Things to do in London for your Birthday

Our guide to celebrating your birthday in the capital!

By Dom Bewley
things to do in london for birthday

Do you remember the day you were born? Probably not, and that's for the best. Gruesome. However, you probably do know when you were born. And, chances are you even celebrate that day every year in the form of a birthday. We humans are strange creatures, celebrating a day when we did absolutely nothing. Really, our birthday celebrations should be enjoyed by our mothers, who put all the work into that fateful day. But who cares about mothers? Let's celebrate birthdays like they're our achievements! Are you spending your birthday in London and wondering what fun things to do? Well, wonder no more. Leave your mother at home and try out one of these things to do in London for your birthday!

Including:

  • Boozy beer tour
  • Escape rooms
  • Embarrassing karaoke
  • Rooftop drinks
  • Swing for the nine's
  • and more!

Brewery tour with a tipple

Things to do in London for your Birthday

If you have a penchant for the amber nectar, why not kick your birthday off with a trip to where it all began. In a manner of speaking. Fuller's is one of Britain's best-known ale makers, with their brews a mainstay of pubs across the country. So, why not take a tour of Griffin Brewery, Fuller's official home? You'll get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, learn about the brewery's 350-year history, and learn about the different ales they create and what inspires each new flavour. And, perhaps best of all, you'll join a tasting session at the end so that you can celebrate in style.

Escape Rooms

Things to do in London for your Birthday

In celebration of your big day, why not get your heart pumping and your mind racing? We're talking escape rooms, those cunning challenges that pit you and your friends against the clock, and some fiendish puzzles. Lucky for you, London is full of the crafty activities! If you're a winter baby and the weather is looking a little glum, try an indoor escape room like AIM Escape in East? This atmospheric escapade will have you watching video messages, solving riddles, and escaping a themed room of your choosing before the time runs out and you're trapped forever. Or, at least until they unlock the doors and you exit, tail firmly between your legs.

Want to combine your escape experience with a little tipple? Check out The Grid near Blackfriars Bridge. This clandestine challenge pits you and your friends against Neosight, an evil company that's keeping a nefarious AI under wraps. Go undercover as new employees, mix your own cocktails, and beat the evil AI at its own game. Then, take a breather in the underground bunker, where you'll have another cocktail too. Or, if the sun is shining, why not try something more outdoorsy like Urban Missions? This thriller takes place entirely through WhatsApp, as you and your team must solve clues throughout London and stop an unknown threat to the city.

Karaoke

Things to do in London for your Birthday

Need to flex your vocal cords to ring in the birthday celebrations? Why not try your hand at some karaoke, and show your friends how truly awful you are at singing? Thankfully, there are plenty of places to go and embarrass yourself in London! You'll find a number of Lucky Voice venues dotted about the capital, where you can book a private room for you and your friends, pick your tunes, eat some pizza, and drape yourself in accessories as you sing the night away. Or, head to the bar and mix it up with some more public karaoke in front of the inebriated patrons. Or, if you want something more off the beaten path, try Brazen Monkey Karaoke in Central. Twice nominated for Bar of the Year at the London Lifestyle Awards, this funky joint has private booths, 60,000 songs to choose from, and Spanish tapas to tuck into if you're feeling peckish.

Rooftop Bars

Things to do in London for your Birthday

Feel like soaking up some rays and sipping on some drinks to make your birthday feel extra special? Why not hit one of London's many rooftop bars? Want to add a little action to your rooftop experience? Check out Skylight. They have a load of drinks options and tables to sit and lounge, plus there are croquet and bouls fields available if you want to throw or put a ball or two. Or, if you're looking for a more party-first vibe, head over to Brixton Beach. This beach-themed rooftop bar has blasted tunes with makeshift dancefloors, pop-up bars and restaurants, and plenty of space to sit, stand, and party. Combine all of that with the bed of sand beneath your feet, and you'll quickly forget you're in the city. That is, until you have to go home.

