The Alternative Guide to London

London, as we all know, is a tourist hotspot at every corner. From Big Ben to The London Eye, if you're a tourist you will no doubt be hitting up one of the big sights. But if you're a Londoner, then it's more than likely your average Saturday might consist of brunching at your local independent coffee house followed by an alcohol induced evening.

Naturally, we're all creatures of habit. Sometimes we find ourselves doing things we've done time and time again, yet never really doing those things we hear about and would love to. So with this in mind, I've compiled a list of the alternative things to do in London. 

Try a random weekend event, like The London Boat Show! 

If you follow me on Instagram (and if you don't, hit me up on @kassiebarkerj) then you may have seen that I attended the boat show this year. Something which isn't typically my thing, yet turned out to be one of my favourite days out since moving to London so far. 

And whilst dropping £1.4 million on a boat isn't a viable option for me (yet), curiosity got the better of me and I may have wandered on about 7 different yachts, sun-seekers and the rest. 

Aside from spending time on the yachts, you're able to do things like playing with the virtual reality software, kayaking and mini-sailing activities on the huge pool.

Or perhaps try out some sailing clothing options - because everyone loves the chic sailor look, amiright or  amiright? Marine Superstore will be sure to kit you out. It's worth keeping an eye out to what is going on at the Excel. 

Little Nans Cocktail Den 

I've blogged about this before (Read here) and I absolutely love it. It's a boozy alternative to your yuppie brunch (which I do most weekends, btdubs) and it's a setting like nothing else in London. The perfect way to avoid the cliche Saturday; and who doesn't love unlimited cocktails?

Arches 13-14, Deptford Market Yard, SE8 4BX

POP Brixton

Benefitting from being slightly out of central, POP Brixton is the perfect place to get a little boozy and eat fantastic food which is inexpensive. To be honest; it's the perfect place to get suitably steamed without the tourist hiked prices...cos, we're all poor right?

49 Brixton Station Rd, Brixton, London SW9 8PQ

Four Thieves 

Throw yourself back to the days where you'd spend your pocket money in the arcade shooting pretend zombies, or racing cars around eager to win. Thankfully in Battersea you can do all of this as an adult (without owning a child) alongside having a few drinks. It's a must go! 

51 Lavender Gardens, London SW11 1DJ

Comedy Nights

London is fortunate enough to have a range of places hosting comedy nights - more often than not inexpensive, if not free - with some fantastic talent. 

The Junkyard Golf 

A fun alternative to crazy gold; a different way to spend time with your pals. 

Whilst Shoreditch is no longer considered alternative, the location is second to none and the experience excels even that. What's not to love about getting a little steamed, whilst playing crazy golf and stuffing your face with hot dogs?

Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL

The Detective Agency: Evans and Peel 

I cannot even explain this one other than to say, firstly, you need to go and, secondly, you will want to play the part.

310c Earls Ct Rd, Kensington, London SW5 9BA