Cool Things to Do in London: Beyond the Tourist Traps

Secret London: A Local’s Guide

When it comes to variety, London is pretty hard to beat. It boasts a frankly ridiculous number of museums, galleries, and feasts for the eyes and ears. And just when you think you’ve got it sussed, somewhere newer and cooler arrives on the scene. 

But for those who want the culture without the crowds, it can be hard to find the city’s under-the-radar spots. That’s why we’ve created this guide to hidden London, showing you the parts that tourists don’t usually see. The secret green spaces; off-piste bars and restaurants; free, quirky activities... Ready? London’s calling – let’s go.

Immersive cultural experiences

London is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the world, here are just a few:

Hidden museums and galleries

The Wallace Collection

This opulent museum has just been crowned the world’s best hidden gem (by Wizz Air). Built in 1776, The Wallace Collection contains a mind-blowing collection of beautiful French furniture, objets d’art and some of the best examples of pre-modern painting in the world. Think Gainsborough, Titian, Reynolds, Velázquez… And the best news? It’s totally free.

Where: Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN

Nearest tube station: Bond Street

The Horniman Museum

The Horniman Museum is great fun, with its range of exhibitions on natural wonders and global cultures. We love the butterfly house, where green jays, red lacewings and blue morphos dance around your head. It’s set in lovely grounds too, with a range of tempting street-food stalls (they sometimes even shout you a freebie at the end of the day).

Where: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

Nearest tube station: Forest Hill (Overground)

Sir John Soane's Museum

The designer of the original Bank of England, Sir John Soane was an obsessive collector of art, furniture and architectural pieces. Eventually, his collection grew so vast that he decided to turn his house into an incredible museum. Here, you’ll find everything from paintings by Turner, Hogarth and Canaletto to symbols of Soane’s eccentricity, like a cell for his imaginary monk, Padre Giovanni. 

Where: 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn, WC2A 3BP

Nearest tube station: Holborn

Alternative theatre and performance

Puppet Theatre Barge

This beautifully converted barge is the only floating puppet theatre in the UK. Clamber on board and leave the real world back on land. Bobbing up and down on the Thames, the theatre hosts critically-acclaimed and magically-unique marionette and animation shows. That’s the way to do a London day trip.

Where: Blomfield Road, Little Venice, W9 2PF

Nearest tube station: Warwick Avenue

The Vaults

Beneath Waterloo Station there’s an old, dank railway passage leading to an unassuming door. Behind it, you’ll find an alternative arts venue set in a labyrinth of graffiti-covered tunnels. The Vaults has become best known for ambitious, immersive shows. It also hosts themed parties, jazz nights and dining theatre experiences, which really make the most of this cool, cavernous space.

Where: Leake St, Waterloo, SE1 7NN

Shakespeare's Globe beyond the main stage

Be transported back in time and step into the shoes of an Elizabethan Londoner at the lovingly recreated Globe. You may well have heard of the legendary Shakespeare productions at this iconic theatre – but just as enjoyable are the workshops, lectures and behind-the-scenes tours.

Where: 21 New Globe Walk, Southwark, SE1 9DT

Nearest tube station: Mansion House

Independent comedy clubs

The Boat Show

Moored on the River Thames, the Boat Show is an excellent choice if standup comedy, ahem, floats your boat (sorry!) We’ve been going here for years and the line-up never ceases to impress, from newcomers to comedy circuit regulars to faces off the telly. There’s a great view of the London Eye from the top deck, too.

Where: Tattershall Castle, Victoria Embankment, SW1A 2HR 

Nearest tube station: Embankment

Banana Cabaret

Don’t be deterred by the slapstick name. Banana Cabaret is a highly respected comedy club that’s been on the scene for 30-odd years. It’s played host to some of the biggest names in the business, including Jo Brand, Rob Brydon, Eddie Izzard and (our favourite) Stewart Lee.

