London is one of those cities where there's always something new to see or do and a range of experiences to enjoy. In addition, the metropolis is somewhere to give your senses a workout by immersing yourself in the attractions and places across the city. So whether you want to exercise your tastebuds, appreciate your hearing ability, or have a multi-sensory experience, there's something for everyone in London.

Taste

London is renowned for its diverse cuisine, but there are a few extraordinary experiences where you can fully appreciate the taste. Dans le Noir is an unusual restaurant in Clerkenwell that serves excellent food with a difference. The experience is totally in the dark, so you are unaware of what it looks like and get to max out your taste buds. The restaurant also offers sensory wine tasting sessions in darkness, so you are literally sampling blind.

Trusting your nose and palate is a feature of the Sensory Wine Tasting masterclass offered by the London Wine Academy. Guests are given wine where the colour is hidden and taught techniques to encourage them to use their taste senses rather than rely on red or white.

Restaurant L'Oscar has an unusual sensory experience for guests. Renowned perfumer Roja Dove created two scents used in bespoke candles for the restaurant. Intriguingly, L'Oscar includes the scent in cocktails and canapes to experience tasting the distinctive aroma as they dine.

Hearing

London is full of sound, but what if you could not hear? Dialogue Cafe near Waterloo Station sells fantastic coffee, but there's a difference. All communication is in sign language. The cafe has hard of hearing baristas who work as a social enterprise. Worried you won't be able to make yourself understood? There are helpful interpreters around to support you, and you might even learn a little sign language.

There are many theatres across London where you can listen to music or opera. Treat yourself to an operatic performance at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden or do a behind the scenes tour. The highlights include finding out how the Royal Opera House has designed the new building to maximise acoustics during performances.

Sometimes, the noise and crowds in busy attractions are too much for people with special needs or autism. The Science Museum is one major attraction that holds early-bird experiences for people with autism and their carers. Visitors can access the building at a quieter time and relax while looking at the exhibitions.

Seeing

Sensas is a multi-sensory fun experience where participants go on a two-hour journey using different types of challenges, so that you get the best out of your senses. Some of the experiences are in complete darkness. All profits from the attraction go to a local charity supporting people with learning disabilities.

The new Gunpowder Plot experience at the Tower of London uses virtual reality to bring history to life. Visitors walk through a two-hour experience where they feel as though they are travelling back in time by what they see. It's an immersive technology that uses touch, seeing, and hearing to tell the famous story of the Gunpowder Plot.

Feeling

Many of London's museums are interactive with displays that allow people to touch the exhibits. If you want to know what a gold bar feels like, head to the Bank of England Museum. Curious about what an earthquake feels like? You can experience it thanks to the technology at the Natural History Museum. 

Families can interact in the AHOY Gallery at the National Maritime Museum by stoking a boiler and touching nautical displays.

Getting up close to nature is another way to experience the power of touch. At London Zoo, you can meet the penguins and learn about their lifestyle. Or explore the sights and sounds of the marine world on a sensory tour.

Chilling out in a day spa is a beautiful way to relax and enjoy a massage using touch. The Aire Spa in Central London is based on the concept of the ancient Roman baths and is a purely relaxing experience. Book a massage and soak up the atmosphere before heading back out to the London streets.

Smell

London has several exciting ways to work out your olfactory senses. Of course, smells emanate from cafes and shops, but there are also a few great attractions. Take part in an apprentice perfumer workshop to smell and create your signature scent. 

The London Bridge experience is an interactive attraction with multiple sensory factors, including medieval times' smell. And spend time learning about the Great Stink in London and Joseph Bazalgette's work on sewers at Abbey Mills Pumping Station. 

Finally, several museums have interactive displays where you can smell exhibits. The Old Operating Theatre museum is one example. It's also close to Borough Market, where you can smell and taste the street food on sale. 

Start exploring today!