A round of mini-golf

Things to do in London for your Birthday

Fancy working on your swing this birthday? Why not head to the green and put up a storm in the comfort of the inside. Again, as with many of these picks, there are a lot of places you can go and swing that club in London. Swingers mixes a roaring '20s aesthetic with nine holes of delightful mini-golf action, where you'll put them balls under well-known landmarks like the London Eye. Then, when your scoresheets are filled and your debts settled, you'll find delicious food and drinks from the likes of Patty & Bun and Breddos. Easily one of the best things to do in London for your birthday. Alternatively, check out the neon-drenched Junkyard Golf Club. Or, if the sun's out and you want to make the most of it, Plonk in Hackney.

Game night

Things to do in London for your Birthday

And finally, let's end this cavalcade of comedy with a little game. A game of bingo, to be exact. That's right, your gran's favourite past-time has now been given a modern, gentrified reimagining. Nothing is safe! We came for their golf. We came for their darts. It was only a matter of time before bingo got the big city makeover. And none are more awe-inspiring than the neon-soaked, Tokyo-inspired Hijingo. A technological extravaganza of LED lights, floor-to-ceiling graphics, and a thumping soundtrack, it's like bingo on drugs. To accompany your retro future experience, you'll find eastern-inspired bits, cocktails aplenty, and one of the best things to do in London for your birthday!

And that's our list of the best things to do in London for your birthday! Make the most of your time in the capital by grabbing a London attraction pass and saving while you sightsee!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Museums in London

Knowledge is power. Every day, many of us look to nourish our withered brains with learning. Whether online, in a book, or in the scary outside world, it's good to learn. After all, a strong brain is a happy brain. So, if you're looking to flex those synapses on a day out in London, where should one go? Why, a museum, of course! London has a boat-load of the info hives just waiting for you. 'But there are so many, which are the best?' we hear you cry. Stop crying, and start reading, because these are the best museums in London. Featuring: Museum of London Natural History Museum Science Museum V&A Museum British Museum Royal Museums Greenwich London Transport Museum Museum of Brands And that about does it for the best museums in London you simply cannot miss! If you're looking for other things to do when visiting the English capital, why not check out our guides to Shoreditch, Notting Hill, and Mayfair? Or, if you want to see the city but don't know where to sleep, check out our guide for the best places to stay in London! And, if you want to check out all the very best London attractions the capital has to offer, pick up a London pass and see it all for one low price!
Dom Bewley
best free museums in london
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Best Free Museums in London

