London is a haven for nerds of all kinds. And let’s be clear.
Nerds are just people who get wildly excited about their individual niche interests.
Could be anything — history, science, literature, manga, witchcraft, obscure artistic periods, or pop culture. If that sounds like you, then London might just be your dream city!
It’s definitely mine. I am unabashedly nerdy.
I’m obsessed with ancient and medieval history, Renaissance art, games, cards, Roman ruins, bookstores, artisan cafes, farm to table food, Harry Potter, etc.
I can’t start my day off with anything but the New York Times spelling bee and Wordle.
I’ve been to London dozens of times and lived there. As you will see, the city is packed with unique and brainy experiences that promise fun and curiosity in equal measure.
So let’s get down to it. Here are the best nerdy and geeky things to do in London.
Brainy Fun In London: The Geek’s Guide
Science Museum
If you’re a nerd who enjoys figuring out how things work, the Science Museum in West London is a solid stop. It’s seven floors of machines, inventions, and scientific breakthroughs, from early steam engines to space tech.
The museum covers everything from medicine and anatomy to computers and rockets. There’s a whole section on the history of medical tools and treatments. It’s also a great place to trace how everyday technology came to be.
You’ll find interactive exhibits and plenty of opportunities to press buttons or spin dials. There’s also an IMAX cinema that shows 3D science films, perfect if you want to feel like you’re floating in space or diving into the deep sea.
The museum shop is fun too. It’s awash with puzzles, gadgets, or science-themed toys.
>>> Click here to book a guided tour for the family
British Museum
The British Museum is paradise for history nerds. It’s one of the most comprehensive museums in the world, and it’s completely free to visit.
You can walk through thousands of years of human history in a single afternoon, from ancient Mesopotamia to medieval Europe.
One of the biggest draws is the Rosetta Stone, the key to decoding Egyptian hieroglyphs. Seeing it up close is a thrill if you’re into language, archaeology, or just big history moments.
The Egyptian and Greek galleries are packed with jaw dropping piecs too, including massive statues, mummies, and the Parthenon marbles.
The museum is huge, so it helps to go in with a plan. You could easily spend an hour geeking out over Assyrian wall carvings or studying tools from prehistoric Britain.
It’s not flashy, but if you love artifacts and ancient cultures, it’s endlessly fascinating. If you’re not on a budget, I recommend booking a guided tour to see all the highlights.
Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory in Greenwich really hits the nerds’ sweet spot, especially for those into astronomy, science history, navigation, or timekeeping.
First off, it’s home to the Prime Meridien. You can literally stand with one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one in the western.
That’s the zero degree longitude line used to map the world. If you’re into maps, coordinates, or anything to do with global navigation, it’s a must-see. Be sure to get the requisite photo of your feet!
You’ll find historic clocks, marine chronometers, and exhibits that explain how sailors and scientists worked to solve the “longitude problem,” one of the biggest scientific puzzles of the 18th century.
You can also see the Great Equatorial Telescope and learn about how the early astronomers observed the skies. The exhibits walk through the evolution of astronomy from the 1600s to modern space science.
>>> Click here to book a Royal Observatory ticket
Charles Dickens Museum
Charles Dickens is considered the first great novelist of the modern city and age of mass culture.
Naturally, he has an obsessive literary following. There are fans, scholars, collectors, and full on Dickens nerds who treat his life and work with the kind of devotion usually reserved for pop stars or cult figures.
If that describes you, then be sure to pencil in the Charles Dickens Museum on your London itinerary. It’s Dickens’ family home in the Holborne neighborhood.
This is where the author wrote some of his most famous novels like Oliver Twist and the Pickwick Papers.
Inside, you can geek out over 100,000 pieces from the collection. You’ll find everything from letters, illustrations, portraits, drafts of novels, and even the great man’s desk.
>>> Click here to book a Dickens walking tour
British Library
The British Library is one of the best nerdy spots in London. It’s one of the largest and most beautiful libraries in Europe, and it holds some of the most important written works in history. If you love books, ideas, or original documents, it’s hard to beat.
The building itself isn’t much to look at from the outside. But once you’re in, it’s full of surprises. The real draw is the Treasures of the British Library exhibition.
It’s free to enter, no ticket required, and packed with items that will surely entrance history and literature nerds. You can see the Magna Carta, one of Gutenberg’s Bibles, and original notebooks from figures like Mozart, Jane Austen, and Charlotte Brontë.
There’s even a section for pop culture fans, including handwritten lyrics by The Beatles. The mix of medieval texts, music manuscripts, sacred books, and literary artifacts makes it feel like a walk through the greatest hits of human creativity.
You’ll need special access for the reading rooms. But the public galleries and displays are more than enough to satisfy curious minds.
