The 2026 Checklist: 26 Must-Do London Activities to Fill Your Year

Finding fun activities in London has never been more exciting than in 2026, as the city bursts into life with fresh museum openings, hotly anticipated cinema, and a host of new creative adventures. Whether you’re a local looking to shake up your routine or you're hunting for the best things to do while in London on a weekend break, this year’s line-up is one to get excited about. The capital is a giant playground for the curious, where every street corner offers a new opportunity to learn, create, and connect with your local community of makers!

We’ve curated the ultimate London bucket list to help you navigate the capital’s most vibrant offerings. This isn't just a list of tourist traps; it's a collection of soulful, high-energy experiences that will leave you with more than just a souvenir. From soul-soothing rituals to high-energy group hangs, here are 26 must do London activities to fill your calendar with magic and make 2026 your most creative year yet. 

Connect with your crew

If you're hunting for fun activities in London for friends, 2026 is the year to swap the standard sofa session for something interactive and upbeat. Group experiences are the perfect way to forge deeper bonds, and the city’s creative studios are opening their doors wider than ever for people who want to "do" rather than just "watch." Forget the typical night at the pub; these workshops are about making memories (and masterpieces) together. 

1. Get together for a foodie experience 

Food and drink tasting experiences are among the most exciting things to do in London right now, taking you way beyond a standard meal. From cheese tasting to tea blending classes, you’ll dive deep into the history of the ingredients, discovering how local climate and traditional methods impact every bite or sip. Bon appetit!

2. Level up your group photos 

Ditch the blurry selfies and learn to capture the city’s beauty through a professional lens! A photography class is one of the top must do London activities for groups who want to capture their 2026 memories in high definition. Wander through vibrant markets, neon-lit alleys, or the sleek architecture of the Southbank with a pro who will teach you how to make every group photo one for the ‘gram. 

3. Whip up heavenly handmade treats 

Step into a chocolate making class and get stuck into the indulgent world of artisan ganache and high-quality cocoa. You’ll learn the technical skill of tempering glossy chocolate to get that perfect "snap" and practice the delicate art of rolling and decorating your own bespoke truffles with sea salt, nuts, or edible glitter. 

4. Get creative with ceramics 

A pottery painting workshop offers a brilliant creative outlet for all skill levels, providing a relaxed space to chat while you work. Pick a piece of naked bisque pottery – perhaps a mug, a vase, or a quirky planter – and use professional glazes, sponges, and stencils to design a functional art piece. 

5. Host your own Great British Bake Off

Channel your inner star bakers with a baking and cake decorating session that feels like you've stepped right into the famous white tent. From tiered masterpieces to delicate cupcakes, it’s a fun way to spark some friendly competition and level up your kitchen skills – perfect if you’re looking for tasty things to do in London 2026!

Nourish your body and soul

In the rush of a 24-hour global city, finding a moment of calm is a high priority for everyone's mental health. These wellness-focused must do London activities are designed to help you hit the pause button and find your inner glow. 2026 is all about switching off for radical self-care, and there’s no better place to start than by treating your mind and body to some much-needed TLC in a serene environment. 

6. Melt away stress with a soothing sound bath 

Step into a sound bath class and let the frequencies of crystal bowls, Tibetan singing bowls, and gongs wash over your entire body. This deeply meditative experience is one of the most effective ways to quiet the mind, release physical tension, and find a sense of profound peace amidst the urban hustle. Bliss!

7. Hand pour your way to candle heaven 

Create your own soothing home sanctuary in a candle making class that focuses on the art of aromatherapy and scent memory. You'll learn about the complex science of scent-blending, understanding top, heart, and base notes, as you pour eco-friendly soy wax infused with your favourite essential oils. 

8. Blend your own DIY spa treats 

Master the art of natural self-care by learning the secrets of soap making or bath bomb making. In these tactile workshops, you'll mix organic botanical oils, natural salts, and vibrant colours to create high-quality, spa-grade products tailored to your skin’s specific needs. Your bathroom will feel like a five-star retreat!

