The 10 Best Unique London Experiences (2025 Reviews)

Unique London experiences can only be experienced in the UK’s capital, London, and are what transform a great trip into something unforgettable.

From quirky walking tours, scaled-down underground railway, to underground gems and time-traveling bus rides, this city delivers surprises at every turn.

Whether you’re planning your first visit over Thanksgiving or you’ve seen Big Ben too many times to count, these unusual activities offer something truly different.

Below you’ll find our top 3 picks, followed by in-depth reviews of all 10 unique tours and experiences that showcase a side of London most visitors miss.

Let’s jump in.

Best Unique Experiences in London

Compare Top Tours: London: Guided Sightseeing Tour on a Vintage Open-Top Bus, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, and Original Harry Potter Locations Tour – Guided Tour of London

London: Guided Sightseeing Tour on a Vintage Open-Top Bus	London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs	Original Harry Potter Locations Tour – Guided Tour of London
Duration: 1.5 hours	Duration: 2.5 hours	Duration: 2 hours
Pickup: Not included	Pickup: Not included	Pickup: Not included
Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours	Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours	Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours
Includes: Live guide, open-top vintage bus, iconic landmarks	Includes: Expert guide, visits to historic pubs, drink recommendations	Includes: Guide, trivia games, Harry Potter film locations
Great for history lovers and photographers	Perfect mix of storytelling and atmosphere	Ideal for Potterheads of all ages
👉 Reserve Your Spot!	👉 Reserve Your Spot!	👉 Reserve Your Spot!

10 Best London Unique Experiences

• Tour 1: London: Guided Sightseeing Tour on a Vintage Open-Top Bus
• Tour 2: London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs
• Tour 3: Original Harry Potter Locations Tour – Guided Tour of London
• Tour 4: The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea
• Tour 5: The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour
• Tour 6: London Jack the Ripper Guided Tour with Ripper-Vision
• Tour 7: Best of London Tour inc Tower of London and Changing of the Guard
• Tour 8: London Eye River Cruise and Standard London Eye Ticket
• Tour 9: Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London
• Tour 10: London: Postal Museum Entry Ticket and Underground Rail Ride

Unique Tours of London (2025 Reviews)

Tour 1: London: Guided Sightseeing Tour on a Vintage Open-Top Bus

✅ Meeting Point: 133 Buckingham Palace Rd, Victoria Coach Station, London SW1W 9SA
✅ Departure Time: Selectable start times (e.g. 9:00 AM, 1:30 PM)
✅ Duration: 90 minutes
✅ Guide: Live English-speaking guide
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes — full refund up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Open-top vintage bus ride (Routemaster), live commentary, views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, London Eye

We booked the London: Guided Sightseeing Tour on a Vintage Open-Top Bus one cool morning after deciding we were done buried below the surface on the Underground and wanted to see London — really see it, breeze-in-your-face and all. What we got was one of the most charming, easygoing ways to take in the city’s greatest hits without burning a single footstep.

The vintage Routemaster bus itself is a show-stealer — glossy red, iconic, and unmistakably British. It’s open-top, so bring a jacket if it’s breezy or a hat if it’s sunn , but the reward is that picture-perfect view of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge without glass or window glare in the way. Our guide was energetic, funny, and full of those quick local tidbits you only get from someone who clearly lives the city.

What really hit home was the pace. At 90 minutes, it’s short enough to keep adults fascinated, teens interested but long enough to feel like you’ve seen central London unfold. You glide and sometimes sway past all the famous sights, with that cozy hum of a historic engine beneath you and commentary that’s part history, part stand-up, part local love letter.

If it’s your first time in the city, this is the perfect way to start. And if it’s your fifth time, it still brings London to life in a way that the Tube or a modern tour bus just doesn’t.

The vibe is retro without being cheesy, informative without being dull — and flat-out relaxing.

