Things to do in London, local classes, cultural tours
This guide gathers accessible, hands on experiences across the city, helping you live like a Londoner while learning a craft or discovering quieter corners. Things to do in London are framed around artisan workshops, market discoveries, intimate performances and mindful city views, with practical notes on booking, timing and transport. Think of this as a London travel guide that pairs insider insight with clear, usable steps: how to pick an experience that suits your schedule, when to book, and how to combine neighbourhoods into a single outing. Read it to plan a day, an afternoon, or a themed weekend that feels personal, memorable and reliably easy to carry out.
1. Southbank Printmakers
Image / Mindtrip
A working print studio and small gallery on the South Bank
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What to expect
A compact, hands-on space where screen prints, etchings and reliefs are made and displayed. Expect to see presses, drying racks and prints in progress alongside finished pieces. The atmosphere is practical and focused, with artists and students working on projects rather than formal museum-style displays.
Plan your visit
Check the studio’s website before you go to see current exhibitions and any scheduled workshops. Book a workshop or guided session if you want to use the press. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little ink on, and leave time to chat with members if they are available. Bring a small tote to carry prints you buy.
2. The Brixton Distillery Co. Ltd
Image / The Buyer
Hands-on distilling in the heart of Brixton
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What to expect
Expect a compact space where production and tasting happen close together. Tours and guided tastings tend to be intimate, with a focus on botanicals and the making process. There is usually a small retail selection of bottles and merch.
Plan your visit
Book ahead if you want a guided tasting or tour, as group sizes are limited. Bring photographic gear for close-ups of stills, and ID if you plan to sample. Combine the visit with a walk around nearby markets and cafés to make a short half-day outing.
3. St Mary le Strand = Women's Royal Navy Service Church
Image / CityDays
A compact baroque landmark on the Strand with a naval connection.
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What to expect
Mostly an exterior visit: you will see baroque-style stonework, columns and carved details, plus plaques and other references to the site's naval association. The setting is a busy stretch of the Strand, so expect city noise and pedestrians. Interior access is occasional, so plan to view the building from the pavement first.
Plan your visit
Drop by as part of a walk along the Strand. Allow a short stop to study the façade and memorial plaques, and to take photos. If you want to see inside, check access in advance as the building is not always open. Combine this stop with nearby cultural sites and cafés for a fuller outing.
4. The National Gallery
Image / Web
A national treasury of European painting, steps from central London.
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What to expect
Expect a thoughtfully ordered encounter with art history, from intimate devotional panels to grand canvases, arranged to show stylistic change over centuries. Rooms vary in scale, some hushed and contemplative, others busy and bright. Helpful signage, short guided tours and audio commentary provide context, while seating areas offer space to pause. Galleries can be crowded at peak times, so pick priorities and follow the gallery map to get the most from a visit.
Plan your visit
Aim to book a timed entry in advance to reduce queuing, bring comfortable shoes and a lightweight bag, and pick up a map or audio guide on arrival. Start with a few priority rooms rather than trying to see everything, and allow time for a break in the café or a browse in the shop. Cloakroom facilities are useful for larger bags.
5. The Mad Hatter
Image / Andrea Adanić Pajić
Playful cocktails and a cosy atmosphere in south Oxford
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What to expect
A short, cocktail-focused menu that leans on classic techniques with creative twists. Seating is limited to the bar and a few small tables, which makes the place feel intimate. Service is mixology-led: staff will offer recommendations based on your tastes. The atmosphere shifts from calm early in the week to lively later on.
Plan your visit
Try to book or call ahead for weekend visits, as seating is limited. If you prefer to walk in, aim for earlier in the evening. Tell the bartender what flavours you like and ask for a house recommendation or tasting-style flight. Pair a visit with dinner nearby to make the most of the area.
6. Capstone Theatre
Image / Liverpool Underlined
Small, local theatre with a close-up view of live drama.
