12 Non-Touristy Things to do in London – Pinot & Picasso
Things we don’t want to look like in London? An obvious tourist. Visiting London can be so much fun, and while most tourists visit the famous landmarks, you can find a hidden gem if you look in the right place.
We’re going to uncover the best non-touristy things to do in London where you can avoid tourist crowds at places like the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. You will see there is a diverse range of fun activities and attractions that give you the taste of London you crave.
1. Visit Hampstead Heath
A real hidden gem is Hampstead Heath, a woodland and meadow tucked away in north London. Hampstead Heath is a popular spot among locals and is among places in London recommended to tourists. With over 800 acres to explore, there are many non touristy things to do in Hampstead Heath.
Take in the London skyline with a picnic on Parliament Hill. This viewpoint on Parliament Hill will have you spotting famous landmarks from Canary Wharf to central London.
Cool off at one of the many swimming ponds around Hampstead Heath or watch locals play sport around the gardens. It’s a great place to relax, read a book and even ride horses.
2. Check Out a London Street Market
What London is best known locally for is its markets. Many local businesses flock to the streets on weekends, and even during the week, to sell products and goods adored by many.
Vintage shopping is a hobby for most in London, and many locals would agree that Shoreditch and Brick Lane are one of the best places in London to get some retro threads. Brick Lane Market is filled with local vendors and vintage jewels.
Just around the corner, you’ll find the blooming Columbia Road Flower Market. This market occurs every Sunday from 10am selling the most beautiful flowers and plants that are perfect for gifting to a loved one, or even spoiling yourself.
For some delicious street food, Camden Market is the place to go. Not only will you treat your taste buds, but you can shop til you drop, enjoy some live music and experiences across four unique quarters. There’s even a canal with river boats!
3. Visit an Art Gallery or a Museum
To truly experience London, it’s great to get a taste of the culture and history of a powerful nation. In the city centre, you can uncover the history of the world at the British Museum (it’s hard to miss!). While this comes under touristy things, it is worth the visit.
For more historic hidden gems, we recommend heading to the Sir John Soane’s Museum. John Soane was one of England’s greatest architects of the Regency era.
For a greater understanding of life in England over time, the Geffrye Museum (now known as the Museum of the Home) has eye-opening events and exhibitions to view.
4. Check Out Some Street Art at Leake Street Tunnel
One of the fun non touristy things to do in London is tucked away near London Bridge and central London. Introducing the Leake Street Arches.
The Leake Street Tunnel was formerly railway arches and now is a street art gallery. With graffiti walls and hidden paintings, this rejuvenated site is now a thriving community of restaurants, bars and entertainment. The Leake Street Arches really celebrates urban culture in central London.
5. Attend a Paint and Sip Session with Pinot & Picasso
We consider this hidden gem to be a local favourite. Avoid non touristy places in London by treating yourself to an arty party at Pinot & Picasso. Enjoy a fun night out with your travel partners with a paint and sip session where you transform a blank canvas to a colourful masterpiece.
Head east from central London to the Pinot & Picasso Shoreditch studio where you’ll be greeted by a talented artist who will guide you step-by-step through your chosen artwork – you will need to purchase tickets before attending! Get ready to unwind from doing touristy things by purchasing a bevvy and snacks from the studio bar. Master the art of fun with Pinot & Picasso in London!
6. Head to Shoreditch High Street For a Drink or Two
Once you’re finished exploring London, head to east London and the streets of Shoreditch and cheers to this great city. Shoreditch High Street has an abundance of vibing places to get you in a good mood. From a local pub to live music venues, you can find all the places only locals visit in London.
7. Visit the Houses in St Luke’s Mews
One of the non touristy things to do in London is walking along the cobblestone streets in Notting Hill and admiring the houses in St Luke’s Mews. This part of Notting Hill is the location of famous scenes in the Christmas classic ‘Love Actually’.
These beautiful homes in St Luke’s Mews will have you wishing to stay in west London longer and maybe become a local.
8. Go on a Picnic to One of London’s Many Parks
One of the best things about London is the amount of green spaces. When you visit London, it’s best to know which parks are unknown to masses of tourists.
Hyde Park is a famous landmark and definitely worth the visit during quieter times of the day. For hidden gems, Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park will give you unmatched views on the London skyline that are perfect for sunrise through to sunset. Another park with skyline views is Greenwich Park that looks back over Canary Wharf in south east London.
Bushy Park in Richmond is the second largest Royal Park in all of London. It’s best known for its unique waterways, beautiful gardens and fallow deer that roam the space.
9. Take a Canal Boat Ride Down Regent’s Canal
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through Camden along Regent’s Canal. Regent’s Canal will have you feeling like you’re out of London. You can hop on one of the colourful boats from Little Venice and see the sights of Regent’s Park including London Zoo.
The highlight of this canal ride is passing through Camden Town and seeing their unique stalls and shops. This is the perfect place to hop off and walk through Camden Market.
10. Go For Afternoon Tea
What’s synonymous with the UK? Afternoon tea, of course! There are plenty of classy and affordable options for an afternoon tea in the city centre.
Treat yourself to a high tea full of sweet and savoury treats – why not add a little champagne? Many high tea venues offer afternoon tea for the little ones too, so you can make it a family event.
11. Go on a Bike Ride at Richmond Park
Head out to west London to Richmond – made famous through the hit TV series Ted Lasso – and see the beautiful gardens and greenery in Richmond Park. The wide open spaces and watching fallow deer roam throughout the park is a nice way to give yourself a time out from the hustle and bustle of central London.
It’s London off the beaten track when you ride a bike in Richmond Park. You can even do some off-road cycling along the Tasman Trail if you’re looking for something more exhilarating.
12. Check out the Royal Botanical Garden
While you’re in south west London, more specifically in Richmond, you can’t visit without stopping by the stunning Kew Gardens. This Royal Botanical Garden is home to over 50,000 plants and florals including tropical plants and a Victorian Glasshouse.
Kew Gardens is perfect for plant lovers and those who need a time out for the busy streets of central London.
Find a Pinot & Picasso Studio Near You!
A paint and sip session is one of the fun non touristy things to do in London. Why not ignite your creative spark and create a masterpiece destined for The Louvre today.
