Quirky and unusual things to do in London, UK

In the darkest corner of the Walthamstow district, lies an eccentric attraction that will light up your day – God’s Own Junkyard. It is a salvage lot, showcasing the late artist Christopher Bracey’s personal collection of work. Chris Bracey, who was popularly known as the “Neon Man”, was a second-generation neon sign maker who also collected pieces of artwork.

The yard contains every type of signage you can imagine, such as the name boards of Soho clubs from the 1960s and production pieces that were used in movie sets like Captain America, Eyes Wide Shut, Byzantium, and many more. Among all these artifacts, you can also find his artworks which have been exhibited in gallery shows and some which were commissioned by clients and other artists. God’s Own Junkyard is a treasure trove for any fan of neon lights and one of the most Instagrammable places in London.

After a glowing and delightful time at God’s Own Junkyard, head to Arte E Pasta nearby for a lovely meal. As the name suggests, Arte E Pasta is an Italian restaurant that focuses on fresh artisanal pasta made of ingredients imported from Italy. It is a favorite haunt of Londoners in the Walthamstow district, owing to its group-sharing menus and generous hospitality. The restaurant is housed in a hanger-like space that is bright and ample, with high ceilings and a rustic industrial chic decor. A long bar counter makes for a popular hangout spot for diners, and plants hanging along the rafters add a bit of natural green color to the place.

The kitchen offers a feasting food list for a group of 6 or more people, besides the usual à la carte menu. Diners can relish a selection of nibbles, antipasti, and pasta dishes, including wild mushrooms tagliatelle pasta with truffles served with grated pecorino, pappardelle with slow-cooked oxtail, roasted crab spaghetti with red chili, and saddle of lamb stuffed with smoked potato purée. You can end your meal with a scoop of gelato or a piece of heavenly tiramisu cake.

The zoological garden in Regent’s park has been amusing visitors since Victorian times. London Zoo, a massive 36-acre space, has been rebuilt to support conservation and ensure animal welfare. Its displays have evolved to exhibit the natural habitats and routines of animals. Visitors can experience an Africa-like kingdom full of gorillas, giraffes, and hippos. There is a mockup of a South American coastline for penguins and seals, where you can observe them up close through the windows in the water or from the stands.

You might be wondering what is so unusual and quirky about a zoo. Well, London Zoo has a Gir Lion Lodge, where you can stay for the night next to the Asiatic lions without the risk of being their next meal. On arrival, you will be greeted with a complimentary drink, and a healthy breakfast will be waiting for you next morning. Before you retire for the night with the mighty lions, you'll embark on an up-close-and-personal encounter with some of the rainforest's most fearless creatures. Get ready to meet the brave sloths, armadillos, monkeys, and ring-tailed lemurs as you journey through a spacious indoor rainforest habitat. In summer, you can also opt for a “Sunset Safari” where you can experience wildlife. 

Before you head out for a sleepover with lions, visit the Michelin-recommended restaurant on Primrose Hill – Michael Nadra Brasserie. Situated in North West London, this establishment is one of the city's premium fine dining spots. The restaurant is nestled in a unique space that is complete with a bright conservatory, marble bar, brick-walled dining room, intimate fireplace, and outdoor terrace seating. It presents a chic urban decor that sets the tone for the prix-fixe menu of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine made of seasonal ingredients.

The kitchen is run under the leadership of award-winning chef, Michael Nadra, who curates the menu with balanced dishes that are meticulously crafted and full of flavor. Visitors can enjoy scrumptious delicacies such as prawns, scallops, and chives dumplings served with broccoli and spinach sauce, soft shell crab tempura with sweet chili sauce, black angus filet steak with truffled mashed potatoes and caramelized onions, roasted cod with mussels in a seafood bisque spaghetti, and roasted chicken leg with kale in red wine jus. In desserts, you can indulge in classic dishes, including melting chocolate fondant with salted caramel and treacle tart with raspberry sorbet.

Who is a raging fan of Harry Potter? This next attraction is a must-visit destination for people who are drawn to the world of The Boy Who Lived. The House of MinaLima is a gallery and store located in the heart of Soho. It is the brainchild of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the graphic designers who created the film universe. The gallery showcases the visual art of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, including some that have come straight from the studios, along with works exclusively designed by the MinaLima duo.

The store is three-floored with each level having a unique print, artifact, or studio prop to explore. You will find “Wanted” posters of escaped Azkaban inmates such as Bellatrix, Gilderoy Lockhart’s smiling face, copies of The Daily Prophet and Quibbler, the Marauder’s Map on the gallery floor, The Black Family Tapestry wallpaper, and Hogwarts letters flooding out of a decorative fireplace. There are so many magical elements that you feel as though you have been whisked away to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Inamo is a revolutionary pan-Asian restaurant and bar nestled in Soho. It is a modern eatery that uses pioneer technology for ordering and entertainment systems. At Inamo, guests can order their meals using an interactive table surface projection, customize their tablecloths to their design and liking, watch the chef cam to see food preparation, and even draw and color on the table surface with the ina-doodle app. The table experience offered at Inamo restaurant is one of a kind. They also have a Games Room for private dining with double-wall projections spanning 150 inches. Guests can choose from over 150 games on popular consoles, where 10 players can game simultaneously.