Daunt Bookstore
Daunt Books is a great nerdy stop in London. It’s perfect for anyone who loves travel, literature, or old school bookshop vibes.
The original location on Marylebone High Street feels like a library from another era, with oak galleries, skylights, and long rows of well-organized books.
And intentionally so. It will completely make you forget about buying books online.
The store is best known for arranging books by country, not by genre. So instead of heading to a general travel section, you can go straight to “Italy” or “Japan” and find travel guides, fiction, memoirs, and history all shelved together.
It also scratches a design and architecture itch. The Edwardian interior has a certain quiet grandeur that appeals to people who like their bookshops with character and creaky floors.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
For Harry Potter fans, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is the ultimate pilgrimage. This is where most of the eight films were shot, and today it’s one of the most detailed behind-the-scenes experiences you can have if you’re into film, fantasy, or world-building.
The studio is packed with original sets, props, and costumes used during filming. You can walk through the actual Great Hall, peek into Dumbledore’s office, explore Diagon Alley, and wander the eerily quiet Forbidden Forest.
The level of craftsmanship is wild. Every set is filled with tiny details most viewers never even notice on screen.
There’s also a massive model of Hogwarts that was used for exterior shots. Plus rooms full of animatronics, creature effects, and design sketches.
And yes, you can sip a butterbeer at the cafe. It’s cheesy in the best way, and exactly the kind of stop that makes a nerdy London trip complete.
>>> Click here to pre-book a studio ticket and tour form London
Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe is a must for anyone obsessed with the Bard. It’s a faithful reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theater, built just a few hundred feet from where the original once stood.
You can take a guided tour of the theater during the day. You’ll learn how performances worked in Shakespeare’s time, who sat where, and how actors used the stage.
It’s packed with great detail for anyone who likes to nerd out over historical staging, theater customs, or the rowdy nature of 16th century audiences.
Of course, the real magic happens during live performances. The Globe puts on Shakespeare’s plays in a stripped-down, historically informed way. There are minimal sets, natural lighting, and the audience standing right next to the action in the pit.
>>> Click here to book a tour of the Globe
London Mithraeum
Are you obsessed with Ancient Rome? I certainly am. The London Mithraeum is an excellent hidden gem for Roman history nerds.
Excavated beneath the Bloomberg building in the heart of the city, it’s one of the few places in London where you can see actual Roman ruins in situ. This was once a temple to the god Mithras, a mysterious cult deity popular with Roman soldiers.
The site is small but still surprisingly atmospheric. Subtle lighting and sound effects recreate the feel of the original temple. You have a bit of a glimpse of what ancient worship might have looked and sounded like.
Along with the ruins, there’s a small exhibit of artifacts unearthed during the excavation. You can see Roman shoes, writing tablets, and everyday objects that help bring the ancient city to life.
For anyone fascinated by the Roman London, religious mystery cults, or the deep past buried beneath modern streets, this spot is a must visit.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
Sherlock Holmes was not a real person. I hope that doesn’t come as a news flash to anyone.
Yet, he is inextricably entwined with the history of London, where he was always on one of his grand adventures. Indeed, the wily detective has spurred full blown Sherlockmania in the Western world.
For die hard fans, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is like catnip. It’s a full recreation of Holmes and Watson’s fictional apartment at 221B Baker Street.
The rooms are packed with objects mentioned in the books: Victorian chemistry equipment, a violin, Persian slippers, bullet-pocked walls, and even Watson’s medical bag. Geeks will feel like you’re in on the joke.
There’s also a small collection of rare editions, wax figures, and character memorabilia from the original stories.
>>> Click here to pre-book a Sherlock Holmes guided walking tour
Forbidden Planet
Forbidden Planet in London is a dream destination for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, and geek culture.
Located on Shaftesbury Avenue, this iconic shop offers everything from comic books and graphic novels to action figures and collectibles. The shelves are packed with items from countless fandoms, which makes it the perfect place to explore your favorite quirky world.
The ground floor features a wide selection of books, comics, and manga. The lower level is filled with figurines, games, and memorabilia. Fans of film, TV, and gaming will find plenty to get excited about.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours discovering unique finds and geeking out.
National Portrait Gallery
If you’re a Tudor nerd or a fan of British royal history (like me!), the National Portrait Gallery is the place to be! I was so excited to visit recently after the museum was given a multi-year facelift.
The museum is home to some of the most iconic images of the Tudor dynasty, including paintings of Henry VII, Richard III, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I.
You can even peer at all six wives of Henry VIII. If you’ve seen the Broadway musical Six, you’ll love seeing them up close and personal. You can actually study their faces, their clothing, and how they chose to be seen.
The museum also has portraits of key figures from the War of the Roses, those rival houses that fought for control of the English crown.
