Quirky Activities In The UK

Looking to get outdoors more? Then check out Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist, a quirky activity that can be done in groups of two to six, self-guided and completed at your own pace. This immersive experience is brought to you by I'm Puzzled, using their high-tech app to help you crack codes and plan the perfect heist.

You'll see more of your local area in the process, and the adventure is available everywhere from Newcastle to Warrington and Portsmouth. Tickets start from just £19.99 for the entire team, and you can start at any time you like.

With venues in Leeds, Plymouth, Birmingham, Norwich and beyond, Boom Battle Bar is a fun-filled activity bar where you can get competitive over all kinds of quirky games. We're talking crazy golf, axe throwing, shuffleboard, ping pong and everything in between, perfect for birthdays, hen dos, team nights out and more. Even better? They've got a mouthwatering menu full of cheesy bacon fries, fried chicken burgers and cauliflower wings.

Taking inspiration from Hollywood prison stories, Alcotraz is one of the most popular UK attractions for adults in Brighton, Cardiff and beyond. Why you may ask? Well, you'll get to don orange jumpsuits while smuggling in booze and interacting with the sketchy guards. Nothing better than a little mischief, right?

Fancy your skills in the kitchen? Get over to YO! Sushi School to show them over. Under the watchful eye of a resident master, you'll learn how to pack, roll and slice like a pro. 

There's classes everywhere from Ashford and Guilford to Manchester, Aberdeen, Leeds and London. Wherever you stop by, there's a feast of gyoza and edamame to fuel up your culinary skills - and, of course, you'll tuck into your own creations at the end of the session.

Roller Nation is the largest permanent skating rink in the city and it's bringing you the best alternative things to do. Enjoy gliding through the venue while making the occasional pit-stop at the bar or nestling up in a private booth for some diner grub.

Located in Crowborough, East Sussex, Realms VR is a brilliant day out that's suitable for adults and kids aged seven plus. They offer immersive escape rooms, as well as exciting VR games, starting from £30 per person.

There are all sorts of quirky themes on offer, from aliens to haunted mansions and ninja trials. Whether you're battling it out head-to-head or solving puzzles together, there's so much to enjoy here.

Flight Club in Oxford is the home of Social Darts; gather your mates and head to the fairground-themed bar to get competitive while enjoying delicious cocktails. And if you're looking for something to do on the weekend? Check out its Brunch Social which lasts two hours and features an hour of darts, followed by pizza and a whole bottle of prosecco each. Mmmm.

Taking place everywhere from Chester to York or Margate, I'm Puzzled's interactive Murder Mystery Experience is a great way to explore more of your local area. You'll work in teams of two to six to solve a high-profile murder case, cracking codes, gathering clues and interrogating virtual suspects along the way.

Nab tickets for as little as £19.99 for the whole group, and all you need to guide you is their handy app.

For a truly interactive experience, Immersive Gamebox is a fabulous shout for big groups in Southbank, Wandsworth, Manchester, Castleford and beyond. Each room uses high-tech projection mapping, touch screens and surround sound for a totally unique game. Check out the likes of a real-life Squid Game and a quirky Alien Aptitude Test.

Sometimes, Bingo is known for being a snooze-fest, but with Dabbers, you'll have a grand time. The venue brings a raucous version, complete with music, comedians, fabulous prizes and quirky themes, not to mention a couple of brilliant bottomless brunches.

To channel a different character, perhaps one from the wild, Wild West, head to Moonshine Saloon in London. Bring your own booze and you'll be a part of a super secret liquor operation run by Clyde Cassidy - who, by the way, is very much wanted.

Step into the past at Maison Dieu, where £8 guided tours reveal the fascinating evolution of this 800-year-old landmark from sacred hospital to civic treasure. The Dragons, Ghosts and Gargoyles tour adds a playful twist for families, with sensory surprises and hands-on history.

From cultural showcases to live sports events, this venue blends heritage with modern-day excitement. Events outside of the history box here include live wrestling (from £12) and a Frankie Valli tribute act (from £20) - although watch this space for more.

Forget the usual weekend plans - Pro Paintball is one of the most unique and adrenaline-charged activities in the UK. Boasting six custom-built game maps, real-time MVP rewards, and a one-of-a-kind paintball experience, this is paintball like you've never played before.