9. Indulge in mindful cooking for a happy heart 

Cooking classes in 2026 are moving away from speed and towards the "slow food" movement, where the journey is just as important as the destination. Focus on the textures, aromas, and vibrant colours of fresh, seasonal ingredients as you prepare a nourishing meal from scratch under expert guidance. From traditional pasta making workshops to Ethiopian cooking classes, there's something for every palate!

10. Flex, flow and find your inner calm 

Whether it’s a sunrise session on a city-view rooftop or a candlelit evening flow in a quiet studio, a yoga class is an essential part of any wellness journey. Connect with your breath and build core strength, increase flexibility, and promote mental clarity – the perfect way to ground yourself before a busy day of sightseeing, or to shake off the city’s energy as the sun goes down.

Enjoy some urban adventures

2026 is a massive year for the London cultural scene, with world-class events that are redefining the city's identity. These exciting things to do in London are the ones everyone will be talking about, so make sure you're at the front of the queue! These aren't just things to see; they’re stories to be a part of, offering a fresh look at the place we call home. 

11. Explore the new London Museum

Opening its doors in the historic Smithfield Market late this year, the new London Museum is a global hub that tells the city’s story like never before. You can explore rediscovered underground vaults and even look through specially designed windows where live Tube trains rumble by, as you dive into the epic saga of London's past, present, and future. 

12. Get embroidery inspiration from the Bayeux Tapestry 

The British Museum is hosting a "once-in-a-millennium" loan of the Bayeux Tapestry starting in 2026, marking the first time this treasure has left French soil in nearly a thousand years. Seeing this 70-metre medieval masterpiece in a single, straight run is the ultimate inspiration for anyone who loves textiles, storytelling, and history. 

13. Get swept away by a Gothic romance 

It’s almost time for the movie we’ve all been waiting for! One of the most anticipated cinematic moments of the year is Emerald Fennell’s haunting and ultra-modern film adaptation of Wuthering Heights – and it opens next month. If you like your drama with a side of gothic intensity, grab your popcorn and head off to one of the city’s incredible cinemas.

14. Viva la Frida! Step inside the colourful world of a global icon 

Tate Modern’s blockbuster 2026 show, Frida: The Making of an Icon, is a deep dive into the life of a revolutionary woman. Featuring over 130 works including personal letters, photographs, and iconic paintings, this retrospective is a vibrant journey through the passion and politics of Frida Kahlo. 

15. Get lost in the magic of the Chelsea Flower Show

May 2026 marks the return of the world’s most famous garden event, where the biggest horticultural names gather to showcase their incredible skills. Wander through award-winning show gardens that range from sleek, minimalist designs to wild, romantic meadows, and enjoy an explosion of colour and scent. Great inspiration for your own green-fingered adventures!

Embrace the great outdoors

Some of the most amazing days out in London happen under the open sky, proving that you don't need to leave the city to find nature. These workshops help you discover the hidden greenery and wild pockets of the capital, turning a simple walk in the park into a wonderful creative journey. So connect with the seasons in 2026 and bring a bit of the "wild" back to your own living space – it’s time to cultivate that green thumb!

16. Uncover London’s hidden edibles on a foraging adventure 

Join an expert-led foraging workshop to discover the delicious seasonal flavours growing wild in the capital’s parks and woodland. You’ll learn how to identify edible plants, berries, and fungi safely and sustainably, uncovering a secret larder that most Londoners walk right past every day. 

17. Dig deep and create your own green sanctuary 

Whether you’re looking to transform a sprawling backyard or just want to breathe life into a tiny, sunny windowsill, a gardening workshop is the perfect way to master the art of planting. You’ll get stuck into the basics of soil health, learn how to choose the best plant varieties, and discover how to create a thriving ecosystem that flourishes year-round. The ultimate slow-burn hobby that pays off in blooms, bliss, and a serious boost to your wellbeing!

18. Weave a crown of heavenly blooms 

Learn to wire fresh, seasonal flowers into a stunning, wearable headpiece in a flower crown workshop that’s pure bohemian bliss! Under the guidance of a professional florist, you’ll select the best blooms and foliage to create a vibrant, bespoke crown that reflects your personal style. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a summer festival, a birthday, or simply a sunny day out in one of London’s beautiful green spaces with your friends.

