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Looking for something different on your next London visit? The capital is brimming with unconventional things to do in London that go far beyond the typical tourist attractions. From hands-on crafting workshops to unique food experiences, London offers countless ways to make memories that last longer than a selfie at Big Ben. Here's our guide to the most quirky things to do in London that will add a splash of creativity to your trip.
1. Creative experiences that spark joy
When it comes to quirky things to do in London, the creative scene offers endless possibilities. The city hosts a vibrant community of artisans eager to share their skills with curious visitors and locals alike.
Imagine transforming a lump of clay into a beautiful mug or bowl under expert guidance. Pottery studios across London welcome beginners with open arms, providing a therapeutic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. There's something deeply satisfying about creating something tangible with your own hands – especially when you can take it home as a unique souvenir.
Canny crafter Paula Petkova had a wonderful time at this hidden gem of a kintsugi workshop from The Salvage Company. Here's what she had to say in her five-star review:
"A wonderful way to spend an evening in a charming tucked away studio with the delightful Cody calmly taking us through the history and process of Kintsugi (with a glass of Bordeaux to boot)."
For those who prefer fabric to clay, rug tufting provides a wonderfully tactile experience. This craft has surged in popularity, allowing you to create plush, colourful rugs and wall hangings. The repetitive motion of the tufting gun proves oddly calming, and you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind creation that tells a story.
If painting is more your style, try ceramic painting workshops where you can decorate pre-made pottery pieces with your own designs. These sessions are perfect for all ages and skill levels, offering a relaxed environment to let your creativity flow. Your personalised mug, plate or ornament becomes both a practical item and a conversation starter.
Candle making classes provide another sensory delight among the quirky things to do in London. Learn about different waxes, wicks, and fragrances while crafting beautiful candles in various shapes and colours. The process is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible for complete beginners, and you'll leave with bespoke candles that fill your home with wonderful scents.
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2. Flavourful adventures for curious palates
London's food scene goes far beyond fish and chips or afternoon tea. Some of the most quirky things to do in London involve unusual culinary explorations that tantalise the taste buds.
Tea enthusiasts can dive deeper into their favourite beverage through specialised tasting sessions. Learn to distinguish between different varieties, understand proper brewing techniques, and discover the fascinating history behind Britain's favourite drink. These experiences offer a sophisticated twist on the traditional cuppa, with experts guiding you through the subtle notes and aromas of teas from around the world.
For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate making workshops provide a deliciously hands-on experience. Learn the art of tempering, ganache-making, and truffle-rolling from passionate chocolatiers. The best part? Sampling your creations and taking home your handmade chocolates to share (or not). Some workshops even explore the bean-to-bar process, offering insights into ethical sourcing and production methods.
Foraging walks offer another unique perspective on food. Even in urban London, expert guides can help you identify edible plants, berries, and mushrooms in the city's green spaces. These walks transform how you see the urban landscape, revealing hidden natural treasures in unexpected places. Many follow up with cooking workshops where you can turn your foraged finds into delicious meals.
Artisan bread making has seen a resurgence in popularity, and London offers numerous bakery workshops where you can get your hands floury. From classic sourdough to speciality loaves, these sessions cover kneading techniques, fermentation, and baking methods. The satisfaction of pulling your own perfectly baked bread from the oven is unmatched – as is the heavenly aroma that fills the space.
If you're keen on a top-quality tipple every now and then, why not give a distillery tour a try? And if you're already well-versed in London's gins and whiskeys, follow the example of aquavit aficionado Paul Kidner and give this distillery tour and tasting experience a go! Here's what Paul had to say about it:
"This was a Xmas present. Sasha the Manager doing the tour was great. Hope he will have great success running this place on his own. Most certainly will recommend going"
3. Craft workshops for creative souls
The world of crafts offers some of the most quirky things to do in London for those looking to develop new skills. These workshops combine creativity with practical techniques to produce beautiful handmade items.
Terrarium building workshops teach you to create self-contained plant ecosystems in glass containers. These miniature gardens require minimal maintenance once completed and bring a touch of nature to any indoor space. Sessions typically cover plant selection, soil layering, and design principles, resulting in a living artwork to take home.
Jewellery making classes range from basic beading to more advanced metalwork. Learn to craft earrings, necklaces or bracelets using various materials and techniques. These workshops often include all necessary tools and materials, allowing you to walk away wearing your unique creation. Some focus on specific traditions like silver clay or resin work, offering specialised skills not easily picked up elsewhere.
