Discover London’s hidden side with our curated list of 10 unusual things to do in London. Each activity is handpicked by Guess What I Did to deliver memorable adventures across the capital. Whether you are buying an experience as a gift or exploring solo, this guide reveals:
- A concise description of each adventure
- The ideal audience and best time to visit
- Price breakdown and booking tips
- Transport and access information
- How to gift via Guess What I Did
Forget generic tourist traps. You will uncover fresh perspectives on classic landmarks turned extraordinary. Our roundup spans underground rail journeys, medieval ghost tours, urban archaeology and immersive art spaces. Every entry includes real examples, strategic tips and practical details so you can plan with confidence.
This listicle uses clear headings, bullet points and short paragraphs for quick scanning. Dive straight into unique experiences like rooftop gardens above Crossrail, chocolate tasting rooms in Bermondsey and catacomb explorations under St. Paul’s. Each page combines actionable insights with vivid scenarios to help you pick the perfect London adventure.
Keep reading for a direct path to London’s most unusual experiences - your next unforgettable outing awaits. Keywords like unusual things to do in London feature naturally to guide you to the best insider escapes.
1. Dinesen Museum (Hidden Literary Sanctuary)
Step through the door of a Georgian townhouse in Mayfair and enter the private world of Danish author Isak Dinesen. This by-appointment-only museum arranges original manuscripts, photographs and personal artefacts exactly as if Dinesen still lived there, creating an immersive peek into literary history.
What it is
- A curated collection of Dinesen’s personal items
- Georgian townhouse setting for authentic ambience
- Appointment-only visits for exclusivity
Why it’s special
Visiting feels like stepping into a novel: you can almost hear Dinesen tapping at her typewriter. Scholars and literary fans help popularise this gem, insisting on its rare, intimate atmosphere.
Who it suits
- Avid readers of “Out of Africa” and “Babette’s Feast”
- Gift buyers seeking unique London experiences
- Anyone craving a quiet cultural deep-dive
Booking tips
- Reserve 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season
- Allow 1–2 hours to absorb every detail
- Check limited opening hours on the museum’s website
Best time and access
- Weekday mornings avoid crowds
- Nearest tube: Green Park (5-minute walk)
- Bus routes: 9, 14, 19
Gift suggestions
Surprise a literature lover with a Dinesen visit voucher via GuessWhatIDid.
Learn more about Dinesen Museum (Hidden Literary Sanctuary) on guesswhatidid.co.uk
2. Mail Rail (Underground Mail Train Journey)
Descend into London’s hidden postal network on a 2.1-mile adventure through original 1927 mail train carriages. Riding 70 feet beneath the streets, you’ll explore dimly lit tunnels and interactive exhibits at the Mail Rail Museum that reveal the engineering feats behind a largely forgotten piece of infrastructure.
What it is
- A subterranean 2.1-mile journey in restored battery-powered mail trains
- Tunnels 70 feet below street level showcasing original trackwork
- Interactive Mail Rail Museum explaining the network’s history
Why it’s special
Visiting Mail Rail feels like unlocking a secret beneath the capital. You’re immersed in authentic rolling stock and guided by light projections that map out how mail once sped across the city, day and night.
Who it suits
- Transport and history enthusiasts curious about London’s unseen layers
- Families seeking an indoor adventure off the beaten path
- Experience gift buyers wanting a memorable, educational outing
Booking tips
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead online to secure preferred time slots
- Arrive 15 minutes early for optimal photo opportunities
- Wear comfortable layers, as tunnels stay cool year-round
- Not recommended for those with severe claustrophobia
Best time and access
- Quietest on weekday mornings
- Nearest tube: Holborn (7-minute walk to The Postal Museum)
- Bus routes: 55, 243
Gift suggestions
Surprise someone with a Mail Rail voucher via GuessWhatIDid for an unforgettable descent into London’s postal past.
Learn more about Mail Rail (Underground Mail Train Journey) on guesswhatidid.co.uk
3. Leadenhall Market Ghost Tour (Medieval Market Exploration)
Step into London’s oldest covered market, established in 1321, for an atmospheric evening walking tour through narrow alleys and hidden courtyards. Guided storytellers weave medieval plague tales, famous residents and paranormal sightings, revealing corners that inspired Harry Potter filming.
