London is a city that thrives on the eclectic and the unexpected.
While it’s famous for its historic landmarks and world-class museums, the city is also home to a wealth of weird and quirky experiences that go beyond the ordinary. From immersive theatrical adventures to hidden speakeasies and offbeat museums, there’s something to surprise and delight around every corner.
Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor seeking the unusual, this guide will take you through some of the most unique and quirky things to do in London. Get ready to explore the city’s stranger side!
1. Alcotraz: The Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience
Step into the world of Alcotraz, London’s most infamous prison-themed bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail experience like no other. Upon arrival, you’ll be dressed in an orange jumpsuit and led to your cell by “corrupt” prison guards.
The challenge? Smuggle in your favourite liquor, which the bartenders (disguised as inmates) will use to craft bespoke cocktails just for you. This immersive experience is all about getting into character, interacting with the actors, and enjoying some delicious drinks in a completely unconventional setting.
Alcotraz offers a unique blend of theatre, mixology, and intrigue, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to try something a little different in London.
2. The Last Tuesday Society and The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History, run by The Last Tuesday Society, is one of London’s most bizarre and fascinating attractions.
Located in Hackney, this museum is a treasure trove of the weird and wonderful, featuring everything from shrunken heads and pickled animals to occult artifacts and surreal art. The museum is deliberately eclectic and unsettling, offering a glimpse into the eccentric mind of its founder, Viktor Wynd. Visitors can also enjoy a drink in the Absinthe Parlour, which serves a variety of absinthes and other unusual spirits.
If you’re intrigued by the macabre and the strange, this is the perfect place to explore London’s darker side.
3. God’s Own Junkyard
Tucked away in Walthamstow, God’s Own Junkyard is a dazzling wonderland of neon lights and vintage signs.
This unique gallery and shop is the creation of the late neon artist Chris Bracey, and it’s packed with hundreds of neon signs, movie props, and retro displays. The vibrant colours and buzzing lights create a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere that’s perfect for photography and Instagram enthusiasts.
Visitors can wander through the collection, marvel at the neon masterpieces, and even purchase a piece of art to take home. With a café on-site serving coffee and cakes, God’s Own Junkyard is a quirky and unforgettable experience that showcases the art of neon like nowhere else.
4. The Clink Prison Museum
For a taste of London’s dark history, visit The Clink Prison Museum, located on the site of one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons.
Dating back to 1144, The Clink was infamous for its brutal conditions and the notorious criminals who were held there. The museum offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the grim reality of medieval imprisonment through interactive exhibits, original artifacts, and atmospheric reconstructions.
Learn about the prison’s gruesome past, from torture devices to the stories of the prisoners who were held within its walls. The Clink Prison Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and those fascinated by London’s macabre past.
5. The Hidden Fitzrovia Coffee Shop
In the heart of Fitzrovia, you’ll find one of London’s quirkiest coffee shops, The Attendant.
What makes it so unusual? It’s housed in a converted Victorian public toilet. Dating back to the 1890s, this underground café retains many of the original features, including the porcelain urinals, which have been repurposed as part of the seating area. Despite its unconventional setting, The Attendant serves up some of the best coffee and brunch in the area, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. If you’re looking for a truly unique place to grab a coffee in London, this hidden gem should be at the top of your list.
6. Phantom Peak
Phantom Peak is an immersive, interactive experience that transports you to a mysterious steampunk-inspired town filled with secrets and adventures.
Located in Canada Water, Phantom Peak offers a blend of live-action role-playing, escape room challenges, and theatrical performances. As you explore the town, you’ll interact with its eccentric inhabitants, solve puzzles, and uncover the hidden stories that bring Phantom Peak to life.
The experience is designed to be different each time you visit, with new characters, plots, and mysteries to discover. Whether you’re a fan of immersive theatre or just looking for a fun and unusual day out, Phantom Peak offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s sure to leave you intrigued.
When Leftfield Feels Right!
London is a city that thrives on the unexpected, and these quirky attractions are just a taste of the weird and wonderful experiences it has to offer.
From immersive prison bars and neon wonderlands to museums of curiosities and hidden coffee shops, there’s no shortage of unusual things to do in the capital. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor eager to explore the city’s stranger side, these quirky spots promise an adventure that’s far from the ordinary.
So, step off the beaten path and discover the weird and wonderful world of London’s hidden gems.
