September already? As per usual, the summer has flown past and it’s now time to savour as much of the sun as possible before the British weather makes a U-turn. It’s a fabulous month to take a drive into London and take part in some of the weird and wonderful activities the city has to offer.
To help you decide where to go and what to try this month, DesignMyNight has put together a list of the top ten things to do. You could choose to explore surreal VR dimensions, become a baking champion, or even float around Canary Wharf in a hot tub. So get the car packed up, it’s time to take a drive to the big smoke.
Visit London’s Highest Public Garden
Name: Sky Garden
Where: City of London
When: Events span across the whole of September
Price Range: Free for non-events, tickets start from £9.50 for bookable events
Experience London from above when visiting Sky Garden. A local favourite, they’ve got a whole host of events on offer, with everything from yoga sessions, music nights and early morning sunrises (for those 5am go-getters) to summer parties and drinks specials. It’s also an amazing spot to have a bite to eat at their sky-high restaurant, or a nice hot coffee whilst admiring London’s incredible views.
Play Monopoly On A Giant Game Board
Name: Monopoly Lifesized
Where: Fitzrovia
When: Bookable anytime
Price: Tickets start from £49pp
Bring this classic household game to life at Monopoly Lifesized. This immersive experience allows you to make your way around the board as your favourite game piece, whilst completing escape room-style challenges, building houses and breaking out of jail. If you work up an appetite? Treat yourself to food in the Top Hat Bar - the millionaire cheesecake is our fave.
Take Part In An Immersive Murder Mystery Dining Experience
Name: The Murder Express - Jewel of the Empire
Where: Bethnal Green
When: Bookable every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Price: Tickets start from £74.50pp
Hop on board The Murder Express to take part in this one of a kind immersive dining experience. The story involves a missing diamond, many disappearances, as well as a criminal spree - and you’re one of the suspects. Work your way through the story to see whether the culprit can be caught, all whilst enjoying a delicious four-course meal created by a Master Chef finalist.
Challenge Friends To The Ultimate Baking Contest
Name: The Big Bake
Where: Haggerston and Tooting
When: Various dates in September
Price: Tickets start from £44.50pp
Challenge your friends and family to the ultimate cake baking competition. The Big Bake gives you 90 minutes to create a masterpiece (or something close) in your team of two for a chance to bag the trophy. All the ingredients and equipment are provided for you, so no need to nip into Tesco en route. Nab a ticket, get your aprons on and cook up a storm.
See The Sights Of Canary Wharf In A Floating Hot Tub
Name: Skuna Boats
Where: Canary Wharf
When: The 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th of September
Price: £39pp
Looking for an alternative way to explore the city? You’re in luck. Skuna Boats offers a floating hot tub adventure, where you can see the sites of Canary Wharf all whilst relaxing in steaming bubbly water. There’s an experienced tour guide on hand to give you some history on all the sights, and you can even enjoy the ride with a glass of bubbly in hand.
Enjoy A Game Of Boules Near London's Southbank
Name: Jack & Boule
Where: Waterloo
When: Everyday other than Mondays
Price: From £25pp
Just a stone's throw away from London’s Southbank is a fabulous spot where you can enjoy a classic game of boules. It’s suitable for groups of all sizes, so perfect if you’re driving into London for a day trip with the family. With 55 minutes to show off your skills on the court, head to the street food stalls afterwards for a delicious burger from Nanny Bills or an infamous Rico Burrito. You can even bring your pooch, too.
Transport Yourself To A Virtual Universe
Name: Otherworld VR
Where: Hackney
When: Monday to Thursday
Price: From £45pp
Step out of this world (AKA east London) and get swept up in the ultimate Otherworld VR experience. Choose from games that involve everything from zombie apocalypses and sea explorations to swinging from trees around the jungle. You get just over an hour to explore these missions with your friends' avatars in the virtual world - and it’s not one to be missed.
Try Your Hand At A Game Of Virtual Golf
Name: The Golf Groove
Where: Wimbledon
When: Anytime
Price: Starting from £40 per hour for 2-6 people
Fancy yourself as a tee-rific golfer? Head down to The Golf Groove to put your skills to the test. Branded as the UK’s largest golfing experience, this place boasts 12 virtual golf bays, an amazing rooftop terrace and a top-notch menu packed with your favourite comfort foods. Book a bay for up to six people and get ready for an un-fore-gettable time.
Catch A Movie Under The Stars
Name: The Luna Cinema
Where: Wimbledon Park and Kew Gardens
When: Various dates ongoing until the end of September
Price: Starting from £13.50pp
Set in two of the most picturesque parks in London, the Luna Cinema is the perfect place to catch your favourite chick flick or action movie outdoors. This is a chance to script your own movie night, so feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks, or let them take care of that for you - it’s your call. In our opinion? There’s no better way to spend the remainder of the warm summer evenings.
Play Shuffleboard In This Fancy London Bridge Hotspot
Name: Electric Shuffle
Where: London Bridge
When: Any date
Price: Starting from £13pp
Whilst sightseeing around the London Bridge area, definitely book in for a game of shuffleboard at Electric Shuffle to break up the day. It’s a great way to compete against friends and family - maybe the loser pays for lunch? Speaking of food, this place also boasts a lovely restaurant to settle any post-game hunger. They host competitive socials too, if you’re up for the challenge.
For more info on the best activities in London, visit DesignMyNight.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.