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15 Unusual Team Building Activities in London

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15 Unusual Team Building Activities in London

15 Unusual Team Building Activities in London – Pinot & Picasso

Unusual team building activities come and go, but team bonding is forever. In the hustle and bustle of London, team building activities are a necessity to improve company culture, encourage creativity and test problem solving skills.

Your next team building event could be right under your nose, so keep scrolling to find the unique team building activity perfect for your team.

In-Person Unusual Team Building Activities:

Bring the team closer with these corporate events ideas. Getting together in real life is bound to boost employee engagement and who doesn’t love fun games? A healthy competition between co-workers is always a good thing (make sure the Finance team doesn’t lose!). Here are the unique team building activities your work crew could suggest to the boss:

1. Indoor Skydiving

Is your office full of thrill seekers? We might have an unusual team building activity for you. Indoor skydiving is a fun activity that gives you the same excitement and nervous energy as the real thing. iFLY offers expert help and pre-flight safety briefings to make sure each team member has fun while flying around the wind tunnel.

Packages vary depending on your company size, but this team building idea is all about letting go of stress and enjoying the moment of weightlessness. Is your company bold enough for indoor skydiving?

15 Unusual Team Building Activities in London

2. Dragon’s Den

From one unusual team building activity to another. Put your team into small groups and throw them into the Dragon’s Den. Not a literal dragon den – this team building event will no doubt bring your team closer through developing an inspired business idea and pitching to the network.

The Dragon’s Den is one of those team building exercises that encourages team bonding, problem solving, communication skills and creative thinking. So why not put the challenge to your team and see what unique ideas develop – one could even be implemented for your business.

3. Paint and Sip Class

Encourage creativity with the ultimate team building idea – a paint and sip class with the whole squad. This team bonding activity is all about escaping the stresses of the office and playing with paint to create a colourful artwork that you can hang in your office.

If you’re a big company, Pinot & Picasso can bring the studio to you. They’ll bring all the art materials you need to create a masterpiece for your office, you bring the fun.

15 Unusual Team Building Activities in London

4. Poker Night

Put all the cards on the table and organise a poker night for your next team building event. A poker night can cater to both small and large groups, and is one of those fun games designed to let your employees relax and let their hair down. It’s all about the cards you are dealt and nothing else.

 

5. Murder Mystery

There has been a murder! This unusual team building idea will see your team put their problem solving skills into action to uncover a whodunit mystery. Murder mystery events can be as exciting as you want them to be – make it a theme where each team member has to dress up or bring something along to the party.

 

6. Flash Mob

A fun way to build company culture is by moving and shaking. Organising times to get together and rehearse a dance will automatically make sure the team bonds over one goal – to pull off a flash mob.

This team building experience will build excitement and trust in that you’re all doing something outrageous and fun together. This fun twist on a team building event might just make you go viral! Plan the best location to pull off the flash mob – the more iconic the London landmark, the louder the applause will be.

 

7. Break Guinness World Records

Something to bring up at your next meeting should be “how can we break a Guinness World Record?” This team building idea will get group members excited and thinking creatively about what record would be fun to be a part of.

Find a Guinness World Record that relates to your business and see if your team could come up with a strategy for your next event. This is great conversation starters to bring up with clients and partners – not many businesses can say they hold a Guinness World Record. What a cool flex.

15 Unusual Team Building Activities in London

8. Cooking Class

To inspire friendly competition, a cooking class is one of those team building ideas that never go out of style. With many cuisines to choose from, a cooking class is a fun way to improve teamwork and get a paid meal out of it too.

Many cooking classes can take place at cooking schools or restaurants around London also offer a cooking class before opening to the public. This unique team building activity is all about connecting over food, which everyone loves. There’ll no doubt be a lift in company culture with this team building experience.

 

9. Circus Classes

If you’re looking for a unique team building activity for the whole team, circus classes might be just your cup of tea. Circus classes are all about skill and team building. Through this fun team building activity, you will learn important teamwork skills like trusting one another, taking risks and leaps of faith and feeling the adrenaline.

