Cool And Quirky Events In The UK

The UK really is a funny old place, isn't it? So, naturally, we're a nation chock-full of wacky events, from wild bingo nights led by sassy drag queens to cheese crawls for all your dairy fanatics out there. To make sure you don't miss out, we've rounded up the best quirky activities in the UK, spanning Bristol, Manchester, Leicester and beyond.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 20th June 2025




UK-Wide: I'm Puzzled

Whether you're in Margate, Plymouth, Middlesborough or beyond, I'm Puzzled are bound to have a murder mystery experience in your city. These interactive adventures are guided by a handy app, giving you the chance to star in your own detective story.

Work in teams of two to six to gather clues, crack codes and interrogate virtual suspects, solving a high-profile murder case against the clock. Tickets start from just £19.99 for the whole group, and it can be done at any time of day.

Wales: Paint & Sip

@ Otley Brewpub and Kitchen on Every 2nd Thursday of the month

If you're after cool and quirky events in the UK, don't miss the Paint & Sip night at Otley Brewpub & Kitchen. Perfect for couples looking to try something new, this event combines creativity, fun, and relaxation.

With a drink in hand and all materials provided, it's the perfect opportunity to let your imagination run wild and paint whatever inspires you. Whether you follow the month's theme or go off-piste, you'll leave with a unique piece of art and some fun memories. Just wear something old - the paint may fly.

UK-Wide: See Your City

See Your City is definitely a great shout if you're looking for quirkier events in Liverpool, Bristol and beyond. From kooky cheese tours to royal boat tours and a Jack The Ripper-themed stroll, there won't be a dull moment in your diaries.

UK-Wide: Garage Brunch

Supplying some of the best party events in the UK, Garage Brunch is showcasing boat excursions, garden parties and sumptuous meals. You can expect the likes of bottomless cocktails, chart-topping tunes and clubbing vibes aplenty.

UK-Wide: Puppy Love Events

Puppy Love Events offers a pawsome experience for dog lovers who need a furry serotonin boost. With a team of hands-on trainers, the furry friends are all super friendly and well-socialized, making these sessions great for both participants and pups. Led by Jodi Harvey of RRK9S Training, the hour-long sessions are full of tail-wagging fun and expert guidance all over the UK - including Birmingham, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and Cheshire.

UK-WIde: Catch 22 Jams

Step into Catch22Jams for a night of live contemporary jazz, funk, and soul like no other! The MLN Ensemble brings the heat, with a rotating lineup of both fresh faces and seasoned artists joining in for spontaneous jams that will keep you on your feet.

It's not just about watching a band - it's about experiencing music in the moment, surrounded by a crowd that appreciates the art of live performance. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, Catch22Jams will make sure every night feels like a celebration of good music and great vibes.

London: That's Drag Bingo

Planning on visiting London and fancy trying something a little different? Then head on over to one of That's Drag Bingo's events. Taking place at quirky pubs across the capital, they bring the best and boldest queens for top-quality entertainment while you play for epic prizes.

London: Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

@ President Hotel on Various dates from Thursday 26th June 2025

This hilarious immersive dining experience in London sees you being waited on by the likes of Basil, Sybil and Manual from the hit show Faulty Towers. They'll not only serve you a tasty three-course meal, but also a platter of witty one-liners, a spoonful of improvisation and a few scoops of comedy.

Rossendale: Golf Kingdom

Fancy something a little different? Then snap up tickets to Golf Kingdom Rossendale, where you can embark on a quirky, 18-hole course inspired by woodland and animals. With gorgeous countryside views and varying difficulties, its perfect for date nights and family days out.

Glasgow: ARTÀ

For quirky events in the UK, ARTÀ has a top-notch lineup - perfect for fun weekends and something a little different. From cool wedding exhibitions to hilarious comedy nights and fancy cabaret meals featuring burlesque beauties, there won't be a single dull moment at this Glasgow joint.

UK-Wide: Coyote Ugly

If you're looking for the wildest parties up and down the country, Coyote Ugly is just the place for you. This Nashville-themed bar has got venues in Swansea, Blackpool and beyond, and they host fantastic events every day of the week.

Check out their hoedown-themed bottomless brunches that start from only £25 per person, including 90 minutes of unlimited pizza, prosecco and beer. Plus, they offer hour-long dance classes on Saturdays, complete with a mimosa reception.

Dover: Maison Dieu

Travel through time at Maison Dieu, Dover's newly restored gem, where guided tours uncover centuries of stories from medieval medicine to Victorian grandeur - all for just £8. Kids will love the Dragons, Ghosts and Gargoyles adventure, packed with quirky games, dress-up fun, and even a whiff of the past in a fun medieval smells game.

With live sports and tribute nights also on the calendar, it's a lively mix of history and entertainment for all ages, including live wrestling (from £12) and a Frankie Valli tribute act (from £20) - although expect even more on the cards soon. 

