Six out-of-the-ordinary things to do this weekend

The treasure troves of vintage postal paraphernalia are reason enough to head to this fascinating new museum, but to check out its star attraction, you’ll need to venture underground. The Mail Rail is a six-mile stretch of track opened in the 1920s that used to ferry letters and parcels from one end of the city to the other. It closed in 2003, but it’s now been turned into a ride where museum visitors can learn all about the history of the service and the people who worked on it. Just be prepared to catch yourself whistling the ‘Postman Pat’ theme tune for the rest of the day.

15-20 Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA.

Sticky floors? Stale popcorn? A numb bum? That’s no way to experience the movies. Instead, book yourself into Electric Cinema in Notting Hill (there's another in Shoreditch) and you can catch the latest blockbuster from the comfort of a cosy armchair, with a little side table to pop your drinks and snacks on. The most indulgent way to watch a movie is, of course, on your own, but there are also sofas for couples. Either way, don’t forget to grab a cashmere blanket on the way in!

191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED.

No need to catch a flight to South America to experience adrenaline-pumping watersports – just hop on the train to Waltham Cross. A legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games, Lee Valley White Water Centre offers kayaking and canoeing sessions for all abilities, but newbies are probably best suited to multi-person inflatable rafts (you’re all quite literally in the same boat). All your kit is provided, and there’s even a man-made beach to crash out on afterwards, though don’t expect to head home with a Brazilian tan.

Station Rd, EN9 1AB.