The most unusual alternative museums in London. The best undiscovered museums in north London

Seeing the most famous sights London such as Big Ben or Westminster, as a rule, travelers who have recently arrived in the country believe that there is nothing more interesting in the capital, but this is not at all the case. Moreover, sometimes Londoners themselves are not aware of the existence of many memorable places, which may be located just a few tens of meters from their home. Nevertheless, such places exist and museums are of particular interest in this sense. We present to your attention a list of museums in the northern London, which you didn’t even know about, but which you should definitely visit.

The museum is located in the heart of the magnificent Markfield Park. It is dedicated to the city's wastewater treatment plants. At one time, thanks to these mechanisms, the epidemic of plague and other infectious diseases was overcome in Tottenham. The main steam engine of the system was installed in 1886 year and is still in working order. Sometimes it is turned on so that visitors can see the mechanism in action.

Crowland Road, N15 4RB . It is open every second Tuesday of the month from 11 pm to 5 pm. Free admission.

London is a city with a developed transport infrastructure, so it is not surprising that there are plenty of museums dedicated to transport. One of them is located in the northern part of the city. Here you can see rare models of motorbikes, buses and cars, and learn about the history of their creation and use.

The museum can be visited at: Whitewebbs Road, Enfield, EN2 9HP . It is open on Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm and on the first Sunday of every month. Entrance fee is £4.

1. Willow Road

This house-museum is a unique architectural monument. It was designed by ourselves Erne Goldfinger for your family in 1939 , but became a museum only after the death of his wife in 1991. The uniqueness of the house lies in its atypicality. Externally, the building resembles a garage house with columns. The inside of the house is furnished in the best traditions of avant-gardeism. Works on the walls Max Ernst, there are sculptures on the tables Henry Moore, furniture by the owner of the house, as well as a lot of other art objects.

You can visit this unique place at: 2 Willow Road, East Heath Road, NW3 1TH. Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 11 to 2 pm. Entrance fee is £7.20.

The house-museum once belonged to a famous literary figure - John Keats. It offers its visitors a great way to learn about the beginning 18 century in London, about the life of the middle class then and about the life of the romantic poet Keats himself. Items on display include the wedding ring that Keats gave to Fanny Bron(to his bride), and a lock of her hair. The museum hosts regular poetry and literary events and also offers a number of educational programs.

You can visit the museum at: 10 Keats Grove, NW3 2RR. Opening hours: from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 pm to 5 pm. Entrance fee is £6.50.

1. Bruce Castle

Previously this castle was known as My Lord's House. The building was built in the 16th century. Sir once lived here William Compton, Richard Sackville, barons Coleraine and Sir Rowland Hill. Then a medical school was located on the estate, and later a museum that kept the archives of the area Haringey. Now on the territory of the estate there is one of the oldest parks in Tottenham. By visiting the museum, you will learn a lot about the history of this part of the city.

You can visit the castle at: Lordship Lane, N17 8NU Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Free admission.

This museum is dedicated to the city's water canals. It is housed in a 19th-century building that once belonged to an ice cream entrepreneur named Carlo Gatti. The basements of the house were designed in such a way that they could store Norwegian ice imported for production needs. To this day, some ice has been preserved in excellent condition and is used by physicists for experiments. You can also take one of the museum's boat tours through the tunnel Islington. Ticket price - £8.40 includes both travel and museum admission. Regular museum admission costs less at £4.

The museum is located at: 2-13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4.30pm (£4).

This museum is dedicated to the world famous psychotherapist Sigmund Freud. The interior of the museum completely reproduces the decoration of a doctor's office, including a couch, figurines collected by Freud, and many other little things. The museum regularly holds various seminars and cultural and educational classes.

Arriving in this city, tourists first visit Big Ben, Tower, Wesminster, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the London Eye, Greenwich and other attractions, the fame of which has already “threaded throughout the world.” But there is another London - one that not every guide will tell you about and not all guidebooks will write. The British capital is fraught with many surprises, and some of the most pleasant are unusual museums London. It would seem that everyone has already seen - the treasures of the royal family, masterpieces of world painting, funny beefeater hats, even the mummies of pharaohs. And still London will find something else to surprise you with. Just surrender to the charm of this city and visit those places that, although not so famous, are full of original charm.

