10 Non Touristy Things To Do In England
England is full of things to do and explore. The cold country offers exciting sights and landmarks to see. And despite what you may have heard, the food these days is actually decent. So, of course, it’s no wonder the destination is popular with tourists. The country offers unique things to do and is full of tourist hotspots. However, if you’ve traveled to England before, or simply aren’t the typical tourist, you might want to skip the popular tourist destinations there.
Touristy destinations like the London Eye and Stonehenge are certainly interesting but they also can be packed with tourists. You may find for example, that the London Eye is less than appealing when you have to wait hours and hours in the heat to get on the Ferris wheel. Or you may not even get a view of the Buckingham Palace if there are hoards of crowds. If these are on your list, you shouldn’t necessarily skip them but you might want to consider adding a couple new things to do that are off the beaten path.
Traveling to less popular destinations may seem less appealing but a lot of these non-touristy areas are actually just as good if not better than the traditional tourist locations. You might find that you prefer the smaller cities in England to the highly populated London. Or, you might like exploring the less known places in London. There really is so much to do in England, so it’s worth exploring every part. Here are the 10 non-touristy things to do in England.
1. Visit British Library’s Treasures Gallery
If you’re not to keen on visiting the British museum, consider going to the British Library’s Treasures Gallery. The place is full of historical artifacts, mostly literature obviously since it’s a library. However, don’t be fooled. This place doesn’t offer yawn-worthy stuff. Most of the collection is full of interesting things like Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebooks and the Magna Carta. In addition to books and written documents, there’s maps, stamps, and photographs. If you’re a history nerd, this is definitely worth checking out.
2. Visit Puzzlewood
Inside the Forest of Dean, you’ll find Puzzlewood. The beautiful and lush forest is full of greenery and seems almost magical. It’s no wonder then that the location is said to have inspired Tolkien to create Lord of the Rings. The forest certainly feels like Middle Earth, with its vibrant colors and cozy feeling. The forest has also served as a filming location for shows such as Merlin. You’ll definitely see why the area has been a favorite of writers and directors as the place is beautiful. In addition to simply exploring the forest, you can visit the cafe or gift shop there.
3. Go To Ballie Ballerson
If you’re looking for something truly unusual to do in England, consider visiting Ballie Ballerson in London. The place is not only a bar but a giant ball pit. There are thousands of colorful balls in the pit that make the place super Insta worthy. Additionally, there are a plethora of food and drink options to try here. As you might expect, the bar offers no ordinary drinks and instead opts for some unique cocktails. You can order crazy drinks like “Skittle Sour” which contains skittles and gin or “Hit Me Baby One More Time” which is a bubblegum margarita.
4. Emirates Air Line
If you’re looking to get a great view of London, then you should go visit the Emirates Air Line. You’ll take a cable car up which helps you see the city high up. You’ll see famous attractions like the O2 and the SS Robin. The ride offers a peaceful and interesting look at the city. If you’re there late, you can also take night rides. The night ride is longer and offers audio entertainment on the ride. Definitely a great way to see the city!
5. God’s Own Junk Yard
If you’re into art, you might want to visit God’s Own Junk Yard. The unique place offers a look at some seriously cool neon art by Chris Bracey. You’ll find tons of unique designs, some of which were designed for movies. The place is brightly lit thanks to all the signs and is certainly interesting.
6. The New Forest
The New Forest is a national park that provides plenty for an outdoor enthusiast to do. You can visit the forests or go on a cycling trail. The peaceful area is quiet and much less crowded than the cities. Go here to escape the large crowds in London for a bit.
7. Climb the O2
You can now climb the O2 arena with this adventurous experience offered in London. With a climbing guide there, you can safely climb up to the top of the arena. The views offered are unparalleled. You can see landmarks up to 15 miles away. And if you’re worried you need to be crazy fit to climb, don’t be. The climb is relatively easy, so even kids can do it. Definitely a good choice for anyone who wants to see the city in a unique way!
8. Visit The White Cliffs Of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are certainly worth a visit, as they provide amazing views. You can see a lighthouse and other sights here and the place is absolutely memorable. There are numerous walks across the coastline, and regardless of which one you choose, you will most likely enjoy the experience at the place.
9. Check Out A Pub
You’ll definitely want to go to a pub well you’re in England. There are so many neat and hidden pubs in the country. If you’re in London, consider checking out pubs like Mr. Fogg’s Tavern or The Wigmore.
10. Go See A London Broadway Show
If you’re in London, you should consider going to see a London Broadway show. The place might not seem like the best place to see a show, but there are actually plenty of great shows here. Famous musicals like Hamilton and Wicked are offered here. So it’s definitely a good choice for theater nerds!