With cash prizes, in-game power-ups, and unbeatable pricing, it's the perfect way to mix fun with competition - whether you're planning a birthday, stag/hen do, or just an epic day out.

This nostalgic location is inspired by traditional seaside arcades, promising machines like ski ball, air hockey, donkey derby and much more. Penny Lane is the perfect place to unleash your inner big kid, with tokens available to play all these classic games. Topping it all off? A tasty menu full of hotdogs, burgers, halloumi fries and nachos, alongside creative cocktails such as the Calippo concoction - served with an entire ice lolly.

If you're looking for a way to explore more of London, the Silent Sounds Boat Party certainly is a unique way to do it. This quirky boat trip will take you down the Thames, and you'll get to see sights like the London Eye and Tower Bridge along the way - all while partying to tunes played through your headphones.

There are multiple DJs on board, so you can choose your favourite songs - think hip hop, pop and RnB. Plus, you can keep the fun going with an afterparty at Ballie Ballerson, where you'll receive discounted entry.

Like to play games over a pint or two? Dive N' Putt at Southampton's Hedge End Golf Centre has you covered. Pit your wits against the marine-themed crazy golf course, taking in seahorses, sharks and giant squid along the way. 

Fancy another game? Head to the bar for pool, darts and shuffleboard, or bash some buttons in the arcade. 

Big brew lover? If you fancy an evening of beer and a boozy good time, then Ale Hunters is your answer. Enjoy tutored tastings, pub history lessons, and tours all around London so you can learn a thing or two from your expert sommelier.

One of the most unusual things to do in South East England, Ballie Ballerson promises a memorable experience with two huge ball pits and cracking cocktails. Plus, the venue has several beautiful backdrops so you'll be sorted for Instagram photos galore in the likes of Edinburgh and Cardiff too.

Searching for unique adventures around the UK? Located in London, Monopoly Lifesized is an immersive experience based on the iconic board game. You'll get stuck into escape room challenges, as well as delicious grub and themed cocktails at its Top Hat Bar & Restaurant. The millionaire cheesecake is a real winner.

If you're up for a challenge, be sure to head to York for StreetHunt Games - The Case of Colombia's Finest. This fabulous event will not only test your knowledge and your skills in solving riddles, but will also take you around the stunning city. 

A day out in the old Magistrates' Courthouse is about as quirky as it gets, but that's what Game Saints Lincoln has in store. With cinematic sets adding to the original chambers and cells, they've created five incredible escape rooms to test your detective skills.

Whether you choose to pit your wits against Ripper's Road, Mystic Alley or any other gripping storylines, you'll face a race against time to find clues, solve the crime and make your way back to reality.

NQ64 is a nostalgic gaming bar that's popped up in venues all over the country, from London to Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester. These neon-splattered destinations are filled with retro games and consoles like Pac Man, Guitar Hero, Mario Kart and much more, perfect for quirky date nights or group outings. They've got brilliant themed cocktails here such as the Disco Stu daquiri or an Aku Aku fruit punch, as well as classics like a negroni.

Known for its bottomless brunches and as the spot for social darts in the UK, Flight Club is bringing you wood-fired pizzas served on paddles, as well as glasses of prosecco. Enjoy a few raucous rounds of throwing at the oche and don't forget to practice your aim for this feel-good activity.

Hexmoor is where magic meets mayhem in the world's first immersive wizarding prison bar. You'll be issued your official inmate jumpsuit and locked up with a cast of dark wizards who have a flair for the forbidden. With live actors driving the story and immersive theatre unfolding around you, you'll have the chance to interact, uncover secrets, and even plan your escape.

Choose your level of magical indulgence: £49.50 includes three cocktails, £57.50 includes four, or for £77.50, enjoy four cocktails and receive a custom wand, hand-delivered by Willbott's Wand Shop as part of the experience.

You may think cake decorating and mixology are not the most obvious bedfellows, but London's Ultimate Baking & Cocktail Challenge begs to differ. Grab your apron and a friend for an afternoon of drinking and decorating at Bake Master London for just £65. 

While your showstopping cake bakes to perfection, you'll learn how to make a classic Cosmopolitan. Decorate your creation when the oven timer pings and, if you impress the judges, you could bag an extra prize to go home with. 