Museum of London Docklands

Strictly speaking, this is not a museum in the classical sense of the word, but a warehouse, but a warehouse with a two-hundred-year history, revealing a long period of prosperity in London. And this is demonstrated through artifacts that are directly related to trade, migration and commerce in the British capital at different eras of its life.

London Docks Museum. Robert Milligan statue

Discover a variety of objects in world-class galleries, including Sailortown, a recreation of 19th-century London, and London, Sugar & Slavery, which highlights the city's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Yes, this is not the brightest page in the history of London, but the historical details of the topics are valuable for what they show different aspects life of the city and country. The museum provides impartial facts to visitors, but how to evaluate them and how to treat them is a personal matter for everyone. With its unique finds, unusual objects and fascinating tours, the London Docklands Museum is one of London's little-known but treasured treasures.

London Docklands Museum at night

Old Royal Naval College

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the building is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Royal Naval College attracts filmmakers, artists and other artists with its exquisite beauty. Wedding ceremonies are also often held here, as the beauty of the painted halls, lawns and chapel of the college evokes somewhat conflicting desires - to enjoy the views and photograph them. Situated a short walk from Greenwich Pier and Cutty Sark DLR station, this site is the perfect place to start your orientation day in Greenwich.

Old Royal Naval College

For more than half a thousand years, this architectural masterpiece stood on the river bank, and the rare guests of Greenwich were not interested in its history. And the 18th-century interiors for which the Old Royal Naval College is famous will not leave indifferent even those who are more than cool about art.

Until September 2018, visitors to the Old Royal Naval College have what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to “relive the drama” of the closure of the huge ceiling of the Painted Hall. Stendhal syndrome is practically guaranteed for subtle natures here.

The painted hall in the picture

Royal Air Force Museum London

If you're looking for something a little different, why not head to the Royal Air Force Museum in Colindale and trace the history of aviation from the earliest hot air balloon flights to the latest aircraft today?

Royal Air Force Museum in London

This world-class collection of over one hundred aircraft, military aircraft and war memorabilia will provide the whole family with an exciting day out.

CR 42 Falco in the Battle of Britain hall

Don't forget to visit the 3D cinema in the "Milestones of Flight History" hall, where impressive sound and light show immerses you in the time of the Battle of Britain. Kids will be interested in the interactive gallery for children Aeronauts, where you can find a variety of games that will help them adapt to flying and even teach them techniques. Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, free entry and ample parking.

Avro Lancaster R5868 Share:

Photo: historicalgardensblog.com

If you're tired of walking around Westminster, the Thames and the Royal Parks, the British capital offers interesting places where you won't meet crowds of tourists. Secluded gardens, original bridges and unusual sights - the ZagraNitsa portal has collected six places for those who have seen almost everything in London

Little Venice

If you love boating but are bored with traditional walking, head north to Paddington tube station. The picturesque area of ​​Little Venice will definitely diversify your boat trips! From here you can ride along the beautiful streets of Maida Vale and Regent's Park, or head upstream and enjoy the tranquility of the city. And then don’t forget to check out the local cafes.

Where: a short walk from Paddington tube station

Photo: teardusk.com 2

The Naked Ladies

When all the royal parks have been explored far and wide, take a look at the gardens of York House. The house, located on the banks of the Thames, was built in early XVII century for Andrew Pitcarne, courtier of King Charles I. Today the mansion is used for ceremonies, and Londoners often relax in the surrounding area. One of the good reasons to visit York House is the sculptures of naked ladies. They are made of Carrara marble and were probably brought to London from Italy in late XIX or the beginning of the twentieth century. The author of the sculptures is unknown, since their owner, the English swindler Whitaker Wright, who committed suicide, did not name the sculptor.

Where: York House, Twickenham

Photo: en.wikipedia.org 3

The seven noses of Soho

While walking around, you can greatly diversify your leisure time if you go in search of seven noses. These original artifacts appeared in London at the end of the twentieth century thanks to the artist Rick Buckley. His action was a protest against the installation of surveillance cameras in the city. They say that the artist then bet with his friends that he could “abandon” the London surveillance system and place 35 casts of his nose around the city. Without being caught by the cameras, Buckley even set his sights on such capital landmarks as the Admiralty Arch. It is not known for certain how many of them remain to this day, but it is believed that whoever finds seven noses in the capital's Soho will be rich.