Where: The Bedford Pub, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12 9HD

Nearest tube station: Balham

Up The Creek

Up The Creek is an indie club founded by comedian’s-comedian Malcolm Hardee. Since then, it’s achieved cult status, welcoming top names as well as brave newcomers. Recently, they added Up The Creek Brewery, making the venue almost as celebrated for its craft beers as for its comedy.

Where : 302 Creek Road, Greenwich, SE10 9SW

Nearest train station: Cutty Sark (Docklands Light Railway)

Literary London 

Charles Dickens Museum

Learn all about the quintessential Victorian author as you explore his London home. (Don’t worry – you don’t need to have read any Dickens books to have a good time.) The house is arranged as it may have looked when Charles Dickens lived here with his wife and son. It’s where he wrote Oliver Twist, The Pickwick Papers and Nicholas Nickleby – the works that turned him into a global celebrity.

Where: 48-49 Doughty Street, King’s Cross, WC1N 2LX

Nearest tube station: Russell Square

Keats House 

As the great Romantic poet once said, ‘We read fine things, but never feel them to the full until we have gone the same steps as the author.’ A visit to Keats House is your chance to do just that, exploring the home and gardens where Keats lived, loved and wrote his best work.

Where : 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, NW3 2RR

Nearest tube station: Hampstead Heath (Overground)

Independent bookstores and literary cafes

Daunt Books, Marylebone

This is probably the most beautiful bookshop in London, with its original Edwardian features, viridian–green walls, oak balconies and pretty stained-glass windows. Once you’ve chosen your book, don’t forget to treat yourself to a Daunt tote bag – arguably the most iconic tote in the world, thanks to celebrity fans such as Benedict Cumberbatch.

Where: 83 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4QW

Nearest tube station: Baker Street

Librería

An indie bookshop for the cool kids of Shoreditch. Librería’s shelves are arranged according to broad themes, like ‘The City’, ‘Wanderlust’ and ‘Enchantment for Disenchanted’. This means you’re more likely to pick up a book you might not have found otherwise. They also have a great cultural programme, featuring talks by authors, performance poetry and literature–themed workshops.

Where: 65 Hanbury Street, E1 5JL

Nearest tube station: Shoreditch High Street (Overground)

Book Bar

We could literally spend all our time and money at Book Bar. Come for the books – stay for the excellent coffee, wine and live events. Recent speakers include author Monica Ali and model Emily Ratajkowski. If you’re in town for a while, why not join their book club? You can go just the once or every month.

Where: 166 Blackstock Road, Highbury, N5 1HA

Nearest tube station: Arsenal

Unique food and drink adventures

Ready for some of the tasty treats and tipples that London has to offer?

Secret bars and speakeasies

The Bar With No Name

Turn off Essex Road onto Colebrooke Row and you’ll find a small, classy speakeasy with, as promised, no name on the facade. Come on in for outstanding cocktails, and live performances of jazz, blues and rock and roll. Just be sure to book in advance… unless you’re the Irish actor Paul Mescal, who’s reportedly a regular here.

Where: 69 Colebrooke Row, Angel, N1 8AA

Nearest tube station: Angel

Nightjar

This is our all-time favourite bar in London - Nightjar. Think bespoke cocktails and live jazz in a speakeasy that’s stylish, candle-lit and… just perfect. The cocktail menu is divided into three eras: pre-prohibition, prohibition and post-war. We always start with a Filmograph, crafted with eight-year-old Santiago de Cuba rum. A word of advice, though – book a table before you visit.

Where: 129 City Road, Shoreditch, EC1V 1JB

Nearest tube station: Old Street

Frank’s Cafe

Every summer, Frank's bar opens on the rooftop of a 10-storey car park in Peckham, giving a spectacular view of the London skyline. There’s an impressive cocktail list (Aperol Sour is their signature) as well as wines, beers and ciders. They also offer a great tapas-style menu (the grilled prawns are our go-to dish).

