Discover a variety of the magical immersive experiences on offer in London, from drinking to art shows, and from dining to theatrical performances. There's something to suit everyone here!
Samuel Hopkins - Staff Writer•
With the way things have been going, there’s no better time to escape reality by immersing yourself in a completely different one. Luckily, London plays host to so many different immersive experiences that we struggled to narrow down our favourites. Whether you want to step into a magical church, step into a painting, or transport yourself to a whole other planet (where co*cktails are key), there’s a world that will work perfectly for you. So here are the immersive experiences in London that we recommend you check out. Be quick, as some aren’t going to be around for much longer!
1. See Van Gogh’s paintings come to life before your eyes
Step into the works of Vincent Van Gogh at this truly breathtaking art experience, which uses state-of-the-art 360-degree video projection to bring the famed artist’s works to life. Ever wondered what it’d be like tolook up at aStarry Night, or see the birds fly throughWheatfield with Crows?Well, you’ll be able to do just that at this incredible exhibition, which literally brings every brush stroke to life. Don’t miss out on the VR experience, either, which invites you to wander through Arles and see the inspiration for Van Gogh’s paintings unfold before you. It’s an entirely new way to experience art, and one of London’s finest immersive experiences.
Read our review here.
2. Become a bubble at Bubble Planet
Next on this list of the best immersive experiences in London is Bubble Planet– and more specifically, their VR room. Throughout the experience, you’ll encounter bubbles in all shapes, sizes, and materials, from ball pits to bubble waffles; and in the VR room, you’ll become a bubble yourself!
Your perception will be challenged within the10-minute experience – included in your standard ticket – as you venture through different settings from a bubble’s point of view. You’ll travel through wonders of the world, amphitheatres, and even a champagne party. The seating here is a nice touch too, as not only do they look in theme, but as they are suspended from the ceiling, they give the feeling of being weightless.
3. Throw yourself into a whole new world of co*cktails at Avora
Embark on a co*cktail (or mocktail) experience in London that will throw you into an interstellar world on the brink of chaos. Avora is a multisensory experience where co*cktails are key. From the very moment you enter and don your custom jumpsuit, you’ll be tasked with creating your own colour-changing co*cktail that works as an ‘antidote’ to acclimatise you to the new world. Drawing on all the senses – taste, smell, sight, sound and touch – it’s truly a co*cktail journey. Whilst the co*cktails are important (and you get 3 included with your ticket), there’s a story at play that touches on climate change.
It goes beyond the story with Avora being partnered with Ecologi as well as the Sustainable Restaurant Group to deliver an experience that gives back to our planet. For every ticket sold, they have pledged to plant a tree, and the ingredients used for all the co*cktails meet stringent sustainability standards. Are you prepared to accept this mission and explore the ever-changing Avora?
4. Explore Dopamine Land and discover a whole new world of happiness
With the hustle and bustle of London, it’s easy to end up stressed. So why not dedicate yourself some time to focus on your happiness with one of the capital’s most fantastic immersive experiences? Dopamine Land is the ideal place for you to explore that happiness journey with its multi-sensory approach to interactive rooms. We won’t spoil what you can expect (although you’ve probably seen some of it on social media already) but just know that you’ll be thrust into several themed rooms, each working on a variety of sensory experiences that will definitely bring a smile to your face.
There are childhood fantasies alongside some ideas you’ve probably never thought about before, but certainly will after you visit. You’ll go between decompression and stimulant rooms and, ideally by the end, find out just what triggers your individual happy hormone response the most. You’ll want to take some snaps to remember it all, and there are plenty of Instagrammable spots for just that. Dopamine Land won’t be around forever though, so hurry and get your tickets before it’s gone.
5. Explore accidentally Wes Anderson-esque locations from over the world
Is it or is it not a Wes Anderson set? This next immersive exhibition will have you doing double takes and looking at the world through a different lens, Wes Anderson-style. The Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition features over 200 of the most whimsical, colourful and idiosyncratic places on Earth, showcasing everything from the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps to the turquoise train carriages of Japan.
The collection of photographs was stored in the Instagram account of husband and wife duo Wally and Amanda, who during travels would encounter real-life settings around the world that weirdly resemble the visual aesthetic of Wes Anderson’s films. From the warm pastel colours to the symmetric and geometric shapes, these spots scream Wes Anderson (although unintentionally) and you can now discover them in London!
6. Journey back in time to 1605 and join Guy Fawkes and co.
The Gunpowder Plot Immersive Experience offers a unique and fascinating insight into history’s most daring conspiracy. You’ll be transported back to 1605 London to witness the daring plot to assassinate King James I by Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby and co.