This is more than just a pub – it's a pub that the late great poet Robert Burns frequented, and you can learn all about his time there on one of The Globe Inn's fun and informative pub tours led by an award-winning storyteller. You'll get to see the poems he engraved on the window panes and hear tales of how the pub inspired his writing. 

There's also a Burns celebration taking place on 22nd January, involving a five-course tasting menu and complimentary themed cocktail. 

What's better than a pub? How about an arcade pub? Brighton boasts some of the most non-touristy things to do in England, and The World's End is no exception. Enjoy remote control racetracks, fun escape rooms, tonnes of board games and a killer photobooth. 

One of the quirkiest activities in the UK, The Big Bakes is the perfect spot to put your culinary prowess to the test. Equipped with ingredients, recipes and all the utensils you'll need, you have 90 minutes on the clock to make a delicious sweet treat in pairs - and possibly be crowned champion.

Whether you're in Southampton, Bradford, Liverpool or beyond, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Experience is a great way to get outdoors and explore your local area. This is like an escape room, but out in the open - using only your phone to guide you.

You'll work in teams of up to eight people to solve puzzles and collect hidden clues, aiming to rescue Dorothy and her friends from the Wicked Witch. This can be done at any time of day, with tickets starting from £30 per group.

On the lookout for a novel night out? Check out Sounds Familiar. The only music quiz to sell out The Roundhouse, support the boy band 5ive and play Glastonbury more times than Bowie, this is the best party you'll ever go to.

Expect to hear over 100 epic tunes across the night, from chart classics and old skool anthems to guilty pleasures and indie bangers. This is sure to fill up quick, so secure your spot for just £8.

Taking the game of shuffleboard to a whole new level with fun minigames and automatic scoring is Electric Shuffle, who have retro-inspired locations in Canary Wharf, London Bridge, Manchester and Leeds. Their brunches offer a bottle of prosecco each, bottomless pizza and a go at their top-notch activities for the most fun afternoon.

Put your pop-culture trivia to the test at Sounds Familiar Music Quiz, taking place in the likes of Birmingham, Edinburgh, Hastings and London. With various locations throughout the UK, this event will bring out your competitive side as you'll be guessing on all your favourite guilty pleasures, party anthems and much more.

Sandbox VR in Birmingham and London offers a different kind of group activity. Located in Grand Central and the Bullring, it's a free-roam virtual reality experience where you and your group step inside the game itself, moving through one of eight immersive worlds powered by seriously advanced tech. Whether that means tackling a zombie outbreak, battling alien forces, or entering the Squid Game arena in an official partnership with Netflix, it's designed to feel more like starring in a film than playing one.

It works just as well for a casual outing as it does for bigger celebrations, with space for everything from small groups to full-scale events of up to 150 people. And once you've taken the headset off, the experience doesn't quite end there - there's a robotic bartender on hand to mix drinks while you watch personalised footage of your in-game performance. 

Touted as the world's first official Formula 1® simulator racing experience designed around socialising, iF1® Arcade in Birmingham and London combines cutting-edge tech with a lively, competitive atmosphere. The venue's 53 full-motion simulators are built to mirror the intensity of real racing, complete with movement and immersive audio-visual effects, while a range of skill levels, from Rookie through to Elite, means it's accessible whether you're a first-timer or taking things very seriously.

The space is set up as an all-day destination, with a feature cocktail bar, dining areas and even an outdoor terrace, making it just as suited to big group nights out as it is to casual drop-ins. Food covers the expected crowd-pleasers, sharing plates, burgers and tacos, while the drinks list ranges from champagne and cocktails to alcohol-free options.

Boasting Inrange radar ball tracking technology and high-res touchscreen monitors at every single bay, Entertainment Golf @ Riverside Golf Centre is one of the most cutting-edge activity bars around - suitable for experts and beginners alike. You can compete in small or large groups to suit all occasions, from stag nights to team building sessions, with prices starting from just £6.75 per person for 30 minutes.

A multi-activity centre in East Hull, Hull Adventure is a fantastic pick for quirky things to do and unique experiences - whether with friends or family. Race up to 40mph on the 700-metre all-weather karting circuit, get competitive in five-a-side bubble football and archery tag, and even take part in an old fashioned sports day. Topping it off? Dodgeball.