26 fun things to do in London when you're stuck for ideas (2024)

From the cosy Victoria Line tube carriage that seats just 36 to the personal introduction to the menu from skilled Head Chef Bea, Supperclub Tube is a unique experience and an unmissable London dining delight. The six-course set tasting menu is Latin America-inspired, and each dish is packed full of flavour and smells divine. The menu starts with a tasty tomato and chipotle soup with yellow corn, soured cream and coriander and goes on to feature tender lime cured cod and Cuban style shredded brisket before finishing with a corn and passion fruit cake with panna cotta and coconut and lime ice cream. You can opt for your own private table or book to be sat with other guests on the longer stretch of carriage - just be sure to book well in advance as it’s a popular spot.

Where: Walthamstow

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If you're in need of something to make you feel festive, how about a trip to Marylebone Village this Christmas? Home to loads of brilliant independent brands, plus cosy pubs like The Coach Makers Arms to nip into for a pint, it's the perfect way to spend a Saturday in December. The Christmas lights made from recycled bottles are not to be missed, while brands like Aesop, agnes b, Lululemon and more are bound to have you feeling like Santa Claus, while restaurants like Cavita and Lina Stores are perfect for re-carbing after a long day of shopping.

Where: Marylebone Village

Technoheads, ravers and music lovers alike, may we stand in solidarity for the return of the scene’s most popular and beloved nightclub in London, Printworks – now known as Drumsheds.

The new night out is set in the old Ikea flagship store in Tottenham (which is gigantic, may I add). Spanning three rooms, X, Y and Z, Drumsheds is set to host some of our favourite DJs, including UK house duo Gorgon City, the legend Armand Van Helden and BBCR1 tastemaker, Danny Howard – coming to the space this Saturday, 14 October 2023.

So, if you’re down for a night out or rather, a day rave in an unused warehouse fit for festivals, large-scale entertainment, private parties, exhibitions, filming, photography, product launches (I could go on), then you know where to head. There’s something for every community and every niche. Like never before.

Where: 6 Glover Dr, London N18 3HF

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Carnaby Street in Soho is the ultimate destination for filling a whole day in London. Kick things off with brunch at The Good Egg in Kingly Court, which serves everything from babka french toast to Iraqi aubergine pittas, followed by shopping to your heart's content. There's all you could need for hitting that clothing, makeup, or even homeware fix. Liberty London, we're looking at you.

Once you're peckish again, Bar Kroketa is a brilliant pick for their lunch menu - croquetas, a piece of Spanish tortilla, pan con tomate and olives and crisps for a tenner! Darjeeling Express, an award-winning family-owned Indian run by a all-female kitchen is also a must, followed up with co*cktails and live jazz at Nightjar (plus a snap in the iconic photobooth, of course!) You'll barely scratch the surface for all the unique shops and restaurants on offer. Monthly trip, maybe?

Where: Carnaby Street, W1

If you like gin and you love jelly, please let us introduce you to the new Bombay Sapphire edible art experience. The gin brand has teamed up with six bars across the UK, including London’s Blue Bar at The Berkeley, Ester, Sager + Wilde and Hide to launch an unusual but quite wonderful pairing - a gin-infused jelly cube and bespoke co*cktail - as part of their ‘Saw This Made This’ campaign. Each design has taken inspo from the bar’s local area, so if your jelly cube is giving Columbia Road flower market vibes, you’ll know why.

Where: Multiple locations

If art is your thing, then you have to visit Frameless in Marble Arch. The immersive exhibition uses technology to let you closer to some of the world's most famous masterpieces than ever before. Step beyond the frame and be immersed in the worlds of classic and modern artists, getting up close to every brush stroke.

They also support up-and-coming artists as well as hosting Frameless Lates every month for a unique night out with your pals.

Where: 6 Marble Arch, W1H 7AP

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If you want to eat, shop and explore all in one place, then East London's Brick Lane needs to be your next day out. With enough vintage stores to build an entire new wardrobe, a variety of cuisines and in the heart of Shoreditch, this historic street has everything you need.

We recommend enjoying a Bangladeshi curry at the north end of the street, then strolling down towards the south for shopping, even more food and to take in the eclectic art. Plus, you can't leave without getting a Brick Lane bagel. We don't make the rules!

Where: Brick Lane, E1

With a variety of mouthwatering cuisines in the heart of Hackney, Black Eats London has to be your next go-to spot for the next time you're feeling hangry.

Launched in 2021 in collaboration with Bohemia Place Market, Black Eats London brings together 60 of the best Black-owned businesses in street food, snacks, drinks and more. Plus, there's artisan traders selling clothing, skincare and they hold some of the best nights-out if you like to get lit.

Where: Bohemia Place, Hackey, E8 1Du

If you're an ABBA or Mamma Mia fan, then get ready to embrace your inner 'Dancing Queen' for a night out like no other.

Be transported to the Greek island of Skopelos to dine at Nikos’ family-run taverna, where you’ll enjoy a four-course meal as a theatre show unfolds all around you. Then, dance the night away at a glittering ABBA disco. It's a theatre show, dinner and party all in one!

