Top 10playLondon

Top 10 Best Places to Play in London

London offers world-class entertainment from legendary West End theatre to immersive experiences, escape rooms, and iconic attractions. Whether you're seeking Harry Potter magic at Warner Bros Studio Tour or thrilling adventures at urban entertainment centers, London delivers unforgettable fun.

Updated January 21, 2026

All-Time Best

1.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter

Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter
$$$$
Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom

Step into the magical world of Harry Potter at the actual studios where the films were made. Explore authentic sets, props, and costumes while discovering filmmaking secrets behind the beloved franchise.

Highlights

  • Authentic film sets
  • Hogwarts Great Hall
  • Diagon Alley
  • Platform 9¾
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2.

West End Theatre District

West End Theatre District
$$$
Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D, United Kingdom

London's legendary theatre district rivals Broadway with world-class productions of musicals, plays, and revivals. From long-running classics like Les Misérables to new premieres, the West End delivers theatrical excellence.

Highlights

  • World-class productions
  • Historic theatres
  • Latest musicals
  • Classic plays
Also available on:
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3.

The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon
$$
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom

A thrilling interactive experience through London's dark history featuring live actors, special effects, and themed rides. Journey through plague, torture, and murder in this uniquely entertaining attraction.

Highlights

  • Live actor experiences
  • Drop ride
  • Victorian London
  • Jack the Ripper
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4.

SHREK'S Adventure! London

SHREK'S Adventure! London
$$
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom

A family-friendly immersive experience set in the world of DreamWorks' Shrek. Board a magical 4D bus to Far Far Away and meet beloved characters in this interactive adventure.

Highlights

  • Meet Shrek characters
  • 4D bus experience
  • Interactive storytelling
  • Photo opportunities
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5.

Escape Hunt London

Escape Hunt London
$$
72-74 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TD, United Kingdom

Award-winning escape rooms with beautifully themed rooms and challenging puzzles. Multiple locations across London offer diverse themes from detective mysteries to sci-fi adventures.

Highlights

  • Multiple themes
  • Professional puzzles
  • Central locations
  • Team experiences
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6.

All Star Lanes

All Star Lanes
$$
95 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom

A retro-American bowling experience with stylish lanes, excellent cocktails, and diner-style food. Multiple London locations offer a sophisticated twist on classic bowling entertainment.

Highlights

  • Retro Americana style
  • Craft cocktails
  • Private lanes
  • Great food
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7.

Swingers Crazy Golf

Swingers Crazy Golf
$$
8 Brown's Buildings, London EC3A 8AL, United Kingdom

An adult crazy golf experience combining competitive mini-golf with cocktails, street food, and entertainment. Features imaginative courses in stunning vintage British settings.

Highlights

  • Two creative courses
  • Great cocktails
  • Street food vendors
  • Party atmosphere
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8.

Kidzania London

Kidzania London
$$
Westfield London, Ariel Way, London W12 7GA, United Kingdom

An indoor city built for children where kids can role-play adult jobs from pilot to firefighter. A unique entertainment and educational experience designed specifically for ages 4-14.

Highlights

  • 60+ role-play activities
  • Real brands
  • Indoor city
  • Learn life skills
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9.

Namco Funscape

Namco Funscape
$$
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom

A major entertainment center featuring arcade games, bumper cars, bowling, and more. Located on the South Bank, it offers diverse activities for families and groups.

Highlights

  • Arcade games
  • Bowling
  • Bumper cars
  • Central location
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10.

Bounce London

Bounce London
$$
241 Old Street, London EC1V 9EY, United Kingdom

A unique ping pong social club combining table tennis with drinks and entertainment. Multiple London locations offer a fun, active night out with friends.

Highlights

  • 17 ping pong tables
  • Great cocktails
  • DJ nights
  • Private areas
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Best of 2026

1.

Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience

Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience
$$$
Arboretum, near London, United Kingdom

The newest addition to London's Harry Potter attractions, this nighttime woodland trail brings the Forbidden Forest to life. Encounter magical creatures and cast spells on this immersive outdoor adventure.

Highlights

  • Nighttime forest trail
  • Magical creatures
  • Interactive wand moments
  • Stunning light effects
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2.

Merlin's Magic London

Merlin's Magic London
$$$
Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA, United Kingdom

London's newest immersive entertainment complex combining AR technology with physical puzzles and magical storytelling. Experience quests through different mythological realms in this groundbreaking attraction.