Where: Peckham Multi-Storey Car Park 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

Nearest train station: Peckham Rye

Experiential dining

Farm fresh at Corner Corner

Corner Corner is one of London’s newest and possibly most unique dining experiences, combining food, jazz and urban farming (yes, really) in one sprawling space. From Mexican to Taiwanese, you can choose from a rotating array of cuisines, all using fresh produce sourced from the indoor vertical farm. You can also have your fill of music from DJs and live bands.

Where: Maritime Street, Bermondsey, SE16 7LL

Nearest tube station: Canada Water

Pop-ups at Swirl 

Hidden under a railway arch, this natural wine bar runs regular pop-ups with a great mix of chefs and cuisines. A recent highlight was Fabrizio Ricotta, the aptly named chef who was cooking his fresh pasta. We had the cavatelli with sausage ragu, which was amazing. Follow Swirl on Instagram to see who’s next on their menu.

Where: Arch 148, Tilbury Road, Leyton, E10 6RE

Nearest tube station: Leyton Midland Road (Overground)

Afternoon tea at Japan House

Welcome to the cultural home of Japan in London, Japan House – a showcase for design, arts, crafts and gastronomy. It’s the perfect place for afternoon tea with an east-Asian twist. Choose from a pot of speciality Japanese tea or a sake (the fermented rice drink), and enjoy a delicious selection of sushi, desserts and seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets).

Where: 101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA

Nearest tube station: High Street Kensington

Food markets and culinary tours

Crystal Palace Park food market

This is one of London’s most eccentric parks and food markets – home to everything from a neo-Gothic subway to Victorian sculptures of life-sized dinosaurs. It’s so huge you could easily miss the award-winning street food market which pops up every Sunday. Just follow the tempting scents of French crêpes, Indian naan wraps, Venezuelan corn-cakes and Himalayan dumplings drifting through the air.

Nearest tube station: Crystal Palace (Overground)

Broadway Market

An east London Sunday wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Broadway Market. Grab lunch from one of the excellent street food stalls: there’s bao buns, Keralan curries, souvlaki wraps… If you’re veggie or vegan, there’s plenty of plant-based magic happening too. Once you’re nice and full, head to Columbia Road and treat yourself (or your love interest) to some pretty blooms at the flower market.

Where: London Fields, E8 4PH

Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green

Cheese Walking Tour

Explore the best cheeses in the capital on this guided cheese walking tour. Your tastings will start at the legendary cheese counter in Fortnum & Mason – the department store that provides the royal family with their dairy fix. Next, you’ll head to Little Italy to sample the country’s ‘drunk cheeses’ paired with fine wine. After lots of other tempting tastings, you’ll complete your cheese odyssey in the heart of the West End in Covent Garden.

Cool craft breweries and distilleries

Blackhorse Beer Mile

These days, Walthamstow is less up-and-coming and more here-and-happening. Nowhere is this more obvious than on the Blackhorse Beer Mile – a buzzing stretch of indie craft breweries in converted industrial units. We recommend starting at Big Penny Social, an enormous taproom and events space. There are three bars, over 80 taps and four tanks where they brew their own. Cheers!

Nearest tube station: Blackhorse Road

Five Points

Five Points is an off-radar Hackney brewery is mercifully hidden away from the pub crawls and stag dos elsewhere in east London. Choose a Five Points beer fresh from their tanks or a delicious brew from their guest range. If you’d like to learn more about what’s in your drink, we’d recommend a brewery tour and tasting.

Where: 61 Mare Street, E8 4RG

Nearest tube station: Hackney Central (Overground)

Blondies Brewery

Named after the three Aussie sisters who founded it, this Leyton brewery, Blondies Brewery, is a local institution. We always order their dark, smooth stout – their third core-range beer. Sticking with the dark theme, their pool table is covered in gothic black felt and their playlist leans heavily on heavy metal. They also host live gigs, record fairs, vintage markets and film screenings.