What it is
- Evening walking tour through historic covered market
- Ghost stories of plague victims and paranormal encounters
- Exploration of medieval and Victorian architectural elements
Why it’s special
Exploring Leadenhall Market by night reveals a side missed by day-trippers. Gothic lanterns flicker over cobblestones as guides recount real hauntings and film locations known to Harry Potter fans. The blend of history and ghost lore creates a spine-tingling London adventure.
Who it suits
- History buffs seeking medieval and Victorian lore
- Harry Potter fans keen on film set inspirations
- Anyone wanting unusual things to do in London after dark
Booking tips
- Book evening tours for best atmospheric effect
- Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Arrive at least 10 minutes early to meet your guide
- Check the weather forecast and dress in layers
- Carry a compact camera for low-light architecture shots
Best time and access
- Tours run Thursday to Sunday evenings year round
- Nearest tube: Monument or Bank (5-minute walk)
- Bus routes: 8, 25, 521 stop on Gracechurch Street
Gift suggestions
Gift a Leadenhall Market Ghost Tour voucher via GuessWhatIDid for a memorable London thrill.
4. Dismaland Immersive Art Experience (When Operating)
Step into Banksy’s periodic pop up Dismaland and discover a world where art collides with social critique. This temporary exhibition showcases subversive installations, live performances and interactive displays that transform gallery conventions and highlight London’s avant garde street art culture.
What it is
- A pop up art playground curated by Banksy’s collective
- Subversive installations, performance art and interactive exhibits
- A critique of theme park culture and social structures
Why it’s special
Dismaland transforms the traditional gallery format with dark humour, bold social commentary and hands on experiences. It offers rare insight into London’s cutting edge street art scene.
Who it suits
- Fans of contemporary and street art
- Visitors seeking offbeat, immersive London activities
- Anyone curious about art that challenges authority
Booking tips
- Follow Banksy’s official channels for pop up announcements
- Purchase tickets immediately when released
- Choose off peak weekday slots to avoid crowds
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for roaming
- Bring a fully charged phone for photography
Best time and access
- Arrive midday on weekdays for quieter visits
- Nearest tube: West Brompton (10 minute walk)
- Bus routes: 74, 430
Gift suggestions
Gift a Dismaland experience voucher via GuessWhatIDid for a standout London adventure.
Learn more about Dismaland Immersive Art Experience on guesswhatidid.co.uk
5. Crossrail Place Roof Garden (Hidden Elevated Oasis)
Perched 35 metres above Canary Wharf, this 6,000 square metre garden is a leafy oasis in London’s financial district. Home to over 2,000 plants and trees, the free-to-access space pairs contemporary architecture with seasonal greenery to create an unusual thing to do in London you’ll want to revisit again and again.
What it is
- Elevated urban garden spanning 6,000 m²
- Over 2,000 plant species and seasonal displays
- Timber lattice roof designed for light and drainage
- Free to enter with open public access
- Biodiversity-focused landscaping by leading architects
Why it’s special
This hidden elevated oasis offers panoramic views of the Thames and Canary Wharf skyline. It’s an unexpected green retreat amid concrete towers, perfect for wildlife spotting and relaxed strolls.
Who it suits
- Urban photographers chasing skyline shots
- Remote workers craving fresh air
- Families seeking a peaceful play spot
- Nature lovers looking for unusual things to do in London
- Gift buyers wanting unique outdoor experiences
Booking tips
- No reservation needed - just arrive and explore
- Check Canary Wharf Group’s website for weather-related closures
- Wear layers, as the roof can feel breezy
- Bring a camera to capture city vistas
Best time and access
- Peak bloom in spring and summer
- Early mornings for soft light and fewer visitors
- Nearest transport: Canary Wharf DLR or Jubilee Line
- Bus routes: 135, D3, D7
Gift suggestions
Combine a Crossrail Place visit with a gourmet picnic hamper from GuessWhatIDid for a memorable city escape.
6. Catacombs of St. Paul's Church (Underground Ossuary Exploration)
Descend into the shadows beneath St. Paul’s Church in Shadwell and explore hidden burial chambers lined with centuries-old bones. This eerie, by-appointment-only tour reveals crypts, ossuary remains and archaeological artefacts from medieval to Victorian eras, offering a spine-tingling glimpse of London’s underworld.