Where: The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

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It’s the adored Italian restaurant that is almost impossible to get a reservation at, but if you consider yourself one of the lucky ones then now’s the time to get booking. Why? This month the Soho trattoria is celebrating its 15th birthday, and to mark the occasion the restaurant is bringing back some of its most iconic dishes and bottles of wine from when it first opened its doors. Not only will you be able to feast on a selection of delectable classics, the dishes will also be available at their original opening price. Run, don’t walk!

Where: Bocca Di Lupo, Soho

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Best to be enjoyed when very hungry, Maltby Street Market is a supreme spot for weekend brunching. Tucked away under London Bridge’s railway arches, there’s a huge selection of independent food stalls offering a variety of delicious cuisines from Duck Frites to Gyoza Guys. If you’re planning to plot up and enjoy a drink or two at one of the bars, too, we recommend getting there early as seating is limited.

Where: Rope Walk, SE1 3PA

London boasts an endless list of luxurious afternoon teas, but they don’t get much better than the super fancy offering in the Grand Saloon.

Served on custom decorated fine bone china featuring Mythical Characters designed by interior designers Kit and Willow Kemp, feast on madeleines topped with whipped English feta and pickled heritage carrot before finishing off with a miniature sticky toffee pudding. The tea without champagne costs £59 and gluten free and vegan options are also available.

Where: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF

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Swingers is as much about the drinks, street food and Friday night atmosphere as it is the golf, but that’s not to say their 9-hole crazy golf courses aren’t some of the best in London. The West End venue is modelled on a 1920’s British seaside while the City branch is based on a 1920’s golf club set in the English countryside.

But, the best of all? The staff (or the caddies as they’re called) - just check out all the rave reviews on Trip Advisor.

Where: West End - 15 John Prince’s Street, W1G 0AB / City branch - City branch is at 8 Brown’s Buildings, EC3A 8AL

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Going to an Everyman cinema has to be on your list of things to do. With a fully stocked bar and a huge menu featuring everything from sharing platters to full meals and sundaes, it's the perfect place to splurge on your next date night or rainy days.

Plus, those sofas? They're the comfiest thing ever!

Where: Multiple locations

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Calling all GBBO fans (so, err, everyone then?) – the Big Bakes experience offers up the chance to pretend you're on everybody's favourite cake-heavy show for the day, with new challenges and themes set each month... Meaning, you can return again and again.

When you arrive, you'll be lead to a work station (with your teammate) where ingredients and instructions await. Once you've created your masterpiece, you'll also have it judged in true Paul Hollywood style by an expert, who will crown an ultimate winner.

There's also a bar/cafe on site, too, where you can treat yourself to a co*cktail or cuppa afterwards and get munching whatever delicious treat it is that you were tasked with conjuring up. Great for dates, a Mother's or Father's Day gift, or simply hanging with your pals.

Where: There are two Big Bakes tents, one in Haggerston, East London, and another in Tooting Bec, South London

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If you’re into Insta-friendly hidden gems, then head down to God's Own Junkyard in East London. A 15 minute walk from Walthamstow station, there are over 1,000 neon pieces crammed into the snug space. Entrance is free and you can refuel on food and drinks at the Rolling Scones cafe which also serves booze. Oh, and 80% of what’s inside is available to buy (they need to cover that electricity bill somehow).

Where: Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, E17 9HQ

Our kind of spin on a sight-seeing tour, Bustronome will cart you around the capital on a double decker bus while you feast on a four-course lunch menu or six-course dinner option. With a glass roof, the bus offers 360° views of London as you weave around the Thames. Drinks are available if you want to knock back a glass of white with your kohlrabi cabbage risotto and there’s even a wine pairing menu on offer if you’re feeling super boujee.

Where: The bus departs from Victoria Embankment, WC2N 6PB

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If gin is your go-to drink of choice and you’re starting to get bored of endlessly pitching up at your local pub, then why not give an immersive London gin tour a try?

Part of a Virgin Experience package for two, a London historian and gin ​​aficionado will guide you and a small group of fellow gin lovers on a three and a half hour tour of five of London’s best-known Gin Palaces where you’ll sample drinks at each one. To round things off, the tour ends with a gin masterclass at the City of London Gin Distillery.

Where: The tour meets in Leicester Square

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One Dachshund is super cute. More than 50 Dachshunds altogether? Ridiculous levels of cuteness. Every month, sausage dogs from across London and their owners gather together at the Italian Gardens in Hyde Park before setting off on a short stroll. Even if you don’t own a sausage dog (or any dog for that matter), we honestly can’t recommend it enough. Head to their Instagram page for future dates and more info.

Where: The Italian Gardens, Hyde Park

If you haven’t already tried out one of the ridiculously popular Big Mamma Italian offerings, we suggest now’s the time. With interiors designed to be splashed all over Instagram, there are three options to choose from - Rathbone Square’s Circolo Popolare, Shoreditch’s Gloria and the most recently-opened restaurant in Covent Garden, Ave Mario.

But it’s not all about the grid-worthy content, the food is exceptionally good and earned a spot on our list of best pasta restaurants in London. Friendly word of advice: always book well in advance if you can as walk-ins are limited.

Where: Rathbone Place, Shoreditch and Covent Garden

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