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On our radar: 15 grown-up things to do near Soho, London

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Looking for something a little more inspired than another pint at the pub? Whether you’re planning a date night, catching up with friends, or just want to make your time in the West End count, Soho and its surroundings are packed with culture, conversation-starters, and low-key cool. Here are 15 best things to do near Soho for the grown-ups, that deliver on atmosphere, novelty, and style.

Solve a mind-bending puzzle with your friends

Where to: Sherlock: The Official Game

Address: 83-84 Long Acre, London WC2E 9NG
Opening hours: Daily, 10 AM – 10 PM
Admission: From £40 per person

Step into the world of Sherlock Holmes with an immersive escape room experience crafted by the creators of the BBC series. You’ll decode clues, race against the clock, and put your detective instincts to the test. A perfect pick for anyone looking for things to do in Central London with friends that go beyond the usual drinks and dinner.

 

Drop a visit to a wine shop

Where to: Gerry’s Wines & Spirits

Address: 74 Old Compton St, London W1F 0TA, United Kingdom
Opening hours:

  • Mon – Thur: 9 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Fri – Sat: 9 AM – 9 PM
  • Sun: 12 PM – 6 PM

This Soho staple is small, stacked to the ceiling, and legendary. Whether you’re after a smoky mezcal, an offbeat Bordeaux, or just something you can’t find in the supermarket, Gerry’s delivers. Pop in for a browse and don’t be shy about asking questions – staff here are famously passionate and well-informed.

 

 

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Reading session inside a century-old patisserie

Where to: Maison Bertaux

Address: 28 Greek St, London W1D 5DQ

Opening hours: Daily 9:30 AM – 6 PM

This charming, lived-in patisserie has been baking since 1871. Order a flaky croissant or a towering eclair, grab a table upstairs, and settle in with a book. It’s a quiet pocket of old Soho, perfect for slow mornings or a reflective break between adventures.

 

 

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Visit Piccadilly Circus

An iconic Central London landmark, Piccadilly Circus is great for people-watching, photo ops, and jumping-off to explore Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and the broader West End. Its famous digital screens and the statue of Eros are Insta-famous, but it still retains a buzzing, energetic charm. A classic pick among free Central London activities.

Join an exciting escape room

Where to: The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience

Address: 22-32 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EU

Opening hours:

  • Mon – Fri 1 PM – 9 PM
  • Sat – Sun 9 AM – 9 PM.

Admission: From £59 – £79 per person

This nostalgic, high-energy escape game brings the ’90s TV show to life, complete with Aztec zones, crystal collection, and an overexcited Maze Master guiding your team. Expect laughs, teamwork, and a few unexpected challenges. A solid pick for escape rooms near Soho.

 

Try to dine in the dark

Where to: Dans Le Noir?

Address: 69-73 St John St, London EC1M 4AN

Opening hours:

  • Tue – Thur 5:30 PM – 11 PM
  • Fri 5 PM – 12 AM
  • Sat: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM
  • Sun 5:30 PM – 11 PM

Price per person: £100+

Best item to try: Seafood, Marinated beef capaccio

A sensory, slightly surreal dinner experience where guests eat in total darkness, guided and served by visually impaired staff. It’s more than a gimmick – it’s a chance to rethink how you experience food. One of the most unique best restaurants in Central London if you’re craving something out of the ordinary.

 

Watch a cult film in a boutique cinema

Where to: Prince Charles Cinema

Address: 7 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BY

Beloved for its rotating lineup of cult favourites, indie gems, and themed movie marathons, the Prince Charles is a Soho classic. Catch a late-night screening of The Room, or relive Kill Bill on the big screen with a crowd that gets it. Ideal for film nerds, date nights, and anyone seeking things to do in Soho, London at night.

 

Go to a secret listening party

Keep tabs on Soho Radio and Spiritland (just north in King’s Cross) for word-of-mouth events that blend music, wine, and warm lighting. Expect vinyl-only sets, live podcast recordings, or low-key DJ sets. These hush-hush gatherings are made for music lovers who hate queues.

Go drinking at a speakeasy bar

Punch Room – 10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP

Cahoots Underground Bar – 13 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW

From prohibition-style hideaways to themed time-travel bars, Soho delivers on the speakeasies among all bars in Central London. Find the unmarked door, whisper the password, and sip something strong in a candlelit corner. A go-to for nightlife in Soho that’s a little more mysterious.

