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From being the captain of your own ship to exploring Europe’s oldest surviving operating, here are some alternative things to do in London!
London. Home to eel pies, ‘mind the gap’ and people talking about the weather incessantly, London somehow charms everyone who visits.
One of the world’s most popular cities and a place I call home, London really does have something for everyone no matter how weird and wonderful your interests are. But after you’ve seen Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral, what next?
The thing about London is you could live here your whole lifetime and still discover new and exciting places to go every day (which is why I love it so much).
Anyway, that’s exactly what I decided to do, so here are some alternative things to do in London that you might just not know about.
Planning a trip to London? Then make sure you bookmark my guides to the best London adventures and to the best brewery tours in the city. You can also check out my area guides to Brixton and Elephant & Castle too.
Contents:
Unusual Things to do in London
Test your nerve on Tower Bridge’s glass walkway
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most recognisable landmarks – but did you know there’s a glass-bottomed walkway at the top of it? At 42 metres high it’s not for the faint of heart but you do get some incredible views of the Shard and City Hall. Also, tickets give you access to the Engine Room where you can learn all about how the bridge lifts, something it’s been doing since 1894.
Tickets – Adults: £9.80 | Children: £4.20
Website – http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/
Be the captain on your own ship and explore Little Venice
Fancy being the captain of your own boat in one of London’s most beautiful neighbourhoods? Then hire a GoBoat and spend an afternoon exploring Little Venice in St John’s Wood. These cute vessels are solar-powered and eco-friendly – and you don’t need a licence to hire one either. With up to eight people per boat, they’re perfect for friends and families looking for an exciting adventure in the city.
Tickets – £55 for one hour, £85 for two hours
Website – https://goboat.co.uk/
Learn about your horrible histories at the Old Operating Theatre
Do you like your horrible histories? Then visit the Old Operating Theatre in London Bridge. It’s Europe’s oldest surviving operating theatre and dating all the way back to 1822. See where gruesome operations were once carried out in front of an audience, most of which were done without anesthetic whatsoever. This really is an alternative thing to do in London!
If you love museums, make sure you check out this amazing post on the best museums in East London. If you’re a Jack the Ripper fan then this is a must.
Tickets – Adults: £6.50 | Children: £3.50
Website – www.oldoperatingtheatre.com
Get a dose of “medicine” at the Pharmacy
London has its fair share of pubs and bars, but one in a 1920s pharmacy? Behind a counter of old medicines and an obligatory skeleton lies one of London’s newest hidden bars. Make a special appointment to see the pharmacist, as to pick up your ‘local prescription and get your dose of ‘medicine’ in a Prohibition-style speakeasy. The cocktails are pretty delicious too.
Tickets – Cocktails are between £8 and £12
Website – http://www.evansandpeel.com/Appointments-Pharmacy
Climb to the top of the O2 for some of the best views in London
Are you looking for some of the best views in London? Then climb to the top of the O2 Arena for urban mountaineering at its best. You can book tickets nearly all-year round and once you’re kitted out it only takes 30 minutes to climb to the top. From there you can see Canary Wharf and London’s stunning modern skyline. If you want that extra special experience then make sure you go for a sunset or twilight climb for an alternative thing to do.
Tickets – £30-36
Website – https://www.theo2.co.uk/do-more-at-the-o2/the-climbs
Even if you’ve lived in the city for the past 10 years or are visiting for the first time, hopefully a couple of these alternative things to do in London peak your interest!
For me, I still love exploring this city and finding new things to do so no doubt I’ll do another post like this very soon! Happy exploring and I hope you enjoy these activities!
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the 15 most beautiful bookshops in London – some of these are so stunning!
What are some of your favourite alternative things to do in London? Let everyone know by posting them in the comment box below!
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I like your detailed information, you have explained the fact of each place wisely and I must say pictures are amazing. Keep sharing the informative posts.
Thanks Megri, I appreciate it. Always love London!
Glass floor in the bridge is excellent, I would add
– Do the Bermondsey mile on a Saturday
– Speedboat on the Thames
Yeah! I love those ideas too. The speedboat on the Thames is always so much fun!
I had no idea about the glass floor in the Bridge! What a fun idea!
Might have to check it out next time I visit London (I just got back from London LOLZ).
x
Yeah, I had no idea either! The views from the top of Tower Bridge are pretty spectacular too so well worth the visit next time!