What it is
- A network of subterranean crypts beneath a historic East London church
- Ossuary stacks of human remains arranged by era
- Guided tours focusing on archaeology, religious customs and geology
Why it’s special
Ranked as one of the most unusual things to do in London, this experience blends archaeology, theology and an atmospheric descent into chill tunnels. You’ll hear tales of plague victims and Victorian Londoners while studying bone preservation and medieval rituals.
Who it suits
- History buffs keen on medieval and post-medieval London
- Archaeology students and amateur geologists
- Adventure seekers longing for slightly macabre outings
Booking tips
- Reserve guided tours in advance as slots sell out quickly
- Wear warm, comfortable clothing since tunnel temperatures hover around 10 °C
- Bring a flashlight because lighting is minimal
- Respect photography rules and the site’s religious significance
Best time and access
- Weekday afternoons for quieter tunnels
- Nearest Overground: Shadwell station (5-minute walk)
- Bus routes: D3, 100, 339
Gift suggestions
Thrill a friend with an underground ossuary tour voucher via GuessWhatIDid.
Learn more about Catacombs of St. Paul's Church on guesswhatidid.co.uk.
7. Dandelion Chocolate Tasting Room (Artisanal Chocolate Experience)
Step into a cosy, bean-to-bar tasting room in London’s Bermondsey and discover one of the most unusual things to do in London for chocolate lovers. Here you join expert chocolatiers on a guided journey from single-origin cacao beans to handcrafted bars. Each session combines sensory exploration with hands-on tasting of fermentation notes, terroir nuances and flavour profiles.
What it is
- A tasting room run by California’s Dandelion Chocolate
- Interactive sessions explaining cacao origin, fermentation and roasting
- Small-group format ensuring personalised guidance
Why it’s special
This experience demystifies chocolate production, letting you discern subtle aromas and textures. Todd Masonis and his team popularised bean-to-bar craft in London and created a space that’s as educational as it is indulgent.
Who it suits
- Food adventurers seeking hands-on culinary experiences
- Chocolate aficionados eager to compare single-origin bars
- Gift buyers looking for a memorable gourmet activity
Booking tips
- Reserve at least two weeks ahead to secure your slot
- Arrive palate-cleansed after mild or neutral foods
- Bring water and notepad to cleanse palate and record tasting notes
- Allow 90 minutes for full tasting and discussion
Best time and access
- Early morning sessions for peak palate clarity
- Nearest station: London Bridge (10-minute walk)
- Bus routes: 381, 47, 343
Gift suggestions
Surprise a loved one with a Dandelion tasting voucher via GuessWhatIDid.
Learn more about Dandelion Chocolate Tasting Room (Artisanal Chocolate Experience) on guesswhatidid.co.uk
8. Paranormal Investigation at Ancient Inns (Ghost Hunting Experience)
Step through centuries-old doorways and enter the dimly lit bars of London’s oldest inns. Participants use EMF meters, infrared cameras and EVP recorders to detect spirit energy in rooms steeped in legend.
What it is
- Organised ghost hunts in historic London pubs and taverns
- Hands-on use of professional paranormal equipment
- Guided by experienced researchers exploring recorded hauntings
Why it’s special
This is one of the most unusual things to do in London, blending local history with the thrill of the unknown. You probe centuries-old corridors where whispered tales of apparitions still linger.
Who it suits
- Fans of eerie, offbeat experiences
- History buffs keen on living legends
- Groups seeking a memorable team challenge
Booking tips
- Reserve with reputable paranormal organisations via GuessWhatIDid
- Wear warm layers as inns can feel chilly at night
- Bring your phone for photos, audio and video evidence
- Go with an open but sceptical mindset
- Check reviews and group size before booking
Best time and access
- Evening sessions create a spookier ambience
- Nearest tube: Hyde Park Corner for the Grenadier, Temple for the Old Bell
- Bus routes: 9, 14, 19 and 11
Gift suggestions
Offer a ghost hunt voucher via GuessWhatIDid for a daring gift experience in London.
Learn more at www.guesswhatidid.co.uk/products/paranormal-investigation-for-two
9. Mud Larking and Thames Foreshore Exploration (Urban Archaeology)
Wade through the Thames foreshore at low tide and uncover hidden relics from London’s past. This guided mud larking tour, led by certified experts, helps you spot Roman pottery, Victorian coins and prehistoric remains buried in river mud. It blends urban adventure with hands-on archaeology for an unforgettable day out.
