The Secret London team is always on the look out for ways to enjoy all the city has to offer, whilst saving money or staying on a budget. This autumn we’ve partnered with Barclays, who are offering £200 to new customers opening a Barclays Bank Account. So we decided to pull together a list of some great activities that you could put your bonus towards, and bring some new life to your leisure time in London.
To claim your £200 bonus, all you need to do is download the Barclays app and use it to open a sole Barclays Bank Account. Next, use the Current Account Switch Service to initiate a full switch by November 27, 2025. You’ll also need to Join Barclays Blue Rewards (£5 monthly fee applies), which will give you access to great benefits like Barclays Cashback Rewards** offering cashback on participating retailers, an Apple TV+ and MLS subscription**, and Rainy Day Saver, which has Barclays’ highest instant-access savings rate on balances up to £5,000. Keep reading for inspo on fun ways to enjoy your bonus in London!
Download the Barclays banking app to open your account now.1. Get creative at a pottery workshop
Cone8 offers pottery classes for all levels at their London studio in Hackney Wick. From hand-building to wheel throwing, it’s a great place to pick up new skills in a fun and supportive environment. The creations you’ll have the opportunity to take home range from vases and plates to mugs and decorative ceramics – perfect to decorate your home or gift a loved one.
2. Discover amazing plant species in Kew Gardens
This UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of leafy West London is home to over 50,000 plants. The sprawling grounds feature numerous gardens and conservatories, each unique in their architecture and the species they house. From the new Carbon Garden to the vast arboretum, there is a different botanical adventure at every turn.
3. Take a cooking class at Borough Kitchen
Whatever your goals are for improving your cooking, there’s sure to be a class that can help you achieve them at Borough Kitchen. Their classes range from Authentic Mexican, and Shellfish 101 to Applied Knife Techniques, and Mastering Classic Sauces, Stocks and Emulsions (with plenty more to choose from). Plus you’ll get the chance to use top-quality kitchen equipment, and be taught by a trained chef!
4. Embark on a culinary adventure with a Secret Food Tour
On a mission to change perceptions about English food, Secret Food Tours take Londoners on a culinary journey through different areas of the city. Enjoy award-winning fish and chips, world-famous sausage rolls and amazing English cheeses on a tour around London Bridge, explore the rich variety of Indian cuisine in East London, and much more.
5. Walk among dinosaurs at Jurassic World: The Experience
Set across ten immersive zones, Jurassic World: The Experience takes guests on an unforgettable journey through legendary scenes from the beloved movie franchise. Walking through the legendary island of Isla Nublar will bring you the closest you’ll ever come to living dinosaurs. You can even see dino poo, get hands-on with real-life fossilised dinosaur bones, and walk beneath a towering Brachiosaurus.
6. Enjoy a tour of The Old Royal Naval College & Painted Hall
Known as the UK’s Sistine Chapel, The Painted Hall in Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College boasts an impressive string of film cameos (including The Crown, Les Mis, Bridgerton, and many more!). The hall dates back to the 17th century, and on a guided tour you can learn all about the fascinating history of the entire riverside estate.
7. Learn to make sushi at a Workshop Supper Club
Calling all sushi lovers! Learn the secrets of your favourite Japanese delicacy at the hands of an expert chef at The Avenue Cookery School. Equipping you with all the skills you need to impress your friends and family at home, you’ll be taught how to cook sushi rice, prep the fillings, and of course, how to construct it beautifully before tucking into your creation.
8. Indulge in Afternoon Tea at Shakedown
Nothing elevates an afternoon like a spread of sweet and savoury treats, paired with a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Located in the heart of London Bridge, The Dixon, Tower Bridge, Autograph Collection offers the perfect setting, filled with timeless sophistication and charm, where you can enjoy the ultimate indulgent afternoon tea experience.
9. Explore an alternate universe at Paradox Museum
Step out of reality and enter a world of fun at Paradox Museum, a fun and educational experience for all ages. From a thrilling Zero-Gravity room and countless immersive paradoxes to the best photo ops you can imagine, there is so much to explore and discover. Prepare to see the world from a whole new perspective!
10. Admire iconic artwork at Moco Museum
From modern and contemporary art to digital masterpieces, Moco museum is a creative playground, showcasing the work of iconic artists such as Warhol, Waring, Banksy, Basquiat, and more. The 25,000 square foot sensory space features digital dreamscapes, cutting-edge immersive rooms and over 100 unforgettable artworks to admire.
*To be eligible, use the Barclays app to: (1) open a sole Barclays Bank Account, (2) initiate a full switch by 27 Nov 2025, (3) join Barclays Blue Rewards, & (4) deposit £2,000 into the account, all within 30 days. T&Cs apply. New UK customers & 18+only. Eligibility & £5 monthly fee apply for Barclays Blue Rewards.
**Apple TV+ and Barclays Cashback Rewards must be activated in the Barclays app. T&Cs apply.