Where: Soho district

Photo: thelondonphile.com 4

The Rolling Bridge

Fans of unusual structures will definitely like Rolling Bridge: the British were able to turn even a small drawbridge into an original piece of art. When ships pass along the Grand Union Canal, this bridge not only rises, but twists into an octagonal shape on one of the banks. The structure was developed by British designer Thomas Hatherwick, for which he received the British Structural Steel Design Award in 2005.

Where: 8 minutes' walk from Paddington Tube Station.

Photo: wired.co.uk 5

The Thin House

At first glance, it seems that the width of house No. 5 on the corner of South Terrace and Thurloe Square is only a couple of meters. However, if you look closely, such an optical illusion is created by the original layout - the house still expands at the back. The design for the building was not chosen by chance: the railway line runs right behind it.

Where: Knightsbridge area

Photo: telegraph.co.uk 6

Traffic Light Tree

As you stroll through Canary Wharf, look out for the original traffic light tree. It appeared in the British capital in memory of the plane tree that died in its place. The 8-meter-high structure, consisting of 75 lights, was designed by the French sculptor Pierre Vivant at the end of the last century. Since then, it has lifted the spirits of passing drivers and attracted the attention of many tourists.

Where: Trafalgar Way

Photo: en.wikipedia.org

It's time to think about what to do in the British capital. Although it is considered an extremely expensive city, you can find cheap or even free entertainment here.

1. Travel back in time at Dennis Severs' house

The 18th-century building, known as Dennis Severs House, is located on Folgate Street in the Spitafield area. The former owner restored the house in such a way that each of the 10 rooms recalls bygone eras of English history - Georgian and Victorian. Walking from one room to another, going up and down the creaky stairs, you can take a trip into the past. The rooms are furnished with original antique furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. At the same time, there is no feeling that this is a museum, the house seems inhabited: there are half-eaten dishes on the dishes, glasses are filled with wine, a frock coat is carelessly thrown over a chair, the smell of cooking dinner comes from the kitchen and voices can be heard. Weekday tours cost £7, Sundays £10.

2. Enjoy art at the National Gallery

The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square will allow you to plunge into the world of painting. Here are paintings by Rubens, Titian, Monet, Rembrandt, van Gogh, Raphael and many others - from representatives of the Middle Ages to those who worked at the beginning of the 20th century. And, most importantly, all this is free! And in between viewing pictures, you can have a snack in the local cafes.

3. Climb the bell tower of Westminster Cathedral

Westminster Cathedral (not to be confused with Westminster Abbey) is on Francis Street. The remarkable Byzantine-style building is accompanied by an 83m-high bell tower. Not only is it an architectural masterpiece, but it is also an excellent viewing platform, located at an altitude of 64m, offering expansive views of London. From here you can see St Paul's Cathedral in the east, Battersea Power Station in the south, and in clear weather city parks, Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial. You can enter the cathedral itself for free, but you need to pay £5 to climb the bell tower.

4. Take part in the Fife O'clock

In between shopping, walking around the city and visiting museums, you should definitely stop and drink a cup of English tea. Not only is it an essential London ritual, but it's also a blessed respite from the breakneck rush around the bustling British capital. You can join the tea party in almost any hotel in London, for example, Claridge’s on Brook Street, Brown’s Hotel on Albemarle Street or the Berkeley on Wilton Place. You can get some food for £30-40.

5. Cool off in the pool

Introduced in the 1920s and 30s, London swimming pools outdoors immediately became a popular holiday destination in sunny days. They are often adjacent to cafes and children's playgrounds. Swimming pools are scattered almost throughout the city. The most famous are the 50m long London Fields Lido in Hackney and the 90m long Tooting Bec in Wandsworth. Tickets cost £4.30.

6. Pour out your soul in Speakers' Corner

Inspirational speakers, annoying provocateurs and preachers gather in Hyde Park every Sunday. Since 1872, Speaker’s Corner has allowed people to talk about anything, freely proclaim and defend any ideas. The only rule is to avoid offensive language.

7. Explore London's hidden rivers

Tourists are often unaware that underground rivers lurk beneath London's surface. For example, one of them, Tyburn, flows directly under Buckingham Palace, and Walbrook - under the Bank of England. As the city grew, the rivers became buried under houses and street slabs. Walbrook was "walled up" in the 1460s, Tyburn and Effra - in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the city's reservoirs became sources of filth and disease. In addition, Londoners were seriously afraid of floods.