If you’re curious about that turbulent time, or still pondering the mystery of the Princes in the Tower, the gallery helps put faces to the names.
Another highlight is the only known lifetime portrait of William Shakespeare.
It’s oddly moving to stand in front of it and realize you’re looking at the real face of the most famous writer in the English language.
Churchill War Rooms
The Churchill War Rooms sit beneath the streets of Westminster. This evocative underground bunker was where Churchill and his team directed Britain’s efforts during World War II.
Today, it’s a museum frozen in time, and a bit chilling. You can walk through offices, meeting rooms, and narrow corridors.
Maps still hang on the walls. Phones and typewriters look like they’re waiting to be used again.
There’s also a section about Churchill’s life. It covers his speeches, habits, and leadership style. You can even seen him in his famous onsie.
If you’re into history, strategy, or old and new school tech, this place is worth a visit. To my mind, it’s one of the most fascinating and best museums in London.
>>> Click here to book a WWII walking tour and museum visit
Themed Afternoon Tea
I have an entire article on the best places for afternoon tea in London. And guess what? Not everyone goes to the Ritz or Claridge’s in West London for afternoon tea.
In fact, nerds of the world would probably prefer a themed tea. There are plenty of nerdy teas to be found.
Bridgerton fan? Is so, Dearest Reader, head to The Lanesborough afternoon tea. It has a Bridgerton theme.
You can don your best finery and visit the Ton. The tea itself has the classic goodies, along with some from the actual Regency era.
You can also take a Taylor Swift themed tea bus, tea in a vintage double decker bus, a Harry Potter themed tea in Soho, or tea like a royal at Kensington Palace.
House Of MinaLima
Harry Potter fans are some of the nerdiest folk around. And I’m included.
Last time I was in London, I headed to Soho for the sole purpose of exploring MinaLima (well, and also for some lunch), a book shop and art gallery.
You’ll be blown away. The shop is run by the design team that was responsible for the graphic art in the Harry Potter movies.
It’s crammed full of books, props, prints, graphic art prints, and illustrated books. Some of the books are signed by MinaLima.
The decor is all Potter themed. It’s like walking onto a film set or into a Harry Potter museum.
Atlantis Bookshop
Another nerdy shop to explore is Atlantis Bookshop in Bloomsbury. It’s the city’s oldest independent occult bookshop, established in 1922 by Michael Houghton.
Currently, it’s managed by mother and daughter team Geraldine and Bali Beskin. The shop has been a cornerstone of London’s esoteric community for over a century.
You’ll find a sweet selection of new, rare, and antiquarian books covering topics such as alchemy, witchcraft, Qabalah, and more.
You’ll find an array of practical and decorative items, including candles, incense, charms, ceremonial tools, jewelry, and crystal balls.
There’s also a variety of tarot decks for both novices and experienced readers, along with helpful guides. The shop also hosts art exhibitions, esoteric talks, workshops, and book launches.
Ben Franklin House
The Benjamin Franklin House is a must-visit for Revolutionary War history nerds.
It’s the only surviving home of Franklin in the world! He lived there for nearly 16 years while representing colonial interests in London.
During that time, tensions with Britain were rising, and Franklin was caught between two worlds. This house witnessed it all.
The building is also a well-preserved example of Georgian architecture, with original floorboards, fireplaces, and simple, elegant rooms.
You can walk through the spaces where Franklin lived and worked, including the room where he received letters and visitors during a turning point in American history.
There’s no period furniture really. But the guided tour uses narration and archival material to tell the story. The house feels quiet and understated, which fits its place in history.
Leighton House
Leighton House is a must for anyone with a nerdy love of Victorian art and design. This was the home and studio of Frederic Leighton, one of the most well-known artists of the era and a central figure in the Aesthetic Movement.
The house feels like a carefully curated expression of his obsessions. The Arab Hall, with its mosaic tiles and golden dome, is a standout. It reflects the 19th century fascination with the Middle East and shows just how far artists like Leighton went to create immersive, artistic environments.
If you’re the type who likes peeking behind the scenes or has a soft spot for the Pre-Raphaelites and all things Victorian, Leighton House is the kind of place that scratches that itch.
It’s personal, eccentric, and oddly soothing. It’s one of those revelatory house museums that feels like it was made for people who enjoy the details most others overlook.
Tate Britain
Carrying on with the Pre-Raphaelite theme, if you’re even mildly obsessed with the Pre-Raphaelites, Tate Britain is your dream stop in London.
It houses the largest collection of their work anywhere. You can fully indulge in the color, drama, and obsessive detail that made this Victorian art movement so unique.
The Pre-Raphaelite galleries are a world of glowing color, tangled symbolism, and romantic intensity. You’ll see iconic works like Millais’ Ophelia, Rossetti’s Beata Beatrix, and Holman Hunt’s The Awakening Conscience.
