Best Things To Do In London For Father’s Day 2023

Date post added: 3rd April 2023

If you’re looking for ideas for Father’s Day in London, look no further! From a tour of London’s oldest pubs to plunging into the ponds at Hampstead Heath, Sunday lunch with a view to family fun on the crazy golf course; our round-up has perfect gift ideas to suit all tastes and pockets.

1. Racing for victory

As Father’s Day experiences go, a trip to the go-karting track is sure to be a winner with the whole family. TeamSport has karts suitable for 8 years upwards, and locations in East London (Docklands), North London (Edmonton), West London (Acton) and South London (Mitcham). Head to the East London venue on the banks of the Thames for 800m of multi-level track and petrol karts.

2. Sitting in the seat of a fighter pilot

If the old man knows his De Havillands from his Spitfires, a trip to the RAF Museum in Hendon could be right up his street for Father’s Day. Entry into the museum is free (book tickets online) but for a truly immersive experience, how about sitting in an actual Spitfire? Climbing inside the cockpit, bullet-resistant windscreen in front of you, gun buttons at your fingertips, you really get a feel for how it may have felt to have been a WWII Spitfire pilot.

3. Bottomless brunch

A dining experience is an ideal thing to do in London for Father’s Day. Head to Cabana in Covent Garden for the Amazon Brunch packed with Brazilian flavours, like Cinnamon Rabanada. And for something savoury, how about The Full Brasilian?

4. Visiting one of the greatest warships of all time

The most significant surviving WWII ship in Britain is the HMS Belfast, which is now a museum on the River Thames. With an extraordinary 9 decks to explore, you can discover this ship’s fascinating 80-year history, from the D-Day landings to the Korean War.

5. A round of crazy golf

A fun Father’s Day activity in London is surely a round of crazy golf. Putt in the Park has family-friendly outdoor mini golf courses in Wandsworth, Battersea and Acton parks, with food, brews and refreshments available too. There’s also Swingers in the West End and the City of London. But as 18+ venues, it’s one to enjoy with the grown up children.

6. A day out to Brighton

Yes, we know it’s not London, but we couldn’t resist a wild card Father’s Day gift idea. Treat dad to a day out in Brighton with London Walks. Afternoon tea at The Ivy, soaring 450ft on the Brighton i360, a tour of King George VI’s pleasure palace, the Royal Pavilion, and of course, Brighton Beach. And you’ll get Simon, London Walks legend and Brighton local, as your guide.

7. Sunday lunch with all the trimmings

Is Dad a bit of a foodie? For a proper Sunday roast, head to Blacklock in Shoreditch, Soho, City of London or Covent Garden. Styled on a traditional London chophouse, they promise roasts that are almost as good as your mum’s. Or you could take the old man to London’s oldest restaurant, Rules in Covent Garden. Expect classic British food and drink, from game to proper pies and ale.

8. An outdoor swim

For a special Father’s Day bonding experience, there’s nothing like a bracing dip in a natural bathing pond! Over on Hampstead Heath, there’s Highgate Men’s Pond and the Hampstead Mixed Pond. There are even outdoor showers to round off the outing nicely! Suitable for children age 8 plus.

9. Steak Buenos Aires style

To really push the boat out this Father’s Day, try the Buenos Aires Steakhouse with locations including Chiswick and Richmond. With specialities like the Argentine spiral-cut rib-eye steak and the Argentine Chateaubriand, this is sure to be a big hit with dad on his special day.

10. The abandoned tube station

For a Father’s Day gift with a difference, take Dad on an adventure into subterranean London. Down Street Station in Mayfair is a disused London tube station and bomb-proof shelter where Prime Minister Winston Churchill took refuge in WWII. Tours are operated by London Transport Museum and run from the Athenaeum Hotel.

11. A trip to the barber shop

Ah, but not just any barber shop, we’re talking about a trip to Geo. F Trumper on Curzon Street Mayfair. Dad will be pampered in traditional style in the luxurious surrounds of the Central London salon, complete with mahogany cubicles and glass display cases. Set up by George Trumper over 100 years ago, choose from a classic hot towel wet shave, haircut and styling and even face, hand and foot care. Either walk in or give them a call to make a booking, or you could plump for Geo. F. Trumper vouchers, so Dad can be pampered at his leisure.

12. The ultimate pub tour

From London’s last remaining galleried inn to the capital’s most handsome pub, quintessential British pubs to award-winning gastropubs and the best beer gardens for al fresco drinking. Give Dad ultimate bragging rights courtesy of a private pub walk with London Walks, where he’ll get a guided tour of the best pubs in London. Even better, get a group of dads together and share the adventure, and the cost.

13. A touch of culture

Head to the South Bank Centre and enjoy an exhibition at the Hayward Gallery or a concert at the Royal Festival Hall. A great gift idea is a membership that admits him to the Member’s Area of the Royal Festival Hall. From there, he can enjoy great views across the Thames to Charing Cross station and the West End. Or simply head to the South Bank for an al fresco dining experience.

14. Behind the scenes at a brewery

If Dad knows his pale ale from his porter, then he may enjoy a brewery tour. He can hear from the beer makers and see how his favourite tipple is made, as well as get to sample a few. Try Five Points Brewery in Hackney, Camden Town Brewery or the Southwark Brewing Company.

15. In the steps of Churchill

Some might say Churchill was the greatest leader in British history, and this Father’s Day, you can treat your dad to a private tour with London Walks in Whitehall. With a London Walks guide at your side, they’ll show you where the machine gun nests were to be placed, the barbed wire, the ‘knife-rest’ roadblocks and the anti-tank trenches. You could even end with a tour of the Cabinet War Rooms (ask your guide to show you the memento of Churchill’s war time strain).

16. A rooftop bar

There’s something special about grabbing a table at the top of a tall building and savouring the view. You can go swanky and pricey at The Shard, combine it with shopping at Selfridges or John Lewis or enjoy chilled out vibes at Radio Rooftop on The Strand.

To create a memorable Mothers Day in London, read this article.