Quirky Experiences 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 9th June 2026

Enjoy quirky activities where you bake against the clock, be dazzled by the very best in burlesque and try a street food event with a difference in our guide to some of the most unique experiences in the UK, from London all the way up to bonnie Scotland. Trust us when we say that you've never seen anything quite like these...




UK-Wide: Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist

Created by the talented team at I'm Puzzled, the Scavenger Hunt Bank Heist is an immersive experience that will have you and your friends working together to pull off the perfect crime. Using their high-tech app to guide you, you'll crack codes, scout locations and liaise with your virtual crew, all while seeing more of your city or town.

This activity is available everywhere from Hastings to Derby or Exeter, for groups of two to six people. You can take part any day of the week, as it's totally self-guided, allowing you to go at your own pace.

Birmingham: Sandbox VR Birmingham

Step into the future of fun at Sandbox VR Birmingham, the ultimate free-roam virtual reality experience. Located in the heart of Grand Central & Bullring, this cutting-edge venue invites you and your crew to dive into eight epic worlds, each designed to make you feel like you're inside your favourite game or movie. Whether you're battling aliens, slaying zombies, or competing in a Squid Game arena created in partnership with Netflix, the action is truly out of this world.

Perfect for friends, colleagues, stag and hen parties, or even competitive families, Sandbox VR offers a heart-pumping adventure like no other. After your VR experience, head over to the UK's only robotic bartender to get your hands on a perfectly shaken cocktail, while you relive the excitement by watching your personalised post-experience video.

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

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

Roll back the years with The Ultimate Fusion at Apres Nightclub this October. This incredible mashup brings together the rhythmic soul of Bollywood with the gritty, nostalgic basslines of London 90s UK garage scene.

Topping the bill, the legendary Sweet Female Attitude will be taking centre stage to perform her iconic anthem, Flowers. Grab your ticket to join the party for just £25.

York: York Ghost Bus

@ York Ghost Bus Pickup on Various dates from Saturday 27th June 2026

Looking for an unforgettable way to experience York? The Ghost Bus is your ticket to a comedy-horror ghost tour like no other. Travel through the city's haunting past aboard the creepy Necrobus, a vintage Routemaster bus with a supernatural twist.

As you visit iconic landmarks such as York Minster and Clifford's Tower, your guide will thrill you with spine-chilling tales of ghosts and gory events - drenched in dark humour. It's the perfect blend of spooky fun and wickedly good laughs.

London: Avora: A New-World Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Saturday 27th June 2026

Get ready for an immersive new-world cocktail experience in London, thanks to Avora. From the same team behind Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon, this 1hr and 45minute experience will see you step into the magical world of Avora, which is brought to life with theatrical sets, quirky cocktails and a brilliant cast.

After being welcomed to Roscorp Laboratory, you'll step into your special jumpsuit and be briefed by Dr C. Shelley. Not only will you enjoy three molecular cocktails that are sure to amaze, but you'll also explore mystical woodland, meet the locals and meet botanists.

Middlesex: Murder Mystery Dinner

@ Red Lion Hotel Hillingdon on Fri, 31st Jul 2026 @ 19:00 - 22:30

Step into a night of suspense, clues and killer entertainment at The Red Lion, Hillingdon. This amazing Murder Mystery Night will serve up twists, turns and plenty of laughs as you uncover who committed the grisly crime. 

To fuel up your grey matter, there's a delicious three course dinner up for grabs. Tickets to all this and more are just £45.

UK-Wide: I'm Puzzled

Wherever you are in the UK, you can count on I'm Puzzled to bring you a fun outdoor adventure. From Hastings to Newcastle and Birmingham, their Murder Mystery Experience is giving you the chance to explore more of your city while solving a high-profile murder case.

Guided by their handy app, you'll work in teams of two to six to crack codes, gather clues and interrogate virtual suspects. Plus, tickets start from just £19.99 for the whole group.

UK-Wide: Wing Fest

With events in London, Manchester, Bristol and beyond, Wing Fest is a fun weekend full of great quality food, drinks and entertainment. You can nab tickets for as little as £19.50 per person, giving you a free trucker hat on arrival and access to axe throwing, arcade games, live music and DJ sets.

Sample some of the world's best chicken wings across three categories: barbecue, Buffalo and wild wings. You can vote for your favourites to be crowned the winner in each category, and there are even eating competitions and hot sauce challenges to get involved in.

Liverpool: Albert's Schloss

£15 - Two course menu and 7 other offers

Welcome to Albert's Schloss Liverpool - the bier house and pleasure palace fit for royalty! Named after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's Anglo-Bavarian husband, this lively spot serves up Europe's finest pints, Alpine-inspired dishes, and a weekly lineup of showtime splendour. Whether you're here for a casual pint or a fun night out, there's always something exciting happening.