Where: 258 Church Road, E10 7JQ

Nearest train station: Lea Bridge

Urban exploration and offbeat activities

Let’s take a trip down a river or explore the wild world of street art in London, for a moment, shall we?

Exploring London's hidden waterways

Jason’s Trip – Regent’s Canal tour

Jason’s Trip has won Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice award for six years in a row. Enjoy a chilled pace and scenic views from a 1906 canal boat. Admire London’s handsome Edwardian streets as you glide through Little Venice. Then steer your way around the edge of beautiful Regent’s Park, past iconic London Zoo (look out for the animals), and moor up by bustling Camden Market. You can choose a tour with or without a guide.

Paddle Richmond

Paddleboard or kayak down one of the safest, most picturesque stretches of the Thames. Enjoy stunning views, weave around secret islands and meet the local wildlife. You can book a supervised group session, or hire an instructor for yourself or your own private group. Whether you’re a pro or a complete beginner, this is one of the most calming, meditative ways to enjoy the Thames.  

Where: Paddle Richmond has bases at Richmond Bridge, Teddington Lock and Kingston

The River Fleet – self-guided walk

Over a century ago, dozens of rivers and canals were buried beneath London's streets and engulfed by the sewer system. You can trace the path of the most famous one – the River Fleet – using this free walking guide and map. Start up on Hampstead Heath, take in the sights and sounds of London, and finish your walk where the Fleet flows into the Thames under Blackfriars Bridge.  

Street art and graffiti tours

Shoreditch Street Art Tours

Rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor, this street art tour is your chance to explore the rebellious street art of one of London’s hippest areas. You’ll be led by an experienced guide with insane knowledge about the artists, graffiti, political messages, creative techniques… everything. And the coolest bit? Every tour is different. From £20 per adult, 2-3 hours, public and private tours available.

Where: Your choice of start locations in Shoreditch

Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

Hiding beneath Waterloo Station, this is the only spot in London where graffiti artists are legally allowed to paint without a permit, Leake Street. It’s known by locals as The Banksy Tunnel, because the elusive artist once held the Cans Festival here to celebrate the graffiti community. Today, the tunnel is an awesome, ever-changing art gallery created by graffiti artists from all over the world. Come see it for yourself – and don’t forget your spray-can.

Nearest tube station: Waterloo

Geocaching: the next-gen treasure hunting

What is geocaching?

This is real-world treasure hunting for the digital generation. All you need is a smartphone (or GPS device) and a sense of adventure. A geocache is a small, waterproof treasure box hidden somewhere outdoors (there are thousands all over London). Your challenge is to track down a cache using the geocaching.com website or app. So, what’s inside the treasure box? That’s top secret – you’ll have to find it to find out.

Battersea Park challenge

Enjoy a free geocaching trail around magnificent Battersea Park. This popular green space has a ridiculous amount going on. As you hunt for caches, you’ll take in everything from Battersea Zoo to a sculpture by Barbara Hepworth. First, download the app from geocaching.com. Search ‘Battersea Park London’ as the location – 14 secret caches will show up on your map. Then head to the park entrance and start finding the hidden treasure. 

Nearest tube station: Battersea Park

London's green spaces – beyond the parks

Epping Forest

Considering this is the largest open space in the city, we’ve met so many Londoners who’ve never even heard of Epping Forest. Perhaps that’s because it perches right on the London-Essex border. It’s a beautiful expanse of ancient oaks, beeches and hornbeams, with more than 100 lakes and ponds among them. Bring a picnic and a dog (or even a horse if you have one).

Surrey Docks Farm

Right on the banks of the Thames, Surrey Docks offers a taste of rural life in the centre of the city. It’s been here since the ’70s, when locals began to grow and harvest their own produce here. Across the 2.2 acres, you can meet creatures great and small, including ponies, cows, ferrets, chickens and bees. There are also clubs for children and courses for adults with learning challenges.  

