Do you have a geeky side? If so, you’re in luck because there are plenty of nerdy things to do in London.
For fans of Harry Potter, there are walking tours for all the London filming spots, or you can take the Warner Bros studio tour.
If you’re a bit of a history fiend like myself, then you have the British Museum or the Natural History Museum. And if you love science fiction, you have the Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes museums.
As a regular visitor to London, it’s been exciting for me to put together this list of nerdy things to do in London, which I hope will provide some great ideas for your next venture!
1. Explore the Who (Dr Who) shop and museum
Video credit: Sagar Singh
A must-see for all ‘Whovians’. It’s a shop with a built-in museum specially dedicated to the Doctor Who franchise. The store inside is full of Doctor Who memorabilia and collectables, including signed pictures, t-shirts and figurines. Don’t waste the opportunity for a photo with the lifesize galek in store! For the museum, you can purchase a ticket at the desk, and then access the museum via the shop’s in-store TARDIS. From there it will lead you to a room with up to 120 props and costumes from Doctor Who dating as far back as 1963!
How to get there
9 mins walk – from Upton Park tube station (District/Hammersmith & City lines)
Your Google map route
Just so you know: If you want to see more Doctor Who stuff, there’s a blue police box TARDIS outside the entrance of Earl’s Court tube station! 😎
2. Wander the Natural History Museum
No doubt one of the top nerdy things to do in London. This scientific history museum attracts around 5 million visitors a year, making it the most visited museum of its kind in Europe. As you explore, you can expect to see dinosaur skeletons, fossils and other scientifically researched findings throughout history. If you arrive on a weekday, you may have to fight your way through all the school kids, but it’s 100% worth the visit, especially as it’s free!
How to get there
4 mins walk – from South Kensington tube station (Circle/District/Piccadilly lines)
Your Google map route
3. Try the Crystal Maze live experience
Video credit: The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
Remember that classic show from the 90s? Well, you can experience it for yourself in a cool 3D setting. Run around like crazy and solve the challenging puzzles to collect as many diamonds as possible in each of the four time zones. You’ll then compete against the three other teams in the crystal dome. And if you’re not too knackered after, then get a group photo, wearing the custom Crystal Maze bomber jackets!
How to get there
2 mins walk – from Piccadilly Circus tube station (Bakerloo/Piccadilly lines)
Your Google map route
4. Visit the Royal Observatory
If you like astronomy, then you should check out the Royal Observatory, in Greenwich. You’ll get to stand over the Prime Meridian line where east meets western hemisphere, view the very clock that made longitude possible, and enjoy a free show at the Planetarium centre. Don’t forget to take in the great view over Greenwich Park from the top of the hill!
How to get there
15 mins walk – from Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich rail station (DLR)
Your Google map route
5. Check out the Sherlock Holmes museum
Picture credit: Wikimedia Commons
Head down to the actual 221B Baker Street, and you’ll find the Sherlock Holmes museum. Purchase your ticket in the gift shop before queueing up to explore the home of the famous Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson – maintained in its grand Victorian decor! You’ll get to view iconic rooms such as Holmes’s study, and bedroom. You’ll also see life-size waxworks positioned to recreate scenes. The museum is small in size and some say you don’t get enough for £16, but for the die-hard Sherlock fan it’s a box you have to tick!
How to get there
3 mins walk – from Baker Street tube station (Bakerloo/Circle/Hammersmith & City/Jubilee/Metropolitan line)
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6. Take a Harry Potter walking tour
Do you LOVE the Potter films, and wish to know more about them? if so, a Harry Potter walking tour could be right up your street! This 2 hour stroll around the city allows you to see cool filming spots, and places that inspired much of the book/film features such as the Ministry of Magic and Diagon Alley. There is a small tube journey included that you’ll have to cover your own cost for, but the experience coupled with the fun facts from the tour guide makes it a good choice for Potter fans!
How to get there
1 min walk – from London Bridge tube station (Jubilee/Northern line) to 19 Duke Street Hill (meeting point)
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7. Harry Potter – Warner Bros studio tour
Video credit: Travel Insider
If the Harry Potter street tour doesn’t interest you, then go one step up and experience the Warner Bros studio tour. You’ll travel up by coach, and go behind the film sets of the Harry Potter films. You can expect to see the movie sets, props and costumes, and get to purchase some tasty (though rather pricey) butter beer! The tour is self-guided, so you can walk around at your own leisure, before later hopping back on the coach for your return journey.
How to get there
5 mins walk – from Victoria tube station (Circle/District/Victoria line) to Evan Evans Tours, 258 Vauxhall Bridge Rd (meeting point)
Your Google map route
Also seen on: Fun Activities to do in London
8. Get competitive at a board game cafe
Solve the murder mystery with a game of Cluedo, or bankrupt your pals with some monopoly! These quirky London cafes make a fun getaway for introverts looking to escape the city bustle. Most places have literally hundreds of board games available to use – Draughts in Hackney has more than 1,000 in its collection! The cafes will usually charge you a small amount to access the games, but they’re always fun – just don’t be a sore loser! 😜
You can check out some of London’s coolest board game cafes by clicking here.
9. Browse London’s top bookshops
If you’re a bookworm, then you’re in luck, because London has some charming bookshops that are well worth a visit. Daunt Books in Marylebone is your epitome of a classic traditional bookshop with its old Edwardian interior and stained glass windows. You also have Hatchards in Piccadilly, known as London’s oldest book store. Browsing the bookshops has a welcome place on the list of nerdy things to do in London.
Be sure to check out my Books about London post, that includes 5 London bookshops worth a visit!
