Unusual Things to Do in London with Kids: Hidden Gems and Family Fun

London is bursting with world-famous landmarks and blockbuster attractions—but what if you want something a little more… unexpected?

Whether you're visiting with kids or just want to see a different side of the capital, this guide rounds up some of London’s most unusual, affordable, and family-friendly experiences.

Think secret spots, curious museums, and clue-cracking fun…

 

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🕵️ Go on a Self-Guided Mystery Mission

Want to turn your day in London into a full-blown adventure?

Self-guided Treasure Trails in London are a brilliant way to explore hidden courtyards, royal secrets, and surprising history—all while solving clues along the way.

From Treasure Hunts in Greenwich, Spy Missions in Westminster to Detective Mysteries through the backstreets of Covent Garden, there’s a Trail for every corner of the city.

👉 Explore our full London Trails collection

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🍔 Fun (and Quirky) Places to Eat with Kids

Forget chain restaurants—London has some brilliant family-friendly spots that add to the adventure:

• Rainforest Café – Dine with jungle sounds and animatronic animals

• Cereal Killer Café – Over 100 types of cereal from around the world

• My Old Dutch (Holborn) – Epic pancake stacks with sweet and savoury options

Top tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy it in Lincoln’s Inn Fields or St Dunstan in the East, one of London’s most peaceful (and surprising) ruins.

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🏰 Explore Iconic Spots from a New Perspective

Instead of just ticking off landmarks, get hands-on:

• Take the Changing of the Guard quiz as you watch the ceremony

• Hunt for dragons around the City of London boundary markers

• See if your kids can find Tower Bridge’s glass floor

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🧭 Offbeat Adventures for Curious Families

Need more ideas beyond the usual?

• Visit Little Venice and take a canal boat to Camden

• Try the Postal Museum’s underground mail rail ride

• Wander through Leake Street Tunnel, a graffiti-covered underpass near Waterloo

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💷 Budget-Friendly Family Tips

London doesn’t have to break the bank:

• Most museums are free (Science Museum, Natural History, V&A)

• Take a ride on the front seats of the DLR—pretend you're driving!

• Enjoy views from Greenwich Park or Primrose Hill, no entry fee required

Mix in a Trail for just £9.99 and you’ve got a full day of fun without overspending.

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🧭 Start Your London Adventure: Hidden Trails in Extraordinary Places

If you're looking for something that mixes discovery, fresh air, and family bonding, Treasure Trails are the perfect starting point. Whether you're exploring with curious kids, visiting with teens, or even planning an adults-only outing with a twist, there’s a Trail to match every vibe and borough.

Here are some of our top picks for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences in London:

• Bankside – Wander through Shakespearean history and along the riverside on a clue-cracking stroll full of artsy surprises and cultural secrets.

• Battersea – Discover how this riverside hub has transformed, with clues hidden near power stations, parks, and riverside paths.

• Brixton – A bold and brilliant Trail through one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, packed with music, street art, and iconic market finds.

• Canary Wharf – Explore the surprising history behind this modern financial district with a Trail that blends sleek skyscrapers and secret sculptures.

• Covent Garden – The perfect mix of theatre, mystery, and hidden alleyways. Great for families, first-timers, and lovers of London's magical West End corners.

• London Pub Trail (St James Park to Borough Market) – A 5-mile Trail packed with history, riverside views, and five cracking pubs along the way. Perfect for adults looking to explore, sip, and solve along the route.

• The Regent’s Park – A picturesque Trail through landscaped gardens, royal pastimes, and hidden statues—a slower-paced experience for families or those seeking a calmer day out.

• Spitalfields – Journey through London’s East End, where secrets hide between vintage stalls, old breweries, and modern murals.

• St Paul’s – History buffs will love unravelling clues around this iconic cathedral, the surrounding courtyards, and riverside views.

• Trafalgar Square – Go beyond the pigeons and fountains with a puzzle-packed walk through royal processions, wartime bunkers, and secret plaques.

• St Katharine Docks & Tower of London – A waterside Trail blending royal intrigue with ship-shaped surprises and a fresh look at one of London’s most famous landmarks.

👉 Explore the full London Trails collection

Whether you're hunting for dragons, dodging double agents, or just discovering a new side to your favourite neighbourhood, these Trails offer a memorable way to see London from a whole new perspective.