London is one of the most interesting and vibrant cities in the world. With over eight million residents speaking over 300 languages, it is a cultural melting pot of quirks and charms.
But how do you see a different side to it? Here’s a selection of the oddest things to do in this metropolis that you never knew existed.
Get hiking
London probably doesn’t rank very highly on your list of places to hike, but it’s actually home to a fantastic art walk known as ‘The Line’. Starting at the green space of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in the east of the city and going to the O2 in Greenwich, you can enjoy an array of quirky artworks from arists like Antony Gormley and Damien Hirst.
Have a spot of 300-year-old tea
Why not celebrate a slice of UK culture by dropping in at the Twinings Café on the Strand? Thomas Twining was one of the first people to import tea to the country and his company has been supplying everyone from royalty to the general population with quality cuppas ever since 1837. The café is open every day, too!
Kayaking Thames-style
Book a session with Kayaking London and head out in your own boat around the Houses of Parliament and other famous landmarks. It’s a quirky way to see the city and definitely worth considering if you’re looking for something a little unusual.
A different type of museum
If you love museums but have already done the main ones, how about Grant Museum of Zoology in Bloomsbury? Walk by glass display cases jammed with animal bones and critters preserved in fluid. There’s even an anaconda skeleton, bisected heads and an elephant skull to spot! Visit between 1pm and 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
Fly through the air with the greatest of ease
Add a touch of daredevil to your London trip with a visit to the Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School in Regent’s Park. Found in the northwest of the park, it’s available throughout the summer and features expert acrobats that teach a variety of fun tricks for you to try from way up high!
Step back in playtime
Head back to the olden days by popping into Pollock’s Toy Museum in Fitzrovia. A quirky Georgian-style gallery featuring six small rooms filled with marbles, board games, puppets, and dollhouses; this enchanting place is even home to the oldest surviving teddy bear plus a clay mouse toy that is around 4,000 years old!
Eel Pie anyone?
Travel along the Putney to Hampton stretch of the Thames and you’ll soon notice small islands that are very interesting places to visit during your time in London. Eel Pie Island first became popular in the 1960s for its variety of blues gigs and then for its recording studio. Currently, you can visit an artists’ workshop and nature reserve but they’re only open a few days a year.
See the London lions
Enjoy a sleepover next to the lion enclosure at Gir Lion Lodge at London Zoo. If you’re looking for something a bit different, book a lodge and private guided tour around various animal enclosures after hours. Each booking includes a two-course meal and breakfast.
Get locked up
Head over to South Bank and pop into the oldest prison in England. The Clink Prison Museum operated from the 12th to the 18th century and today, you get to see history come alive with the help of costumed actors who reenact and tell you about the site’s gruesome past.
Take a dip
If you’re visiting in summer, why not has a swim in one of the capital’s many outdoor pools? Hampstead Heath is a popular spot for bathing and it’s a great chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds.
For quality accommodation to enjoy during your visit, check out aparthotel London from LSA.