Where: Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5ET

Nearest tube station: Canada Water

The Parkland Walk

The Parkland Walk is the longest linear nature reserve in London, following the former railway track connecting Alexander Palace with Finsbury Park. It’s the perfect way to escape the urban hullabaloo, attracting walkers, runners and cyclists. A particular quirk of the walk is Ben Wilson’s chewing gum trail. His miniature artworks on discarded pieces of gum are really quite impressive, so keep an eye out.

Nearest tube stations: Highgate, Crouch Hill and Finsbury Park

Historical oddities and quirky London

Now, let’s walk down the path less travelled with some of the oddest places to visit in London. With such a long and interesting history, it isn’t difficult to find something truly strange and bizarre to do in London.

Cemeteries and burial grounds

Highgate Cemetery

This Victorian burial ground is the final resting place of many famous figures, including philosopher Karl Marx, poet Christina Rossetti and singer-songwriter George Michael. The Grade-I listed cemetery is teeming with overgrown gravestones and mysterious catacombs. It also has nature-reserve status, providing a home for foxes and over 40 species of bird, from woodpeckers to tawny owls. Get your ticket from the website or in person.

Where: Swain’s Lane, N6 6PJ

Nearest tube station: Archway

Bunhill Fields

This burial ground rivals Highgate Cemetery for its well-known residents, who include writers William Blake and Daniel Defoe. It was originally designed for those who rebelled against religious or political orthodoxy. From the 18th century, it also became popular with body snatchers, who stole corpses to sell to physicians for medical research. Despite its macabre history, this pleasant green space makes a great spot for a picnic.

Where: 38 City Rd, EC1Y 1AU

Nearest tube station: Old Street

Secret tunnels and underground London

Churchill War Rooms

As you explore these underground government headquarters, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The War Rooms was his secret command centre when London was being bombed by the Nazis during the Blitz. Together with his colleagues, Churchill worked, ate and even slept here. And today, the bunkers are left exactly as they were when the lights were turned off at the end of the Second World War. 

Where: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, Westminster, SW1A 2AQ

Nearest tube station: Westminster

Mail Rail at the Postal Museum

Deep below the city streets, there’s a rail system like the London Underground, only this one’s for mail instead. It’s called Mail Rail and it’s a fascinating insight into how mail was transported for years in London. You can ride the tracks on a small train, experiencing the journey of the parcels and postcards that were transported by The Post Office over 100 years ago. Perfect for little (or big) kids.

Where: 15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X ODA

Nearest tube stations: Farringdon and Chancery Lane

Alternative museums and collections in London

Grant Museum of Zoology

Once an Edwardian library, the Grant Museum of Zoology is the only surviving zoological museum in London. Its fascinating collection includes skeletons, mounted animals, and – our favourite – a jar of moles (literally a glass jar filled with 18 perfectly preserved moles). Many of the creatures here are now extinct, including the dodo, Tasmanian tiger and zebra-like quagga. Oh yes, and admission is free. 

Where: Rockefeller Building, University College London, 21 University St, WC1E 6DE

Nearest tube stations: Euston and Goodge Street

Museum of Brands

The Museum of Brands, located in west London, hosts some 12,000 items which trace the history of branding over the past 200 years. Its permanent display, the Time Tunnel, is a nostalgic maze of cabinets filled with brightly coloured packets, posters, magazines and toys arranged in date order. This is your chance to travel back in time through the memories of your childhood.

Where: 111-117 Lancaster Road, Lonsdale Rd, W11 1QT

Nearest tube station: Ladbroke Grove

Historical pubs and inns in London

Old Bank of England

This stunning pub was once a branch of the Bank of England. It’s insanely grand, with high ceilings, raised galleries and an abundance of dark wood. Below all this are the vaults, where the Crown Jewels were once kept under lock and key (maybe an extra lock, just to be on the safe side).