The Tate gives you space to do exactly that. If you know a bit about the artists’ messy love lives, their literary inspirations, or their rejection of academic norms, it’s even more fun. Go on, nerd out at the Tate!
>>> Click here to book a highlights tour
Hunterian Museum
Another nerdy thing to do in London is go to the Hunterian Museum. It recently re-opened in March 2023 after a 5 year renovation.
What is it? A rather creepy museum dedicated to the art and science of surgery. It’s akin to the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, if you’ve been there.
The museum is centered on the collection of John Hunter. He was a pioneering surgeon who basically helped invent modern anatomical science.
The museum is packed with medical specimens, bones, preserved organs, and surgical tools. You’ll see things like a preserved human nervous system and Winston Churchill’s dentures.
The display style is old-school scientific curiosity: glass jars, handwritten labels, and rows of curiosity cabinets full of things most people wouldn’t want to look at over lunch.
It’s not for the squeamish. But if you’re the kind of nerd who likes the intersection of science, history, and the slightly macabre, it’s a must-see. Also, it’s free!
Pro Tip: Charles Byrne’s 7 foot skeleton has been removed as too controversial and sensitive to be on display.
Pub Quiz
Pub quizzes are a real and popular tradition in London (and throughout the UK)! Popular spots include The Old Queen’s Head, The Lexington, or The Crown Tavern.
A pub quiz is a trivia night hosted in pubs where groups of friends or strangers form teams to answer questions across a variety of topics.
It’s a fun, social event where you can enjoy drinks, test your knowledge, and even win prizes. Some quizzes have fun themes, like Harry Potter, music, or even niche trivia like 90s sitcoms.
You form a team (usually 2–6 people, depending on the rules) or join one on the spot. The quizmaster asks questions in themed rounds (e.g., general knowledge, pop culture, sports, history).
Teams write their answers on provided sheets, and scores are tallied at the end of each round.
Beatles Walking Tour
Are you a fan of the Fab Four? A Beatles walking tour is a nerdy, yet focused, way to explore London through the lens of music history.
The band’s story is all over the city. But many of the key locations are spread out and easy to miss without some guidance.
This kind of tour is ideal for fans who want more than just a quick photo at Abbey Road.
You’ll start at the famous crossing and get a closer look at Abbey Road Studios. From there, the guide takes you through neighborhoods like Marylebone, Mayfair, and Soho. Each of which is tied to a different moment in Beatles’ history.
You’ll see where they lived, recorded, and played their last public performance. Along the way, you get behind-the-scenes stories and details that bring it all to life.
Freud Museum
Maybe Freudian psychiatry is your jam? If so, the Freud Museum in London is a must for psychology nerds, history lovers, and anyone who’s ever been curious about the father of psychoanalysis.
The museum is set in Freud’s final home, where he lived after fleeing Nazi-occupied Vienna. It’s quiet, residential, and doesn’t feel like a typical tourist stop.
The main draw is Freud’s actual study, which still holds his legendary psychoanalytic couch. It’s surrounded by books, sculptures, and ancient artifacts he collected. The room feels personal, like he just stepped out for a moment.
The museum also covers Freud’s life and work—his theories, his followers, and the controversies that came with them. You’ll see family photos, personal letters, and even some of his early tools and medical equipment.
It’s a compact museum, but it’s packed with atmosphere. It’s like stepping into the brain of a man who built his career on decoding everyone else’s.
Tower of London
History nerds will find plenty to obsess over at the Tower of London. This iconic fortress is packed with dark stories, royal drama, and centuries of power struggles carved into its stone walls.
Once a royal residence, the Tower also served as a notorious prison and execution ground. Anne Boleyn met her end here, the young princes disappeared without a trace, and Guy Fawkes was questioned after the failed Gunpowder Plot.
As you explore, you’ll pass through medieval towers that once held political prisoners, queens, and traitors. The White Tower contains Henry VIII’s armor (and a few ego issues), while the Bloody Tower is steeped in mystery.
You can trace the footsteps of doomed captives through Traitors’ Gate or stand on the spot where private executions took place on Tower Green. There’s even a raven superstition for those who like a little myth with their history.
Keep an eye out for prisoner graffiti, early scientific oddities, and the architectural changes that reflect shifting dynasties.
For anyone who loves medieval history, political scandal, or true crime with a royal twist, it’s one of the most compelling nerdy experiences in London.
>>> Click here to book a Tower of London ticket
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to nerdy things to do in London. You may find these other London travel guides useful:
- 3 Day Itinerary for London
- 5 Day Itinerary for London
- Hidden Gems in London
- Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
- Best Museums in London
- Day Trips from London
- Harry Potter Places in London
- London in Spring
- Best Floral Cafes in London
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