6 Things to Do in London Off the Beaten Path

It’s no secret that London offers visitors an endless amount of amazing things to do and see. From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, the UK capital has no shortage of ways to fill a traveler’s days. As British Airways writes on their site, London is home to well-known landmarks, designer shopping, and a vibrant arts and theatre community, making it a top destination for those both near and far. With so many tourists visiting each year (approximately 16.8 million, in fact), the usual sights are predictably swamped. Whether you’ve vacationed in London before or simply prefer to explore off the beaten path, taking a less traveled route around town will lead to a unique, and unforgettable, experience.

Tour the Tropical Gardens in Barbican

In the heart of London is the Barbican, the largest multi-arts and conference venue in Europe. Built in the 1960s, this concrete mammoth is home to the London Symphony Orchestra, a library, several restaurants, and oddly enough, a tropical oasis—the second largest conservatory in the city. Tucked away in the middle of the bustling hub that is the Barbican you’ll find enough plants, trees, birds, and exotic fish to get lost in. Though not always open to the public, the tropical gardens are worth waiting for a day when they are.

Catch the Canalway Cavalcade

If you find yourself in London in the early days of May, make sure to check out the annual IWA Canalway Cavalcade in Little Venice. Since 1983, boaters and boating enthusiasts have gathered to celebrate their love of the trade. In addition to the expected boating activities (such as an illuminated procession of boats), the festivities often include Morris dancing, a slew of food stalls, real-ale bars, and a variety of small shops for every interest.

Grab a Bite at the Greenwich Market

Avoid the tourists and shop where the locals do—at the Greenwich Market. Situated within a World Heritage Site, Greenwich Market is the only one of its kind in London. Peruse the independent and boutique shops for hidden gems until your heart’s content, but the real treasure to be found here is the food. Check out the array of delis and bakeries, pubs and bars, and market food from around the globe. The Greenwich Market is a foodie’s paradise, as everything from spicy Jamaican curry to sweet churros is right at your fingertips.

Pay Your Respects at the Skateboard Graveyard

On the southern support pier of Hungerford Bridge, you’ll find a pile of broken skateboards. Since 2009, dozens of discarded decks have been laid to rest in this spot, which is close to the famous skate park underneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Fittingly dubbed the Skateboard Graveyard, dozens of once-cherished boards have made their way here, whether through one too many a failed stunt or sheer bad luck. Like with any graveyard, this one has its own memorials as well, posted on a website where those grieving can commemorate the lives and deaths of their skateboards.

Get Properly Sloshed

When in London, a pint is never too far out of reach. With hundreds of watering holes, visiting them all can be a bit of an overwhelming mission to accomplish in one’s lifetime, let alone in a short stay. A better bet is to sample the best of London’s brews with a pub crawl. Alternative London offers one such tour around the city’s East End, where you can learn about beer through the ages before imbibing. Once you have your pint(s) in hand, check out Brick Lane’s flourishing art scene and then head out for another round.

See all of London…from the Ground

The perfect trip wouldn’t be complete without the perfect view. Sure, you could see London from the Eye or by riding the elevator to the top of one of the city’s many skyscrapers, but why not take it in from a different perspective? New London Architecture’s1:2000 scale model of London is on permanent display in their offices near Goodge Street and can be viewed there by visitors—for free! At 12.5 meters long, the model covers more than 85 square kilometers of London, including 19 boroughs and approximately 170,000 buildings, as well as the Thames and its corresponding 21 bridges. It extends from King’s Cross in the north to Peckham in the south, and the Royal Docks in the east to Old Oak Common in the west. A pretty impressive lasting impression of London, if you ask us.

Photo Credits

Thanks to these photographers for making their photos available via Flickr: Garry Knight (Canalway Cavalcade) and Zenior (traditional pub) via Wikipedia.