There’s no question that London is a cultural capital with innumerable things to do every weekend, but sometimes you can get stuck in a loop of going to the same bars and making the same plans every week. As a matter of fact, there are countless alcohol-free things to do in London – including sober bars!
If you’re feeling uninspired and are in desperate need of exciting experiences to get you out of the alcohol lull, keep reading because we’ve compiled a list of incomparable plans for you to fall in love with London’s vibrancy all over again—sans a cheeky cocktail, a glass of vino or a pint of lager. You can skip the beer and the bars, because many of London’s attractions are just as enjoyable without it and can even be enhanced by a clear head and sober perspective.
So whether you’re going alcohol-free ever since Dry Jan or just want a change of pace and a bit of a break from booze, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
1. Enjoy London’s Dalí immersive experience
If you’re a Dalí fan, you’re in for a treat. Dalí Cybernetics: The Immersive Experience, the first collective metaverse show in London, has opened its doors at the Boiler House. You’ll get to experience the surrealist painter’s works using VR with a 360º digital show. His striking and bizarre imagery is reflected on this dreamlike, surreal space and as you move through Dalí’s world, you’ll interact with fellow guests in real-time. It’s all very Raphaelesque head exploding!
See Also: 30 Awesome Art Exhibitions To See In London Throughout 2023
2. Enjoy a delightful candlelit live performance
Take a break from the hustle and bustle in favour of a night of magnificent live music and enjoy some relaxing downtime. Whether you’re in the mood for some Sci-Fi and Fantasy Soundtracks, tributes to legendary acts like ABBA and Beyoncé, a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with an accompanying ballet performance—you’re covered. All of this with the addition of being bathed in the glow of candlelight in iconic London venues, you don’t need a drink for that.
See all Candlelight concerts in London here.
3. Treat yourself to a delightful and authentic meal
Photo: @shutterstockWho doesn’t love a good brunch on the weekend? And it doesn’t have to be boozy. You can get together with your friends, dish last night’s endeavours and get a taste of some of the best food London has to offer. But if you enjoy your bottomless brunches, London has plenty of those, too.
Or, what about a rich and hearty meal on Sunday? If you’re choosing not to drink, all that really means is you have a little extra cash to put towards your dining budget. Whether you opt for some of the more well-known spots or want to discover a hidden gem, you’re only a stone’s throw away from great food at any time. But with so much variety, it’s often difficult to actually make a decision on where you want to go. No worries! Here are just a few cuisine-specific guides to get you started: Breakfasts, Brunches, All You Can Eat Sushi, BBQ, Halal, Ethiopian, Brazilian, Turkish
4. Release your inner child in Dopamine Land
As the name suggests, this multi-sensory experience will trigger your happiness hormone dopamine. And best of all, without the next day’s hangover! It’s the perfect release you need after a long day of work, or it can also be a great day out with your kids.
To boost these emotions you will need to enter different rooms—“Into infinity and beyond” room, where you can see a colourful light show, a maze mirrored room, a digital forest room to take a break and recharge, and lastly, enjoy a good old pillow fight to get the giggles. All of them are designed to stimulate touch, sight, smell and even memory!
5.The Fans Strike Back®: A Star Wars Fan Exhibition
The Star Wars fandom’s dreams have come true. This spring one of the largest exhibitions in the saga of fan-made Star Wars events will engulf London. You will find photos, posters, costumes, figures, and models of different types and sizes—all official objects bought by Star Wars fans. As Yoda would put it, “train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose” and explore the Fans Strike Back® exhibition. This amazing setup at 81 Old Brompton Rd in South Kensington will allow you to escape into the Star Wars universe. You’ll be “one with the Force” and “the Force will be with you”.
6. SicilyFEST London 2023 Edition
The flavours of the sunny island of Sicily come to London this spring, in a very special food festival that brings together incredible chefs, highly entertaining masterclasses with really enthusiastic foodies. You’ll get to explore Sicily’s best traditional dishes at 52 Upper Street. Don’t expect only your everyday cannoli and arancini. The festival also offers amazing Italian wine to accompany the dishes, but hey—who needs wine when you can luxuriate in pasta alla norma, bread and panelle, grilled sausage and so much more?! You’ll be pleased to discover there’s no shortage of alcohol-free options here in London.
6. Back In Time Exhibition London: A Tribute to Back to the Future
Back to the Future is perhaps one of the most quotable films that have left an imprint on pop culture. Thirty years after its first instalment, we’re still citing our favourite lines and are interested in all the cool gadgets and fashion choices in the films. So, when for the first time ever the largest collection of Back To The Future memorabilia in Europe comes to London, it is an occasion for us all to freak out.
Over 70 items used by the cast and crew throughout the production of the trilogy will be on display at Camden Market Hawley Wharf. You’ll find a certified replica of the DeLorean Time Machine previously owned by Universal Studios—hello!—and hoverboards, costumes, set pieces and original concept drawings.
7. Discover the world’s best loved musical in Grease the Musical
I got chills, they’re multiplying! If you want to watch a show with amazing songs, fun choreography and gorgeous small-town Americana costumes, Grease the Musical is the one that you want.
After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life? Brought to you by a fresh young cast, you can’t miss this version of the musical at the Dominion Theatre London.
See Also: 14 Of The Best Places To Grab A Pre-Theatre Dinner In London
8. Work under pressure in this London exploration game
Get to know the London borough of Southwark in a fun and playful way with the All Gone South, Southwark & City of London Exploration Game. If you’re someone with a somewhat inquisitive mind, this city exploration game will guide you through the sights of London. The starting point is at St Paul’s tube station. You will be given clues to solve on your phone and work with other people to expose Southwark’s secrets. With this outdoors escape room, you’ll get to have fun and create memories without alcohol.
9. Tour the Wembley Stadium
This is the perfect expert-lead tour for footie fans. When watching a match, if you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of the enormous stadium, this is the right activity for you. You can step into the players’ spikes, by visiting the dressing rooms, the player’s tunnel, the press room, and much, much more. England is the joint oldest national team in football history, dating back to 1872 and Wembley is home of the England national team. At Wembley Park, you’ll learn all about the lengthy history of the stadium and team and get to see some trophies as well, including the original FA cup and the Jules Rimet trophy to commemorate England’s World Cup win.
10. Indulge yourself in the luxury of cinema
The cinema is a proverbial great choice, and although it seems to be the trend that more and more cinemas are offering alcoholic options, classic is often best. Popcorn and an Ice Blast is all you really need at the cinema, but that doesn’t mean it can’t get better.
Everyman is a fan favourite because they have so many locations and have seemingly perfected the premium cinema experience, but there’s plenty of other amazing London cinemas to choose from. Or you could opt for a classic trip to Vue or Odeon and get yourself a cheeky discount on us.
🎟️ Vue Cinema Tickets – valid for any 2D movie, on any day, at any time at participating Vue cinemas in London.
🎟️ Odeon Cinema Tickets – valid for standard 2D films at ODEON cinemas in London