With live actors and incredible digital technology, this is the ultimate historical journey. Plus with none other than Tom Felton (AKA Draco Malfoy) as Guy Fawkes, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action! This experience will awaken all of your senses and leave you with a crucial decision to make. Join the conspiracy here.
7. Sharpen your wits for this fiendishly fun Sherlock game
When it comes to immersive experiences, there’s almost no better source of inspiration than Sherlock. Facing a crime wave, London needs the help of a certain ‘high-functioning sociopath.’ The only problem is, he’s gone missing, and the task of finding him has fallen to the heroes no one expected: you lot. Across the course of a 90-minute game that’s been brought to life by the creators of the hit BBC show, you’ll hunt high and low for clues, and get help from some useful video snippets featuring the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and Andrew Scott. You’ll also probably end up shouting ‘Elementary!’ a lot… Find your tickets here.
8. Drink and deduce at this Sherlock-inspired co*cktail experience
Once you’ve tackled the Sherlock live game, pop your feet up for a drink at The Mind Palace! This Sherlock-inspired speakeasy is the perfect place for all drinking detectives. In The Case of the Poisoned Chalice, Sebastian Moran (Moriarty’s right-hand man) has brought you to The Mind Palace to test you… Can you defeat this maniac’s mind and make the perfect co*cktail, or will you submit to his wiles and make a deadly drink? From the makers ofSherlock: The Game Is Now comes a new immersive gaming experience for those who like tricks and tipples. Book tickets here.
9. Be sentenced to Alcotraz with delicious co*cktails behind bars
London’s infamous prison-themed co*cktail experience Alcotraz is the perfect day out for daredevils. Hidden away in Hackney, you’ll find ‘Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cell Block Two One Two’, a secret speakeasy-prison cell hosting some of Alcotraz’s longest-serving inmates. You and your fellow criminals will need to smuggle in liquor past the warden, to be used to make bespoke co*cktails in your cell. Sipping co*cktails has never felt so forbidden! Find your tickets here!
10. Dine aboard a Tube carriage at this quirky supper club
Another great addition to this roundup of immersive experiences here. Enjoy a delicious six-course tasting menu on a decommissioned Victoria line Tube train, making for an evening like no other. It’s consuming over commuting in this unique dining experience, which features dishes inspired by the food heritage of Latin America. And don’t worry, this time, you’re guaranteed a seat! Book your spot here.
11. Delve into the world of espionage at the ‘City of Spies: Immersive Experience’
London, known as the true ‘city of spies’ has over 10,000 agents working in the capital. Have you ever wondered how it all started? Come along to this secret immersive experience, where all your questions can be answered! Hear tales of Elizabethan intrigue, the Cold War and more! You’ll learn about all the different spies, not forgetting Britain’s favourite of all – James Bond! This is a spy journey you do not want to miss out on. Created by an expert from the world of espionage and the British secret service, you will discover new facts that you will never forget! Get a hold of your tickets here.
12. Giddy on up and head to the Wild West at Moonshine Saloon
Giddy on up cowboys and cowgirls! Moonshine Saloon is for those who like their co*cktail experiences with a side of adventure. Saunter down the streets of Aldgate, smuggle in your illicit moonshine (i.e. BYOB), and step behind the swinging doors for an hour and 45 minutes of a theatrical drinking experience like no other.
Throughout this fantastic immersive experience, you’ll be side by side with live actors who’ll welcome you into the illicit Moonshine empire. Roll the dice – quite literally – as you try your hand at a selection of dice and card games, or simply chat with the local cowboys and cowgirls who frequent this here spot. The bartenders will transform your booze into four personalised Old West co*cktails; and as you’ve brought your own liquor, you’re now officially part of the covert liquor operation led by the self-styled King of the Moonshiners, Clyde Cassidy! Your evening will come to a climax as the Sheriff tries to foil the operation – will he succeed? Knab your tickets here.
13. Experience a plethora of multi-sensory delights at the Delight Media Art Exhibition
A new exhibition arrives in London this Autumn, enabling visitors to transport themselves from regular ol’ London into the bold and beautiful artworks of 12 immersive zones. The Delight Media Art Exhibition will span a whopping 1,300 square metres, and incorporate the likes of lighting, video mapping, augmented reality, and sound to create over 25 forms of media content.
Floor-to-ceiling projections and 360-degree installations will put you front and centre to many original works, each engaging different senses – or perhaps all at the same time! Some recreate vibrant metropolises, while others are more pared back and explore the artists’ origins, traditions, and culture. Get a hold of your tickets here.
