Experiences
Unusual Things to Do in London
For when the obvious will not do: unusual things to do in London worth the detour.
In short: our top picks are Sir John Soanes Museum, Gods Own Junkyard and Wiltons Music Hall. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Past the postcard sights, London hides a stranger, better city: secret gardens, hidden museums, dinners in the dark and rooms you would never find by accident. These are the unusual things to do in London worth seeking out, for locals who think they have seen it all.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sir John Soanes Museum | Holborn | ££ |
| Gods Own Junkyard | Walthamstow | ££ |
| Wiltons Music Hall | Whitechapel | ££ |
| Leighton House | Holland Park | ££ |
| Dans le Noir | Clerkenwell | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
Sir John Soanes Museum
Why we pick itAn architects house left exactly as he died, crammed with antiquities; free and unforgettable.
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Gods Own Junkyard
Why we pick itA warehouse of salvaged neon with a cafe and bar; gloriously strange, and free to visit.
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Wiltons Music Hall
Why we pick itThe worlds oldest surviving grand music hall; catch a show in a hauntingly beautiful room.
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Leighton House
Why we pick itA Victorian artists palace with an Arab Hall of golden tiles; one of Londons hidden wonders.
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Dans le Noir
Why we pick itDinner in complete darkness, served by blind guides; disorientating and quietly profound.
Before you book
The best unusual experiences are small and sell out, so book ahead. Go in with curiosity rather than a plan, and pair one offbeat thing with a normal drink or dinner to balance the evening. And tell as little as you can beforehand; the surprise is half of it.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Sir John Soanes Museum is our editor's choice: An architects house left exactly as he died, crammed with antiquities; free and unforgettable. Sir John Soanes Museum, Gods Own Junkyard and Wiltons Music Hall lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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