Tour 2: London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs

✅ Meeting Point: St. Paul’s Station (Exit 2 – Cheapside), London EC2V 6AA
✅ Departure Time: 2:00 PM
✅ Duration: 2.5 hours
✅ Guide: English-speaking local guide
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes — full refund up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Expert-led walking tour, access to 4–5 historic pubs, commentary on British history and drinking culture, opportunities to purchase local ales

If you’re a fan of history, storytelling, or just a well-pulled pint, the London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs is an absolute gem. Well, more than a gem – a masterpiece. We booked it on a whim, thinking it would be a lighthearted way to have a few drinks for the afternoon, but it turned into one of the most immersive and entertaining tours of our entire trip.

The guide was part historian, part pub philosopher — spinning tales of literary legends, scandalous royals, and Londoners who shaped the city’s character from barstools and back rooms.

The walking pace is easy, the group small enough to feel friendly, and the route winds through some of the city’s most atmospheric alleys or laneways, as many are known in London. We joined the tour midweek and still found each pub welcoming and buzzing with local charm.

Each pub stop feels like stepping into a different era. There’s exposed wood, creaky floorboards, and more character than most museums. The architecture in each was different and so different to the bars back at home.

The other thing you learn is that these are not just places to drink, but these are places where people socialize, they bring their friends, they bring their family, they come to have a meal, they talk about politics, and they talk about the day-to-day happenings of life

You’re not just drinking — you’re time-traveling. The tour doesn’t include drinks, but that’s honestly better. You order what you want (we tried a few local ales) and linger at your own pace.

This is the kind of experience that leaves you with stories, not just selfies. It’s intelligent, low-pressure, and effortlessly enjoyable — perfect for couples, solo travelers, or anyone looking to see the city beyond the landmarks.

Tour 3: Original Harry Potter Locations Tour – Guided Tour of London

✅ Meeting Point: Southwark Viewpoint, London SE1 9DF
✅ Departure Time: Multiple options daily (e.g. 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM)
✅ Duration: 2–2.5 hours
✅ Guide: English-speaking guide, trivia included
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes — full refund up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Walking tour, filming locations, trivia game, prizes, family-friendly guide

You know I was never really into Harry Potter but before our trip to London this year we all sat around the television watching Harry Potter on Netflix to get the real feel of it and it was mesmerizing enthralling but what was even more interesting was to actually see the streets and the city that Harry Potter was based on.

Even if you’ve been to London before, walking the streets through a Harry Potter lens gives the city an entirely different feel. We joined the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour with low expectations and walked away beaming — and not just because we won the trivia game.

The group was a fun mix of superfans, casual fans (no robes required), and new fans like our family. The guide struck the perfect tone between magical and real-world. She wove in London’s history with behind-the-scenes filming facts in a way that kept everyone engaged — even the Muggles.

About halfway through, the tour had us racing to spot landmarks from the films while answering trivia questions for chocolate frogs and other small prizes.

We saw filming locations from Diagon Alley, the Leaky Cauldron, the Ministry of Magic, and more — but what made it memorable was the energy. The tour felt like being let in on a secret side of London, one filled with wand lore, architecture, and just enough silliness.

Everybody really felt like we were in the movies, in the movie series; it was magical!

Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a lighthearted but well-paced walk. You don’t need to know all seven books by heart — just bring curiosity, good shoes, and a little spark of magic.

Tour 4: The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

✅ Meeting Point: Outside Queensway Underground Station (next to the red phone box)
✅ Departure Time: 10:00 AM or 12:00 PM (subject to availability)
✅ Duration: 2 hours
✅ Guide: English-speaking guide
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes — full refund up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Guided walk through Kensington Gardens, traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, cakes, and choice of tea or coffee

If you really want to feel like royalty, if it’s only for one day or maybe a few hours, and if you’re looking to indulge in a quintessentially British experience, the Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea tour offers just that.

We began our journey with a leisurely stroll through the beautifully manicured Kensington Gardens, where our guide shared fascinating insights into the history of the royal family and the significance of various landmarks within the park.