8. Choose the perfect scent for yourself

A bastion of classic British style, Penhaligon’s perfume shop in Covent Garden. The consultant draws up a perfume profile - selects the perfume or cologne that best matches the visitor's image. This service is free, but rarely does anyone leave empty-handed. You can buy a gift for yourself or a loved one for £80-£110.

9. Take a walk on the lake

During the summer, many parks have lakes open to the public for boating. The most famous lake is the Serpentine in Hyde Park. But there are others - in Regent's Park, Alexandra Park, Greenwich Park, Battersea Park and others. At the same time, you can admire the local birds, especially herons. In Hyde Park you can hire a boat for £10 per hour.

10. Enjoy the silence in Postmans Park

Postman's Park is located in central London, near St. Paul's Cathedral. Created on the site of an old cemetery, today it is best known for its Memorial to Heroic Sacrifice. There are plaques with the names of people who died to save others. For example, one of them says: “Lee Pitt, copy machine operator, 30 years old. Saved a boy drowning in the Thamesmead canal, but unfortunately could not save himself. June 7, 2007."

11. Go on a romantic date

London lacks the romance of Paris, but there are plenty of places to go on a date. For example, at Harvey Nichols' bar in Knightsbridge you can take part in a cocktail mixing masterclass. Brixton Ritzy is considered one of the best cinemas in the Picturehouse Cinemas chain. Thrill-seekers are advised to visit the haunted house in Hampstead, where poet John Keats once lived, or dine in pitch darkness at Dans Le Noir.

12. Ride a double-decker bus

London's Routemaster double-decker buses were retired in 2005, but today they can be used on two historic routes: routes No. 9 (Kensington to Trafalgar Square) and No. 15 (Tower Hill to Trafalgar Square). Buses run during the daytime. The fare is the same as in regular public transport.

13. See a model of the future London

New London Architecture is a conference forum discussing the building projects of the future. It takes place at The Building Center on Store Street in Camden. Some galleries are open to the public and admission is free. Here you can see, for example, a 12 m long model of central London on a scale of 1:1,500, as well as smaller copies of Olympic venues.

14. Climb the Great Fire of London Monument

The Great Fire of London continued for four days- from September 2 to 5, 1666. At this time, 13,500 houses, 87 parish churches, including St. Paul's Cathedral, and most government buildings burned down. 80% of city buildings were destroyed. In honor of this event, a column more than 60 m high was erected - a monument to the Great Fire of London. For £3 you can climb the spiral staircase to the top and admire London from a bird's eye view.

15. Discover Wiltons Music Hall

Wilton's Music Hall is the oldest in the world. Its deliberately shabby interior takes the visitor back in time. Events related to the world of theater, music, cinema and cabaret take place here. There is also a bar where music groups perform almost every Monday and you can listen to them for free.

16. Visit Highgate Cemetery

Karl Marx, Douglas Adams, John Galsworthy and Michael Faraday are just a few names famous personalities, buried in the prestigious Victorian cemetery. Its western part is extremely popular among tourists. You can take an hour-long walk through this romantically gloomy place, overgrown with ivy and wild flowers, accompanied by stories from a guide, for £7. Various animals are found in Highgate Cemetery, including foxes. The doors of some crypts are tightly sealed - there used to be a belief that some of those buried became vampires. In the new, eastern part, you can walk unaccompanied.

17. Go to a show at the Little Angel Theater

Tourists with children are recommended to visit the Little Angel Theater in Islington - one of the oldest in the UK, operating for over 50 years. Here they not only give performances, but also make dolls. Not only local but also foreign actors participate in the productions.

18. Visit the extravagant home of Ernő Goldfinger

Hungarian architect Ernő Goldfinger's modernist home, built for himself in the 1930s, is on Willow Street. The concrete building was initially hated by Londoners, but now its author has become an extremely popular figure. You can enter the house-museum only at certain hours and only during the warm season. Tickets cost £5.30. There is furniture designed by Golfinger, as well as works by Henry Moore, Bridget Riley, Max Ernst and other artists.

19. Buy an umbrella at James Smith & Sons

James Smith & Sons is the oldest umbrella shop in Europe. It is close to the boutiques of New Oxford Street. The store opened in 1830 and has not changed its location since 1857. The design of shop windows and interiors is almost untouched by time. They sell elegant umbrellas for men and women, as well as walking sticks, starting from £30. A portrait of Jonas Hanway, the first Londoner to use an umbrella, hangs in the store.