No word sparks the minds of people quite like 'free.' The absence of payment can be a strong pull for us tax, rent, or mortgage payers who need to put oven chips on the table. We can all agree that getting something for nothing is awesome - especially if that free thing is culture. Culture can be inspirational, informative, and eye-opening in equal measure, giving us a look back into the past, allowing us to process the present, or helping us look forward to the future. So, if you're looking for a shot of free culture to go right into your veins, free museums are just the thing. But which ones? Why, these ones, of course! Here are the best free museums in London. Including: British Museum Natural History Museum V&A Museum Science Museum Museum of London and more! British Museum How does 2 million of years of free culture sound? Well, look no further than Britain's very own museum, the British Museum! Enter a world of other worlds, with sections dedicated to many eras of our planet. You'll find carvings and tablets from early man, artefacts from ancient Greece and Egypt, all the way through to Rennaissance paintings. And while you'll have to pay to enter some of the exhibits, on the whole, the bulk of the museum is absolutely free. Natural History Museum Do you want to see freaking dinosaur skeletons? Of course you do. Head over to the Natural History Museum and see them for yourself! Get a glimpse into the distant past as you explore creatures great and small throughout 65 million years of our planet's history. Meet giant sloths, extinct dinosaurs, and a big old blue whale skeleton that hangs over your head. And, other than a couple of paid exhibits, all of this is entirely free for you to explore. So go see some big bones, baby! Oh, and pick up a free guidebook and map combo while you're at it. V&A Museum A celebratory marriage of art, design, and history, the V&A Museum is one of the best free museums you can visit in London. Opened back in the 19th century, and named after then Queen Victoria and her husband Albert, the V&A Museum is an inspiring collection of over 5000 years of art artefacts. Art-efacts? Yes. You'll discover ancient clothes, jewellery, sculptures, and prints that will give you key insight into past cultures and their people. They also have some late events, if you're more of a night owl. Science Museum See how far science has come at a museum dedicated to it. The Science Museum is a mind-opening experience for any curious human, giving you a look back at how science and technology have changed our lives throughout history. From progress in medicine, to monuments to the space race, you'll find a world of wonder within. There are interactive exhibits, a massive collection of scientific artifacts, and much more. And yes, other than a couple of specific paid exhibitions, including the IMAX 4D cinema, you're free to wander and wonder, free of charge. Royal Museums Greenwich Discover the history of humanity's relationship with the oceans at the Royal Museums Greenwich. At the National Maritime Museum, you'll discover the origins of Greenwich Mean Time and timezones, the history of Britain's sea exploration, and heaps of seafaring artefacts. Then, head over to Queen's House, where you can walk up the famous Tulip Stairs, marvel at all the marble, and study some fantastic paintings from notable luminaries of the brush like Turner. And yes, as you may have gathered, it's all completely free. Museum of London Want to get a better insight into the history of the city itself? Then head on over to the Museum of London. There, you'll discover the capital's rich history, from Roman occupation all the way through to the 2012 Olympics. You'll discover how the Great Fire of London resulted in much of the city's redevelopment and redesign. You'll see artefacts from throughout the city's history, from Tudor dresses to medieval tapestries. If you want to learn more about the capital, it's definitely one of the best free museums in London! Imperial War Museum It appears that war is a sad, unavoidable part of human existence. At least, until we finally decide to put our difference aside and work together and transcend. Anyway, enough about that! For the time being, you might want to know a little more about war and the people who take part. Well, the Imperial War Museum is the perfect place to discover the modern history of war, and the horrors it has wrought. Step inside, and you'll find exhibitions dedicated to the First World War, the Second World War, the Holocaust, and how military technology has progressed since. Maybe not the cheeriest of visits, but undoubtedly interesting. And free, so it's perfect for this list! Museum of London Docklands Ever wondered what the life on the docks would be like? Well, there is an entire museum dedicated to dockworkers and their prowling ground. Head over to the Museum of London Docklands and learn about how boats, ships, and other sea-riding vehicles changed our lives forever. There is a load of free exhibitions available that explore the evolution of the docks, worldwide transportation of goods, and the technology that's responsible. If you're looking for free dockland fun, it's easily one of the best free museums in London! Horniman Museum & Gardens And finally, if you're looking for something a little more unusual in your free museum quest, give Horniman Museum & Gardens a gander. Inside, you'll find a comprehensive collection of anthropological artefacts, ancient musical instruments, taxidermied animals from across the globe, and much more. Right now, there's an entire exhibition dedicated to the untold stories of hair. It's called Hair: Untold Stories, because why not? There, you'll find an intimate range of stories and showcases from filmmakers and artists, exploring the history of hair and why it matters so much to us humans. It might sound strange, but it's worth checking out! And that's our list of the best free museum in London! Alongside fantastic museums there are plenty of other free things to do in London too. Take your pick, and enjoy free, cultural bliss.
Dom Bewley
The streets of London are often crowded with shoppers
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Is London safe?

