3 Quirky Experiences in London

As one of the greatest cities in the world, there’s no end to the amazing and fascinating sights and experiences London has to offer. In fact, whether it’s a first visit or they’ve been here dozens of times, most visitors never lose the excitement they feel after checking into their London hotel and contemplating the new adventures that await them.

If you’re looking for the unusual attractions of the city around your London hotel, below we present a few experiences and sights a little out of the ordinary. They say the best souvenir one can take home is an exciting story, and these attractions are definitely something to talk about!

Learn to Fly Through the Air With the Greatest of Ease

If trapeze artists have always fascinated you, here’s your chance to be one - or at least try it out. Instructors from the Gorilla Circus hold classes in various locations, including Kensington Gardens, on how to zip through the air and perform various aerial tricks. You can book online for their drop in classes, or sign up for their longer classes in advance (they have 3- and 4-week courses). If you decide you're not quite ready to test your ability to defy gravity, you can just watch and enjoy the beauty of the park with its various monuments and memorials, or take a tour of Kensington Palace before heading back to your London hotel.

Go On a Fake Tour

If you want to see more of the city but just aren’t in the mood for stuffy tours full of facts and dates, check out Bullshit Tours, which bills itself as a company that holds 'factually inaccurate walking tours.' During this two-hour tour, the tour-guide duo (comedians in real life) make jokes, tell tall tales, and spout fallacies regarding various landmarks in the city, including the Thames and Trafalgar Square. At the end of the tour, you won’t know whether you got tired from all the walking or from all the laughing.

Attend Europe’s Largest Street Party

Held annually since 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival is not just any street party; it’s the biggest street festival in Europe. For two days at the end of August, floats, dancers in costumes, and steel bands fill the streets in celebration of the diverse cultures represented in London - particularly the Caribbean communities. Music throughout the Carnival is varied and non-stop, showcasing the talents of artists across multiple genres, from Reggae to dub and salsa.

Other events include a Grand Parade, a family-friendly Children’s Day celebration, and numerous concerts and performances. Be sure to book your London hotel room early, as this is one of the city’s most popular events, attracting thousands of Londoners and visitors alike. Additional tip: Certain roads will be closed for the parade so make sure your chosen London hotel is walking distance from the celebrations. Don’t worry about the noise, as the bands are cleared from the streets by 8:30 pm, so you’ll get plenty of rest for your next adventure. Matthew Zelinski works for the London Regency Hotel, a top London hotel in Kensington. This wonderful hotel embodies the true flavour of Kensington, with its traditional regency-style façade and superb facilities. Whether you're looking for accommodation in London for business or leisure, the Regency offers an effortlessly elegant experience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.