20. Visit the Bank of England Museum

The museum, located in the East Wing of the Bank of England, in the heart of the City, is open to free visitors on weekdays. Here you can look at the collection of banknotes, coins, documents, paintings and sculptures. The most remarkable exhibit is a real gold bar weighing as much as a small child.

21. Look at the anatomical theater

Few people know about the existence of the Old Anatomical Theater Museum. It is on St Thomas Street, close to The Shard. At this site 150 years ago, operations were performed using primitive methods without anesthesia, and most often the patients died. The guides tell creepy stories about how experienced surgeons of the century before last amputated limbs with a deft swing of a knife, and beginners used saws and wire cutters for these purposes. The museum houses original instruments for trephination and amputation, as well as human organs “pickled” in formaldehyde, including lungs blackened by London smog. The cost of the tour is £5.90.

22. Buy a bouquet at the flower market

Every Sunday from 8am to 3pm, Columbia Road is taken over by flower vendors. And the street - one of the few in London that consists entirely of shops - turns into an oasis of roses, lilies, tulips and other flowers. Some sellers grow the plants themselves, others buy them abroad. The price of one bouquet is from 5 pounds sterling.

23. Go to a sale

Throughout London, sales of household items “from the trunk of a car”, the so-called “car boot sales”, are organized every now and then. For example, every Sunday there are sales on Battersea Park Road. You can get there for 0.5–5 pounds sterling, depending on the time. Usually a lot of people come, the sale site is equipped with everything you need - tents with snacks and toilets.

24. Sit at a bar on the roof of a high-rise building

A good view increases your appetite

Despite the fact that London's climate does not allow outdoor bars to be maintained all year round, in the warmer months drinking establishments are open on the roofs of some buildings - Aqua Spirit (Regent Street), Vista (Trafalgar Square), Queen of Hoxton (Curtain). Road) and Coq d'Argent (Paultry).

25. Stay late at one of the London museums

Some major museums and galleries in London are open after tours end. There are bars here, guest DJs perform, and various events are organized. Such opportunities are available, for example, at the Science Museum on the last Wednesday of each month, at Tate Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum on the last Friday of each month.

26. Take a waterbus ride on the Thames

Water transport is popular in London. It allows you to quickly and relatively cheaply get to the right place. At Thames Clippers, a day pass costs £12. There are convenient tourist routes, for example from Tate Modern to Tate Britain or from the London Eye across London Bridge to the O2.

27. Admire the art collection at the Queen's Gallery

The Royal Collection is one of the world's largest collections of works of art. Over the course of 500 years, the crowned heads of Great Britain have preserved more than a million masterpieces of art. Part of the Royal Collection is the Queen's Gallery, located on the grounds of Buckingham Palace. Various events and exhibitions are regularly held here. In 2012, it will be possible to look at drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, diamonds and photographs of Queen Elizabeth II over the past 60 years. Adult tickets cost from £9.25.

28. Go to a free concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields

St Martin-in-the-Fields is London's most famous parish church. It is located in Trafalgar Square. Among its parishioners are residents of Buckingham Palace, including members of the royal family. Even among Londoners, few people know that this church gives free concerts on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Mostly young musicians perform here.

29. Walk along the treetops at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a royal botanic garden in Richmond. Here you can find 50 thousand species of plants, including ferns, orchids, cacti, palm trees, tropical water lilies, limes, chestnuts and oaks. The garden has lakes, greenhouses, walking paths, pavilions and museums. You can see all this beauty from a bird's eye view by climbing the 18-meter Xstrata Treetop Walkway bridge.

30. Visit a designer clothing sale

One-off designer clothing sales take place in various locations throughout London throughout the year, but most often at the Old Town Hall in Chelsea. Brands regularly featured include Orla Kiely and Aubin & Wills. Discounts on their clothes sometimes reach 70% of the recommended retail price. You can find cheap deals for children too.

31. Try curry

Since the 1940s, immigrants from the former colonies of the metropolis came to London and brought with them recipes for exotic dishes, one of which was curry. This spicy dish of vegetables, stewed meats and legumes has long been an integral part of the British culinary tradition. You can try it in the so-called “Banglatown”, on Brick Lane, where the life of people from Bangladesh is concentrated. There are many restaurants here. Another popular spot is Tayyabs on Fieldgate Street (Whitechaple).