Although crime rates have risen in recent years, this shouldn’t take away from the fact London is one of the safest cities in the world. Its nine million residents move about without worrying much about their day-to-day safety, and the vast majority of its 30 million annual visitors go home with nothing but warm words for its attractions, if not the prevailing weather conditions. Is London safe? Broadly speaking yes, noting that nowhere can ever be declared 100% trouble free. With that in mind, here’s all you need to know about staying safe in London as a visitor to help ensure you don’t become one of the unlucky few who fall victim to a crime. How safe is London? Visitors to London face the same risks as in any big urban environment. So as one of the largest cities in Europe, it has its fair share of dodgy characters whilst ranking favorably against Paris, Madrid and Zurich when it comes to personal safety. Its crime statistics can be misleading for those who don’t know London well. For instance, the boroughs (neighborhoods) responsible for some of the capital’s most important landmarks, like the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre have some of the highest crime rates. What the statistics don’t say is that much of this crime takes place in residential housing estates away from these attractions. The crime figures related to supercool areas of the capital, such as east London’s Dalston, should be much more concerning for visitors. Pickpocketing is a particular problem. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the leafy suburbs around Richmond in the west are the safest. However, the best tip for any visitor worried about safety in London is to assume petty crime can take place anywhere, and act with caution accordingly. London’s global status means terrorism also sadly remains a threat, although the likelihood of getting caught up in an attack is tiny. There’s little you can do to mitigate against this threat except immediately call the emergency services on 999 if you see anything suspicious. Common threats to safety in London For the most part, staying safe in London is about following common sense and trusting your instincts. In other words, you shouldn’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home. Then the biggest risks you’re likely to face are currency counters with unfair exchange rates and looking the wrong way when crossing a road – the British drive on the left. The risk of pickpocketing or mugging is highest where large crowds congregate, since they provide criminals with plenty of cover. Keep a close eye on valuables in crowded spaces, and never place money or a phone in your back pocket. Being aware of your surroundings is always important. Criminals may attempt to steal your bank card and PIN through well-practiced distraction techniques at ATMs, whilst mopeds have been used for snatch and grab crimes against those using their phones in public. Use ATMs inside bank branches whenever possible – they are not usually hard to find. At the same time, never leave a bag unattended, for example, when going to a bar or counter to order food and drinks. Not only is there a risk of it being stolen, but also of it getting blown up by the bomb squad as a security risk. If you find yourself in need of help, you shouldn’t worry about approaching uniformed police officers. No officer can demand identification, nor will they issue fines to be paid on the spot. Any who do are scammers pretending to be plain-clothes officers. Is London safe at night? Increasingly becoming a 24-hour city, evenings in London can be sublime, with the city’s landmarks lit up and its pubs coming alive. Travel across Piccadilly Circus at midnight, and you could be mistaken for thinking it was the middle of the day. It’s best to stay on well-lit streets after dark all the same, which will often have the added security of CCTV cameras. If you choose to walk, do so confidently. Otherwise opt for London’s public transportation. Both its red buses and Underground trains are safe at night, though best avoided during the rush hours of 5 – 7PM because of overcrowding. Certain bus routes, usually denoted by an ‘N’, operate throughout the night to link major locations such as train stations. The main Tube network shuts down around midnight. But the advent of the Night Tube sees a service on some central lines night-long on Fridays and Saturdays. Alternatively, visitors can hail a black cab (licensed taxi) from the roadside. As they notoriously don’t like traveling south of the river, you can also arrange a minicab (radio taxi) by phone or uber via the app. All vehicles must clearly display a tamper-proof licensing sticker on the windshield. If they do not have one, you’re getting into an unlicensed vehicle whose driver will not have undergone the relevant checks. Is it safe to visit London as a single woman? Most women who visit London solo find the city a refreshing contrast to previous experiences traveling alone. Although there are only a handful of women-only spaces – including Kenwood Ladies’ Bathing Pond on Hampstead Heath – being a single woman shouldn’t stop you ticking off your bucket list attractions. Contrary to popular opinion, most Londoners are quite happy to help if you get stuck – seeking out another woman will increase your chances of success further. Free walking tours and Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing buses provide the safety of a group. If you’re concerned about unwanted male attention in bars and pubs, wearing a wedding band can act as a deterrent. Venues will often have a security presence on the door to keep a lid on any trouble, whilst bar staff are increasingly aware of potential issues. The city’s plethora of loud and proud gay bars have long been known as a hassle-free night out for women should all else fail. Save on top London attraction admission Explore and save with Go City. Our Explorer Pass not only saves you money on London attraction admission but means you can leave your wallet at home, removing any worry about carrying around large amounts of cash!
Ian Packham

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