Non-touristy things to do in London

My uncle is visiting for a week in mid-November, and I'm trying to think of things to do.

He doesn't want to do anything generally regarded as touristy and doesn't want to visit museums or galleries.

Any ideas of what to do?

Anything I can think of is generally touristy.  London Eye, British Museum, Tate, Chinatown, Oxford/Piccadilly Circus, St Paul's, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Kew Gardens, London Zoo, National Gallery...

The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London?

The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London?

Hubby and I did that when we were there last year.  It's definitely worth a go.  You have to email them for the information.  In the reply email, will be instructions for mailing a formal request letter with desired dates and two international vouchers you can get at the Post Office.  The ceremony tickets are free, so the only cost would be for the international vouchers (about $5 or so).

Everything in the centre of London is touristy, isn't it? In mid November he may find the tourist things to be less full of tourists, if that's his concern. I love the Tate and always tell people to go there, touristy or not! The building alone deserves a gander.

Depending on what day he goes, as it is rammed full of every type of person on a Saturday, I'd recommend Borough Market. I love going in autumn. There is mulled wine and amazing local food (I'm partial to the Norfolk Farms chicken burger - that's my lunch fave). There are cider, cheese, whisky and wine tastings. It is a great way to get to know English food. There will be tourists but it is so worth it.

A walk around the Temple and its gardens is nice and not full of tourists. While walking around you can visit the Temple Church as well, which is where the Knights of the Templar used to meet.

A walk around the Temple and its gardens is nice and not full of tourists. While walking around you can visit the Temple Church as well, which is where the Knights of the Templar used to meet.

I was going to suggest this! I wish I would have done this on my trip, but once I move over next year it shouldn't be a problem! What if you went outside of the city centre and did Kensington/Chelsea area? You guys could go to The Natural History Museum, The Victoria and Alber Museum or The Science Museum they're all free (even though he said he doesn't want to do museums they're definetely worth a look). You guys could always do shopping at Portobello Market in Notting Hill, the antiques area is amazing!!! Oh and you guys could always rent bicycles and bike through Hyde, Green, St James and/or Regents Park!

Hi Aquila -- It sounds like your uncle would prefer more outdoors activities, walking around soaking in the atmosphere, so it will probably less difficult to find things to do than you would first think. Going to Piccadilly Circus might be 'touristy' but walking down Regents Street to St James Park and passing though Piccadilly Circus seems less so to me.

Will your uncle be in town on 12 November? That's the day of the Lord Mayor's show when the Mayor of the City of London is inaugurated. The parade is unique and not to be missed. All the city guilds take part as well the armed forces. Lot's of horses and pageantry: http://www.lordmayorsshow.org/

Broadway Market in Hackney on Saturdays -- more local and laid back than Borough Market and you can combine this with a walk along the Regent's canal back to Angel, which might also be of interest.
http://www.broadwaymarket.co.uk/

I agree with the previous poster that the Tate Modern is worth a visit for the building alone and if you arrive by walking over the Millennium Bridge it adds something extra, plus you can take in St Paul's, even if you don't go inside. There are balconies overlooking the Thames on the upper floors of the Tate.

Though you said he does not want museum, you’ll need to have something indoors to do in case the weather is crap. Sir John Soane's Museum may interest him: http://www.soane.org/
It can only be described as an historical house, crammed with 'stuff' -- and it's free admission.

I had a bias against guided walks for a long time (mainly because of the ‘touristy’ thing) until I went on one with work colleagues and I have to say I really enjoyed it. It was a Shakespeare and Dickens walk from http://www.walks.com/, which has many other to choose from. The guide I had was very theatrical and very entertaining. The prices are less than a tenner and no reservations, you just show up.

I like the idea of a day trip by train. A lot of folk form the US have never even been on one. There's a lot of cool places within an hour of the City. For instance Cambridge is a great place for a walk around and a bite/cup. Anything of interest is within a half mile radius. So an hour here....a lunch...some pics in front of King's college....hour back....there's a day you don't get back in Cincinnati. Book ahead off peak and it's pretty cheap too.   

Dennis Severs House is brilliant and very unique:  http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk

Something else non touristy to do is travel by bus instead of tube. It's a great way to see the city and cheaper if he gets an Oyster card (which is a must).

A friend mentioned to me that the view of Tower Bridge and London from Shad Thames is fantastic. Most of the tourists don't cross over to see the city from this view. I may give it a shot this weekend with a camera.

Greenwich, Highgate Cemetery, Richmond Park... especially since the leaves will be changing and should make for some beautiful scenery.

My favourite non touristy thing to do in London is just wandering around new parts of the city. There are always new shops, cafes, restaurants, interesting buildings and green spaces to be found.

A friend mentioned to me that the view of Tower Bridge and London from Shad Thames is fantastic. Most of the tourists don't cross over to see the city from this view. I may give it a shot this weekend with a camera.

Heehee, this is my neighbourhood! It may not be in all the guidebooks but there are PLENTY of tourists who come down to Shad Thames, especially on the weekends. In summertime we avoid Tower Bridge/More London altogether for the hordes of tourists clogging up the pavements!

If you're down this way, I can recommend The Anchor Tap (Sam Smith's pub on Horsleydown Lane) or The Bridge House (Adnam's pub, with entrances on Tower Bridge and Horseleydown Lane) for a pint, or slightly further down the river, Browns do a fantastic high tea.

These are great; thanks!!   

You guys are stars!

Heehee, this is my neighbourhood! It may not be in all the guidebooks but there are PLENTY of tourists who come down to Shad Thames, especially on the weekends. In summertime we avoid Tower Bridge/More London altogether for the hordes of tourists clogging up the pavements!

If you're down this way, I can recommend The Anchor Tap (Sam Smith's pub on Horsleydown Lane) or The Bridge House (Adnam's pub, with entrances on Tower Bridge and Horseleydown Lane) for a pint, or slightly further down the river, Browns do a fantastic high tea.

I really really really want to live in Shad Thames and will be visiting Saturday. Call me the tourist!

I was going to suggest this! I wish I would have done this on my trip, but once I move over next year it shouldn't be a problem!

Definitely give it a visit in the spring/summer when the roses are all in bloom. It's such a lovely area. I walk through it every day to and from work, and when I'm not panicking about getting to the train/work on time, it's one of the most peaceful places to be. Despite being sandwiched between two very busy roads (Fleet Street and Embankment), it's so quiet and relaxing.

I really really really want to live in Shad Thames and will be visiting Saturday. Call me the tourist!

Agreed! I used to live in a not so nice area of Southwark and Shad Thames seemed like heaven to me! There's a lovely Italian restaurant there called La Lanterna. I'd recommend it if you're in the area: http://www.pizzerialalanterna.co.uk/