19. Craft a seasonal statement piece 

Wreath making has evolved far beyond the festive season! In 2026, we’re loving the year-round appeal of botanical hoops. You’ll use a mix of fresh or dried botanicals – like eucalyptus, lavender, and pampas grass – to bind a mossy base and layer textures into a stunning, circular masterpiece. The perfect way to bring the outside in!

20. Master the art of a beautiful bouquet 

In a flower arranging class, you’ll learn the architecture behind a showstopper bouquet. Master the 'spiral' hand-tied technique used by high-end florists and learn how to balance colour, height, and texture to create movement in your arrangements. By the time you’re finished, you’ll be able to transform a simple bunch of stems into a masterpiece that will brighten any room.

Master the arts of the past with heritage crafts

Traditional skills are trending amongst things to do in London 2026, as we all look for ways to disconnect from our screens and reconnect with our hands. These heritage crafts are being revived and reinvented by a new generation of makers, blending ancient skills with modern techniques, honouring the history while putting their own contemporary spin on things.

21. Master the potter’s wheel to create your own ceramics 

Feel the cool clay between your fingers as you learn to throw on a spinning wheel in a cool, modern pottery studio at a wheel throwing workshop. Whether you're making a rustic mug for your morning brew or a sleek vase for your next bouquet, it’s the ultimate way to switch off and find your flow!

22. Craft your way to cosy, custom knits

Whether you choose a knitting or crochet class, mastering the basic stitches allows you to slow down and create your own custom wardrobe and home decor. In these workshops, you'll learn to cast on, read patterns, and understand different yarn weights, transforming a ball of wool into something tangible and warm. There's nothing more satisfying than someone asking where you got your scarf and being able to say, "I made it!"

23. Whittle and build your own timber treasures 

Step into a woodworking class to learn the ancient and super-satisfying art of whittling and joinery in 2026. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of using traditional hand tools to carve a raw piece of timber into a beautiful, tactile object – think hand-carved spoons, breadboards, rustic bowls, or even a minimalist stool. 

24. Transform steel into cool industrial art 

Metalwork is such a powerful, high-energy way to find your creative spark (pun intended!). Head to a professional forge for a metalworking class and let an expert blacksmith show you how to bend, grind, and weld raw steel into bold sculptural pieces or cool, industrial-style hardware for your home.

25. Weave your own fabric art 

This ancient craft is all about the ‘over-under’ flow, allowing you to layer colourful yarns, recycled fabrics, and natural fibres into a bespoke wall hanging or a super-cosy scarf. At a weaving class, you’ll learn how to dress your loom and use a shuttle to pass threads through, building up a unique fabric from scratch that’s a true reflection of your style. It’s a wonderful way to play with colour and texture while keeping a historic tradition feeling fresh and totally modern.

26. Sculpt your own silver jewellery 

Pull up a stool at the jeweller’s bench and become a silversmith for the day with a jewellery making class! You’ll learn how to saw, file, and polish raw sterling silver, using a professional blowtorch to solder joins and heavy hammers to add those gorgeous, hand-stamped textures. You’ll walk away with a beautiful, hallmarked ring or pendant that’s uniquely yours!

5 top tips for choosing must-do London activities

1. Book the big hitters early: Tickets for the London Museum and the Frida Kahlo retrospective will be like gold dust throughout 2026. Plan your visit at least a few months in advance to avoid disappointment!
2. Combine a museum and a workshop: For the ultimate day out, visit the Bayeux Tapestry in the morning for historical inspiration, then book a weaving or embroidery class in the afternoon to try the skills yourself – it makes the history feel much more personal.
3. Opt for mid-week magic: Many of the best things to do while in London are much calmer on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Studios are often quieter, giving you more one-on-one time with your teachers and a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
4. Go "off-map" for hidden studios: Some of the most exciting things to do in London are tucked away in places you’d least expect, like converted railway arches in Deptford or hidden warehouses in Hackney Wick. These maker hubs are where the real magic happens – you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at a working artist's life and usually find the most authentic, high-energy workshops the city has to offer. Plus, you’ll likely discover your new favourite local coffee shop right next door!
5. Get social: Must do London activities are always better when shared with others. Grab a mate and book a group session; many creative studios offer a discount when you bring your crew, and it makes the learning process twice as fun!