Top 10 Things to do on Your Birthday in London

Top 10 Things to do on Your Birthday in London

I once saw a gift card that read “If you are lucky enough to spend your birthday in London, then you are lucky enough.”.

Considering London is one of the greatest cities in the world, this is very true. But since it’s also so unfathomably massive, properly enjoying a birthday here requires a bit of preplanning. Here are some ideas for how to celebrate your trip around the sun:

1. Go for High Tea in London

There are few daytime activities that truly capture the British spirit quite like an authentic, lavish high tea somewhere in the city. Why take a guided walking tour over London Bridge or ride a big red bus when you could be waited on hand and foot for a few hours instead?

There are now many themed high teas around London that make things even more exciting. Fancy a mad hatters tea party? Or a fully vegan and gluten free experience? Click here for more on the best high teas in London.

by Jelleke Vanooteghem – Unsplash

2. Flash Back to the 1920s in London

Birthdays can be nostalgic, especially when celebrated in a foreign country. Embrace it and look to connect with a bygone era you likely never had the chance to experience.

All across London there are speakeasy bars, jazz dungeons, cabaret venues and turn of the century cinemas where the Roaring 20s are still alive and well. It’s a memorable birthday out in London, and one you can dress up for. If you click here I’ll give you a few of my favorites.

Café de Paris in London – by Café de Paris – Uploaded by them

3. Enjoy an Art House Cinema in London

One of those 1920s cinemas I mentioned is the Ritzy, London’s top art house cinema complex that has been in operation since 1911.

There are many more just like it. Impressive, retro cinema venues showcasing independent and art films from all over Europe. Most of them have chic bars attached to the premises, and some even serve a full dinner service to your seat in the cinema.

I personally love the Electric Cinema because you sit on big red couches and enjoy side tables and lamps. The perfect birthday treat. Click here for more.

Electric Cinema in London – by Electric Cinema – Uploaded by them

4. Go Bowling at All Star Lanes in London

There are a number of All Star Lanes venues across the city; I like the one on Brick Lane because it is distinctly more retro and authentic feeling than the rest of them.

This is your typical American-style bowling alley designed to look like it would have back in the 70s or 80s. There’s bowling, cocktail bars, burgers and food stalls for dinner & even karaoke rooms in the back.

There is almost always at least two or three birthdays being celebrated here on any given night. Great ambiance and a soundtrack that really sets the scene for some 80s fun.

All Star Lanes in London – by All Star Lanes – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 12am

ADDRESS: 95 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Shoreditch High Street

5. Experience Harry Potter on Your Birthday in London

It’s not uncommon for individuals celebrating their birthdays in London to dedicate the day to the novels that no doubt played a huge role in their early development. Dedicating your day to hunting down all of the Harry Potter attractions in London is always a good idea — especially if you pickup a polaroid camera to take along with you.

You can start with a visit to platform 9 and 3/4 at King’s Cross, then take the train to the Warner Brothers Studios for the grand Harry Potter tour, and end off with dinner and drinks at the passage that was used to film Diagon Alley. If there’s time, perhaps a night performance of the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child production on West End.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London – by Karen Roe – Wikimedia Commons

6. Picnic in Hyde Park in London

A cliche, but if the London weather permits a day outside, you take the day outside!

Hyde Park has more than enough to keep one entertained for a good few hours. Pack up a picnic full of your favorite foods from around the city and let your friends know the exact meeting point for when you arrive at the park.

If you’re celebrating a winter birthday then this spot is still a great place to be; there will be ice skating, a fun fair and a giant ferris wheel. A winter wonderland and birthday combined.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 5am to 12am

METRO STATION: Hyde Park Corner

7. Connect to Your Inner Child at Swingers City in London

I found Swingers City whilst hunting down the best places in London for a Tinder date. This spot is the perfect mix of adult entertainment with a touch of childhood nostalgia.

It’s a bar and food court build into the center of a giant miniature golf course. Despite being nothing more than a glorified playground, the bar and dining areas are actually very chic. It’s build indoors, so it’s good all year round.

Swingers City – by Swingers City – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 12pm to 12am

ADDRESS: 8 Brown’s Buildings, London EC3A 8AL, United Kingdom

METRO STATION: Aldgate Station

8. Explore Notting Hill in London

The most memorable of birthdays are the ones where you do something unusual and left field. Exploring a historic neighborhood from head to toe is something London can offer in abundance.

Places like Soho and Shoredicth you’ll see at some point during your trip inevitably. Not everyone gets a chance to properly digest the village of Notting Hill and I think a birthday would be a great excuse to do so.

There’s a lot more to this area than perfectly primped hedges and gleaming street corners. It’s a historic part of London, there are tons of things to eat and there is a really cool market over on Portobello Road. 

Notting Hill – by Jonathan Willis – Unsplash

9. Take a Guided Walking Tour in London

If self-guiding your way through London neighborhoods just doesn’t do it for you, then a guided walking tour might be a better option. A birthday spent exploring London’s streets makes for great memories, photographs and learning opportunities.

10. Watch Theatre on West End in London

If Harry Potter and the Cursed Child isn’t something you think you could sit through for three hours then perhaps something else at one of the other theaters on the West End.

The Book of Mormon is currently on at the Prince of Whales Theatre; it’s a mind blowing show if you’ve not yet seen it. Nearby at the Lyceum one can catch The Lion Kind; equally as phenomenal. There is opera in the area too, if this is more up your alley.

Lyceum Theatre London – by Lyceum Theatre – Uploaded by them