The highlight, of course, was the traditional afternoon tea served in the elegant Orangery. The setting was nothing short of regal, with large windows overlooking the lush gardens.

You know, at any moment, I was expecting King Charles or maybe Camilla just to sneak in around the corner and give us a friendly little wave from the wrist, or maybe some of the younger royals to dash in for a can of Coke from the fridge.

The tea experience included a delightful assortment of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delicate pastries, all accompanied by a selection of fine teas.

This tour is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in British culture and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in a historic setting.

The combination of a guided garden walk and a sumptuous tea service makes it a memorable experience, and lets you truly know what it feels like to be a royal, at least for an hour or so.

Tour 5: The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour

✅ Meeting Point: The Now Building, Centre Point, London WC2H 8LH (outside Tottenham Court Road Station, Exit 4)
✅ Departure Time: 11:00 AM
✅ Duration: 2 hours
✅ Guide: English-speaking local musician
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes — full refund up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Guided walking tour through Soho and Mayfair, stories about The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and more, visits to iconic music landmarks, small group size

If you’re a music enthusiast eager to delve into London’s rich rock and roll heritage, this tour offers an immersive experience.

Being a big Beatles fan, I thought about the specialty Beatles tours, but after reading the reviews, I found out that this tour covered all the Beatles sights and sounds as well as a heap of the other English artists, so that’s why I took it.

We began our journey at the vibrant Now Building, where our guide, a seasoned musician, greeted us with enthusiasm and a deep knowledge of the city’s musical past.

As we strolled through the historic streets of Soho and Mayfair, we visited legendary sites like Denmark Street, known as London’s “Tin Pan Alley,” and the former locations of iconic venues where rock legends once performed.

The guide’s storytelling brought to life the tales of musical greats, from the rebellious antics of The Sex Pistols to the groundbreaking performances of Jimi Hendrix.

The highlight of the tour was a visit to a hidden pub steeped in rock history, where we enjoyed a drink and listened to anecdotes about the wild escapades of rock stars who once frequented the establishment.

The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour is a must for anyone looking to connect with the spirit of London’s music scene.

Tour 6: London Jack the Ripper Guided Tour with Ripper-Vision

✅ Meeting Point: Outside Whitechapel Art Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX (next to Aldgate East Tube Station, Exit 3)
✅ Departure Time: 7:30 PM
✅ Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
✅ Guide: English-speaking expert Ripperologist
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes — full refund up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Guided walking tour of Whitechapel, Ripper-Vision handheld projector with historical images, visits to original crime scenes, expert narration

In my travels, I’ve probably experienced well almost 20 ghost tours, but whether it was the genuine dark alleys and laneways, the mist that was rising for the evening, the horrific tales our guide told, or the projected images bringing the whole story to life, this tour was probably the most eerie I’ve ever been on

If you’re intrigued by the mysteries of Victorian London’s most infamous serial killer, this tour offers a truly immersive experience. As night fell, we gathered outside the Whitechapel Art Gallery, where our guide, a seasoned Ripperologist, welcomed us with a wealth of knowledge and a flair for storytelling.

Wandering through the dimly lit streets of Whitechapel, we visited the actual sites where Jack the Ripper’s victims were found. The guide’s vivid descriptions painted a chilling picture of the events that unfolded in 1888, bringing history to life in a hauntingly memorable way.

The London Jack the Ripper Guided Tour with Ripper-Vision elevated things with handheld projections of original images and documents, cast onto the dark alleyways we walked through.

It’s intense, gripping, and surprisingly atmospheric — not cheesy or overdramatized, but genuinely eerie in the best way.

A must-do for true crime fans, anyone fascinated by London’s darker history, or anybody frightened by what happens in the darkness of night.

