If you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life’, are the much-quoted words of English Dictionary writer Samuel Johnson. Have you visited these lesser known attractions, or do you have any other favourites? Need more inspiration? If so, check out our blog post on English Beyond the Classroom and our Conversation and Social English classes.

Dennis Severs’ House

This unique family home feels like stepping into a painting, as you immerse yourself in the sights, smells and sounds of life during the past centuries.

(18 Folgate St, London E1 6BX, www.dennissevershouse.co.uk, book in advance)

Leighton House

Victorian artist’s studio-home with a tranquil Arabian Hall decorated with a golden dome, and intricate mosaics and tiles.

(12 Holland Park Rd, Kensington, London W14 8LZ, www.leightonhouse.co.uk)

The Slide and ArcelorMittal Orbit

High-speed, 40-second ride down a 187m long slide - the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide, with views of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

(Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 3 Thornton St, London E20 2AD, www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk, minimum age 8+, book in advance)

Sky Garden

Relax in three levels of landscaped public gardens full of South African and Mediterranean plants, on the 35th floor of London’s iconic ‘Walkie-Talkie’ skyscraper.

(1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, https://skygarden.london, book in advance)

Nightjar

Subterranean ‘speak-easy’ bar with live jazz and blues and a menu of decadent cocktails with unexpected ingredients.

(129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB, www.barnightjar.com, book in advance)

KidZania

Kids aged 4 -14 can play at being a doctor, dentist, police officer, firefighter, actor and more, in a space that combines reality and fun. Parents and children share matching wristbands, allowing children to choose independently which activity they would like to do.

We recommend avoiding busy weekends and school holidays.

KidZania is located at Westfield Shopping Centre (Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GA www.kidzania.co.uk)

Street Art Tour

See colourful and often surprising art by some of the world’s most talented graffiti artists, who have turned East London’s grey walls into a giant canvas. There are food tours and a graffiti workshop too.

www.alternativeldn.co.uk (book in advance)

Wilton’s Music Hall

The world’s oldest surviving Music Hall has a varied programme of live music and theatre events.

(Wilton's Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, E1 8JB, www.wiltons.org.uk)