6 Non Touristy Things to do in London

Planning a trip to London? There’s no dearth of places to explore and things to discover, but if you’re looking to get the true taste of the city and not just hit the popular tourist spots, here’s a bit of help your way. Read on to discover the 6 most popular non touristy things to do in London.

Non Touristy Things To Do in London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city with history stretching back to Roman times. Everyone knows about some of the most popular things to do in London like check out Buckingham Palace or visit Big Ben. If you’ve done all that and want to experience the city like a local then check out these non-touristy ways to discover London.

Rooftop deck at One New Change

Forget those reservations and pricey tickets to enjoy the London skyline- you can actually do it
for free- perfect if you’re traveling on a budget. Get yourself to the rooftop deck at One New
Change which is located directly opposite to St Paul’s Cathedral where you can relish stellar
views of London city- including the London Eye.

East London Street Art

London has a lot to offer to art enthusiasts, but that’s not just limited to the museums. Hit the
streets of East London to discover some of the most impressive street art you’ll ever find-
everything from brightly colored murals to gloomy portraits.

Gods Own Junkyard

Looking to lend your Instagram feed a little pop of color? God’s Own Junkyard is one of the best
places to get to- it is one of the largest collection of neon signs in the world. Yes, you read that
right. Plus, there’s a cute little cafe in the back serving some delicious coffees and cakes.

Grab a Bite at Leadenhall Market

Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or fascinated by architecture, you’ll love this one! With
cobblestone alleys and a Victorian vibe, Leadenhall Market is one of the most beautiful places
you could enjoy a meal at. This business area is usually bustling with energy, and has a good
number of food options for you to pick from and enjoy.

Visit the Lavender Fields at Mayfield

Just 15 miles from Central London, the lavender fields at Mayfield are another top choice worth
visiting. Just pay £1 for entry, and you’ll be allowed to wander through the lavender fields and
discover more about them up close, and even shop for lavender products (think soaps, essential
oils and even syrup) at the farm shop there. Plus, there’s a small cafe there where you’ll be able to grab a cup of coffee, or sit down and enjoy some hot tea, cakes and other food items infused with- yes, that’s right- lavender.

Stroll Through Richmond Park

Just a short journey from the city center, Richmond Park is another fun place to get to, and enjoy
your time in London. You can take a short stroll, bike or even go horseback riding if you’re up for it. And if you’re an early riser, get there, because if you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to spot
deer within the trees and the fog making for a magical photo opportunity.

Tips for Visiting London

Do I need to tip in London?

It is customary to leave 10-15% of the bill when eating out. However, restaurants often add on a service charge (usually 12.5%), especially if you’re in a large group, so it’s worth checking your bill if you don’t want to tip twice.

What is the difference between the London Pass and the London Explorer Pass?

The main differences between the London Pass and the London Explorer Pass are: The London Pass has over 80 attractions available, the London Explorer Pass around 20. The London Pass gives you entry to as many attractions as you can visit in a choice of 1, 2, 3, 6 or 10 days.

How does the Oyster Pass work in London?

Oyster cards are electronic smartcards that are used to pay for public transport in London. Visitor Oyster cards, Oyster cards and contactless payment cards are the cheapest way to travel in London. To use an Oyster card, touch the card on the yellow reader at the gates as you enter and end your journey.

Can you enter Buckingham Palace?

Book your visit to Buckingham Palace for a glimpse inside one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today. During the summer, you can tour the 19 spectacular State Rooms. Outside of the summer opening, you can still see the iconic exterior of the palace and watch the famous Changing the Guard

Can you go inside Big Ben?

All visitors allowed on Elizabeth Tower/Big Ben tours must be UK residents. There are no exceptions to this. Visitors must be over 11 years old. Visitors must be able to climb all 334 steps unaided without assistance