Looking for unusual things to do in London beyond the standard sightseeing circuit? These are places I have enjoyed, discovered while living here, or kept on my own London list. Some are genuinely tucked away; others are well known but still easy to miss when visitors plan only around the biggest landmarks.
At a glance: choose Little Venice or the Greenwich Foot Tunnel for a walk, Sir John Soane’s Museum or Wilton’s Music Hall for history, Crossrail Place Roof Garden or the Hill Garden and Pergola for a quiet green space, and Up at The O2 for something more adventurous.
Opening times, ticket rules and access arrangements can change, so use the official links below before travelling.
1. Walk from Little Venice along the canal
Little Venice is where the Grand Union and Regent’s canals meet near Paddington. The water, narrowboats and towpath make it feel surprisingly removed from the surrounding roads. Start near Warwick Avenue or Paddington and follow the canal toward Regent’s Park or Camden for a longer walk.
This is a good low-cost option for a dry day. The towpath can become narrow and busy, so allow extra time rather than treating it as the fastest route.
2. See Neal’s Yard before Covent Garden gets busy
Neal’s Yard is a small, colourful courtyard tucked behind the streets of Covent Garden. It is no longer a secret, but it is still easy to walk past. Go earlier in the day if you want to see the architecture without a crowd, then continue through Seven Dials.
I especially like Homeslice nearby for pizza. Treat the courtyard as a short stop rather than a full itinerary.
3. Explore Sir John Soane’s Museum
Sir John Soane’s Museum preserves the architect’s home and extraordinary collection of art, antiquities, architectural models and objects. The densely arranged rooms feel completely different from a conventional museum.
It is one of the best unusual indoor options in central London. Space is limited, so check the museum’s current visitor information before going.
4. Find Crossrail Place Roof Garden
The Crossrail Place Roof Garden sits above Canary Wharf station beneath a distinctive timber roof. It is a useful quiet stop if you are already in Docklands and works well with a walk around the docks.
It is covered but not fully enclosed, so dress for the weather. Check the official page for live opening information and events.
5. Walk under the Thames through Greenwich Foot Tunnel
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel links Greenwich with the Isle of Dogs beneath the Thames. Walking through is quick, free and satisfyingly unusual. The Island Gardens side also gives you a classic view back toward the Old Royal Naval College.
Stairs remain the reliable option because lift availability can change. Check Royal Greenwich’s tunnel information if step-free access is important.
6. Visit Wilton’s Music Hall
Wilton’s Music Hall is a surviving music hall hidden behind an unassuming East London frontage. You can book a performance or look for a tour; the building itself is much of the appeal.
It is close enough to combine with Wapping, St Katharine Docks or one of the riverside pubs in my guide to the best pubs in London.
7. Climb over The O2
Up at The O2 is the paid, adventurous choice on this list. Visitors climb the roof on a guided route for views across Greenwich, Canary Wharf and the Thames. I have not done this one myself, but friends have recommended it.
Book ahead and read the operator’s clothing, weather and accessibility guidance before committing.
8. See a different side of London Transport
The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden explores the systems, vehicles and design that shaped the city. If you have read this site before, you know I love the Tube, so this was always going to make my list.
It is particularly useful as a rainy-day option. Ticket products and special tours vary, so compare the current choices on the official site.
9. Slow down in Kyoto Garden
Kyoto Garden is a Japanese-style garden inside Holland Park, with water, stone paths and carefully planted landscaping. It is a lovely short detour rather than a destination that needs an entire day.
Visit quietly and respect the planting and wildlife. Pair it with a longer walk through Holland Park or nearby Kensington.
10. Tour Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery combines Victorian architecture, social history and a striking landscape. Karl Marx’s grave is the best-known monument, but the site rewards a slower visit.
Access and tour arrangements differ by area and can change, so book through the cemetery rather than relying on an old itinerary.
11. Find the Hill Garden and Pergola
I lived near Hampstead Heath for a year and did not know the Pergola existed until my flatmates mentioned it. The raised walkway, columns and gardens feel unusually theatrical for a public green space.
Search for “The Hill Garden and Pergola,” not simply Hampstead Heath, and check the City of London’s current opening information. It is some distance from the nearest stations, so build the walk into the plan.
How to plan an unusual London day
- For Greenwich: Greenwich Foot Tunnel, the riverside and Up at The O2.
- For East London: Wilton’s Music Hall, St Katharine Docks and Wapping.
- For central London: Sir John Soane’s Museum, Neal’s Yard and the Transport Museum.
- For a green day: Little Venice, Kyoto Garden or the Hill Garden and Pergola.
Choose two nearby stops rather than racing across London to tick off a long list. The most memorable days here usually leave room for the walk between places.
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