Indulge in hearty breakfasts or go for a delicious dinner featuring fondue, schnitzel, Schweinshaxe, and Berliner Shawarma. Wash it all down with a crisp Pilsner Urquell, a refreshing Paulaner Munich, or a cocktail like the Cherry and Yuzu Spritz. And don't miss the daily entertainment - each night offers its own spectacular theme with guest acts and live performances to keep the good vibes going. It's the perfect spot to enjoy great food, drinks, and a night of unforgettable fun.

London: Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Saturday 27th June 2026

Dive into a world of sorcery, potions and mystery at Hexmoor. The world's first immersive, wizarding prison bar combines theatre, film-like set design, magical special effects and world-class cocktails to transport you far from the city streets.

As you sip on signature potions, you're thrust into a fantastical storyline - only you can work with the dark arts inmates to fulfill the prophecy and ensure humanity's freedom. Tickets start from just £53.95 - around £30 more bags you a Wizard License and a one-of-one, custom-made wand.

UK-Wide: Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Bars

Alcotraz is the immersive prison cocktail bar where your night is anything but ordinary. Inspired by Hollywood's most iconic prison stories, this theatrical experience puts you right in the middle of the action, donning your very own orange jumpsuit as you step into real metallic cells. It's an intimate yet epic backdrop for a night of mischief and delicious cocktails.

Once convicted, you'll be guided by notorious bootleggers who'll help you smuggle in your own liquor to craft bespoke cocktails tailored to your tastes. The serving inmates will whip up unique drinks using the liquor you've smuggled in and you need to be as sneaky as you like with your liquor smuggling (or let the crooked guards help you out), but watch out for the Warden - he's always on the lookout.

Henley-on-Thames: The Lockdown Lodge '26

@ Hambleden Lock on Various dates from Saturday 18th July 2026

Treat yourself to one of the most uniquely quirky experiences in the UK by tracking down The Lockdown Lodge '26 this summer. From the moment you board a vintage river taxi in Henley to glide down the Thames, you'll realise this is far more than just a standard meal out.

Combining an isolated lock-island feel, premium catering in a temporary structure, and a brilliant mix of returning regulars and adventurous first-timers, it offers a refreshing break from the ordinary.

Liverpool & London: Moonshine Saloon

Travel back in time to the Wild West and join a famous moonshine smuggling gang with Moonshine Saloon, found in Liverpool and London. This immersive experience sees you becoming a part of the story, where you'll need to smuggle in your own liquor, which will then be turned into bespoke cocktails by expert mixologists.

You'll dress the part then rub shoulders with outlaws and local characters, but the question is - will you help Clyde Cassidy or side with the Sheriff?

Hull: Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

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

An epic club night disguised as a music quiz, Sounds Familiar is coming to Hull. The only quiz to have played Glasto more times than Bowie, it packs in over 100 incredible tunes over one epic evening. 

Expect to hear a little of everything, from chart classics and old skool anthems to guilty pleasures and marvellous mash-ups. This is sure to fill up fast - secure your spot for just £8.

Basildon: Teamsport

Looking for adrenaline-inducing events in the UK? Head to Basildon and get stuck into Teamsport, an indoor go-karting experience. Whether you're a beginner or a true professional, you can head to the two-level track, complete with over 500 metres of space.

UK-Wide: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Experience

A fun, outdoor experience for friends and families alike, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Experience is a quirky, self-guided adventure. Take part in escape room-style challenges in teams of up to eight people, using only your phone to instruct you.

You'll be tasked with rescuing Dorothy and her friends from the Wicked Witch, solving challenges and uncovering hidden clues. Start at any time of day, with availability from Derby to Cardiff, Plymouth and beyond.

Lewes: Beer Tours of Lewes

@ Beer Tours Of Lewes on Saturday 11th July 2026

Love beer? Then we've got just the thing for you. That's The Beer Talking host a Beer Tours of Lewes every single month, taking your round local destinations Harvey's Brewery, Abyss Brewing Co and Beak Brewery.

Their leader Dan is an Advanced Cicerone and International Beer Judge, who'll share his wide array of knowledge with you. This is a relaxed walking tour that's suitable for most people, and involves trying a range of craft beer and cask ale.

London & Essex: Garage Brunch

On the hunt for fun things to do around the UK? Taking place in areas such as London and Essex, Garage Brunch are hosting an epic lineup of events, including a show-stopping garden party and a brunch, complete with free-flowing cocktails.

Hampshire: ROCOCO REVERIE: The Grand Assemblée

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

Step back in time with candlelight, corsets and artistic flair at Rococo Reverie. Minerva's annual flagship celebration, it's an incredible evening of art, indulgence and spirited conversation set within a private estate just beyond London.

As twilight rolls in, you're invited to make your way through a series of salons - some lively, some intimate, and each alive with music, sketch artists and whispered conversations. Tickets start from just £185 and include a champagne reception and a choice of super sophisticated dining options.