Springtime in London is when the city truly comes alive. As the flowers bloom and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to explore something a little different. Whether you're looking for hidden gems, immersive experiences, or quirky adventures, here are ten unique things to do in London this spring.

1. Explore Eel Pie Island – London’s Hidden Music Haven

Eel Pie Island is one of London’s most mysterious spots. Tucked away on the Thames near Twickenham, this small private island is only open to the public a couple of times a year, usually in the spring and summer. It was once a hub for rock ‘n’ roll, hosting legendary bands like The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd in the 1960s. Today, it’s home to a community of artists and creatives, who open their studios during special open days. Walking through the island feels like stepping into another world, filled with sculptures, quirky art, and a bohemian atmosphere.

2. Go on a Hunt for the Seven Noses of Soho

If you love urban mysteries, then tracking down the Seven Noses of Soho is a must. Scattered across various buildings in the area, these sculpted noses were created in the 1990s by artist Rick Buckley as a response to the increasing number of CCTV cameras. Legend has it that if you find all seven, you’ll gain infinite wealth—though no one has yet confirmed this! It’s a fun and unusual way to explore Soho, discovering hidden alleyways and quirky corners of the city.

3. Visit Chelsea Physic Garden During Its Spring Bloom

Founded in 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden is one of London’s oldest hidden treasures. Unlike the more famous Kew Gardens, this botanical wonder is smaller, quieter, and filled with unique plants, including medicinal herbs and exotic species. Spring is the best time to visit, as the gardens burst into life with colorful flowers and rare plants. They also host special spring events like botanical workshops, tea tastings, and guided garden walks.

4. Experience a Secret Jazz Club

London’s jazz scene is thriving, and the best way to experience it is at one of the city’s hidden jazz clubs. Unlike the big venues, these secret spots offer a more intimate experience, often in candlelit basements or behind unmarked doors. Locations change regularly, and tickets sell fast, but the magic of these nights is in their unpredictability. You might find yourself in a speakeasy-style bar, a converted warehouse, or even an old library, listening to some of the best jazz musicians in the city.

5. Visit the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities

For those who love the weird and wonderful, the Viktor Wynd Museum in Hackney is a must-visit. This small but packed museum is filled with the bizarre and unexpected, from shrunken heads to old taxidermy, occult artifacts, and strange celebrity memorabilia. It’s a place where the creepy meets the fascinating, making it one of London’s most unusual museum experiences.

6. Try Laughter Yoga in the Park

If you’re looking for something completely different this spring, why not join a laughter yoga session? These quirky outdoor events take place in parks like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, and involve a mix of playful exercises, deep breathing, and voluntary laughter. The idea is that fake laughter soon turns real, boosting your mood, reducing stress, and leaving you feeling energized. Whether you go with friends or alone, it’s an experience that guarantees smiles.

7. Explore the Nomadic Community Gardens

Hidden in the heart of Shoreditch, the Nomadic Community Gardens is a colorful, ever-changing urban space that’s part garden, part art installation, and part social hub. It’s a space created entirely by the community, featuring makeshift wooden structures, graffiti-covered walls, vegetable patches, and quirky sculptures. On weekends, you’ll often find live music, yoga sessions, or street food vendors serving everything from vegan wraps to homemade cakes.

8. Dine in the Dark at Dans Le Noir

If you’re looking for a dining experience like no other, Dans Le Noir in Clerkenwell offers a meal in complete darkness. Without the sense of sight, your other senses are heightened, making the flavors and textures of the food stand out even more. You won’t know exactly what you’re eating until after the meal, which adds an element of surprise. The entire experience is led by blind or visually impaired waiters, offering a rare and eye-opening perspective on dining.

9. Attend a Secret Cinema Event

Secret Cinema is a fully immersive movie experience where you don’t just watch a film—you become part of it. Before the event, you’ll receive cryptic instructions, a dress code, and details about a secret London location. When you arrive, you step into a fully built world inspired by the film, with actors, interactive sets, and themed drinks. Past events have recreated worlds from Blade Runner, Stranger Things, and Casino Royale, making it one of the most unique cinematic experiences in the city.

10. Walk the Epping Forest Tree Trail

For those who love nature, spring is the perfect time to explore Epping Forest, one of London’s most ancient woodlands. Just a short train ride from the city, this vast green space is home to some of the oldest trees in the UK, some dating back over 1,000 years. The Epping Forest Tree Trail is a scenic walk that takes you through hidden groves, open meadows, and ancient oaks. It’s a great way to escape the busy city and get lost in nature for a few hours.

Final Thoughts

London is filled with unique experiences, and spring is the perfect time to explore them. Whether you’re tracking down hidden sculptures, stepping into an immersive movie world, or discovering secret gardens, there’s always something new and exciting to do in the city.

Which of these unique London experiences will you try first?