7 Unusual Things to do in London

London is an exciting city and it's not hard to find a plethora of great things to do at any time of day or season. 

Having lived in London, I have checked off many of the major touristy attractions from my bucket list and still there are so many more tempting and fun things to occupy and entertain me for days. 

Here's my list of some of the more quirky and different kinds of things on offer in the Big Smoke. 

1. An Opera in King’s Head Theatre

Located in a back room of the King's Head Pub is the King's Head Theatre. With a rotating list of productions in a variety of genres, it is possible to see an opera in a pub. I saw a rendition of Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, set in an American high school and it was super brilliant! Check out the theatre's listings and you too can see an opera in a pub.

2. Goat Race at Spitalfields City Farm

Easter weekend is not only an important holiday in the Christian calendar, it is also the weekend where the rowing clubs of Cambridge and Oxford Universities go head to head on the River Thames in a race that's been taking place annually since 1859. Now you could go watch that on the river side with the throngs of other people OR you can pre-book your tickets and head down to Spitalfields City Farm for the Goat Race taking place at the same time! If you like puns and farm animals, this is really where you should be on this particular weekend.

3. God’s Own Junkyard at Walthamstow Central

I knew what to expect when I headed to 'God's Own Junkyard' thanks to the many Instagrams out there already, but despite that I was blown away by this warehouse in Walthamstow Central. The warm glow of the numerous neon lights was like nothing I'd experienced before and I would highly recommend checking it out for yourself. Not enough of an incentive to head into E17, there's a licensed cafe inside and a brewery next door.

4. Secret Cinema 

A super immersive experience of your favourite films. Imagine this. A whole 1950's Hill Valley has been built, everyone is in costume and there are scenes from Back to the Future taking place all around you. Each year, the organization picks a different iconic movie and go whole hog. Tickets can be a bit pricey, but really it's totally worth it. Shhhhh! Remember, it's a secret.

5. Cave Drinking in Gordon’s Wine Bar

London has some amazing pubs and restaurants. Some boast a successfully done theme like Cahoots, others have an interesting history or unique atmos. Gordon's Wine Bar is believed to be London's oldest wine bar, established in 1890. It's rickety tables dot the cavernous room and you have to duck down to avoid hitting into the stone walled cellar. There's a massive selection of excellent wine and perfect, little, intimate corners to enjoy it in.

6. Camden Beach

London is not really known for it's beaches, particularly in Camden. But last summer Camden Beach was the hottest ticket around. North Londoners, Camdenites, and regular punters could be found here with their toes in the white sands, lounging on deck chairs, schmoozing in rented beach huts and enjoying a summery cocktail and bbq'd foods. It's an urban beach that pops up each summer and I hope it never goes away.

7. Niche Museums

I'm a self confessed museum junkie. London is just the place for a person like me. Once I had seen all the national museums (more than once) I set my sights on seeking out more niche museums. I'm a huge fan of the Transport Museum and the Geffrye Museum. The Fan Museum is on my bucket list for my next visit. A day spent in a museum is a great day in my books.

Did I miss your favourite quirky thing to do in London? Tell me in the comments below.

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The Chap Olympiad

On a surprising sunny Saturday morning I dress in my best retro dress, swiped on red lipstick, and pinned up my hair. I felt as ready as I could be for an afternoon of...I didn't quite know what yet, but the Chap Olympiad sounded interesting and curiosity got the better of me. When I arrived at Bedford Square, a private garden behind the British Museum, and saw the line up of well dressed chaps and chapettes, I knew what ever this was, I was in love!

I met up with my gorgeous 'doing things' friend, Steph and we entered the park for an afternoon of cocktails, games and fashion.

We grabbed a jug of PIMM's, as you do, and found a table to sit and survey. We were immediately approached by Viv the Spiv, a fast talking, quick witted, salesman with all the desirable wares.

With a fresh drink in hand we did a few turns of the park and admired all of the fashionable outfits and selected our favourites. 

To start things off, the MC called all the games participants up on stage for the lighting of the Olympiad Pipe. And with those first fine puffs the games began.

Things started off with Tea Pursuit, followed by Bakewell Battles and a lively game of Beach Volleybowler. I enjoyed the next game of Well Dressage and then Umbrella Jousting. We missed The Ambassador's Ball and Limp Handshake as we were replenishing our drinks. The first and only injury of the day (kind of surprisingly) was during the tug of Hair. Bounder Hunt followed this with Briefcase Phalanx and the favourite of the day Not Playing Tennis. These wonderful games have absolutely no sport merit but rather are executed with elegance and panache.

TEA PURSUIT

BAKEWELL BATTLES

BAKEWELL BATTLES

BEACH VOLLEYBOWLER

WELL DRESSAGE

UMBRELLA JOUSTING

UMBRELLA JOUSTING

TUG OF HAIR

TUG OF HAIR

BRIEFCASE PHALANX

NOT PLAYING TENNIS

During the break for Tiffins (that's tea to you and me) there was of course a Victorian Strongman on hand to entertain and amaze the crowds with his genteel strength. Meet the Mighty Mustache, Sir Leopold Aleksander.

Sir Leopold was very obliging when these girls yelled, "Take it off". He preformed the remainder of his lecture shirtless.

He bent this into a love heart

At the end of the day, we had to get some photographs with our most liked costumed individuals. The MC (left) was my favourite for his sheer wit. Some of my adored quotes of the day were: "Only here would the words syphilis and marvelous be breathed in the same sentence.", "Nothing I like more than seeing a fully grown man giddily flailing around theatrically after a cake.", "Disqualified for the American youthful display of celebration: the high five.", "There is a fine line between not playing tennis and trying to not play tennis."

At the end of our surprising sunny day the clouds rolled in and the rain started. It didn't stop people from dancing, but it was our cue to leave and take shelter in a frequented Thai restaurant near by. As you do.

Fun travels!