If you're after something truly unusual, take after craft community member Natalie Ty, who gave this porcelain jewellery making class a try and absolutely loved it!
"Ildiko was a lovely and patient instructor. She’s very passionate about her craft and provided us with a very unique experience. The class is hands on and you get to create your own pieces, the studio has lot of inspirational pieces you can draw ideas from with many choices of colours and textures to use. Definitely an inspiring and fun experience! Would recommend and do again"
Bookbinding workshops reveal the ancient art of creating and binding books by hand. These sessions typically cover traditional techniques like Coptic stitching or Japanese binding, allowing you to craft a beautiful journal or sketchbook from scratch. There's something special about filling pages you've bound yourself, adding an extra layer of meaning to your writing or drawing practice.
4. Unusual art classes for all abilities
Among the quirky things to do in London, unusual art classes stand out for those looking to explore different creative avenues.
Life drawing with a twist adds unexpected elements to the traditional format – think models in elaborate costumes, unusual settings, or combined with live music. These sessions welcome all skill levels and provide a supportive environment to practice observation and drawing techniques. Even complete beginners find themselves producing surprising results with the right guidance.
Ink painting workshops introduce the meditative qualities of East Asian brush techniques. Learn to paint bamboo, flowers, or landscapes with deliberate, mindful strokes. The focus on presence and intention offers a calming counterpoint to London's frenetic pace, while producing elegant artwork with minimal materials.
Lino printing classes teach the satisfying process of carving designs into linoleum blocks and using them to create prints. The technique allows for beautiful repetition and experimentation with colours and compositions. Most workshops send you home with both your carved block and a set of prints, giving you the tools to continue the craft at home.
Fancy something a bit more traditional but still quirky enough to bring that wow factor? Aspiring artist Natalia Chmielewska recommends this oil painting class:
"Great experience! We highly recommend this activity to beginners as well as more advanced levels. We learned a lot about the materials and the techniques, managed to have a first attempt at implementing them and with what we learned we will be able to continue exploring oil painting at home."
5. Textile workshops for fabric lovers
Textile arts provide some of the most accessible yet rewarding quirky things to do in London, with workshops catering to all experience levels.
Modern macramé sessions have revived this 1970s craft for the contemporary home. Learn to tie various knots to create wall hangings, plant holders, or decorative objects. The repetitive, tactile nature of macramé proves deeply relaxing, and the results add bohemian texture to any space.
Indigo dyeing workshops connect participants with this ancient technique used across cultures for thousands of years. Create beautiful patterns through folding, binding, and dipping fabric in indigo dye baths. The magical moment when fabric changes from yellow-green to deep blue as it oxidises never fails to delight participants. Most sessions include items to dye, but some allow you to bring your own clothing or textiles for a personalised touch.
Weaving classes introduce the fundamentals of this ancient craft using simple frame looms. Learn various weaving techniques to create wall hangings with different textures and patterns. Many workshops emphasise using sustainable materials like recycled fabrics or naturally dyed yarns, adding an eco-friendly dimension to this creative experience.
If you're looking for something that's just as tactile but totally beginner-friendly, why not try an arm knitting workshop? Working with oversized yarn and your bare hands makes it easy to see any mistakes and is a brilliant introduction to the world of knitting. Just ask keen crafter Nicola Vidi Morrell, who tried this blanket arm knitting workshop and had nothing but nice things to say about it:
"Wow - What a great workshop! I signed up for arm knitting with a friend. We had so much fun and met lovely people. Emily and Jess led the session and made the whole activity super enjoyable. They kept a watchful eye on our knitting process so that we were sure to walk away proudly with our newly made beautiful chunky wool blankets. We were crafting in a smaller room within The Mitre Pub, Greenwich which was a perfect cosy place to hold this event. A free drink was included in our ticket price and we were able to carry on chatting afterwards in the bar area. This activity would be great for meeting new people, a date, friends, groups, team building and families. Thanks for a wonderful experience."
When searching for quirky things to do in London, these creative and culinary workshops offer meaningful experiences that extend beyond mere entertainment. They provide new skills, boost confidence, and connect you with like-minded people. Best of all, you'll take home tangible reminders of your London adventure – handcrafted treasures that carry stories and memories within them.
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Runs regularly
Nine Elms
1 to 65 guests
£36 - £40
6 years in business
