London for teenagers: 7 things to do after GCSEs including Covent Garden, IMAX and Puppy Yoga

Following the end of GCSE exams for another year, we have compiled a list of seven London-based activities for teenagers to unwind and celebrate.

Here, we have covered the key things you need to know from budget to location and opening times, to enjoy a stress-free day out with friends or family.

Gravity Wandsworth

This entertainment venue in Southside Shopping Centre is home to a wide range of immersive, budget-friendly experiences. These include Urban Street Golf, E-Karting, AR Bowling and many VR activities.

Pro: Prices as low as £5.

Con: No direct tube access.

Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 8.30am-11pm.

Puppy Yoga

This activity in Angel Central Islington Shopping Centre is the ultimate wind-down, combining the practice of yoga with puppy interaction.

Pro: Unique experience.

Con: On the pricier side at £35.

Opening Times: Multiple sessions on offer daily but books up quickly.

Duke of York Square

A great base to explore King’s Road with iconic shops and a food market every Saturday. Located at the heart of Chelsea it is just a three min walk from Sloane Square tube station.

Pro: Good accessibility by underground, car, bus or bike.

Con: An often crowded, busy location on weekends.

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday midday to 6pm.

The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon is a five minute walk from Waterloo Tube station, before a descent into 1,000 years of history and gruesome storytelling. Prices start at £20pp when booking in a group of six, otherwise from £30.

Pro: Multi-attraction combo tickets offered to save up to 22%.

Con: Not suitable for all given the use of small, dark and smelly rooms.

Opening Times: Monday to Sunday 10.00am-6.00pm.

Cineworld Leicester Square IMAX

Perfect for movie lovers, this IMAX cinema offers an enhanced look into some of the most popular projects today, such as Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. According to Cineworld, IMAX showings allow you to “escape to other worlds full of dramatic landscapes and heart-pounding sound”.

Pro: A student discount is available, so prices start at £19.

Con: Limited choice in terms of which films are showing.

Opening Times: Various screenings daily.

Six the Musical

As a winner of two Tony 2022 Awards, this musical provides an uplifting insight into the six wives of the infamous Tudor, Henry VIII. It is currently showing in Vaudeville Theatre, The Strand which is a short walk away from Charing Cross and Embankment tube stations. Tickets are available from £19.50.

Pro: Is relatively short (1hr 30min) so not difficult to sit through.

Con: Artistic liberties make it less historically accurate and educational.

Opening Times: Multiple performances this summer and until April 28, 2024.

Covent Garden

This is a culture, entertainment and dining hub located in West London, featuring markets, performers in the Piazza and more than 200 stores. It caters to foodies and fashionistas alike, and can be accessed by Leicester Square or Covent Garden tube stations, both on the Piccadilly line.

Pro: Many trendy, ‘instagrammable’ locations.

Con: Shopping and dining experiences are not very affordable, sometimes referred to as an “expensive tourist trap”.

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm.

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