Inspire your team and bring them together to learn important lessons through circus classes like support, balance and confidence. You can take these skills and apply them to the conference room. Maybe leave any flips or tricks to the class.

 

10. Paintball Session

Outdoor team building activities are rare enough in a city like London. If it’s in the team’s interests, a paintball session is a perfect activity to promote teamwork, get the blood pumping, and even release some pent-up energy. This fun activity does come with risks, and by risks, we mean bruises from the paintballs.

Paintball encourages you to work in teams or even solo depending on the interactive games, and brings on friendly competition – remember you have to work with these people after this activity. You may be lucky to be at a paintball session with other teams.

15 Unusual Team Building Activities in London

Virtual Unusual Team Building Activities

Does your business have a remote team? This shouldn’t stop you from hosting unique team building activities. Here’s how you can improve company culture virtually with these team building ideas.

 

1. Virtual Escape Rooms

For remote teams who want to challenge their problem solving and communications skills, a virtual escape room welcomes teamwork to solve many challenges, clues and puzzles.

You and your team take full control of our games master who will be in one of our physical rooms. They are your eyes, ears, hands and feet and you must follow the clues, complete the puzzles to escape the room.

 

2. Virtual Cook-Off

A fun twist on a traditional in person activity is a virtual cook-off. While you won’t be able to share the food in person, you can set mini cooking challenges or set a task of creating a certain meal. You could even set a task of a favourite meal or a meal that reminds them of their childhood memories.

15 Unusual Team Building Activities in London

3. Virtual Family Feud

Trivia is always a fun group activity, especially if you are on the winning team. Test your employees’ knowledge on a whole range of topics like pop culture or sport. Family Feud is all about healthy competition and works for smaller groups.

Want to make things interesting? Make your virtual family feud game have a grand prize. This can be something material or work-related – maybe offer a paid day off? (We hope our boss is reading this). This can boost employee engagement and make this a fun team building event.

 

4. Virtual Scavenger Hunt

A virtual scavenger hunt is perfect for remote teams wanting to promote teamwork with fun challenges. For a virtual scavenger hunt, you can create lists that are full of household items that are unique. This unusual team building activity will help your team bonding over the task of completing the scavenger hunt.

15 Unusual Team Building Activities in London

5. Virtual Fitness Class

Get the heart rate pumping and take a break from the emails with a virtual fitness class. This activity is perfect for small and large groups as it allows the whole team to take a break from work. Not only does fitness do this, it has mental health benefits too.

With this team building activity, your group members will be able to focus their mind on their body, let go of their work worries and improve cognitive function. You could partner with a gym or a fitness coach to host this virtual event.

Book a Paint and Sip Session with Pinot & Picasso Today!

Time to become the best in the biz. Reward your employees with a fun team building event at Pinot & Picasso and watch the creative sparks fly, develop good company culture and host a great event that your team will remember. 

BOOK A TEAM BUILDING EVENT

12 Non-Touristy Things to do in London

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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.

12 Non-Touristy Things to do in London

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.

12 Non-Touristy Things to do in London

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!

12 Non-Touristy Things to do 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.

12 Non-Touristy Things to do in London

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.

12 Non-Touristy Things to do in London

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. 

BOOK A PAINT & SIP CLASS IN LONDON

10 Things To Do This May Bank Holiday

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10 Things To Do This May Bank Holiday

While we love a Bank Holiday weekend, it can be stressful to figure out how to make the most of it. For those looking for things to do on May bank holiday, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to find something to do on a Saturday or find a fun activity to do on the Monday, here’s some brilliant ideas to get your long weekend plans into motion.

What is a Bank Holiday?

A bank holiday in the UK is similar to a public holiday where many workplaces shut up shop for the day to celebrate an occasion – can you guess which workplaces this may be? If you said banks, you are correct. As many businesses are unable to operate without the banks being open, they will close for the day too.

The UK has two May bank holidays including a spring bank holiday. These often take place on a Monday meaning a three day weekend. This is why many restaurants, pubs and bars will host bank holiday events.