Tour 7: Best of London Tour inc Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

✅ Meeting Point: Victoria Coach Station, Gate 1–5, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP
✅ Departure Time: 7:45 AM
✅ Duration: 9 hours
✅ Guide: English-speaking Blue Badge guide
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes — full refund up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Entry to Tower of London with Beefeater welcome, Changing of the Guard, panoramic bus tour, Thames River cruise

This is the London greatest-hits playlist, and it plays all the classics.

It’s the tour of all tours that covers the highlights and skips the low spots, like getting lost all the time and having to walk for miles

We joined the Best of London Tour including Tower of London and Changing of the Guard on a typical brisk and chilly London morning with coffee in hand and comfortable shoes — and we’re glad we did.

It begins early, but that’s the trade-off for beating the crowds and getting that surreal moment inside the Tower of London before it fills. The Beefeater welcome is theatrical and steeped in tradition — the kind of moment that feels like a scene from a BBC drama on BritBox.

Later, we watched the Changing of the Guard from a prime vantage point, which only a local would know, that changed the entire experience for us. After this over-the-top visual excitement, we boarded a relaxing river cruise down the Thames, passing all the familiar silhouettes: St Paul’s, the Shard, the Eye..

The balance is well thought out: there’s walking, yes, but plenty of time to sit on the coach and absorb the city. The commentary from our Blue Badge guide was full of the kind of quirky insight you only get when someone truly loves their subject.

Their knowledge of the city and how to get around changed everything. We really would have been lost for hours trying to work out where we were and where to go next

If you’ve only got one day — or if you want to see it all without the stress — this tour is your golden ticket. You’ll finish the day feeling like you really did London, rather than London did you!.

Tour 8: London Eye River Cruise and Standard London Eye Ticket

✅ Meeting Point: London Eye Pier, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
✅ Departure Time: Multiple timed entries available daily
✅ Duration: 70 minutes total (40-minute cruise, 30-minute Eye rotation)
✅ Guide: Live English commentary on boat, multilingual audio pods on Eye
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes — full refund up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: River cruise with live commentary, standard London Eye ticket, skyline views of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Big Ben

There’s something about seeing London from the water that never gets old, especially when it’s paired with the bird’s-eye perspective of the London Eye.

This is truly the tool you can go low on and see everything from the river’s perspective, then go high on and see everything almost as high as a low-flying plane or helicopter.

I have experienced some of these large observation, or the old-fashioned term Ferris wheels, in several cities, including Atlanta, Georgia, but I can tell you that nothing matched the views of the Thames and the city of London from this slowly rotating air-conditioned, and heated viewing wheel.

We booked the London Eye River Cruise and Standard Ticket combo for a slow-paced afternoon, and it delivered just the right balance of sightseeing and chill.

The cruise launched first, gliding past all the icons — Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s, the Shard — with a guide who mixed in a perfect blend of history and cheeky commentary.

The combo ticket meant we skipped the worst of the queues and timed our Eye rotation right around golden hour. The view? Sweeping. Quiet. A little surreal, honestly.

It’s perfect if you’re traveling with teens or older family — minimal walking, big visuals, and that comforting sense that everything’s being handled.

Also a win if it’s your first time in London and you want to feel like you’ve seen the place without running around all day.

Tour 9: Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

✅ Meeting Point: Victoria Coach Station, Gate 1–5, 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9TP
✅ Departure Time: 8:15 AM
✅ Duration: 11 hours
✅ Guide: English-speaking licensed guide
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes — full refund up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Roundtrip coach travel, entry to Stonehenge with audio guide, free time in Bath, optional entry to Roman Baths or Jane Austen Centre

In history at school, these were two of the most classic places and marvels of ancient construction, and we got to visit both in one day. The Roman Baths in Bath are about 2,000 years old, built around 60–70 AD, while Stonehenge is much older, dating back over 4,500 years to around 2500 BC.

This is one of those classic day trips that actually lives up to the promise. We booked the Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London mostly for Stonehenge — but ended up falling for Bath in a big way.

The day starts early but easy, with a smooth coach ride out of the city. Stonehenge was exactly what you’d hope: dramatic skies, wind across the plain, and plenty of time to walk the perimeter with an audio guide that somehow made 4,500-year-old stones feel deeply personal.