10. Get fascinated at the British Museum
Visiting the British Museum has to be on every London visitor’s list. The museum houses around 8 million objects from all over the world, collected during the years of the British Empire. As you can expect, it’s a pretty big-ass place and attracts a LOT of visitors, so don’t expect to explore every corner in a day. Though controversial, the museum is very interesting, so definitely worth considering!
Tip: The museum has very long entry queues on the weekends, so consider visiting on a weekday if possible!
How to get there
7 mins walk – from Holborn tube station (Central/Piccadilly line)
Your Google map route
11. Escape reality with Virtual Reality
Enjoy a truly immersive gaming experience with Virtual Reality. London’s VR spaces include Sandbox VR in High Holborn – where you and your friends can don your provided VR gear and play as characters in a choice of entertaining games. Other VR venues include DNA VR – which has multiple London locations, or Hyper Reality in Bethnal Green.
12. Solve your way out of an escape room
Do you enjoy teamwork and problem-solving? London has a number of fun venues where you and your loved ones can test your puzzle-solving skills to break the codes and escape one of the specially-themed rooms. Escape London, with locations in both London’s east and west end, offers challenging but super-fun escape room experiences. London’s escape rooms are not only an enjoyable way to spend an hour or two, but a great chance to bond with friends and family.
Note: Make sure to book in advance!
How to get there
Whitechapel – 10 mins walk from Limehouse DLR station
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Uxbridge – 7 mins walk from Shepherd’s Bush Market tube station
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13. Nose through comics at Forbidden Planet
As the world’s largest retailer for science fiction, Forbidden Planet is your geeky person’s dream store. Full of merchandise, including comics, action figures and T-shirts to name a few, this mega-store has no shortage of awesome products for those looking to spend a little cash, or just have a good browse. The staff are also really helpful and always on hand for any assistance required. Although a large store, it gets super-busy on a weekend, so keep that in mind!
How to get there
4 mins walk – from Tottenham Court Road station (Central/Elizabeth/Northern line)
Your Google map route
14. Chill out at a gaming cafe
For those simply looking to relax with a good gaming session, SideQuest is a great place to consider. As Asia’s largest internet cafe, SideQuest is a gaming hub now making a name in the UK, with multiple locations in the capital. The cafes have the latest downloadable games on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X consoles and more, meaning you’ll never be short of entertainment. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the hourly rate is reasonable. In between sessions, you may also wanna try one of the company’s renowned bubble teas while you’re here!
How to get there
Charing Cross: 8 mins walk – from Charing Cross Station (Northern/Bakerloo line)
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Elephant & Castle: 4 mins walk – from Elephant & Castle Station (Bakerloo/Northern line)
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Stratford: 4 mins walk – from Stratford Station (Central/DLR/Elizabeth/Jubilee line/London Overground
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15. Take a stroll around the London Transport Museum
Video credit: Planet UK
Have an interest in trains, or transport in general? The London Transport Museum is a showcase of 200 years of London’s world-famous transport network – from its historic old steam engines to its big red buses that we still see today. Aside from being a display of London’s impressive transport over the years, it’s a walking journey from the past to the present. The museum includes simulator experiences, a souvenir shop, canteen and a play-zone for the kids.
Note: Tickets need to be reserved prior to arrival.
How to get there
3 mins walk – from Covent Garden station (Piccadilly line)
Your Google map route
16. Join a Nerdy meetup group
Joining a nerdy meetup group is just another of the nerdy things to do in London.
If you like meeting new people, London has a number of nerdy meetup groups to keep you occupied. Groups include book gatherings, animation groups, writing groups and art groups, all offering a fun way to engage over your hobbies while making new friends. These groups can usually be found on Facebook groups, local community groups, or specialised websites such as meetup.com.
17. Sip cocktails at a prohibition-era bar
For a fun and unique drinking experience, why not visit one of London’s speakeasy bars? Hidden just a short walk from Earl’s Court underground station, you’ll find the popular Evans & Peel Detective Agency, where you will step back in time and experience unusual cocktails and live jazz music as detectives solve your unique case. You’ll find the inside decor is quirky and 1920’s-themed with dim lighting, and the staff are friendly and attentive, going out out of their way to ensure you’re having a good time. Food also available.
Note: Would definitely book in advance, and prepare your detective case for your arrival!
How to get there
4 mins walk – from Earl’s Court tube station (District/Piccadilly line)
Your Google map route
18. Get entertained at a floating puppet show
If you love puppetry or just need something to entertain the kids, watching a show at the Puppet Theatre Barge could be just the ticket. Sitting on the River Thames, the barge is located in London’s Little Venice most of the year, and Richmond-Upon-Thames during the summer months, and displays entertaining puppet shows inside its in-built 50-seat auditorium. Charming and quirky, the puppetry makes a refreshing change from modern-day entertainment, and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike. Shows currently on 11am and 2pm time slots.
How to get there
(Little Venice) – 3 mins walk from Warwick Avenue tube station (Bakerloo line)
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(Richmond Upon Thames) – 17 mins from Richmond tube station (District line)
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That concludes our list of nerdy things to do in London.
I hope you’ve found this helpful, and if so, don’t forget to share with your friends!
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David is a travel enthusiast from the UK, and is the founder of City Anytime. Since a young age he’s held a lifelong love for travel and exploration, with experiences in the US and Central America, Europe, South-East Asia and Australia. Visiting the world’s cities has given him the passion to provide fellow travellers the necessary info they require to ensure they get the most out of their trips, and make every city travel experience a memorable one.