Alternative Things To Do In London, England

alternative things to do in london
Heyleena
Heyleena 
Updated
| 4 min read

Featured as one of the world’s most visited cities, London has attracted around 19.1 million international visitors over the past years. This multicultural metropolis lies on the River Thames in South-East England, boasting fascinating architecture, royal palaces, gorgeous parks, an eclectic range of museums and historical sites. You can never run out of things to do while visiting London for the first time or even several times. Whether you are into designer clothing, vintage, and antique artwork or are looking for some delicious local food, you can certainly count on the markets, restaurants or boutiques to buy your stuff. Popular attractions like the British Museum, Hyde Park or the West End have been on top of the list of many visitors but if you’re someone who wishes to ditch the mainstream attractions then here is a list of some of the alternative things to do in London, England below.

1. Survived the British Museum? Take a class at the School of Life


With an exclusive collection of over 8 million works from all around the world, the most visited attraction is the British Museum located in Bloomsbury, London. The museum has attracted over 6.7 million visitors and it remains as a preferred must-visit place in London. Learn about the amazing human history and get some insights into the British Empire. Yet, on the other hand, if you wish to escape the crowds and prefer to explore the human emotional intelligence, then you must definitely consider the School of Life.

The School of Life is an international organization with its headquarters located 10 minutes away from the British Museum. The organization was founded in 2008 by Alain de Botton along with educators, writers like John Armstrong and philosophers like Mark Vernon and Robert Rowland Smith. The idea behind it was to offer classes to develop emotional intelligence and tackle life’s challenges. Services include therapy, workshops, and courses. Conferences, which are normally a three-day event, are also organized in different regions around the world.

School of Life

Address: 70 Marchmont Street, London, WC1N 1AB

Website: School of Life

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2. Been to the local farmers' markets? Discover the farming school at Hackney City Farm


The local farmers’ markets are sprawled across the country and have been an ideal place to get to know the locally produced fresh food. Farmers generally run the market and sell directly to the consumers. You can expect to find quality products and seasonal foods which are encouraged to be produced in a sustainable way. But have you ever considered visiting the Hackney City Farm?

This independent community and farming school is located in Haggerston. It provides educational resources in growing food. The community encourages the youth to learn growing vegetables, taking care of animals and get to know more about their natural environment. The Hackney City Fram has a farmyard, a tree nursery with a butterfly house, and a grazing area for animals such as sheep, and rabbits. There are many educational projects, craft courses, and exhibitions which are run by the community.

Hackney City Farm

Address: 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA, UK

Website: Hackney City Farm

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3. Watched a West End show? See a silent film with a live orchestra at the Barbican

Barbican Centre, London, Fujifilm
Source: Photo by Flickr user Scott Wylie used under CC BY 2.0

Another popular attraction is the West End also referred to as ‘Theatreland’ which is home to over 40 playhouses, and shopping streets. The area has seen many visitors coming and catching their favorite show. Don’t be surprised to find some renowned Hollywood names performing in musicals or plays throughout the West End. But if that seems too overwhelming, then head to Barbican to watch a silent film with a live orchestra.

The Barbican is a popular venue in London known for its rich history of film, dance, and theatre. The complex consists of the Barbican Hall which has about 1,949 seats, a theatre, a cinema, art galleries, public spaces, a library, and restaurants. Barbican is lauded for its rich cultural history as being the world leading art center, and Europe ’s largest multi-arts venue.

Barbican Centre

Address: Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS, UK

Website: Barbican Centre

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4. Been to Hyde Park? Check out Regent's Park

Gardens, Regent's Park, London - DSC07041
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rept0n1x used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Hyde Park is listed as one of the must-visit Royal Parks in Central London. It has a beautiful structure, basically, a chain which forms from the entrance of the Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and from the Hyde Park Corner and Green Park past the main entrance to Buckingham Palace. This makes it the largest of the four Royal Parks. If you’ve been to Hyde Park then your next best bet would be Regent’s Park.

Regent’s Park is the most preferred Royal Park since it is aesthetically astounding especially with its gorgeous vibrant colorful flowers and well-manicured gardens especially the Queen Mary’s Gardens. The Royal Park is located within north-west London. The 166-hectare (410 acres) park is reserved for pedestrians except for the Broadwalk which is a shared path. Parts of the park, mostly the west side, are lined with white-washed stucco terraces. Some of its attractions consist of the London Zoo and the Regent’s Canal. There are also sports pitches where locals play rugby and football. Art performances are usually organized in an open-air theatre during summer time.

Regent's Park

Address: Chester Rd, London NW1 4NR, UK

Website: Regent’s Park

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London Tour Guide

Robert Woolf

Robert Woolf

I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Guide, and a Westminster Guide. The reviews I receive from clients speak of their enjoyment from the local knowledge and the humour I bring to my tours. Born within sight of Hampton Court Palace, I am a Londoner and apart from 2 years in the Middle East, I have worked in this capital city all my business and tour guiding careers. I have travelled widely and I appreciate what appeals to visitors coming to London. I can tailor my tours to interest children. I guide couples, families and larger tour groups. I particularly enjoy visits to Westminster Abbey, where I also volunteer guiding students and children through its wonderful interior – on my tours you will hear about monarchs, why scientists and poets are remembered, the architecture and religious history. The Abbey is the story of England. Come on an engaging and fun tour with me. There is so much to show you !

Tours by Robert

5. Been to the Natural History Museum? Explore the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History


The Natural History Museum has lured many visitors since it has a massive collection of specimens of some 80 million items in different fields covering zoology, botany, entomology, mineralogy, and paleontology. These are classical specimens which you might expect in a natural museum but if you’re into wilful eccentric specimens like shrunken heads or even two-headed lambs then consider the Viktor Wynd Museum.

The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History is a museum and bar located in the Hackney Central. The museum has been inspired by the Victorian-era cabinets of curiosities. You can expect to see some of the weirdest collections including tribal skulls, tribal art from Congo and New Guinea and even pickled genitals! The museum also has a bar where you can chill and sip on a refreshing cocktail.

Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History

Address: Dummy Full Address

Website: Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History

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London-World’s most exciting city

Big Ben at sunset - 2014-10-27 17-30
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Colin used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The happening London metropolitan is the mecca of culture, history, and architectures. If you are looking for alternative things to do while visiting this vibrant city then consider the lists of top alternate things to do in London.

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Heyleena is a passionate travel writer who enjoys writing travel articles for people who seek to explore new places in a more conscious way. From travel guides to recommended vacation rentals, get...Read more

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