They also feature a karaoke machine and Chromecast for presentations, music, or movies. The food is also top-notch with an Asian fusion menu that includes dishes such as miso salmon salad with papaya, pork tonkatsu with curry, honey chili prawns, dragon chicken roll, Korean fried wings, beef tataki, and tamarind mushrooms. They offer a versatile menu with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and pescatarian options so there is something for every palate.

If you are looking for an immersive unusual experience in London, it doesn't get better than the Mithraeum. It is a Roman temple of Mithras that was discovered in the shell of a bombsite in 1954. Due to ongoing post-war constructions, it was moved 100 meters away for people to visit and admire. In 2009, the media giant Bloomberg purchased the original location and decided to build their headquarters there, with a promise to rebuild the Temple of Mithras.

The Mithraeum, as it is called today, is set on three floors of the Bloomberg Space and is open to the public. The first floor is full of impressive artifacts discovered during the archaeological dig of the site. You can find worn leather slippers, broken pots, handicrafts, and a wooden tablet from 57AD with marks on its surface – one of the oldest handwritten documents in the UK. The main event is on the ground floor with an atmospheric reimagining of the temple made of clay, mud casts, and archive materials. With smart audio installations, there is an absorbing experience that evokes the Roman feel with the sound of chanting in Latin coupled with fading lights over dusty historic ruins. It is one of the unique and memorable moments you can have in London.

Located in the heart of the financial district, Vinoteca City is a lively restaurant and wine bar that serves European-inspired food. They feature an extensive wine list making it an ideal spot for wine lovers to relax and unwind after work. The decor achieves a tricky balancing act by combining the spontaneity and laid-back vibe of a wine bar with the upmarket style of a bistro. The establishment has a stunning open-plan interior and a prominent bar as a centerpiece that gives it an elegant charm.

At Vinoteca City, you can indulge in an impressive selection of wines by the glass, including a vast array of 200-plus bottles, as well as some excellent options available in boxes and kegs. The food presented by the eatery is not just a supporting act, but a balance with wine pairings. Diners can enjoy dry German riesling with a starter of baked scallops with sherry-braised lentils, followed by an Australian cabernet merlot cuvee that pairs wonderfully with an entrée of steak and chips drizzled with brown sauce, and then end the meal on a sweet note with rosemary panna cotta and Italian Marsala. With professional service and a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere, you're sure to have an unforgettable time at Vinoteca City.

Tower Bridge is definitely not off the beaten track, and you must be wondering what is so unusual about it. One of the most photographed attractions in the city, it is at the top of any itinerary in London. But deep within the massive structure, there is a secret room that even most locals are unaware of. The Bascule Chamber is a cavernous space located beneath the bridge’s towers supporting the structure. The counterweights swing into this chamber, when the arche opens up to let huge shipping vessels pass. The rest of the time this cave beneath the Thames river is mostly empty.

The only way to explore this hidden attraction is to book the Behind the Scenes Tour or to attend the Bascule Chambers Concert, which is held in the summer owing to the amazing acoustics in it. The fascinating tour takes you on an extended visit of the bridge where you will see the iconic Towers, high-level Walkways, Victorian Engine Rooms, and the hidden Bascule Chamber, which is not normally open to the public.

Located in the center of London, The Ivy Tower Bridge is a sophisticated all-day dining establishment where visitors can enjoy British classic, Asian-inspired cuisine, and vegan and vegetarian dishes. With its views of the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London, it is a perfect spot for guests to savor an intimate meal with cocktails or an afternoon tea with snacks. The restaurant is housed on two floors with a bar and private dining area on the first level and Parisian style al fresco terrace seating on the second.

The kitchen prepares a cuisine leaping menu with dishes such as the famous shepherd's pie, scallops in a sweet and creamy pea puree, truffle chicken sandwich with fried egg, lobster tomato linguine, monkfish prawn curry with sweet potato crisps, grilled salmon with asparagus in peppercorn sauce, and sirloin steak with onion and watercress. In desserts, you can relish sweet delights such as creme brûlée, chocolate bombe, and apple tart.

London is the dream city for many tourists worldwide. With its rich history, diverse cultural life, and amazing attractions, it offers its visitors hundreds of unique things to do and explore. From immersing in an ancient Roman Temple to being captivated by the Wizarding World at the House of MinaLima, London is truly a quirky destination that should be visited by every kind of traveler.

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