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What to expect
Expect a compact auditorium with close sightlines and a friendly, low-key atmosphere. Programming mixes new plays, local productions and occasional touring shows. Seating is informal; the crowd tends to be local and engaged rather than showy. Box-office staff are helpful, and the venue often runs workshops and community events alongside main performances.
Plan your visit
Check the theatre’s website or box office for the current programme and ticket availability. Book tickets in advance for weekend shows. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to collect tickets and find your seats. If you hope to photograph inside, ask staff permission first. For group visits, contact the venue ahead to confirm seating arrangements.
7. MERRYWEATHER FLOWERS at Greatie Saturday Market
Image / Birdeye for Business Reviews
Fresh seasonal stems for market mornings
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What to expect
A compact, colourful stall with stems arranged in buckets and a selection of potted houseplants. Staff are used to fast market trade, so service is efficient and practical. Choice changes with the season, so expect spring bulbs, summer garden flowers or dried stems at different times of year.
Plan your visit
Arrive with a small tote or box for plants and wrapped bouquets. Ask the stallholder for basic care tips when you buy, especially for cut flowers and young plants. If you plan to give the flowers as a gift, mention that when you buy so they can wrap them neatly.
8. The Sheldonian Theatre
Image / Sheldonian Theatre
Climb Wren's cupola for horizon-spanning views, and savour a theatre steeped in civic history.
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What to expect
Expect a compact, elegant space where clever engineering meets decorative detail: a domed rotunda, timber roof structure that avoids support columns, and painted ornamentation that invites a slow look. Attend a concert to appreciate clear acoustics, or climb to the lantern for panoramic spires and rooftops. The building often hosts formal ceremonies, so public access can vary. Facilities are limited, so plan nearby refreshment stops.
Plan your visit
Check the public programme before arrival, as concerts and ceremonies can affect access. Travel light for the ascent to the lantern, bring a layer for rooftop breezes, and combine the visit with a short walk around neighbouring colleges. Ticket staff can advise on access and photography guidance.
9. GAIL's Bakery Jericho
Image / manoftheroad
Jericho’s friendly bakery, serving fresh-baked goodness and a front-row seat to student life.
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What to expect
A lively, approachable neighbourhood bakery with polished displays and staff who keep things moving. The interior is light and practical, with tables suited to solo work or small groups, and outdoor seating that faces the street scene. Service is geared to morning trade, so short queues can form, but orders are handled quickly. Expect classic bakes and warm drinks presented consistently, a friendly atmosphere and plenty of footfall from nearby colleges.
Plan your visit
Arrive early for the fullest selection and a window seat, or take items to go for a walk around Jericho. Counter service is efficient, so allow a little time if there’s a queue. Midweek afternoons are calmer for lingering, while morning visits capture the local buzz. Bring a book or a laptop for a relaxed solo stop, or meet friends at the outdoor tables.
10. The Jericho Cafe
Image / The Jericho Cafe
Morning crowds, superb coffee and local artwork , Jericho’s cosy corner for brunch.
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What to expect
Arrive to a lively, art-lined room and a display of freshly baked goods, with staff who are mostly attentive and upbeat. Coffee receives consistent praise, including oat-milk options and matcha, while the menu aims to suit vegetarians as well as meat eaters. Mornings can be busy, so service is brisk; additional seating downstairs and street-side tables help absorb the crowd. A minority of guests report uneven interactions, so patience at peak times is advisable.
Plan your visit
Aim for an early weekday slot to avoid queues, or embrace the buzzy mid-morning atmosphere at the weekend. If the main room is full, head downstairs or ask about street-facing tables. Ideal for solo visitors with a laptop, couples or small groups. Check the cafe’s Instagram for the latest photos and any seating notes.
11. Peloton Espresso
Image / Peloton Espresso
Cyclist-themed café, cosy sofas and a sunny garden, coffee done right in Oxford.
