Have a blast with the crew: fun group activities in London to try right now

Looking to keep a party entertained? London’s the host with the most. The city is packed with fun things to do, no matter your taste, age, or time preferences. It’s all easy to access too, if you have an oyster card or take advantage of long daylight hours on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Whether you’re seeking a birthday brunch with buddies, a family day out, an after-work bonding session, or an alternative stag/hen do, we’ve just the idea. Here’s our countdown to the best group activities in London to enjoy with the whole clan this summer and beyond.

The best group activities in London

1. Make fresh pasta with Pasta Evangelists

Pasta Evangelists make Britain’s freshest, artisan pasta, and when you sign up for a masterclass at their Pasta Academy, so can you. The two-hour workshops take place in either Farringdon or Shoreditch and transport guests to Italy’s gastronomic regions, where they’ll learn about and prepare pasta from scratch. 

Complimentary antipasti and unlimited prosecco make it extra fun with friends, and the meal at the end helps all sober up before the ride home. Linen aprons and beechwood pasta tools are provided for the class.

Find out more about Pasta Evangelists

2. Draw nudes in the dark with Neon Naked

Life drawing with a twist. Neon Naked dives you into psychedelic neons for the most unique art class. Models are beautifully painted, and supplies are all included. Who knew highlighters could be so fun?

Find out more about Neon Naked

3. Sample the best of Borough Market with City Experiences

With so many culinary options and food markets in London, deciding where to start may be daunting. City Experience’s Borough Market food tour connects hungry patrons with an expert guide of the famed area, taking them to sample the best dishes alongside the intel behind them. One for both tourists and locals alike, you’ll learn something new and those tastebuds will do somersaults (all without braving queues).

Find out more about City Experiences

4. Feel the magic at Disney 100: The Exhibition

If you’ve been seeing Disney: 100: The Exhibition all over social but haven’t had a chance to visit, then hurry. The ExCel showcase, the largest ever curated by The Walt Disney Archives, is on until June 21, 2024. Inside, you’ll find memorabilia, unseen works of art, costumes, and props, and a brand-new screening of the short film ‘Once Upon a Studio’, all in celebration of 100 years of history. A must for Disney fans. Tickets start from £16 and under 5s go free.

Find out more about Disney 100: The Exhibition

5. Attend wizard school with Wands & Wizard Exploratorium

Potter fans, are you ready to become a wizard? The Wands & Wizard Exploratorium in Soho gives fans the opportunity to don a cape and partake in their own wand-building session. Afterward, choose to enjoy a spellbinding wizard-themed afternoon tea, or adults can sign up to make cocktails in the style of potions.

Find out more about Wands & Wizard Exploratorium

6. Jump into a painting with Frameless

This permanent exhibit in Marble Arch has four multi-sensory galleries showcasing the world’s greatest art works. If your kids or spouse find traditional art galleries a snooze, this will perk them up. Plus, there are excellent photo opps for the gram.

Find out more about Frameless

7. Brunch like you’re in Palm Springs with One Hundred Shoreditch

You may be in East London, but this breezy rooftop at the summit of One Hundred Shoreditch has Californian vibes fused with tropical pink escapism. There’s simply no choice but to leave weekday stresses behind. 

Bask in the sunshine at brunch, served Saturday and Sunday between 12-3:30 pm. The buttermilk pancakes are divine, and the bubbles are best enjoyed bottomless. Late risers won’t have FOMO either,  sunsets up here are equally sublime.

Find out more about One Hundred Shoreditch

8. Be part of a TV game show with The Crystal Maze Live Experience

Ever wanted to be on the 90s TV game show, The Crystal Maze? Well, now you can. Bring a group and let your game master guide you through challenges of all sorts to win crystals. Of course, more crystals means more time in the giant Crystal Dome at the pinnacle.

Find out more about The Crystal Maze Live Experience

9. Karaoke together with Lucky Voice

This one’s been around for yonks, and for good reason: Lucky Voice’s song list is extensive. Their collection spans over 11,000 tunes, including multiple languages, so K-Pop lovers can channel their inner Blackpink alongside the Spice Girls fanatics. There are now outposts in Soho, Islington, Holborn, and Liverpool Street, plus Brighton and even Dubai!

Find out more about Lucky Voice

10. Learn about wine with Humble Grape

Love wine? At Humble Grape you and your pals can sign up for a variety of wine-tasting experiences, ranging from beginner masterclasses to a supper club hosted by wine producers. The company only works with the world’s best independent winemakers, who are 100% sustainable, so it’s quality you can taste. Life’s too short to drink bad wine. Stick around for nibbles, which are just as scrumptious.

