5 off-the-beaten-path Pastimes in London
When you think of touring London, you tend to picture jaunts along the Queen’s Walk or rides to the top of the London Eye. While these are staples of any first-time traveler’s itinerary to the historic city, they are also the most overrated. However, I can offer six alternatives that are off-the-beaten-path and are guaranteed to give you a unique experience in London that doesn’t consist of long queues or hordes of unimaginative tourists.
I’ve listed an assortment of activities ranging in price and appeal. I’m hoping that I’ll have offered up a little something for everyone, whether you’re an avid cineaste, an adventurer, or an aspiring historian.
The last time I was in London, my brother suggested we go see this original take on a classic English poet’s infamous work. You’d think that there’s not much that could be done with Shakespeare’s writing that hasn’t been done before. In that respect, you’re wrong. Shit-faced Shakespeare was one of the funniest and inventive shows I’ve ever seen. The concept consists of a small cast of stage actors performing one of Shakespeare’s plays but - and here’s the kicker - with one of the members being absolutely shit-faced (for lack of a better term).
While everyone else is giving grandiose sermons, that one actor is hilariously slurring their words and improvising lines left and right. It’s hard enough as a part of the audience not to laugh but even more impossible for the cast as they struggle to repress a few giggles and grins.
As far as affordable laughs go, this one takes the cake. Each ticket is under £20 (roughly $25) and the show takes place in the Leicester Square Theater. There are no more than 50-75 individuals in the audience, which makes for a cozy setting during the show. If you’re looking for something totally different and completely refreshing, this is your best bet.
To purchase tickets, click here and “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.”
The view from the paddle boats on the Serpentine.
Sometimes you just have to get a new perspective on an old, beautiful, view. And I know just the way to do it - via the paddle boats in Hyde Park! I must have walked the park a hundred times, taking in every nook and cranny, until I realized I could go one step further and rent a paddle boat for exploration on the open water of the Serpentine.
Available from April to October every year, these recreational boats can be rented to adults for £12 ($15) an hour or £10 ($13) for half an hour. If you’re thinking of bringing your children (under 15 years old), the price for each is £5 ($6.50) for the hour and £4 ($5) for a half hour. Any kids under the age of 4 ride for free.
This is a fun and new way to take in the sights from a different vantage point where you can be free of the hustle and bustle of foot traffic on the park pathways. Not to mention the photo opportunities you get from the water that you couldn’t possibly get from the ground.
For more information, click here.
Canal Cruise
The London Waterbus Company boat
In London, there is a section of the city called Little Venice. In this area, there are quite a few canals that can be ventured down on an exquisite boat tour. I’ve had the pleasure of taking one of these tours twice and loving it both times. The entire trip takes about an hour as you move at a leisurely pace, being informed about the history and former use of the canals along the way. You can take the tour from either Camden Lock (situated at the heart of the Camden Market) or from Little Venice (located near the Warwick Avenue tube station). I have historically left from Camden Lock but I would advise the alternative because you’ll end at the market and be able to enjoy the local fare and social scene at the conclusion of your ride.
I am a veteran customer of the London Waterbus company and would recommend it to anyone. However, they only take charge cards so please be certain you are prepared to pay before boarding. The last time I went, a woman and her family didn’t hear the attendant when he announced that cards were the only form of payment accepted and they had to have an awkward conversation on board after we had already cast off. One-way tickets are £9 ($11.50) for adults and £7.50 ($9.50) for kids (3-16 years old).
The sights you see from the water are spectacular, especially when you get yourself a good spot by one of the boat windows. I always try to make my trip when the sun is setting because the light hits the trees and water just perfectly, which makes for some great photo opportunities.
The view from atop the O2
Since we’re being adventurous, this next suggestion is not for the faint of heart. For those that don’t know, the O2 is an indoor arena located just southeast of central London. Its dome is 170 feet tall at its peak… and you can climb it.
Harnessed to a small walking path, you’ll follow climb guides that will lead you all the way to the top for an immense view of the city skyline. Depending on the package you purchase, you could even be scaling the O2 during sunset for an ineffable peek of London at dusk. Or, perhaps, you’d be interested in taking a yoga class atop the structure. That can be arranged!
The whole process on a basic climb takes an hour and a half from top to bottom with tickets priced at £30 ($40) for both children (9+) and adults. Prices vary per package.
For more information, click here.
Movies with A VIEW
The Luna Cinema venue at Victoria Tower Gardens
The only downside to going to the movies is that it costs you a whole two hours that you could have spent outside. Well, what if I told you you didn’t have to make that sacrifice? On my second trip to London, I decided I wanted to try something new and different, so I bought a ticket to an outdoor cinema and ended up watching Love Actually (2003) in the Victoria Tower Gardens. I felt like a quintessential Brit watching a classic English film surrounded by London residents near one of the most historical buildings in Britain.
Although I would recommend Victoria Tower Gardens as the venue for your outdoor movie experience, there are plenty of other spots to choose from depending on the film company you choose. I went with Luna Cinema and had an incredible time. Their venues include Kensington Palace, Regent’s Park, and Westminster Abbey, to name a few. You can view their movie schedules and locations online and book tickets for any show you’d like, if it hasn’t already sold out. This particular activity is always in high demand so it’s important to act fast if you see something you like.
When you get to your designated location, you are asked to show your ticket and are refused admission to the area without it. The venues are closed to the pubic during this time so there won’t be any rascals sneaking in through the gates to sneak a peek. Once you’re admitted, you can find a little plot of grass or open space to sit in (I would advise that you bring a blanket and pillow or a lawn chair if you’ll be at a venue that requires you to sit on the ground). You can bring your own food and drinks but there may also be vendors set up for you to buy from. If you’re looking for something a little stronger than water, you can also buy a drink from the full-service bar set up by the cinema company.
Considering how incredible this experience is, it is priced at impressively affordable rates. General admission tickets vary in price from location to location but they typically don’t venture over £20 (#26). Now that’s a deal. Some venues offer children’s tickets while others do not; it really depends on the location you choose as well as the movie, as it might be rated inappropriately for kids.
Of all the activities suggested so far, this was definitely my favorite. I got to sit in Victoria Tower Gardens and watch the sun set as I eagerly awaited the start of my film on an immaculate August evening. Who could ask for a more perfect end to the day?
Some of these experiences may not be for you while others might be screaming “Buy me now!” No matter your preference, there is something for everyone and, in London, no one is ever left out. It’s important to try new experiences that are perhaps outside of your comfort zone but that will set your trip above that of any typical tourist’s. If you’re going to board the London Eye and traverse the Queen’s Walk, you should also have a little unconventional, unforgettable fun along the way, and this is how!
For further information on London, visit my London City Guide to read more!