32. See Tower Bridge being opened

Tower Bridge is opened approximately 1,000 times a year, but these events are not subject to a strict schedule - it all depends on exactly when the ships will sail through. Exact times can be found on the bridge website TowerBridge.org.uk.

33. Watch the changing of the guard

The Changing of the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace every day at 11:30 am, except Sundays from April to July. The ceremony lasts 45 minutes and is sometimes canceled due to bad weather. There is usually a large crowd of spectators, so it is better to arrive at the palace early, for example at 10:45.

34. Walk through the Greenwich pedestrian tunnel

The Greenwich pedestrian tunnel, which lies under the Thames in east London, was refurbished in 2012. At the exit you can get into Maritime Museum and the Observatory. Photography is not allowed in the tunnel, as the flashes can cause seizures in people with epilepsy.

35. Take a candlelit stroll at Sir John Soane's Museum

The 18th-century house, which belonged to the architect Sir John Soane, contains antiques from different eras. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, but on the evening of the first Tuesday of each month there are special tours - by candlelight. It is recommended to arrive early for this event, as there are always too many people wanting to get in, and only the first 200 people in line get tickets.

36. Savor cocktails and admire the view at the Paramount Bar

View of London from the Paramount Bar window

The Paramount Bar and Restaurant is located on floors 32–34 of the Center Point skyscraper on New Oxford Street. It’s worth coming here not only to try a cocktail, but also to admire the view of London from the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Admission is free, but you need to notify about your visit in advance.

37. Take part in the London Festival 2012

In connection with the Olympic Games in London there will be many events, but most of them will take place as part of the London 2012 festival. Concerts, theatrical performances, book fairs, art exhibitions, shows for children and more will be held in different places in the British capital.

38. See a show at The Scoop Amphitheater

The Scoop is an 800-seat outdoor amphitheater. It is located in More London - an area on the banks of the Thames next to Tower Bridge. Throughout the summer there will be many cultural events that can be attended for free - concerts, film screenings and theater performances.

39. Take a walk through the Royal Parks

Five of the capital's nine Royal Parks are in the heart of London. These are St James's Park, Green Park, Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Walking through them reveals how unexpectedly luxurious and relaxing central London can be. A walk through the five parks will take about three hours. It's not just the lush vegetation that's worth seeing here. Regent's Park, for example, has an open-air theatre, a zoo and sports fields. St James's Park hosts ceremonial parades and also has a pelican lake.

40. Solve riddles in the London archives

To learn more about London's history, visit the London Metropolitan Archives on Northampton Road. This center hosts regular tours and exhibitions. Collections of historical documents are also open to the general public. In the center you can find a collection of microfilms, a library including 100 thousand books, geographical maps and genealogical sources.

41. Grab a bite to eat in Brixton Village

The opening of Brixton Village off the Atlantic Road in south London has dramatically improved the gastronomic climate. The shopping gallery has a dozen inexpensive eateries where you can try delicious and original dishes. For example, Bellantoni's serves Italian cuisine, KaoSarn - Thai, Mama Lan - Chinese, and Relay Tea Room offers different types of tea.

42. Explore Eltham Palace

The majestic Art Deco style Eltham Palace was a royal residence in the 14th and 16th centuries, and in the 1930s wealthy couple Stephen and Virginia Courtauld lived here with their pet lemur named Mah-Jong. The interior of the house is decorated in an eclectic style - it has elements of medieval and modern styles. Visitors will be interested to see the achievements of technology - telephones in special booths, gas fireplaces, built-in wardrobes, as well as ancient works of art. The palace can be visited for £9.60.

43. Go for a spa treatment

Many luxury hotels in London offer spa treatments. One of them, the Four Seasons on Park Lane, offers an hour-long back or facial massage from £99. The elegant offices have a relaxing atmosphere: in a room with dim lighting you can enjoy herbal tea and listen to pleasant music. Just down the street, The Dorchester Hotel gives visitors a fresh movie star makeover, making it a great place to pop in before a social event. Espa Life at The Corinthia Hotel (Whitehall) is also considered one of the best spa rooms.

44. Remember your childhood in the toy museum

Pollock's Toy Museum is a quiet place in Fitzrovia filled with vintage toys. Here you can find board games, mechanical toys, puppets, teddy bears, dolls made of wax, wood, porcelain and fabric, dolls in costumes of different nations, as well as doll houses. Adult tickets cost from £3.