What it is
- A guided treasure-hunting walk along the Thames muddy banks
- Equipment provided: gloves, trowel and find bags
- Expert mudlarks share identification tips
Why it’s special
Discover centuries of London’s hidden history under your boots. Each artefact tells a story of daily life from Roman traders to Victorian dockworkers. This immersive experience turns river mud into an open-air museum, revealing layers of urban archaeology few get to see.
Who it suits
- History buffs keen on tangible connections to the past
- Urban explorers craving off-beat London outings
- Families and groups seeking outdoor learning
- Gift buyers wanting a unique experience voucher
Booking tips
- Check tide tables and book at least 2 weeks ahead
- Wear old clothes, waterproof boots and bring a towel
- Arrive 20 minutes early to claim a prime spot
- Reserve tours through GuessWhatIDid for certified guides
Best time and access
- Schedule around a low-tide window (morning or evening)
- Nearest tube: London Bridge (10-minute walk)
- Bus routes: 381, RV1
Gift suggestions
Surprise a history lover with a Mud Larking voucher from GuessWhatIDid. It’s a memorable way to explore “unusual things to do in London” and unearth your own piece of the capital’s heritage.
10. Parkour Training at Urban Adventure Academies (Extreme Movement Experience)
Transform London’s streets into your personal obstacle course with professional parkour sessions that blend acrobatics, free-running and a meditation-like flow state. Urban Adventure Academies use walls, railings and ledges across Shoreditch and Camden as your gymnasium, coaching you to vault, climb and land safely.
What it is
- Structured classes led by certified parkour coaches
- City architecture repurposed as dynamic training props
- A movement philosophy combining physical challenge and mental focus
Why it’s special
Parkour Training at Urban Adventure Academies turns the familiar into the extraordinary. You gain strength, agility and spatial awareness while exploring hidden corners of London. Participants often report a rush of endorphins and a new perspective on urban space.
Who it suits
- Fitness lovers seeking an unconventional workout
- Adventure gift buyers looking for unique London experiences
- Anyone keen on mastering balance, speed and creativity
Booking tips
- Start with beginner classes to build a solid foundation
- Invest in proper parkour trainers and comfortable athletic wear
- Always warm up thoroughly and heed safety briefings
- Film your progress for real-time feedback
Best time and access
- Evening sessions on weekdays for quieter streets
- Nearest tube: Old Street (10-minute walk)
- Bus routes: 55, 243
Gift suggestions
Surprise someone with a gift voucher from GuessWhatIDid for an unforgettable urban adventure.
Learn more about Parkour Training at Urban Adventure Academies (Extreme Movement Experience) on guesswhatidid.co.uk
10 Unusual London Experiences — Comparison
| Experience | 🔄 Implementation complexity | ⚡ Resource & time requirements | ⭐ Expected outcomes / quality | 💡 Ideal use cases | 📊 Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinesen Museum (Hidden Literary Sanctuary) | High — appointment-only curation, conservation needs | Moderate staff/curator time; advance booking; 1–2 hrs visit | High — authentic, in-depth literary insight | Literary scholars; collectors; intimate cultural visits | Exclusive access to manuscripts; authentic period ambiance; small-group intimacy |
| Mail Rail (Underground Mail Train Journey) | Medium — preserved infrastructure and operational logistics | High infrastructure upkeep; timed tickets; short ride (~15 min) | High — immersive, educational engineering experience | Families; transport/history enthusiasts; novelty seekers | Unique underground ride; original carriages and interactive exhibits |
| Leadenhall Market Ghost Tour (Medieval Market Exploration) | Low–Medium — walking tour coordination, evening permits | Low staffing; short duration; weather-dependent | Medium — atmospheric storytelling and local history | Evening social tours; Harry Potter fans; budget travelers | Atmospheric experience; accessible price; strong storytelling and architecture |
| Dismaland Immersive Art Experience (When Operating) | High — temporary build, artist coordination, site logistics | Very high artist/production resources; short seasonal windows | High — provocative, high-impact contemporary art | Street-art followers; contemporary art audiences; social media creators | Innovative installations; strong cultural commentary; highly shareable visuals |
| Crossrail Place Roof Garden (Hidden Elevated Oasis) | Low — public-space maintenance and horticulture | Moderate ongoing maintenance; free public access; variable weather | Medium — restorative urban green space and views | Casual visitors; photographers; city workers seeking respite | Free admission; panoramic skyline views; biodiversity in urban setting |