When are the Bank Holidays 2023?

In 2023, May has three bank holiday days because of the King’s Coronation – thank you Charles! The bank holiday dates include:

  • May 1st: Early May bank holiday.
  • May 8th: King Charles III Coronation.
  • May 29th: Spring bank holiday.
  • August 28th: Summer bank holiday.

Good Friday in April, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are classed as common law public holidays but many refer to them as bank holidays.

1. Go On a Picnic

With three May bank holiday events and a summer bank holiday, this calls for getting out of the house. A picnic is a perfect activity to do with all the family, your children, your partner or even your best friends.

Have each person bring something along and meet at your local park in London or across the UK. With many green spaces free to enter, it’s a cost-effective way to make the most of the summer sun, enjoy fresh air and play some games.

 

2. Visit Food Stalls

Another free activity to do on a bank holiday weekend is visit food stalls at the many markets around London or in your local town. You can taste some spectacular food from all different cuisines when at a food market. It may even inspire you to make a feast for your family or friends over the long weekend.

10 Things To Do This May Bank Holiday

3. Book a Spa Treatment

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than at a day spa? Make the most of the bank holiday weekend by treating yourself to a spa treatment. There are many day spas around London if you’d like to spend a little money on yourself, or you can find a great massage for an affordable price.

 

4. Eat Out

Leave the cooking utensils in the cupboard and wine and dine at the many spectacular restaurants around London. Discover new places or try that pub you came across on TikTok – either way, who could say no to good food?

 

5. Visit a Museum

The May bank holiday is a great time to visit the many museums around London. These attractions are great family fun as many museums cater to families of all ages and host May bank holiday events. The best part of museums? Many of them have free entry, with a cost to only certain exhibitions.

Visiting a museum is also an exciting way to learn and discover history and events from around the world.

10 Things To Do This May Bank Holiday

6. Go on a Pub Crawl

Make the most of the three day weekend by indulging in a fun pub crawl with friends. While you may have a sore head, you do have the extra day to recover! A pub crawl can be a day activity where you soak up the sunshine in a beer garden or you can take on the night hopping around your local town or a new area.

A pub crawl is an exciting way to meet new people, play some games, catch up with friends and have a drink or two.

 

7. Attend a Paint and Sip Session

If arts & crafts is your jam, paint and sip events in London could be exactly what you need to do this May bank holiday. Pinot & Picasso hosts guided painting workshops where no talent is necessary and fun is guaranteed.

In just two hours, you will transform a blank canvas to a colourful masterpiece, thanks to the help of our fun local artists. You can get arty while you party at Pinot & Picasso where you can buy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy through your session.

 

8. Visit a British Beach

For the Spring bank holiday weekend, head out of the city and to the water. With many coastal towns with stunning water views and beaches, it’s the best way to cool off in the summer. Make it a beach day trip or a getaway for the three day weekend. You’ll be sure to be relaxed coming as you head into another four day working week. Just don’t forget to apply some sunscreen!

10 Things To Do This May Bank Holiday

9. Go Swimming in a Lido

If you’d rather stay local, there are plenty of lidos and swimming ponds for you to paddle around during the long weekend. Swimming in a lido allows you the same luxury as a beach – being able to cool off in the summer.

You also have the ability to book ahead for a swim as many visitors will be thinking of doing the same thing. London is lucky to have many water options for swimming, including lidos and natural ponds.

 

10. Visit a Zoo

Bank holidays with the family are best spent out of the house and exploring. Get up close and personal with exciting creatures when you go to a zoo. With animals of all shapes and sizes, a day out at the zoo is great fun, especially for the little ones – they may even have a new favourite animal after your trip. It can also be an educational experience too – double points!

10 Things To Do This May Bank Holiday

Find a Pinot & Picasso Studio Near You!

Forget seeing the sights. Find your local Pinot & Picasso studio today and make your bank holidays extra special with a masterpiece to show off. Get ready to sip, dip, splash, slosh when you book a paint and sip session in London.

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