Where : 194 Fleet Street, EC4A 2LT

Nearest train station: City Thameslink

The Blackfriar

A Grade-II-listed pub standing on the site of 13th-century Blackfriars monastery. You can see its churchy history on almost every surface of the interior, which was decorated by master-designers from the Arts and Crafts movement. And they really did go to town here, with ornate mosaics, stone carvings and copper reliefs. An excellent photo spot.

Where: 174 Queen Victoria Street, EC4V 4EG

Nearest tube station: Blackfriars

Ye Olde Mitre

This cosy pub has been around for five centuries – and it might take you just as long to find it. The secret alleyway location is mentioned by Shakespeare in his history plays (maybe he was a regular here?) Inside the Mitre, you’ll be greeted by low Tudor beams, oak-panelled walls, real fires and an inviting selection of proper ales.

Where : 1 Ely Court, EC1N 6SJ

Nearest tube station: Chancery Lane

Active and adventurous London

Substation Brixton

Sometimes described as vertical chess, rock climbing involves mental challenges like problem solving as well as the more obvious physical challenges. Our favourite place to do it is Substation Brixton. There’s indoor bouldering (with or without an instructor), a fitness studio, a spa and sauna, and an excellent cafe and pizzeria. Everything you could want before, during and after your climbing session.

Where: Unit 13, Ellerslie Square Industrial Estate, Brixton Hill, SW2 5DZ

Nearest tube station: Clapham North

The Castle Climbing Centre

Housed within an old Victorian pumping station, the Castle Climbing Centre offers an arm-aching choice of 450 climbing routes. Book a taster session or, if you already know what you’re doing, get started on the walls straight away. Prefer to climb outdoors? Head to the leafy garden where there are three huge boulders with over 130 climbing problems to tackle. Fingers crossed it’s nice and sunny.

Where: Green Lanes, Hackney, N4 2HA

Nearest tube station: Manor House

Our favourite cycling routes

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The mighty Olympic Park and its surroundings are excellent for cycling. Whiz around the car-free tarmac, passing the Olympic Stadium, the Aquatics Centre, and the ArcelorMittal Orbit (the sculpture with the least pronounceable name in the UK). Then head to the VeloPark where you can watch the pros do their thing. You’ll also find good places to get your bike fixed, and great spots for eating and drinking al fresco.

Nearest tube station: Stratford

Greenwich to Battersea – National Cycle Network Route 4

The Tate Modern, the London Eye, the Globe… take them all in on this riverside route. Start at the peak of Greenwich Park at the Royal Observatory. Pedal west at your own pace along quieter roads and traffic-free paths. Stop off for lunch at the food lover’s paradise that is Borough Market (a bit like speed dating for your stomach). Then finish your 16 km journey in lovely Battersea Park.   

Open-water swimming

Hampstead Heath ponds

The Romantic poets – Keats, Byron and Coleridge – loved swimming in the open water at Hampstead Heath Ponds. It gave them the chance to connect with nature and experience the sublime. They used to call it hydromania – we now know it as wild swimming. And where better to do it than Hampstead Heath? Here, natural bathing ponds are hidden among the veteran trees, making it feel like you’ve discovered a special place that no-one else knows about.

West Reservoir Centre

West Reservoir Centre is a hidden gem and is a great spot for safe, open-water swimming. You can take the plunge all year round in just your swimwear. But don’t forget, it might be pretty chilly – after all, it is an English reservoir not the Caribbean Sea. And if you want to warm up after your swim, there are some lovely walking and cycling routes around here too. 

Where: Green Lanes, Hackney, N4 2HA

Nearest tube station: Manor House

It pays to go off-piste

Many of the best places in London are away from the well-trodden tourist trail. As any local will tell you, it’s the hidden sights, sounds and tastes that really express the true soul of the capital.

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