Beyond the Beaten Path: Underrated London Experiences You Won't Forget - What to do in London that's Underrated
London. A city of iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and bustling markets. But beyond the well-trodden tourist trails lies a hidden world of unique experiences, quirky adventures, and local secrets. If you're looking for "what to do in London underrated," you've come to the right place. Forget the endless queues and predictable itineraries – this guide is about discovering the authentic, the unexpected, and the truly memorable side of London.
We'll delve into everything from secret gardens and hidden speakeasies to alternative art scenes and, of course, the electrifying world of London's stand-up comedy scene. Get ready to explore a London that most tourists (and even some locals!) never see.
Laugh Your Way Through London – Underrated Stand-Up Comedy
London's comedy scene is legendary, and while the big names and West End venues often steal the spotlight, there's a thriving underground network of smaller clubs and open mic nights that offer a more intimate, raw, and often hilariously unpredictable experience. This is where you'll find the future stars of comedy honing their craft, and where you can enjoy a night of belly laughs without breaking the bank.
Forget the polished, predictable routines of TV comedians. Underrated stand-up comedy in London is about taking a chance, embracing the unexpected, and supporting up-and-coming talent. It's about the thrill of discovering a new comedian who makes you cry with laughter, the shared experience of a packed room roaring in unison, and the feeling of being part of something authentic and real.
Spotlight on Underrated Comedy Clubs:
Comedy in Your Eye: Situated above the Camden Eye pub in Camden Town, this club offers a fantastic atmosphere, reliably strong lineups (both established and emerging comedians), £3 entry and a great pub downstairs. It balances a professional comedy club feel with a welcoming, local vibe.
The Top Secret Comedy Club: A legendary (but still relatively "underrated" compared to the West End giants) club in Covent Garden with consistently excellent lineups and a lively atmosphere.
Angel Comedy Club (The Bill Murray): Another popular choice with a focus on showcasing new talent and offering free/cheap shows.
Backyard Comedy Club: A purpose-built comedy club in Bethnal Green with a reputation for booking top-quality acts.
Up The Creek: A long-running comedy club in Greenwich with a history of launching the careers of many famous comedians.
The Boat Show Comedy Club: A unique comedy venue on a boat moored on the Thames!
Secret Gardens and Green Escapes
London might be a bustling metropolis, but it's also surprisingly green. Beyond the well-known Royal Parks, there are numerous hidden gardens and green spaces that offer a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. These are perfect spots for a quiet stroll, a picnic, or simply a moment of peaceful contemplation.
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park: A stunning Japanese garden with a serene pond, cascading waterfalls, and meticulously manicured landscapes. It's a true oasis of calm in the heart of West London.
St. Dunstan-in-the-East: The ruins of a Christopher Wren church, bombed during the Blitz, have been transformed into a magical secret garden. It's a hauntingly beautiful space, with plants growing through the crumbling walls.
The Phoenix Garden: A community-run garden in the West End, tucked away behind Charing Cross Road. It's a vibrant and colourful space, with a focus on biodiversity and sustainability.
Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola: A truly breath-taking, and fairly unknown spot. The Pergola is a beautiful structure that is great to walk around.
Chelsea Physic Garden: London's oldest botanic garden, founded in 1673. It's a treasure trove of medicinal plants, rare species, and tranquil pathways.
Quirky Museums and Alternative Art
London's major museums are world-renowned, but there's also a wealth of smaller, quirkier museums and alternative art spaces that offer a different perspective on the city's history and culture.
Sir John Soane's Museum: The former home of the eccentric architect Sir John Soane, this museum is a labyrinthine collection of art, antiquities, and architectural curiosities. It's a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History: A bizarre and fascinating collection of oddities, from shrunken heads to taxidermied animals. Not for the faint of heart!
God's Own Junkyard: A neon wonderland in Walthamstow, filled with vintage neon signs and salvaged movie props. It's a photographer's dream and a truly unique experience.
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel: A legal graffiti tunnel near Waterloo Station, where street artists are free to express themselves. It's a constantly evolving canvas of vibrant street art.
Novelty Automation: A collection of satirical, handmade arcade machines in Holborn. It's a hilarious and interactive experience that's perfect for a quirky afternoon.
Hidden Markets and Local Shopping
Beyond the famous markets like Borough Market and Portobello Road, London has a plethora of smaller, lesser-known markets that offer a more authentic and local shopping experience.
Maltby Street Market: A food market under the railway arches in Bermondsey, with a focus on artisan producers and street food vendors.
Broadway Market: A vibrant street market in Hackney, with a mix of food stalls, vintage clothing, and handmade crafts.
Columbia Road Flower Market: A Sunday morning institution, this market transforms Columbia Road into a riot of colour and fragrance. It's a great place to pick up flowers, plants, and gardening supplies.
Alfies Antique Market: A sprawling indoor market in Marylebone, with a vast collection of antiques, vintage clothing, and collectibles.
Brixton Village: A covered market with a diverse range of international food stalls, independent shops, and a lively atmosphere.
Underrated Food and Drink Experiences
London's culinary scene is incredibly diverse, and there are plenty of hidden gems to discover beyond the Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy food halls.
Explore London's "Villages": Many of London's neighbourhoods have a distinct "village" feel, with independent cafes, pubs, and restaurants that cater to locals. Explore areas like Hampstead, Highgate, Chiswick, and Richmond for a more authentic dining experience.
Seek Out BYOB Restaurants: Many smaller, independent restaurants, particularly those serving cuisines like Indian, Thai, and Lebanese, offer a "Bring Your Own Booze" policy. This can be a great way to save money and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Discover Hidden Speakeasies: London has a thriving speakeasy scene, with hidden bars tucked away behind unmarked doors and secret entrances. Do your research and find a clandestine cocktail bar for a unique night out. Examples include:
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town: Accessed through a Smeg fridge in a Breakfast Club cafe.
Evans & Peel Detective Agency: A quirky bar where you have to present a "case" to the "detective" to gain entry.
Callooh Callay: A multi-award-winning cocktail bar with a hidden "JubJub" bar upstairs.
Try a Traditional Pie and Mash Shop: A classic London working-class meal, pie and mash with liquor (parsley sauce) is a must-try for any food lover.
Go to a Gig in a Pub Lots of London pubs are renowned for their great music. Check out the Dublin Castle in Camden, or the Half Moon in Putney.
Getting Around – Beyond the Tube
While the London Underground is efficient, it's not always the most enjoyable way to travel.
Consider these alternative modes of transport for a more scenic and underrated experience:
Walk: London is a surprisingly walkable city, and many of its hidden gems are best discovered on foot.
Cycle: Hire a Santander Cycle (formerly known as "Boris Bikes") and explore London's cycle paths and parks.
Take a River Bus: The Thames Clipper service offers a scenic and convenient way to travel along the river, with stops at many major attractions.
Ride a Red Bus: While the Tube is quicker, taking a red bus allows you to see more of the city and experience its everyday life. Choose a route that goes through interesting neighbourhoods.
Get a Black Cab: An iconic part of London and driven by people who know London inside out.
Embrace the Unexpected
London is a city of endless possibilities, and the most rewarding experiences often lie beyond the well-trodden tourist path. By embracing the unexpected, seeking out the underrated, and venturing off the beaten track, you'll discover a London that's full of surprises, hidden gems, and unforgettable moments.
So, ditch the guidebooks, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the real London. From the uproarious laughter of a hidden comedy gem to the tranquil beauty of a secret garden, you're sure to find your own unique and underrated London adventure.
Don't just visit London – experience it. And don't forget to keep asking yourself, "What to do in London underrated?" – the answer might just surprise you.