Cool And Quirky Events In The UK

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By Scarlett Welch • Editor, DesignMyNight Scarlett has covered the UK's best restaurants, bars and events for DesignMyNight since 2023. She holds an MA in Media & Journalism, with bylines in The Crack magazine and South London News, among others. Last updated on 5th November 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.




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: 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.

Sussex: SAT 5 DEC SUSSEX CABARET EXTRAVAGANZA Launch night includes ⭐ TONY MOORE ⭐ MADAM GALINA⭐ PRESIDENT OBONJO⭐ JUDIT CIRCUS⭐ ANTHONY DFLPS

@ King Edward Hall on Sat, 5th Dec 2026 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

Sussex Cabaret is taking over Lindfield for an extravaganza featuring award-winning comedy, cabaret, musical theatre, circus acts, hand-balancing and more. 

This glamorous evening will also bring a special guest to the stage: former member of Cutting Crew, Tony Moore. Expect a series of variety performances that will leave the audience speechless, while guests enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco and food platters that can be purchased on the night. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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. 

Stoke: The Warehouse

Looking for a buzzing night out in the Stoke area? Then check out The Warehouse, found within The Quarter at Potbank, where they host all kinds of fun and affordable events.

Their stage promises an array of live music and DJ sets, as well as brilliant tribute acts. You can also find seasonal themed parties for Chrostmas, Halloween, Oktoberfest and more.

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.

Southampton: Red Dog's Bottomless Country Brunch Southampton

@ Red Dog Saloon Southampton on Saturday 14th November 2026 and 15 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.

 

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.

Sussex: Realms VR

Enter a virtual adventure at Realms VR in Sussex; this family-friendly gaming hub allows children as young as seven to explore their array of digital quests, puzzles and escape rooms all confined to a high-tech VR headset. 

Travel across worlds and battle in two-player games as you bond over this shared immersive experience that will turn your reality upside down. 

Stoke: Factory Floor

The QUARTER at Potbank has opened the Factory Floor as a new live music and events space – with a mega lineup of parties, craft nights and quirky happenings to keep Stoke locals busy all year round. 

From 80s DJ nights to a seasonal fireworks painting workshop and big gatherings for big occasions – like Halloween and Christmas – there's plenty of reasons to visit. You can even bring your children along to a buffet breakfast with Anna and Elsa from Frozen, or attend a boozy psychic reading. 

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.

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.

Hull: Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

@ The Welly Club on Friday 29th January and Friday 30th April 2027

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.

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: Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Saturday 7th November 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: Faulty Towers The Dining Experience

@ President Hotel on Various dates from Saturday 7th November 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.