15 ALTERNATIVE THINGS TO DO IN LONDON THAT AREN'T THE SAME OLD TOURIST TRAPS

London certainly isn’t short of attractions — but the obvious choices can be overcrowded and, let’s be honest, a little overpriced.

Those looking for hidden gems off the tourist trail, simply need to know where to look.

That’s because the capital is brimming with alternative activities – some of which won’t even cost you a penny.

So let’s get into it. Forget The Shard, Buckingham Palace and Skygarden, below are 15 alternative things to do in London…

Go stargazing at the Royal Observatory

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich is (funnily enough) the Home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). It also houses the UK’s largest telescopes as well as the Peter Harrison Planetarium, where you can get up close and personal with the stars.

What’s more, you can stand on the Prime Meridian line – which divides the eastern and western hemispheres of the Earth. So there’s plenty to get stuck into.

Have a drink on Royal Festival Hall’s balcony

London can feel a little saturated with rooftop bars and it can be hard to know which one to pick. However, a lesser-known and more peaceful find in the capital’s offering comes in the form of Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.

Grab a drink from one of the venue’s bars and head to the balcony for stunning views over the Thames. It’s also the perfect spot for people-watching on the Southbank.

Take a Backstage Tour of the National Theatre

Get backstage access to one of the capital’s most renowned theatres with this experience.

Let expert guides take you on a 75-minute tour of the venue, covering on-site carpentry, props and scenic painting workshops, and learn what goes into the world-class productions.

These tours take place at 5pm on Monday to Friday and midday on Saturdays.

Book Electric Shuffleboard

Get your game on with this fantastic electric shuffleboard experience.

Metro’s very own lifestyle reporter Courtney Pochin says: ‘If you’ve got a couple of hours to kill with several friends or relatives in London, Electric Shuffle is a great way to spend the time – especially if you’re the competitive sort.

‘The venues look pretty funky inside, they serve tasty cocktails and nibbles and the games are really fun. You might get lucky and discover a hidden talent for it, but at the very least you’ll definitely have a laugh.’

Ride the IFS Cloud Cable Car

London’s only cable car offers 360 views of the Thames, the Greenwich Peninsula, the Royal Docks, The O2, and the capital’s skyline in general.

What’s more, you can enjoy it for less than a tenner – with single tickets coming in at £6 for adults and £3 for kids. 

If you really want to make the most of it, why not catch a cable car at sunset to capture the capital in all its golden hour glory.

Get a GoBoat down Regent’s Canal

Sure, taking the sights of the capital in by the touristy open-top bus is great, but have you ever considered lapping up the city by boat?

For those wanting to try, GoBoat lets you roam the city’s waterways with your own electric powered boat. The vessels have space for eight and are available to hire from one to three hours – plus you can pick from a variety of locations. You can even take your own picnic and drinks aboard.

One of the more scenic spots is Paddington, where you can sail down Regent’s Canal and enjoy views of Little Venice, London Zoo and more.

Take a look around Highgate Cemetery

Highgate Cemetery is the final resting spot for a plethora of famous names – from George Michael to Karl Marx.

Split into two sides, the cemetery in North London is also home to a whole host of fascinating characters throughout the centuries.

You’ll also find eccentric showman George Wombwell’s grave, which has a stone lion resting on it, while Thomas Sayers – a bare-knuckle prize fighter – has a stone sculpture of his pet dog resting on the front.

Either opt for a guided tour or wander around at your own leisure. 

Visit Walthamstow Wetlands

This 211-hectare nature reserve is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

‘Walthamstow Wetlands is a gorgeous little nook that stretches all the way over to Tottenham,’ explains Metro’s lifestyle reporter Eleanor Noyce.

‘I used to live very close-by and when I started training up for my first half marathon, I’d run a lovely big loop around the whole area. It’s big enough that it doesn’t feel too busy, especially at the weekends, and it’s also the perfect spot to do some bird watching too if you’re into that.’

Take a trip to God’s Own Junkyard

Also in Walthamstow is this neon paradise – a venue that celebrates the life and work of the late artist Chris Bracey.

Eleanor adds: ‘If you want an edgy snap for your Instagram page, this is sure to provide one. God’s Own Junkyard is set amongst an array of craft ale shops in an unsuspecting old industrial estate. 

‘There’s more to do here than just gaze at vintage neon signs though, as there’s a cafe where you can sit and read or catch up with a friend over coffee.

‘Nearby, there’s also Walthamstow Village which is home to loads of fantastic pubs, including The Nags Head and The Castle (which does a delicious roast dinner).

Tour around Ham House

For history lovers who want a break from the capital’s crowded museums, a trip to National Trust’s Ham House, in Richmond, could be just the ticket.

The 17th-century house and formal gardens are set on the bank on the River Thames in Ham.

A quick tour of inside the magnificent Stuart house will give you a glimpse of times gone by, with a unique collection of cabinets, artwork and furniture. Outside, a walk through the Cherry Garden and Kitchen Garden is a lovely way to while away the hours.

Enjoy a picnic on Primrose Hill

Channel Emma and Dex and take a bottle of wine and a packet of Kettle chips to Primrose Hill for a picnic with a view. 

Located north of Regent’s Park, the scenic spot featured in Netflix’s One Day and offers incredible views of the skyline, from 63 metres above sea level.

Courtney says: ‘If you can’t be bothered to make a lunch, you could always head to nearby It’s Bagels. The NYC-inspired bagel place went viral on social media after opening, selling out its bagels in mere hours. Hopefully by now the rush has died down and you’ll be able to grab a tasty treat to enjoy with the sights.’

Visit one of London’s lidos

From Parliament Hill nestled on Hampstead Heath to the colourful changing rooms at Tooting Bec, London’s lidos cater for everyone. 

Swimming al fresco is a lovely way to spend a few hours in London and most are found in vibrant areas, with plenty to explore afterwards. 

If you fancy some open-air splish-splashing then Brockwell Lido, Charlton Lido, Finchley Lido, Hillingdon Lido and Hampton pool are just a few to choose from. 

Take on white water rapids

Thrillseekers can head to Lee Valley White Water Rafting experience for the ultimate day of adrenaline.

The London 2012 legacy venue will host you for the day and kit you out in a wetsuit, boots, helmet and a buoyancy aid before letting you loose on the rapids. 

Whether you decide to tackle it solo, with a friend, or in a group, it’s guaranteed to be a day to remember.

Wander around Little Venice

Little Venice, with its beautiful waterways and canals, is located just to the north of Paddington. For those who love to stroll around a city, a 2.5 mile canal walk will take you from the quaint Little Venice to the vibrant Camden.

The area is also home to some independent theatre venues, such as the Canal Café Theatre and the Puppet Theatre Barge – hosted on a canal boat.

Soak up graffiti on Leake Street

The eight former railway arches that lie beneath Waterloo station are home to the longest legal graffiti wall in the capital.

Stretching for 300 metres, take a stroll through this creative canvas, which is always ever-changing, so no two visits are ever the same.

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