London is a city that never ceases to surprise and delight its visitors. Beyond the famous landmarks and attractions, there are many hidden gems and offbeat experiences that you can enjoy in London, without the crowds or the clichés. Here are 10 under-the-radar or offbeat experiences that you can enjoy in London.
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Bar-hop along the Bermondsey beer mile
If you love craft beer, you’ll love this self-guided tour of nine independent breweries and bottle shops along a stretch of railway arches in Bermondsey. You can sample a variety of brews, from juicy IPAs to sour ales and chat with the friendly staff and fellow beer enthusiasts. Start at Four Pure Brewery and end at Southwark Brewing Company, or vice versa and enjoy a boozy Saturday afternoon.
Eat your way through Maltby street market
Forget Borough Market, Maltby Street Market is where the real foodies go. This narrow sidewalk market is packed with stalls and shops offering delicious dishes from around the world, from gourmet grilled cheese to authentic jerk chicken. Don’t miss the incredible doughnuts from St. John, the classic salt beef sandwich from Monty’s Deliand the pav bhaji from Devi’s. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, but get there early to avoid the queues.
Explore the famous graves of Highgate cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is one of London’s most atmospheric and historic cemeteries, where you can find the final resting places of famous figures such as Karl Marx, George Eliot and Douglas Adams. The cemetery is divided into two sections: the East Cemetery, which you can visit on your own and the West Cemetery, which you can only access by guided tour. Both sections are full of stunning Gothic architecture, overgrown vegetation and fascinating stories.
Ride a canal boat to Little Venice
One of London’s best-kept secrets is Little Venice, a charming neighbourhood of canals, houseboats and cafes near Paddington Station. You can get there by taking a scenic canal boat ride from Camden Town, passing by Regent’s Park, London Zoo and Primrose Hill along the way. Once you arrive at Little Venice, you can stroll along the waterways, admire the colourful boats and have a bite at one of the cosy pubs or restaurants.
See a cabaret show at The Box
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to spice up your night out, head to The Box, a notorious cabaret club in Soho that offers some of the most outrageous and provocative shows in town. The Box is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended, as you’ll witness acts of burlesque, circus, comedy and more that will shock and delight you. The club is open from Wednesday to Saturday, but you’ll need to book in advance and dress smartly to get in.
Visit Sir John Soane’s museum
Sir John Soane was a renowned architect who designed many buildings in London, including the Bank of England. He was also an avid collector of art and antiquities, which he displayed in his own house, now a museum. Sir John Soane’s Museum is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, books and curiosities, arranged in a quirky and eclectic way. You can see works by Hogarth, Turner and Canaletto, as well as Egyptian sarcophagi, Roman busts and Chinese ceramics.
Play ping pong at Bounce
For a fun and active night out, head to Bounce, a ping pong bar and restaurant in Farringdon or Old Street. You can book a table and play ping pong with your friends, while enjoying drinks, pizza and music. Bounce also hosts events such as tournaments, themed nights and comedy shows. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you’ll have a blast at Bounce.
Watch a movie at the Electric cinema
The Electric Cinema is one of London’s oldest and most luxurious cinemas, dating back to 1910. It has been restored to its original glory, with plush leather seats, footstools, cashmere blankets and even beds in the front row. You can watch the latest releases or classic films on the big screen, while sipping on wine and nibbling on snacks from the bar. The cinema also has an adjoining diner where you can have a meal before or after the show.
Admire street art in Shoreditch
Shoreditch is London’s hippest and most creative neighbourhood, where you can find some of the best street art in the world. You can walk around and discover murals and graffiti by artists such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Invader and Stik. You can also join a guided tour or a workshop to learn more about the history and culture of street art in London.
Drink on a rooftop at Frank’s cafe
Frank’s Cafe is a rooftop bar on top of a car park in Peckham, with some of the best views of London’s skyline. It’s open from May to September and it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. You can enjoy cocktails, beers, wines and food from the grill, while admiring the sunset over the city. Frank’s Cafe also hosts events such as art exhibitions.
