If you’ve visited London before, you’ll know that it’s an amazing city full of fabulous attractions. In fact, I concluded after a number of visits to the capital when I used to live in Cambridge that it’s officially impossible to get bored in London – money allowing, of course! But if, like me, your not too big a fan of queuing up to see things and walking mini-steps to try to get out of crowded underground stations or along busy streets, then you’ll definitely be interested in hearing about some alternative things to do in London this Autumn.
Cricket, anyone?
With the Ashes currently taking place, it’s a great time to check out some fantastic sporting action and have a great all-round day out while doing it. As I can definitely testify to, you don’t have to be a huge cricket fan to enjoy a day (or more!) out at a good game of bat and ball.
Being an American ex-pat, I thought I’d find cricket much less entertaining than baseball. But I was surprisingly wrong. I’ve enjoyed watching cricket every time we’ve been to see a game and it’s not only been about the actual pitch action itself. The atmosphere, the people I’ve chatted to and the food and drink make cricket a really good pastime to enjoy.
You won’t find much better quality cricket anywhere this Autumn and the 5th and last Ashes test match is at the Oval in Kennington, South London, starting on 12th September (closest tube station is Oval). It’s bound to be a great experience and I’m pretty disappointed that I’m not going to make it myself as I’ll be out of the country that week.
That’s (Free) Entertainment!
More London is a sunken amphitheatre that provides a range of free entertainment including films, music, and theatre. The venue has now been putting on shows for ten years and hosts wonderful modern entertainment. It has a capacity of 800 spectators
It’s located on the South Bank between London Bridge and Tower Bridge and is easily accessible from Tower Hill or London Bridge tube stations.
No Pain, No Gain
If, like me, you’re into medical TV shows and the like, then you’ll love this place. There’s an old wooden operating table on show and you’ll learn about how people in London were operated on even before anesthesia was invented!
The theatre is in the garret of St Thomas’s Church roof, quite close to London Bridge tube station. It was also used to store herbs and opium. It’s right up there with the best of them in terms of alternative experiences and I highly recommend a visit.
A Bit of Blues?
No, I’m not talking about Chelsea Football Club (even though that would be awesome!). This place is London’s original blues bar and has live music 7 nights a week, with free admission. It’s in Soho and the closest tube station is Oxford Circus.
Even if blues music isn’t really your thing, I can assure you you’ll have a good time. The atmosphere is intense yet liberating and the drinks menu is definitely worth exploring.
Laugh Out Loud
As a lifelong Anglophile, I’ve been drawn to British humour since childhood. And since I moved to the UK, watching live comedy has become a must-do for me. London obviously has a big comedy circuit and if you want some great belly-laughs, you have to visit The Comedy Store just off Leicester Square (closest tube station is Piccadilly Circus). Even one of my favourite US comedians, Rich Hall, performs there. Although for me you can’t beat Romesh – just saying (sorry, Rich)!
So there you have it! My Top 5 alternative things to do in London this Autumn. I’d love to know your thoughts!
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