Find out more about Humble Grape

11. Rave at a city festival with BST Hyde Park

You need not venture far for sounds in a field. British Summer Time is back, running across multiple weekends with headliners including Shania Twain, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, and Stray Kids. The site is also free to visit midweek for an open house of activities.

Find out more about BST Hyde Park

12. Let loose at an indoor fairground with Fairgame

British weather may be unpredictable, but you’re guaranteed a good (rain-free) time at Fairgame, Canary Wharf’s adult funfair. It features all the classics from basketball hoops to whack away, and for just £15, you can play them all within a 75-minute time frame. Stick around afterward to sample the street food or catch up with your mates at one of the three bars.

Find out more about Fairgame

13. Hop on a cocktail adventure with Mr Fogg’s

This eccentric collection of cocktail bars in London is themed to the adventures of the fictional Victorian character Phileas Fogg. With 10 locations dotted around the city, each with its own unique decor and signature drinks menu, you’ll want to tick off the lot. Our faves are the Hat Tavern & Gin Club on Great Chapel Street and the swanky Residence original on Bruton Lane.

Find out more about Mr Fogg’s

14. Go behind the scenes of the London Underground with Hidden Tours

To discover a whole new world that is the tube system (which, literally is a world of its own), sign up for one of London Transport Museum’s Hidden London tours. They run throughout the year, exploring the most storied of stations. 

Our pick for this summer is the Access All Areas to Charing Cross, where you’re taken to disused parts of the station that were used in films such as Skyfall and Paddington Bear. Pair that with an afternoon tea package at The Clermont for only £80 per adult to complete the day out.

Find out more about Hidden London

15. Shuffleboard with Electric Shuffle

Challenge your mates to a supercharged version of shuffleboarding, complete with vision technology to total up your scores and shoot fabulous replay footage. Big pizzas, cocktails, and live DJ sounds turn up the competition.

Find out more about Electric Shuffle

16. Become a bubble tea barista with ClassBento

Learn to make boba tea with a hands-on lesson at this Camden bubble tea cafe. Baristas will run through the drink’s history, show you how to create four types of teas (there are tastings to help you decide) including the tapioca, and you’ll whip up three of your favourites to take home. 

Find out more about ClassBento

17. Burn plastic at Harrods

A trip to Harrods with friends always means some serious swiping, but there’s more to set your focus on than apparel and electronics. Harrods’ dining hall recently opened The Mediterranean Grill by Assembly, and it’s overshadowing all other reasons to visit the iconic store. Why? Because it’s superstar chef Athanasios Kargatzidis’ first UK venture, and now shoppers can get their fix of his famed grill goodies, small plates, and mezze. 

On a hot day, cool down with their soft serve (made with walnut baklava and olive oil) and a splash of Harrods champagne.

Find out more about The Mediterranean Grill by Assembly

18. Dance in NYC with Guys and Dolls

To have a boogie with your pals, without the late night, snag tickets to London’s top immersive production, Guys & Dolls. The musical fable of Broadway opened a year ago and continues to win acclaim thanks to glittering sets, stomping beats, and the whirlwind adventure guests are taken on at every show. 

Seating is wrapped around the action but standing patrons in the middle join the cast in the streets of Manhattan and the bars of Havana in an unlikely love story. Currently playing at the Bridge Theatre.

Find out more about Guys & Dolls

19. Try (virtual) clay shooting with Clays Bar

This bar brings clay target shooting out of the countryside and right into the City. Check in to a shooting peg that features interactive screens for a thrilling selection of games fuelled by cocktails and delicious sharing platters. You can leave your phones in your pockets too: moments, photos, and game results from your session are emailed out afterward.

Find out more about Clays Bar

20. Tuck into fish & chips on a tier with BBar

If you can’t decide what to save stomach space for, combine lunch and afternoon tea with a marriage of two very British traditions. BBar on Buckingham Palace Road tiers beer-battered cod with thick fluffy chips (and the trimmings), alongside decadent cakes and Amarula scones. At £30 per person, it’s an excellent value feast for all the family. 

Find out more about Bbar London

21. Compete in axe-throwing with Boom Battle Bar

Competitive streak? Boom’s your battle haven. Participate in games spanning axe-throwing, augmented reality darts, American pool, and crazier golf, and see who in your party comes out on top. 

There are venues dotted throughout the city including Oxford Circus, Ealing, and The O2, but no matter where the challenge is set, it’s an epic occasion. Check out themed Big Boom Brunches for street food and bottomless drinking to fuel each session.

Find out more about Boom Battle Bar

But wait, there’s more…

• Check out these really great London restaurants we love
• Or if you’re a party of two, let our most romantic restaurants in London bring the magic
• Stay a litle longer with an overnight in London’s coolest four-star hotels