell Block Six Eight in Covent Garden. The Shoreditch one is a short walk from Hoxton Overground, the Covent Garden one near Covent Garden tube.
- Duration:About 1 hour 45 minutes for the experience. Sessions start at set times (e.g. 7pm, 9pm, etc., depending on location and day). Arrive on time so you can get changed into your jumpsuit and not disrupt the story.
- Cost:Standard ticket around £35-£45 per person. The ticket doesn’t include alcohol. You’re expected to bring your own half-bottle of spirit per 2-4 guests, which the mixologists use to create your cocktails.
- Booking:Book online for a specific time slot and location. These tend to sell out on weekend nights weeks in advance. If you’re a group celebrating something, you can book a whole cell together.
- Restrictions:18+ only. They cannot serve alcohol they don’t mix themselves, so don’t bring pre-mixed stuff. If someone doesn’t drink alcohol, let them know; they can do mocktails. The experience involves sitting in a cell, although it is just a themed booth. Some are a bit tight, so mention any mobility needs when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Best Time Of Year To Do These Unusual Things?
There’s no wrong time, but consider the weather and daylight. Pick what excites you most and don’t be afraid to visit in the off-season when availability might be better.
How Can I Get Around To These Locations?
London’s public transport will get you to almost all these experiences easily. Part of the fun of these unique experiences is exploring new neighborhoods, so embrace the journey!
Can I Do A Lot Of These Unique Things In One Trip?
Absolutely, but don’t overpack your schedule. It’s tempting to try and do several in a short visit, but remember to allow breathing room. Also keep some evenings free because you never know what spontaneous London surprises might pop up.
Conclusion
By diving into a few of these unique experiences, you’ll connect with London in a deeper, more playful way. As you plan your London adventure, leave room for the unexpected. Often the best approach is to say yes to something a bit outside your comfort zone.
So go ahead, try something different, and get ready to see a whole new side of this incredible city. Who knows, the unique experience you have might just end up being the highlight of your entire trip. Enjoy every minute, and happy exploring!
Jump to
Key Takeaways
1. Slide Down The ArcelorMittal Orbit (Helix Slide)
2. Climb The Iconic O2 Dome For Skyline Views
3. Paddle Through London On A Thames Kayak Or SUP
4. Brave The Rapids At Lee Valley’s White Water Centre
5. Take To The Skies On A London Helicopter Flight
6. Dive Into An Adult Ball Pit At Ballie Ballerson
7. Challenge Your Friends At A Game Bar
8. Sip Coffee In A Victorian Toilet At The Attendant
9. Marvel At Neon Art In God’s Own Junkyard
10. Take A Tour Of Highgate Cemetery’s Gothic Tombs
11. Explore An Abandoned Tube Station (Hidden London Tour)
12. Get Spooked On A Jack The Ripper Night Walk
13. Browse A Floating Bookshop On Regent’s Canal
14. Sing And Dance With Holograms At ABBA Voyage
15. Relax In A Rooftop Sauna With City Views
16. Step Inside FRAMELESS, An Immersive Digital Art Gallery
17. Explore Phantom Peak, London’s Immersive Wild-West Town
18. See London’s Lights On An Illuminated Thames Cruise
19. Discover The Viktor Wynd Museum Of Curiosities
20. Play Inmate At Alcotraz, The Prison Cocktail Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
James Rowley
Author
James Rowley is a London-based writer and urban explorer specialising in the city’s cultural geography. For over 15 years, he has documented the living history of London's neighbourhoods through immersive, first-hand reporting and original photography. His work foregrounds verified sources and street-level detail, helping readers look past tourist clichés to truly understand the character of a place.
His features and analysis have appeared in established travel and heritage publications. A passionate advocate for responsible, research-led tourism, James is an active member of several professional travel-writing associations.
His guiding principle is simple: offer clear, current, verifiable advice that helps readers see the capital with informed eyes.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles