3x Best Things To Do in London that Don't Involve Drinking

London offers countless ways to enjoy the city beyond the usual pub crawl or bar scene. Explore your creative side, discover hidden gems or simply enjoy a calm day out, through activities that don’t involve alcohol - the possibilities are endless. Here are three of the best experiences in London that focus on art, culture and hands-on fun, with options perfect whether you live here or not and want to enjoy the city in a fresh, engaging way.

1. Get Creative at Art Play

Think Freeflow Painting, Pottery, Mosiac Classes and Jewellery Making

Art Play is a creative hub in London where you can try your hand at various forms of creativity without any prior experience. It’s a welcoming space for beginners and experienced artists alike, with highlights including Freeflow painting sessions, where you can experiment with colours and shapes freely on large canvases. It encourages relaxation and self-expression, making it a refreshing break from the usual city rush.

If you prefer working with your hands, pottery classes at Art Play offer a tactile experience. You can learn to shape clay with your hands to create self-made ceramics. The instructors guide you through every step, leaving you with a unique piece you made yourself to take home.

For those interested in something more intricate, silver jewellery making workshops are available, with sessions that teach you how to design and craft your own rings and pendants using silver. It’s a rewarding way to create a personal keepsake or gift for a special someone that will last a lifetime.

Art Play’s creative sessions are perfect for solo visitors, couples and groups looking for a memorable and alcohol-free activity. There is a cafe on site where you can order coffee and hot chocolate, or whatever you fancy. Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends as it gets busy.

2. Take a Walk Within the Hidden Gardens and Green Spaces of London

London is famous for its parks, but many visitors miss out on the smaller, lesser-known gardens that offer peaceful escapes in the city. These spots are ideal for a quiet walk, reading a book, or simply soaking in nature without the crowds.

One lovely spot is Postman’s Park, just behind St Paul’s Cathedral - it’s small and easy to miss, but that’s part of the charm. It’s quiet, peaceful, and a really nice place to slow down for a moment, and tucked inside is the Watts Memorial, which remembers everyday people who lost their lives helping others.

Another favourite is the Phoenix Garden in Covent Garden which is run by the local community and feels like a little green escape from the busy streets around it. There are flowers, herbs, birds flitting about, and it feels like the kind of place where you can sit for a bit and breathe after wandering through the markets nearby.

If you feel like stretching your legs, the Regent’s Canal Towpath is a great option. Starting around Little Venice with the cute canals and greenery, and heading towards Camden, the walk takes you past colourful houseboats, cosy cafés and bits of street art. It’s relaxed, scenic and shows off a different, more laid-back side of London which we personally love.

3. Immerse Yourself in History and Interactive Exhibits at the Museum of London Docklands for

The Museum of London Docklands is a fascinating place that tells the story of London’s river, port and trading history, located in a converted warehouse on the Isle of Dogs (a unique setting for exploring the city’s past).

The museum features interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages where you can learn about the growth of London’s docks, the lives of dock workers and the impact of trade on the city’s development. The displays include maps, photographs, and objects that bring history to life.

One standout exhibit is the Mudlarks Gallery, with items recovered from the River Thames, such as old coins, pottery and tools. This section allows visitors to touch replicas and imagine the stories behind these finds so you get the full hands-on experience.

The best part is, admission to the Museum of London Docklands is free, making it an accessible option for a cultural day out. It’s less crowded than some of the bigger London museums, so you can explore at your own pace and not feel overwhelmed.

London has a funny way of surprising you when you step off the usual path - it’s easy to fall into the habit of defaulting to drinks, boozy bars or packed brunch spots, especially when that’s often what the city is known for. But days like these are a reminder that London is just as good (if not better) when you slow things down a bit and do something that actually sticks with you. Whether that’s getting paint under your nails at Art Play, wandering through a quiet garden you didn’t even know existed, or learning something new about the city’s history by the river, these kinds of experiences feel a lot more grounding than another round at the pub.

What we love most about these activities is how flexible they are. You can do them solo on a day where you just need some headspace, turn them into a relaxed date idea, or plan them around friends who don’t drink (or just fancy doing something different). There’s no pressure to rush, no awkward small talk over loud music ... just space to enjoy the city in your own way. And honestly, there’s something really satisfying about ending the day having made something, discovered a new corner of London, or learned a story you’d never heard before.

It’s also a good reminder that you don’t need to leave London - or spend a fortune - to feel like you’ve had a proper day out. Some of the best moments come from places hiding in plain sight, like a peaceful park behind St Paul’s or a free museum tucked away by the docks. London can feel overwhelming at times, but when you approach it with curiosity rather than a packed itinerary, it suddenly feels a lot more personal and manageable.

So next time you’re planning a day out and instinctively think “drinks?”, pause and try something a little different instead. Pick up a paintbrush, walk along the canal, or step into a museum you’ve never quite got around to visiting. You might surprise yourself - and at the very least, you’ll go home with a good story, a clear head, and maybe even a handmade mug or silver ring to show for it. And if nothing else, it’s proof that London has plenty to offer beyond the bar scene - you just have to be willing to look for it