Highlights

  • Augmented reality quests
  • Physical challenges
  • Mythological themes
  • State-of-art tech
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3.

Electric Gamebox Central

Electric Gamebox Central
$$
Oxford Street, London W1C 1LX, United Kingdom

The expanded flagship location of this unique digital gaming experience combining physical rooms with digital projection games. Teams play immersive games projected onto walls and floors.

Highlights

  • Digital projection games
  • Team experiences
  • Multiple game types
  • No VR headset needed
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Spring Fun

1.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens
$$
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AE, United Kingdom

Experience the stunning spring blooms at the Royal Botanic Gardens with millions of flowering bulbs and blossoms. Special spring trails and activities make this a perfect seasonal outing.

Highlights

  • Spring blooms
  • Cherry blossoms
  • Treetop walkway
  • Temperate House
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2.

London Zoo Spring Events

London Zoo Spring Events
$$
Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom

Visit ZSL London Zoo in spring to see baby animals and seasonal events. The zoo comes alive with new births and spring-themed activities for families.

Highlights

  • Baby animals
  • Spring events
  • Outdoor enclosures
  • Family activities
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Summer Fun

1.

Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park
$$$
Staines Road, Chertsey KT16 8PN, United Kingdom

The UK's thrill capital featuring world-class roller coasters and water rides. Summer is peak season for London's premier theme park, with longer hours and special events.

Highlights

  • Stealth coaster
  • Saw ride
  • Water rides
  • Extended hours
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2.

Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds

Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds
$
Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR, United Kingdom

Wild swimming in London's historic ponds offers a unique summer escape. Separate ponds for men, women, and mixed bathing provide a refreshing natural swimming experience.

Highlights

  • Wild swimming
  • Natural setting
  • Affordable
  • London escape
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Fall Fun

1.

Thorpe Park Fright Nights

Thorpe Park Fright Nights
$$$
Staines Road, Chertsey KT16 8PN, United Kingdom

The UK's best Halloween theme park event transforms Thorpe Park into a horror paradise. Featuring scare mazes, roaming actors, and horror-themed rides throughout October.

Highlights

  • Scare mazes
  • Horror rides
  • Roaming actors
  • Night events
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2.

London Dungeon Halloween Special

London Dungeon Halloween Special
$$
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom

The London Dungeon ramps up the scares for Halloween with extended experiences and special seasonal horrors. Extra scare actors and exclusive shows make October the perfect time to visit.

Highlights

  • Extra scares
  • Special shows
  • Extended experiences
  • Halloween theming
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Winter Fun

1.

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
$$
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, United Kingdom

Europe's largest Christmas event featuring ice skating, Christmas markets, rides, and entertainment. The annual transformation of Hyde Park into a festive wonderland is a London winter tradition.

Highlights

  • Giant ice rink
  • Christmas market
  • Fairground rides
  • Circus shows
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2.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

Natural History Museum Ice Rink
$$
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom

Skate beneath the magnificent Natural History Museum in one of London's most iconic winter settings. This seasonal rink offers a magical backdrop for holiday ice skating.

Highlights

  • Iconic setting
  • Evening sessions
  • Museum backdrop
  • Holiday atmosphere
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Frequently Asked Questions

Book in advance through official theatre websites or apps like TodayTix for discounts. The TKTS booth in Leicester Square offers same-day discounted tickets. Popular shows like Hamilton and The Lion King sell out weeks ahead, so book early for specific dates.

Absolutely! It's consistently rated as London's top attraction. Plan for 3-4 hours minimum. Book well in advance as tickets sell out weeks ahead. The tour offers an authentic look at actual sets, costumes, and props from all eight films.

Top-rated options include Escape Hunt (multiple themes and locations), The Crystal Maze (based on the TV show), and clueQuest (sci-fi themed). Most offer varying difficulty levels and can accommodate groups of 2-6 players.

London excels at adult entertainment with sophisticated bowling at All Star Lanes, crazy golf with cocktails at Swingers, ping pong bars like Bounce, escape rooms, VR experiences, and of course the legendary West End theatre scene.

For Thorpe Park and other outdoor parks, May-September offers the best weather and longest hours. October's Fright Nights at Thorpe Park are incredibly popular. Warner Bros Studio Tour is excellent year-round, with special holiday decorations in winter.