Cool And Quirky Events In The UK

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By Lauren Cole Lead Editor, DesignMyNight Our Lead Editor, Lauren, has written about the UK's best restaurants, bars and experiences on DesignMyNight since 2021. Bylines in What's On Media Group. Last updated on 8th September 2026

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.




London, Bristol, Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester: Wing Fest 2026

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.

Romsey: Hunters Teepee Events

Set within the grounds of The Hunters, The Teepee turns traditional venue hire on its head with a rustic yet comfortable charm.

Fully heated to keep the good times rolling regardless of the weather, it balances informal pub warmth with the thrill of an exclusive outdoor tent. Whether you are catching Sunday night comedy at 'Sit Down for Stand Up' or booking the space for your own private celebration, the venue delivers a memorable backdrop for any gathering.

London & Birmingham: The Big Bakes

Discounts available on certain events

With tents in South or East London and Birmingham, The Big Bakes is making sure you can get your fix of competitive baking in a fun, supportive environment. You'll get into pairs to whisk, roll and fold your way to a winning bake.

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.

Buxton: Trackside @ Buxton Brewery

Trackside has many feathers to its fantastic bow. The official taproom of Buxton Brewery, it serves up all kinds of games and entertainment alongside fresh pints straight from the source.

This place puts on every kind of event. We're talking pool nights, film screenings and tributes to amazing acts, from ABBA to Oasis. Tickets to these epic nights of entertainment start from just £5.

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.

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.

Dorset: Summer Lodge

Summer Lodge serves up a whole lot of luxury with a side of the unusual in the stunning Dorset countryside. Whether you swing by for a day or book into is elegant rooms, there's plenty to keep you entertained. 

Sign up for a Fermentation Masterclass and you'll learn how to turn common ingredients into all kinds of drinks, from keffir and kombucha to apple cider vinegar and intriguing cocktails. For something little more classic, take on its whisky or gin tasting experiences to sip on some of the country's finest tipples as you learn to master the art of distillation.

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.

London: Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Tuesday 22nd September 2026

Hexmoor is where the wizarding world's most mischievous minds are locked away - and now, you're joining them. As the world's first immersive wizarding prison bar, Hexmoor outfits you in an official inmate jumpsuit and throws you into a cell with dark wizards who thrive on chaos. With live actors guiding the story and immersive theatre unfolding around you, you'll have the chance to interact, uncover secrets, and even plan your escape.

Choose your experience level: £49.50 includes three magical cocktails, £57.50 gets you 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.

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.

Not in the area? They've also got events in Hastings, Liverpool and beyond.

Dover: Maison Dieu

Discounts available on certain events

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. 

UK-Wide: ZANDERNATION BOUNCE BINGO

ZANDERNATION Bounce Bingo offers something different from the usual night out. Combining live DJ music with interactive bingo, it's a unique experience that's both social and energetic.

Events are held in familiar spaces like Mecca Bingo halls, but the vibe is more party than traditional. With fun extras like dance-offs and conga lines, it's an easy pick for anyone looking to try something a little more playful and unexpected.

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.

Southampton: Red Dog's Bottomless Country Brunch Southampton

@ Red Dog Saloon Southampton on Saturday 26th September 2026 and 7 other Saturdays

Love live music, American food and ice cold drinks? You'll want to get down to Red Dog's Bottomless Country Brunch.

Grab your cowboy hat, pull on those boots and step into Nashville music city right in the centre of Liverpool. As you tuck into burgers, BBQ sandwiches and fried chicken, there's two hours of bottomless booze to wet your whistle.

 

York: York Ghost Bus

@ York Ghost Bus Pickup on Tuesday 22nd September 2026

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.

UK-Wide: Sun City Bingo UK Garage

Sun City Bingo UK Garage is one of the quirkiest nights out you'll find in the UK this year. It's a wild collision of two beloved British pastimes: bingo and garage music.

Picture this: neon lights, booming basslines, a buzzing crowd, and numbers being called to the beat of '90s and 2000s bangers. With Lonyo on the decks, this event is anything but ordinary. 