 

 

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Drop a visit to Chinatown

Chinatown Gate – 17 Wardour St, London W1D 6PJ

You haven’t really done Soho until you’ve wandered through its lantern-filled Chinatown. From dim sum to bubble tea to late-night bao, it’s a buzzing, sensory-rich hub that’s always alive. It also doubles as one of the bestfree things to do near Soho.

MORE DETAILS: FREE THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL LONDON

Visit House of MinaLima – a place for Potterheads

Address: 157 Wardour St, London W1F 8WQ

Opening hours: Daily 11 AM – 6:45 PM, including bank holidays

Free entrance

A visual feast for any Harry Potter fan, this design studio-turned-gallery showcases original artwork and props from the Wizarding World. It’s whimsical, niche, and full of charm – a perfect stop for fans, or anyone after unusual things to do near Soho London.

 

Explore SEA LIFE London Aquarium

  • Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
  • Opening hours:
    •   –  Mon – Wed and Fri – Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM
    •   –  Wed: 11 AM – 6 PM
  • Admission fees: (cheaper when purchasing online)
  •   –  Standard entry: Adult £39, Child (2-15 years) £35, Free for under-2-year-olds – Must arrive at the selected time slot when you make your purchase.
  •   –  Anytime entry: Adult £44, Child (2-15 years) £40, Free for under-2-year-olds – Arrive at anytime on the day of your choice

From jellyfish to sharks to glowing coral tunnels, this isn’t just for kids. The SEA LIFE Aquarium is immersive, calming, and surprisingly romantic. It’s a strong pick for things to do near Soho London for couples looking for something soothing and visually rich.

 

Play Monopoly, but in lifesized version

Where to: Monopoly Lifesized

  • Address: 213-215 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7PS, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours:
  •   –  Tue – Fri: 12 PM – 11 PM
  •   –  Sat: 10 AM – 11 PM
  •   –  Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM
  •   –  Closed on Mondays
  • Admission: From £59 – £89 for every type of ticket types: Very Important Player, Standard, Access to Post-game cocktails. You can choose among Classic Boards, Luxury Board & City Board.

Buy property, dodge jail, and build hotels – but this time, you’re physically in the game. With themed rooms, challenges, and larger-than-life pieces, it’s an immersive experience that makes board games way more fun. Great for things to do near Soho for adults who still want to play.

 

MORE THINGS TO DO NEAR TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD

Dive into dark history… with laughs

Where to: London Dungeon

  • Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
  • Opening hours:
  •   –  Mon- Fri 10 AM – 5 PM
  •   –  Sat 10 AM – 6 PM
  •   –  Sun 10 AM – 4 PM
  • Admission (cheaper to buy online):
  •   –  Standard entry: Adult £35, Child (5-15 years) £29 – Must arrive at your selected time slot.
  •   –  Anytime entry: Adult £39, Child (2-15 years) £33.50 – Arrive at anytime, beating the queues.

Hilarious, creepy, and slightly ridiculous, the Dungeon mixes theatrical storytelling with real historical horror. Meet Jack the Ripper, escape the plague, and end with a ride that drops you into the unknown. Equal parts creepy and camp.

 

 

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Get provoked at The Photographer’s Gallery

  • Address: 16-18 Ramillies St, London W1F 7LW
  • Opening hours:
  •   –  Mon – Wed, Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM
  •   –  Thur – Fri: 10 AM – 8 PM
  •   –  Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
  • Admission:
  •   –  Full Price – £8.50
  •   –  Disabled – £6.00
  •   –  Disabled, Senior (60), Student, Jobseeker – £6.00
  •   –  National Art Pass – £4.25
  •   –  Disabled Companion – £0.00
  •   –  18 or Under – £0.00
  •   –  Member – £0.00
  •   –  Friday Lates free from 4pm – £0.00

Forget selfies – this space explores politics, identity, and culture through the lens of photography. Thought-provoking, compact, and refreshingly unpretentious, it’s one of the best galleries in Central London for bold, conversation-starting art. If you’re looking for a chill things to do in London for a rainy day, stop by and spend your day immersing in arts.

 

 

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