14. Scare yourself silly at the London Bridge Experience
Ok, so this one is for the brave amongst you! Perfect for Halloween (or any time of year that you want to scare yourself silly), the London Bridge Experience is often billed as ‘the scariest attraction in London’ – and we can certainly see why! Set within the deep historical vaults of the world-famous London Bridge, you’ll get to experience the dark history of London Bridge first-hand as it is brought to life right in front of your eyes, with appearances by actors portraying William Wallace, Henry VIII and *gulp* Jack the Ripper along the way.
You can also have the option of entering the London Tombs – an immersive scare maze playing home to a multitude of crazy characters, including spooky clowns and even butchers and murderers. Yikes! Spook yourself silly here.
15. Test your mettle with some mates at the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
Based on the incredibly-popular 90’s TV show of the same name, this immersive experience will give you the opportunity to indulge in 75 minutes’ worth of fun as you try and score as many points as you can in The Crystal Dome.
You and your group will need to run around four different zones – Industrial, Futuristic, Medieval and Aztec. In each zone, you’ll have to test your skills, solve mysteries and face mental and physical challenges throughout. Plus, all of these are against the clock. Naturally. They’ve also got a Tomb Raider-themed maze, and if you’re up in Manchester, you can get involved too. Book your tickets here.
16. Go head to head with the devious criminal mastermind Moriarty
From the makers of the aforementioned Sherlock: The Official Live Game, comes a brand-new immersive escape experience for 2023. After completing a mission for the British Intelligence agency, you may think it’s time to celebrate and raise a glass. But the world’s most devious man has one last trick up his sleeve.
It’s up to you and your team to enter into the diabolical mind and memories of Moriarty as you take him down from the inside with some added help from the cast. Work together to crack the codes to defeat the man himself and enjoy many moments from the classic namesake TV series. Get hold of your tickets here.
17. Leap into a world filled with butterflies at Outernet
Get ready to embark on an immersive journey like never before, as Outernet’s most innovative piece yet fluttered in to Central LondononSeptember 20.Designed by Pixel Artworks, The Butterfly Trail is the world’s first mixed reality experienceand will be playing every day (for free, by the way) between 12pm-6pm at Outernet’s flagship space, The Now Building.
The groundbreaking technology pushes the boundaries of immersive design and gives visitors the opportunity to hold their very own butterfly on the tip of their finger. This breathtaking display is being played across the giant floor to ceiling, four-storey high, 16K wrap around screens; the most advanced screens in the world (in case you were wondering), so it really is a deeply immersive experience that has never been possible before. Sounds pretty darn exciting to us that’s for sure! Find out more here.
18. Fight aliens and martians with The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience
Part immersive theatre, part virtual reality, our penultimate addition to this immersive experiences roundup, The War of The Worlds: Immersive Experience, has been a thrilling hit since opening in London. Based on Jeff Wayne’s musical interpretation of H.G. Wells’ landmark novel, this epic adventure imagines the 1898 Martian invasion for the digital age.
You’ll be blown away by the 300-foot Martian Fighting Machines, explore abandoned Victorian houses, witness epic battles, and even take a hot air balloon to Mars! With 24 interactive scenes, 12 live actors, and stunning VR, you’ll experience it all! Brace yourself for thrilling effects, like sudden loud noises, total darkness, and pyrotechnics too. There’s even music too! Tickets available soon.
19. Embark on an immersive journey to ancient Egypt with Horizon of Khufu.
Developed in collaboration with Harvard University’s Egyptologist Peter der Manuelian, this one’s for all you history lovers. Immerse yourself in an expedition to the middle of ancient Egypt, 4500 years ago. In a matter of seconds, you’ll be transformed back to the Great Pyramid of Giza.
This incredible experience is intimate and educational specifically designed for small groups offering a unique glimpse into life during the Fourth Dynasty in Egypt and all just from the comfort of London! You can explore the Queen’s Chamber, enter forbidden corridors and even decipher hieroglyphs! Truly a one of a kind experience here in London, don’t miss out and [trackLink link_url=”https://feverup.com/m/151177″]get your tickets for Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive VR Expedition to Ancient Egypt in London[/trackLink]!
So there you have it – a roundup of the best immersive experiences in London. Whether you’re after a day out with mates or something for your work lot, this extensive list should have you more than covered!
Once you’ve tried all these immersive experiences, why not try your hand at London’s most fiendishly tricky escape rooms?
All our events are recommended by editors. Tickets purchased through Fever may earn Secret London commission.
Tags:art gallery / museum, co*cktails, exhibition, experience, immersive, murder mystery, survival game, Virtual Reality
