I'm the kind of person who is always looking for something new to see or do. So, having now lived in London on two separate (albeit relatively short) stints, I have trawled a fair few 'to do' lists and found some alternative things to occupy my time. I've created this list for people who have a little bit of extra time in London and want something a little bit more than the usual staples such as Borough Market and The London Eye ...
God’s Own Junkyard
Walthamstow
A huge collection of neon signs.
Sky Garden
London
I’m forever telling people to forego the cost and queues of the London Eye and head up to the Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie. You do have to book in advance, but it’s free, and there’s a bar up top. They even have events up there such as sunrise yoga (with breakfast buffet)!
Waterloo Graffiti Tunnel
Waterloo
Head around the back of Waterloo Station to find this tunnel, absolutely covered in graffiti - it’s London’s answer to Melbourne’s Hosier Lane. If you’re lucky you might also spot groups of emos, looking like they’ve come straight out of 2002.
Grant Museum of Zoology
Fitzrovia
I wasn’t that excited about this, but I was surprised - this place is amazing! A huge collection of skeletons, artefacts and things in jars. Look out for the 4000 jars of mice skeletons, or the jar of moles!
House of Dreams
East Dulwich
A house turned private museum containing the art of Steven Wright - loud and eclectic! It’s only open certain days a month so plan ahead!
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
London
A museum of curiosities, as well as a cocktail bar and on some days, a petting zoo for peculiar animals!
Old Brompton Cemetery
Kensington
London has Seven Magnificent Cemeteries, and this is one of them (that I have been to at least). If you like the sound of 35,000 gravestones, stoned arcades, catacombs and a chapel, then take a visit (and maybe the other six too). You can also check out Fulham Palace nearby.
AccelorMittal Orbit
Olympic Park
The world’s longest and highest tunnel slide. I will say no more.
Morning Gloryville
London
This is a dawn ‘rave’ held once a month around London. Expect crazy costumes, smoothies, yoga and a lot of dancing - all sober! A lot of fun.
Junkyard Golf
Shoreditch
London has a few novelty mini golfs, but I really enjoyed this one. It has a super chilled, low-key vibe and the courses themselves are really well done.
Ballieballerson
Shoreditch
I am yet to get to this one, but you can’t go wrong with a cocktail bar accompanied by a pit filled with one million balls and UV lights.
The Four Thieves
Clapham
This is a pub with a bit extra in Clapham Junction. Downstairs is good food and drink, then head upstairs for remote controlled race cars, VR booths, mini golf and arcade games!
Queen of Hoxton
Shoreditch
I always recommend this place because of the rooftop, which changes theme seasonally. When I went last it was completely rainbow, with a fort tower you could climb and sit in and food such as a rainbow bagel icecream sandwich. At the time of writing the’ve just launched the new Moroccan medina theme!
Draughts
Hackney
London’s first board game cafe - eat and drink from the menu while playing one (or five) of the 600 available games! Remember to book.
Evans and Peel Detective Agency
South Kensington
Upon entering you’ll have an appointment with the detective who will go over the case you wish to be solved, before being let into the secret speakeasy bar. They’ve also just opened a pharmacy in Chiswick!
Sketch Gallery
Mayfair
A number of rooms, but the standout is the entirely pink suite for afternoon tea. Make sure you check out the toilets.
Primrose Hill
Camden
This is a great place to hangout in the summer. One of the only actual hills I know of in London, it had fantastic views over London. Take a picnic and drinks!
Ziferblat
Shoreditch
This is a Shoreditch ‘cafe’ with a twist; help yourself to tea, coffee and biscuits from the kitchen, play an instrument, read a book on a beanbag, the only catch is you pay to be there by the minute. It’s actually quite cheap, and great if you need a homey place to chill or work.
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