Unique Things to Do in London with Friends (2026 Ideas)
Looking for unique things to do in London with friends? If you have done the usual pubs, escape rooms, and bowling alleys, immersive experiences offer something genuinely different — shared adventures that create stories worth telling afterwards.
Why Immersive Experiences Work for Friend Groups
The best group activities share two qualities: everyone participates equally, and the experience creates moments you talk about later. Immersive experiences deliver both because you are inside the activity rather than watching it.
At Immersia XR at Waterloo Station, groups of friends walk through story environments together using lightweight VR headsets. You explore Alice in Wonderland, walk on the moon, or chase treasure with Aladdin — together, in the same space, reacting to the same moments. The result is shared memories that are more vivid than a restaurant dinner and more active than a cinema trip.
How It Compares to Other Group Activities
| Activity | Unique factor | Duration | Price from | Group size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immersia XR | Walk through stories in VR | 30 min | £7 | 2-10+ |
| Escape room | Solve puzzles under time pressure | 60 min | £25 | 2-6 |
| Bowling | Classic but familiar | 60 min | £10 | 2-8 |
| Immersive Gamebox | Team VR gaming | 30-90 min | £15 | 2-6 |
| Crystal Maze | Game show challenges | 75 min | £30 | 8-24 |
What Makes It Different from Other VR
Most VR experiences in London are gaming-focused — you fight zombies, solve puzzles, or race cars. These are exciting but competitive. You are each in your own game, comparing scores afterwards.
Immersia XR is collaborative rather than competitive. You experience the same story together at the same time. There are no winners or losers. The conversation afterwards is about shared moments — “did you see that?” rather than “I beat your score.”
This makes it work for friend groups where not everyone is a gamer. The person who has never tried VR and the tech enthusiast both enjoy it equally because the focus is on story, not skill.
When It Might Not Be Right
If your group specifically wants competitive, high-adrenaline VR gaming, Sandbox VR or DNA VR may be better suited. Immersia XR is designed around story and exploration rather than competition.
FAQ
Is it good for a group outing? Yes. Groups walk through the experience together, making it social rather than individual. Many groups book multiple time slots to try different stories.
Do we need VR experience? No. The experience is designed for complete beginners and experienced VR users alike.
How long should we plan for? Each experience is approximately 30 minutes. Allow 45-60 minutes total. Many groups book two experiences back to back for a fuller outing.
Can we combine it with drinks or dinner nearby? Yes. Waterloo Station is surrounded by restaurants and bars on the South Bank, making it easy to combine with a meal.
Plan Your Group Outing
Book Immersia XR for your group at Waterloo Station. Six different story experiences available.
Book now — use code XREASTER20 for 20% off.
Internal Links: Best immersive experience London | Group activities London indoor | Is Immersia XR worth it?