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What to expect
Expect friendly, efficient service and a warm, informal interior decorated with cycling touches. The layout includes a comfy sofa for reading, indoor tables for working and an attractive outdoor garden for sunny days. Quality espresso and a rotating selection of baked goods appeal to a range of diets. The cafe draws a mix of post-ride cyclists, locals and people working remotely, so tables can be scarce at peak times.
Plan your visit
Arrive early for the best choice of seating, especially on weekends when the cafe fills up. Ideal for solo working sessions or relaxed catch-ups, with a sofa that invites lingering. Make use of the front and back outdoor seating in fine weather, and bring a bike lock if cycling over. Reliable wifi and attentive staff make it simple to settle in for a spell.
12. Ashmolean Museum
Image / Redwan Halim
Where centuries converse: art, archaeology and craft in one elegant gallery.
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What to expect
Expect a calm, carefully curated journey through human creativity and material culture. Galleries are organised by era and region, so it is straightforward to follow a theme or hop between periods. Marble sculptures, painted panels and archaeological finds sit alongside decorative arts and historical instruments, each label offering measured context. Benches and clear floor plans encourage lingering, and approachable staff are available for questions, making the visit both enriching and relaxed.
Plan your visit
Arrive with a loose plan: pick a couple of galleries to focus on and allow time for wandering. Pick up a floor plan on arrival, use seating to rest and sketch, and factor in a pause at the café or shop. Ask front-of-house staff for route suggestions if short on time, and keep a comfortable pace to fully appreciate the varied displays.
13. Oxford Outdoor Market
Image / Rainyday Curiosities
A lively outdoors market of global flavours and independent stalls, alive with colour and scent.
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What to expect
Expect a sensory mix of sizzling cooking, bright stall displays and friendly traders. The market blends street food from different cuisines with fruit, veg and handmade goods, so pockets and interests are well catered for. Stalls change regularly, so repeat visits reveal new flavours and curios. Weekends bring the most buzz, while midweek visits suit quieter browsing and specialist produce. Outdoor seating is limited, and queues at popular stalls are part of the experience.
Plan your visit
Plan to arrive with an open mind and flexible timing: explore the whole market before choosing where to eat, carry a reusable bag for purchases and have both card and cash available, as some traders prefer one or the other. Combine the visit with nearby attractions for a full-day outing, and allow extra time at weekends when the market is busiest.
14. Little Venice Pizzeria
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Crisp crusts, generous toppings, honest value, a Park Town favourite.
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What to expect
Expect straightforward, well-made pizzas built on thin, crisp bases and bold flavours, served in a relaxed, no-frills setting. Service is efficient, making takeaway simple and dine-in pleasantly informal. Consistency is a highlight, with many guests noting dependable quality and swift collection times. Ideal for families, students and anyone after honest food without fuss.
Plan your visit
Pop in after exploring north Oxford, or phone ahead for a quick takeaway. The atmosphere suits casual groups and solo diners alike, and seating is informal, making it easy to drop in between plans. Travel light, leave room for dessert elsewhere, and expect a fuss-free meal that puts quality above pretence.
15. Yorkshire Museum
Image / offworldrelocation
Step into York's past: fossils, medieval finds and tranquil garden ruins to explore.
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What to expect
Galleries are organised chronologically, with clear labels and study-worthy cabinets that reward a slow read. Expect prehistoric fossils and geology displays, Roman material including mosaic fragments, and medieval stone carving and sculpture. Hands-on stations and child-focused activities keep younger visitors engaged, while archival pieces appeal to close observers. The building itself has notable architectural detail, staff provide helpful orientation, and outdoor ruins and gardens create peaceful spots to pause between exhibits.
Plan your visit
Aim for a morning visit to avoid the busiest periods, collect a gallery map on arrival and tackle the larger displays first while attention is fresh. Leave time to stroll the adjacent gardens and explore the nearby ruins. Facilities and routes accommodate pushchairs and many mobility needs, and front-of-house staff can suggest quieter paths and key highlights.