Things to do in London for your Birthday

Our guide to celebrating your birthday in the capital!

Published: July 18, 2024
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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Kew
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3 Days in London – The Perfect Itinerary

Spending three days in London is an exciting prospect for anyone lucky enough to visit. But choosing what to see and do is a challenge when you consider just how many amazing attractions London town has to offer. On the one hand, there’s a dizzying range of essential sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London. On the other, there’s endless fun to be had in the city streets, stuffed with delicious restaurants, must-see museums and world-class theatres. There’s also many a hidden wonder to dig out and explore, from peaceful parks and stately homes. It could easily take you a lifetime to take it all in. But for those of you with only three days at your disposal, don’t fear. We’ve got you covered with our super-sweet capsule guide to the perfect three-day itinerary. 3 days in London - our must-see sights: Houses of Parliament & Big Ben Buckingham Palace River Thames Cruise The Greenwich Observatory & Cutty Sark Curzon Soho Kew Gardens Hampton Court Palace Day 1 – historic London landmarks Houses of Parliament Your first-stop sight should be the imposing Palace of Westminster, an instantly recognisable building that will take your breath away. Big Ben, its grand Gothic clocktower is perhaps its most famous feature, best viewed in the subtle morning light from the scenic viewpoint of Westminster Bridge. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see it on a cloudless sunny day where you can take postcard-perfect pictures of the building as the sun turns it a mellow shade of yellow-gold. Perfect for that Insta-worthy snap! Buckingham Palace and Banqueting House From Westminster Bridge, head along Birdcage Walk with St James’s Park on your right and you’ll be rewarded with views of Buckingham Palace - a magnificent façade complete with grand neoclassical columns. The opulent State Rooms are also open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer, so check these out if you can. Nearby, in London’s Whitehall, don’t miss Banqueting House, another extravagant architectural gem featuring a spectacular oil-painted ceiling of Royal figures being carried to heaven. Day 2 – on the river Thames River Cruise After this action-packed day, you’ll need a well-deserved break and the River Thames offers the perfect sanctuary. A hop-on, hop-off Thames River Cruise is a great way to take in the river’s landmark sights while travelling at a more leisurely pace. If you hop on at the Westminster pier, you can drift down the river past world-renowned landmarks like Tower Bridge, a Victorian masterpiece and the famous Tower of London fortress. Exit at Tower Pier to explore these attractions or continue to Greenwich Pier for a welcome breather from the hustle and bustle of inner-city London. Greenwich Observatory When you land at Greenwich, you’ll be instantly seduced by a comparatively tranquil vibe. Explore the manicured green spaces at the peaceful Greenwich park, or grab a coffee in one of the cute independent cafes at the quaint but bustling Greenwich market. Next, head over to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the home of Greenwich Mean Time, where astronomy and science come to life through permanent exhibitions at this historic venue. Learn how time was standardized, how the first telescope was created and how science and astronomy have changed across the ages. While in the area, you should also stop by the Cutty Sark, a stunningly well-preserved 19th-century tea clipper that was built to carry tea all the way from China to England. Board the boat and tour the sailor’s quarters while enjoying beautiful views up and down the Thames – the perfect way to round-off a laid-back day by the river. Day 3 – offbeat attractions Use your final day as a chance to take in some of London’s less explored attractions that aren’t always on the standard tourist trail. Broaden your horizons by looking to locations on the outskirts of the city, like Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens, both free to enter with the Go London pass. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew This unusual UNESCO World Heritage Site in South West London is an absolute joy to explore. Discover an exotic wonderland of plants from around the world across 121 hectares of landscaped gardens. The Palm House greenhouse, built in 1884, is a real highlight. Containing a diverse abundance of tropical plant species including orchids, cocoa palms and rubber trees, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the depths of the Amazon. You might need a cool-down after, so head to the Pavilion Bar and Grill for some much-needed refreshments with a fine view – located in the heart of Kew’s Arboretum, you can sit outside among the trees while enjoying a glimpse of the garden’s fantastic Great Pagoda in the background. Hampton Court Palace If grandiose stately homes are more your thing, then the Hampton Court Palace should suffice. Also located in South West London, this magnificent Tudor mansion will transport you to the medieval times of King Henry VIII. This palace was his favorite royal hangout and you can see why when you tour the breathtaking interiors replete with priceless paintings, fine tapestries and gold just about everywhere. You can also see the exquisitely designed gardens while getting lost in the palace’s world-famous hedge maze. Curzon Soho All this adventure could leave you a little exhausted. But the Curzon Soho cinema in London’s West End is a perfect place to wind down your day in style. This edgy avant-garde cinema has a quirky and informal vibe that’s just perfect for a peaceful end to a long day of sightseeing. Catch an independent film at one of its three cinema screens, or lounge at its breezy underground bar, or cool café, where you can gorge on artisan pastries or yummy small plates. It really is the ideal haven to complete your busy three-day London tour. Save on London attractions year-round Whenever you’re making your trip to London, be sure to bring a Go London pass with you. Save on admission to the city’s best attractions. With something that’s perfect for any time of year, we’re sure you’ll make the most of this money-saving pass. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your holiday photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, events and inspiration.
Lee Dales

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