London is one of those cities where history, pop culture, and creativity all collide. You’ll find famous landmarks on every corner, but the real magic usually hides just beneath the surface. If you’re looking for unique things to do in London, this city delivers in ways that surprise even repeat travelers.
In this guide, you’ll see the best experiences that will make you feel different, playful, and memorable! We’ll explore hidden tunnels, climb iconic buildings, and follow stories that most tourists miss. If you’re into history, mystery, or just want to try something new, these unique things to do in London will help you see the city from a new angle!
🌿 Wander through the hidden Kyoto Garden
Hidden Japanese garden in London offering a peaceful escape | Photo from Andrea De Santis on Pexels
Kyoto Garden is a quiet, Japanese-style garden hidden inside Holland Park (it feels worlds away from busy London streets!). With koi ponds, stone lanterns, and a gentle waterfall, it’s a calm spot that many tourists overlook. This makes it one of the most unique things to do in London if you want a slower, more peaceful experience.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed walk, photo stops, or a short break between sightseeing plans. Locals usually come here to read or unwind, especially in the morning. If you’re searching for unusual things to do in London that don’t involve crowds, this is an excellent choice!
🚇 How to go: Take the Tube to High Street Kensington, then walk about 10 minutes into Holland Park.
🕵️ Follow Sherlock Holmes on a themed walking tour
Classic London pub linked to Sherlock Holmes stories | Photo from Klook
Walk through Victorian London and follow clues inspired by the world’s most famous detective. The Sherlock Holmes walking tour will take you through streets linked to Sherlock Holmes stories and their real-life inspirations. It mixes fiction and history in a fun, easygoing way.
You’ll discover locations most people walk past without noticing. The guide keeps things light, engaging, and full of surprising facts. If you enjoy storytelling, this is one of the most unusual activities to do in London that still feels relaxed.
🚶 How to go: Start near Baker Street Station, which is easy to reach by multiple Tube lines.
🚊 Explore hidden tunnels on a secrets underground tour
London Underground train arriving at an atmospheric Tube station | Photo from Klook
London has layers, and some of the most fascinating ones are underground. If you want to explore forgotten stations, wartime shelters, and hidden passageways, book the London Secrets of the Underground walking tour in advance! It’s one of the best unusual stuff to do in London if you’re curious about what lies below the city.
The stories are dramatic but easy to follow, making the tour exciting without being overwhelming. You’ll learn how locals lived and worked underground during key moments in history. This experience feels exclusive and eye-opening. It’s a good choice if you want unique things to do in London beyond surface-level sightseeing.
🚇 How to go: The meeting point is near central Tube stations, depending on the tour schedule.
🌆 Climb above the city with the Up at the O2 Experience
Travelers celebrate after completing the Up at The O2 climbing experience | Photo from Klook
For a bold and unforgettable view, climb to the top of The O2. This guided climb takes you over the dome and rewards you with wide views of London’s skyline. It’s active, exciting, and surprisingly accessible, even for beginners.
Book your O2 climbing experience in advance to get to the top with a guide. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a a thrilling yet safe way to stand high above the River Thames. This is one of the most unique things to do in London for travelers who want a touch of adventure!
🚆 How to go: Take the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich Station; the O2 is right outside.
🎭 Catch a bold show at Soho Theatre
Intimate live performance at a small London theater venue | Photo from Raph_PH on Wikimedia Commons
Soho Theatre is one of the best places in London to experience cutting-edge comedy, new plays, and new voices. Located right in the heart of Soho, this venue is known for launching rising performers and hosting shows that feel current, clever, and fearless. The spaces are small and intimate, so you’re never far from the action.
Many shows at Soho Theatre focus on modern topics, sharp humor, and creative storytelling. You’ll find stand-up comedy, satirical one-person shows, and brand-new plays by emerging writers.
The theater is also known for political comedy, LGBTQ+ storytelling, and experimental performances that push boundaries. You’ll regularly see comedians and writers here before they become widely famous, which makes every show feel new and exciting.
🚶 How to go: Take the Tube to Tottenham Court Road or Leicester Square, then walk a few minutes into Soho.
Tips for Exploring London Beyond the Usual Sights
Visitors exploring London’s streets beyond major tourist attractions | Photo from Daria Agafonova on Pexels
📅 Book unique experiences early
Many unique things to do in London have limited spots and small group sizes. Booking ahead helps you avoid sell-outs and keeps your schedule stress-free.
🎒 Mix one unusual activity into each day
Balance famous sights with one quirky or unusual activity. It keeps your trip exciting and helps you avoid sightseeing burnout.
🚇 Use public transport to explore hidden areas
London’s Tube and buses make it easy to reach less-visited neighborhoods. Riding public transport lets you discover unusual stuff to do in London beyond the city center.
FAQs About Unique Things to Do in London
What are some unusual things to do in London?
Some unusual things to do in London include riding the underground Mail Rail, climbing The O2, and exploring hidden tunnels. These experiences show parts of the city most visitors never see. They’re fun, memorable, and perfect if you want something different from standard sightseeing.
What to do in London that’s not touristy?
Try themed walking tours, small theater shows, or underground history experiences. These activities attract curious travelers and locals rather than big crowds. They help you connect with the city in a more relaxed and personal way.
What to do in London secret?
Secret-style experiences include underground tours, hidden museums, and lesser-known viewpoints. Many of these places don’t stand out from the outside, which makes discovering them even more exciting. Booking guided experiences helps unlock these hidden stories.
What is not to miss in London?
Don’t miss experiences that let you see London from new angles, both literally and figuratively. Climbing above the city, exploring beneath it, and following themed stories add depth to your trip. These unique things to do in London often become the highlights travelers talk about most.
Ready to Experience London Differently?
London rewards curiosity. Step off the usual path, try something playful, and lean into the unexpected. Book these unique things to do in London today and turn your trip into a collection of stories you’ll love sharing.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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