Sheffield and Chesterfield: Thirsty Work Sip and Paint Parties

From Paint Your Pet to Mamma Mia-themed madness, Thirsty Work's Sip and Paint events are the most fun you can have with a paintbrush in Chesterfield or Sheffield.

Whether it's a Wine Wednesday at Bottle and Thyme or a full-on cowgirl takeover at Apartment, every session is packed with personality, music, and drinks. You don't need to be an artist - just bring your mates, your vibe, and your best attempt at a masterpiece.

London, Derby, Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester: Wing Fest 2025

The world's largest chicken wing festivals; how's that for cool and quirky? Do something a little different with Wing Fest this summer, where the best traders battle it out to have their wings crowned the best across multiple categories. It'll cost you £1.50 per wing, giving plenty of chance to try your favourites and vote.

Wing-eating contests and hot wing challenges promise more opportunities to get involved, while the buzzing, three-day events also feature BBQ cooking demos, live music, DJs, water splash zones and more for entertainment.

Sheffield: Seven Hills Whisky Festival Evening Session

@ The Steamworks on Saturday 18th October 2025

Celebrating Sheffield's landscape alongside the rich whisky heritage of Speyside, Seven Hills Whisky Festival Evening Session allows you to taste a whole bunch of whiskies from different distilleries, brush up on your knowledge at masterclasses, and mingle with other whisky buffs for just £45 per person.

York: York Ghost Bus

@ York Ghost Bus Pickup on Various dates from Monday 23rd June 2025

For those with a taste for adventure (and a touch of the macabre), the York Ghost Bus offers the perfect combination of comedy and chills. Jump on the legendary Necrobus for a theatrical ghost tour through York's haunted streets.

As you pass iconic sights like York Minster and the infamous Dick Turpin grave, a creepy guide will entertain you with tales of ghosts, gruesome events, and the darker side of York's past. It's a unique way to see the city - just don't expect to sleep soundly afterwards.

London: Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

For quirky activities in London, Sounds Familiar is the music quiz that you need on your radar. Get your team together and prepare for banging hits from across the decades. You'll be on your feet (and maybe even the tables too) dancing to all your favourite tunes.

Nottingham: Entertainment Golf

Compete against friends and family at this quirky experience in Nottingham. Head to the Riverside Golf Centre where they've transformed the classic game to bring you a range of interactive virtual offerings that will putt your skills to the test.

UK-Wide: Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist

Looking for outdoor events near you? Whether you're in Lincoln, Reading, Edinburgh or beyond, Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist have got an event close by. Brought to you by I'm Puzzled, this quirky experience promises a brand new way to see your town or city, which can be done at your own pace on any day of the week.

Using their cutting-edge mobile app, your team will be tasked with scouting locations, cracking security systems and coordinating with your virtual crew to plan your heist, with tickets starting from just £19.99 for up to six people.

Mill End: The Lockdown Lodge

@ Hambleden Lock on Various dates from Saturday 19th July 2025

A much-loved summer pop-up in Mill End, a stone's throw from West London, The Lockdown Lodge is a great choice of outdoor event this year. You can get there by driving or a river taxi, to discover a peaceful paradise on the Thames.

Relax on their picnic tables while soaking up the sun, tucking into a delicious feast courtesy of Christie's Catering. They offer a wide variety of menus and foodie events, from steak nights to tasting menus full of local, seasonal produce - from stuffed squash to smoked mackerel pate.

Henley on Thames: CALA VIP at Henley Regatta

@ CALA on Wednesday 2nd July 2025 and 3 other dates

Celebrate the Henley Royal Regatta in style at CALA VIP, where riverside elegance meets high-energy entertainment. General Admission tickets from £20 grant access to the buzzing CALA enclosure with live DJs, gourmet street food, and premium bars, while VIP tickets from £198 include a private table, Champagne magnum (one for every four guests), and exclusive access to a raised deck with full service.

Located just beyond Stewards, this is the ultimate summer party for those who love luxury and atmosphere.

UK-Wide: Barry's Bonus Buzzer Bingo

Ready for the wildest bingo night in town? Barry's Bonus Buzzer Bingo is not your average game of bingo. With fun bonus games like Treasure Hunt, Loose Change, and Wacky Races, you'll be entertained from start to finish. Everyone gets a shot at winning big - whether it's through bingo or one of the zany side games.

Plus, with free drinks, a massive jackpot, and seven chances to win, there's no better place to be on a bingo night. So round up your crew, get your dabber ready, and prepare for a night of non-stop fun and big prizes.

UK-Wide: The Brunch Club

Boasting some of the wildest, wackiest day parties going, The Brunch Club is hosting cool and quirky events in Cardiff, Nottingham, Glasgow and many more. Check out the lineup of goings-on, which offers Spice Girls, ABBA, drag and Disney themes, accompanied by delicious grub and bottomless booze.