UK-Wide: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Experience

Brought to you by I'm Puzzled, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Experience is an exciting outdoor adventure that's like an escape room, but bigger. This takes place everywhere from Birmingham to Sheffield and Southampton, using just your phone to guide you across the city.

It's up to you to rescue Dorothy and her friends, working in teams of up to eight people to solve puzzles and uncover clues. You can start at any time of day as this is entirely self-guided, with prices starting from £30 for the group.

UK-Wide: Ultimate Events and Promotions

Fancy doing something a little different? Check out Ultimate Events and Promotions. These guys put on all kinds of epic entertainment across the country, from pop legend fancy dress to rock anthem discos and iconic tribute acts.

Whether you get to an event in Essex, Sheffield or somewhere in between, tickets start from just £13.08.

London: Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

@ President Hotel on Various dates from Thursday 24th September 2026

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.

Northampton: The Late Gatsby - Murder Mystery Night

@ Brampton Halt on Fri, 9th Oct 2026 @ 19:00 - 22:00

Enter the Roaring Twenties for an evening of vintage glamour and suspense at The Late Gatsby - Murder Mystery Night in Northampton. This immersive experience pairs live theatrical performance with fine dining.

You'll be welcomed with an arrival drink before sitting down to a decadent three-course meal featuring starters like Brixworth pâté with apple & fig chutney or burrata with pumpkin, followed by main options including slow-roasted beef cheeks with a red wine reduction or a cosy root vegetable stew. Topped off with classic desserts like sticky toffee pudding, it's a captivating night of music, mystery, and 1920s elegance.

Dumfries, Scotland: The Globe Inn

The Globe Inn was established in 1610, which means, as you can imagine, a lot has happened within its four walls since then. To honour its rich history and entertain visitors in the process, the pub is hosting tours led by an award-winning storyteller.

Delving into the life of Robert Burns and his love for this particular watering hole, to a talk on ghosts and the town's horrible histories, you won't want to miss this super fun journey through time. 

You can also catch their Burns celebration in January, complete with a five-course tasting menu, free cocktail and a live singer filling the air with classic Scottish melodies. 

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.

Bracknell: SWEET FEMALE ATTITUDE Meets BOLLYWOOD! DJ Amit & Aki spinning Garage & Bollywood!

@ Après Nightclub on Sat, 10th Oct 2026 @ 21:00 - 2:30

This incredible night of nostalgia fuses Bollywood magic with 90s UK garage at Apres Nightclub. Whether you're here with mates just because or celebrating something special, this night promises an epic collision of cultures.

Topping the bill is the legendary Sweet Female Attitude, performing her chart-topping hit Flowers - a track that remains a staple of the UK music scene. Grab your ticket to this epic night out for just £25.

Hull: Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

@ The Welly Club on Friday 23rd October 2026 and 2 other Fridays

Looking for a novel night out? Get on down to Sounds Familiar. 

Much more than a music quiz, this epic club night has sold out The Roundhouse and played Glasto more times than Bowie. Expect to hear a little of everything, from chart classics and power ballads to guilty pleasures and old skool anthems.

Eastbourne: The View Hotel

Whatever you're into, The View Hotel has an event to fit the bill. We're talking bottomless brunches, 70s and 80s parties, disco nights and plenty more.

Right on the seafront in Eastbourne, its adds sensational sea views to an already epic day out. Its events calendar is packed and popular, with tickets starting from just £22.

Hampshire: ROCOCO REVERIE: The Grand Assemblée

@ Somerley Estate on Fri, 25th Sep 2026 @ 18:00 - 23:00

Step back to a time of candlelight, corsets and Versailles-style decadence at ROCOCO REVERIE in the sensational grounds of the Grade II listed Somerley Estate. 

After a champagne reception and refined sit down dinner, you're invited to make your way through a series of salons - some lively and some intimate, but each alive with music, sketch artists, games and whispered conversations. Grab your tickets to this elegant evening from just £185.