The tour ran like clockwork — no stress, no rushing.

Then came Bath, and wow. Georgian streets, the sound of a street violinist echoing through alleyways, and that thermal golden glow that seems baked into the buildings. We wandered into the Jane Austen Centre, then lingered in a bookshop before grabbing coffee near the Abbey.

It’s a full day, yes — but somehow not exhausting. Just rich, memorable, truly educational, but in saying all that, unexpectedly peaceful.

Tour 10: London: Postal Museum Entry Ticket and Underground Rail Ride

✅ Meeting Point: The Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA
✅ Departure Time: Timed entry slots from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
✅ Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
✅ Guide: Self-guided with Mail Rail ride commentary
✅ Free Cancellation: Yes — full refund up to 24 hours in advance
✅ Includes: Entry to Postal Museum exhibits, ride on the underground Mail Rail, access to interactive displays

It’s easy to overlook, but the London Postal Museum ended up being one of the most unexpectedly fun things we did in London. The building is sleek and modern, but what’s hidden beneath is the real magic — a ride through London’s secret underground post railway.

It might take a bit to imagine it was built in the 1920s and covers miles and miles, or kilometers, as it’s known in the UK, underground and delivers all the mail. It’s like a miniature version of the underground for passenger use, or the tube, but small. It’s like riding your own model railway underground.

The Mail Rail is a short, fully automated ride through narrow tunnels once used to speed mail across the capital. It’s dimly lit, atmospheric, and gives you that “backstage London” feeling. You glide past illuminated displays, old carts, and tunnels steeped in industrial history.

Upstairs, the museum itself is surprisingly hands-on, with exhibits you can actually touch, vintage uniforms to try on, and clever animations showing how post was sorted, stamped, and shipped before email took over.

What they’ve done is they’ve combined this ancient underground train system with a lot of original equipment and original infrastructure, with a modern entertaining way, specifically designed for family and kids to understand the mail system through hands-on exhibitions.

Some things move, rattle, and shake. I guarantee your kids will love it, especially if you’re looking for a place on a cold, wet London day, it’s all inside and underground

It’s compact, focused, and perfect for curious minds (or restless teenagers). Even if you’re not a history buff, the design and storytelling make it feel alive.

Definitely worth a slot on your itinerary if you want something unusual, educational, and still genuinely cool.

FAQs (The 10 Best Unique London Experiences)

1. Is the London vintage open-top bus tour weather-dependent?

No — tours operate rain or shine. The bus is open-top, so bring a jacket or rain poncho in cooler months, but the downstairs cabin offers shelter if needed.

2. Do the historic pub tours include drinks?

Drinks are not included in the price. Guests are encouraged to purchase drinks at their own pace, which adds flexibility and keeps the atmosphere casual and authentic.

3. Is the Harry Potter walking tour suitable for children?

Yes! It’s family-friendly and includes trivia games, film locations, and fun prizes that make it engaging for kids and teens alike.

4. How much walking is involved in the Kensington High Tea experience?

About 30–40 minutes of relaxed walking through Kensington Gardens precedes the tea service. It’s flat, easy, and stroller-friendly.

5. Can I bring teens or older kids on the Jack the Ripper tour?

It’s best for ages 14+. The tour involves dark historical content and nighttime walking through East London, but it’s delivered with care and context.

6. Do you need to book time slots in advance for the London Eye combo ticket?

Yes — time slots for both the cruise and Eye are required and assigned at checkout. Booking early helps secure preferred times and avoid peak wait periods.

7. Is the Postal Museum and Mail Rail ride claustrophobic?

The Mail Rail ride is enclosed and narrow, but it’s short (15 mins), well-lit, and designed for all ages. Those with severe claustrophobia may prefer to skip the underground portion.

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501Places Editor’s Ranking: London: Guided Sightseeing Tour on a Vintage Open-Top Bus