As a city that’s home to nine million people, there are plenty of sights to see and famous locations to visit in the UK capital. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and its beefeaters are all items that feature heavily on London’s bucket list, but what about activities that go beyond mere selfie opportunities and box ticking?

Unsurprisingly, this sprawling and vibrant metropolis has far more to offer than what you might find in a tourist guidebook. For those looking to indulge in fun activities in London that are a little off the beaten track, here are five ideas to give you some inspiration for the next time you have a free day in Britain’s biggest city.

 

Exotic eating at Archipelago

You can’t beat an age-old classic: a meal at one of London’s many acclaimed eateries. You can, however, elaborate upon an established theme by taking it to exotic surroundings and including adventurous gastronomy.

Archipelago in Fitzrovia (metro stop Goodge Street) is the perfect place to try out some new cuisine that might never normally cross your lips. At a table nestled between the bright colours of a peacock’s plumage and the glitzy statues of Buddhas, you can sink your teeth into crocodile or kangaroo, bison or zebra. How’s that for pushing the boat out?

 

Lights out at Dans le Noir?

Another novel twist on the dinner theme is to follow your nose to Dans le Noir?. This highly-rated restaurant gives the opportunity to experience a feast quite like no other, as you partake of a succulent meal in complete darkness.

The menu comes in a mystery format – you simply choose whether you’d like meat, fish or a veggie option, but not the dish itself – and the blind waiters who serve you will add extra spice to the proceedings. With all mobile phones and other technological distractions checked at the door, it’s a great way to try something new without forming preconceptions beforehand.

 

Strike it lucky at the gaming tables

There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush that comes with a big money win, so why not try your luck at one of London’s many casinos? With Lady Luck on your side, you’re sure to see the city in a different light altogether.

Alternatively, if you’d rather stay at home and get cosy on the couch, you needn’t miss out on the thrill of laying on a bet or two. Thankfully, those generous boffins over at 777 Casino are offering attractive sign-up bonuses, so you can strike it lucky without breaking the bank. Blackjack, baccarat and roulette tables are all available to play right now – all from the comfort of your own home.

 

Get lost in Crystal Palace maze

The Great British summer might be all too fleeting, but when a sunny day does arrive in London, there’s no place better to take advantage of it than one of the city’s many green spaces.

The Crystal Palace maze is one such haven, offering up an opportunity to lose yourself in the heart of the city. Bring along a friend and have fun playing hide-and-side among the labyrinthine shrubbery, or simply enjoy the novelty of having no one else around to disrupt your peace in one of the largest cities in the world.

 

Scare yourself senseless with a ghost tour

Scary movies are a popular cinematic choice for people all over the globe, so why not take its real-life equivalent? There are a plethora of companies offering educational and electrifying ghost tours around the city, clueing you up on its dark past and raising the hairs on the back of your neck in the process.

A free ghost tour in London will provide you with plenty of opportunities to set your pulse racing while learning some interesting (if eerie) facts about the city’s history. After the tour is done, you can also migrate to one of the capital’s many cocktails bars to shake off the chills and enjoy some spirits of a different kind, as well.