5 Alternative Things To Do In London

You guys know I’m a proper Northern Girl and Proud Mancunian, but my work takes me all over the country and particularly, to the big smoke! Now that my sister lives in Greenwich, I’ve started to go to my meetings on a Friday and make a bit of a weekend out of it – and let’s be honest, there’s so much to do that it never gets boring! But with the summer months in London being pretty busy, especially if the sun is shining, choosing some alternative things to do, rather than the traditional touristy things, can mean that you are able to enjoy yourself, but not get caught up with the hustle and bustle of the crowds. So with that in mind, here are some of the alternative things that you could be doing >in London this summer, that are a little off the tourist track.

London Street Art Tour

London is a huge city, and as such, there is a lot to see and do, not to mention the huge amount of street art in the city. Whether you’re doing it for the ‘gram or just want to spot a Banksy, then taking a tour of London street art can be a fun thing to do in the sunshine. There are arranged walking tours, as well as routes that can be found online so you can take it at your own pace.

Weekend in Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf on weekdays is a pretty busy financial area that is filled with skyscrapers. In the week, you can find huge queues for the tube, but at the weekend, it is a pretty quiet spot. So if you are looking for something away from the crowds, then weekends in Canary Wharf could be the one. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Canary Wharf, as well as the Museum of London Docklands, stylish wine bars, pubs, and a few swanky shops.

Jack the Ripper Tour

If you are looking for something really quite different, then how about taking a Jack the Ripper Tour of London? For anyone that is a bit of a thrill-seeker, likes a bit of geeky history, or just a little bit curious and up for something different, then this could be a really fun way to spend time.

Alternative Afternoon Tea

In London you are pretty much spoilt for choice when it comes to afternoon tea. You can really go high-end at places like The Dorchester, modern and funky at places like Sketch, or choose a bit of an alternative afternoon tea at somewhere like Cake Boy in Wandsworth. The afternoon tea is completely vegan, and can be gluten-free, so could definitely be a different way of doing things over the weekend. Cake Boy offers baking courses too, so that could be an option to consider as well.

Head Out of the Centre of Town

If you want something a little different then heading to different parts of the city can be a good idea, and a good way to ‘do as the locals do.’ Areas like Chiswick and Hammersmith in West London can be quieter areas to shop and eat, as well as places like Shepherd’s Bush Market being a quieter option compared to somewhere like Camden Market.