| Catacombs of St. Paul's Church (Underground Ossuary Exploration) | Medium — conservation-sensitive access, safety controls | Specialist guides; limited booking; minimal lighting; short tours | High — rare archaeological and historical insight | History buffs; archaeology students; those seeking atmospheric sites | Rare subterranean access; educational context; low visitor numbers |
| Dandelion Chocolate Tasting Room (Artisanal Chocolate Experience) | Medium — specialist-led tastings, sensory protocols | Skilled staff; small groups; ~90 min sessions; premium price | High — sensory education and deep cacao understanding | Foodies; chocolate professionals; tasting enthusiasts | Bean-to-bar education; expert guidance; exceptional product quality |
| Paranormal Investigation at Ancient Inns (Ghost Hunting Experience) | Medium–High — after-hours access, specialist equipment, coordination | Specialized gear (EMF, thermal); late hours; trained investigators | Variable — entertaining, hands-on investigative experience | Thrill-seekers; groups; paranormal hobbyists | After-hours access to historic sites; interactive equipment use; social/experiential format |
| Mud Larking and Thames Foreshore Exploration (Urban Archaeology) | Medium — tide-dependent planning, safety and permitting | Guides, boots, tools; scheduled to low tide; physically demanding | High — tangible finds and hands-on historical discovery | Amateur archaeologists; outdoorsy history lovers | Hands-on artifact recovery; expert identification; keeps small finds |
| Parkour Training at Urban Adventure Academies (Extreme Movement Experience) | Medium–High — progressive curriculum, safety protocols | Professional instructors; equipment; repeated sessions; weather-dependent | High — improved fitness, movement skills, confidence | Physically fit adventurers; urban athletes; those seeking community | Full-body workout; practical urban movement skills; strong community support |
Plan Your Next Memorable Gift
As you’ve discovered throughout this roundup of unusual things to do in London, each adventure offers a fresh perspective on the city. From underground ossuaries to artisanal chocolate tastings, these experiences are designed to surprise and delight any recipient. With actionable booking tips and seamless gift options, you can turn curiosity into an unforgettable memory.
Why These Experiences Stand Out
- Dinesen Museum (Hidden Literary Sanctuary): Perfect for book lovers seeking a tranquil escape off the beaten path.
- Mail Rail (Underground Mail Train Journey): Appeals to history buffs and transport enthusiasts hungry for insider access.
- Leadenhall Market Ghost Tour: Ideal for those who crave medieval charm with a supernatural twist.
- Dismaland Immersive Art Experience: Suits art adventurers ready to explore the unexpected (when operating).
- Crossrail Place Roof Garden: Great for green-fingered explorers in search of a secluded rooftop oasis.
- Catacombs of St. Paul’s Church: Recommended for archaeology fans drawn to subterranean stories.
- Dandelion Chocolate Tasting Room: A treat for chocoholics keen on artisanal flavour journeys.
- Paranormal Investigation at Ancient Inns: Perfect gift for thrill seekers and ghost hunters.
- Mud Larking and Thames Foreshore Exploration: Appeals to treasure hunters and urban archaeologists.
- Parkour Training at Urban Adventure Academies: Best for adrenaline junkies ready to test their movement skills.
Actionable Steps to Secure Your Gift
- Review personal interests - Match the unique theme to the recipient’s passions.
- Check availability - Use the booking calendar on Guess What I Did to find suitable dates.
- Compare rates - Spot seasonal offers or weekday discounts to save on prices.
- Book in advance - Secure prime slots for popular slots like Mail Rail or Dismaland.
- Arrange transport - Plan your journey by Tube, bus or riverboat to maximise the experience.
- Print or email the voucher - Gift a clean, beautifully formatted voucher for a polished presentation.
By masterfully selecting one of these unusual things to do in London, you transform a simple gift into an immersive story. Each activity is not just an outing, but a conversation starter and memory maker. Embrace the joy of discovery, and give a present that truly stands out.
End your search for the perfect experiential gift today and watch their eyes light up with anticipation.
Ready to give an extraordinary gift? Book now with Guess What I Did for effortless planning and seamless booking. Discover every unusual thing to do in London and create memories that last a lifetime at Guess What I Did