45. Visit the London Canal Museum

Little known to tourists, the London Canal Museum is located on New Wharf Road. Here are collected archival films and exhibits telling how the canals were built, how the builders lived and how the capital's arteries work.

46. ​​Check out the floating bookstore

World on the Water is London's only floating second-hand bookstore. The barge travels through Caiden Lock, Angel, Hackney and Paddington. It not only sells books, but also hosts musical performances and poetry competitions.

47. Learn to cook sweets

The owners of William Curley in Belgravia not only sell sweets, chocolate truffles, caramels and cakes, but also show you how to make the sweets. Learn how to make truffles and caramel for £75-85, baked goods for £90.

48. Take a beer tour

Fuller's beer is sold in pubs throughout London. But you can not only try it, but also see how it is made - in a brewery located in Chiswick. During a 1.5-hour walk, employees answer visitors’ questions and teach them about the intricacies of barley drink production. At the end of the tour, adult guests participate in a tasting. The cost of the tour is £10.

49. Look at the mayor's carriage and other exhibits of the Museum of London

Since the 13th century, there has been an annual ceremony in which the Mayor of London solemnly rides through the city to swear allegiance to the monarch. From the 18th century to the present day, the mayors of the capital travel in the same gilded carriage. Those who missed the ceremony can view the famous carriage at the Museum of London. Other valuable exhibits dating back to different eras are also stored there - Roman, medieval and modern.

50. Reconnect with nature at Mudchute Urban Farm

Urban farms are scattered throughout London. The largest of them is Mudchute with an area of ​​13 hectares, located on the Isle of Dogs. It is open all year round, but the best time to visit is spring and summer. Here you can find common farm animals, as well as llamas. The local riding school is also popular. Entrance to the farm is free.

51. Leave half your salary at Burlington Arcade

Burlington Arcade is an indoor arcade in the heart of Mayfair, home to high-end shops. Opening in 1819, it became the first shopping arcade in Great Britain. Contemporary vendors pay homage to Burlington Arcade's rich past with classic-style jewelry and watches, antiques and leather goods.

52. Take the kids to the workshop at the National Gallery

Every Sunday at 11 am and 2 pm at the National Gallery, children from 5 to 11 years old are given free art lessons and master classes in applied art. The classes are so popular that all seats are filled an hour before the start, so you need to get here early. Children are only allowed if accompanied by an adult. Lessons last 80 minutes.

53. Visit Whitechapel Bell Foundry

Whitechapel Bell Foundry - the oldest production company Great Britain. Bells have been made here since 1570. This factory produced Big Ben, the largest bell from the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. The Whitechapel Bell Foundry is still in operation and offers bell ringing tours throughout the year. Tickets cost £12 and the tour lasts 90 minutes.

54. Ride on a “ghost bus”

One of the creepiest sights in London is the black double-decker “ghost bus”. Almost every day from 19:30 to 21:00 it departs from Northumberland Avenue, next to Trafalgar Square, and drives past various places marked by some terrible event. In particular, it passes by Whitehall and Fleet Street, where the notorious demon barber Sweeney Todd operated. Entry for an adult costs £18. The tour, during which the guide tells heart-wrenching stories, lasts 75 minutes.

55. See a show in the West End

You can't be in London without attending at least one show in the West End. This item has long become mandatory in any tourist program. There are different performances here - from the classic “King Llyr” to “Othello” in hip-hop style. Tickets for popular productions usually cost between £19 and £34.50.

56. Climb to the top at the Castle Climbing Center

An imposing climbing center in north London looks like a castle, but is actually a Victorian structure. Classes here are suitable for both experienced climbers and beginners. One visit costs £12.50.

57. Play table tennis at Book Club

The Book Club on Leonard Street in London's Shoreditch has become a mecca for ping pong lovers. The owners of the club provide guests with a table for playing and the necessary equipment. The competition reaches its greatest intensity on Tuesdays at 19:00. People come here not only to play table tennis, but also to taste delicious food, listen to music and just chat.

58. Taste expertly prepared cocktails

According to experts, London has long surpassed New York when it comes to cocktail making. It is in the British capital that the most unusual and incendiary drinking mixtures are created. You can try them in different places, for example, Worship Street Whistling Shop in Shoreditch, Purl in Marylebone, American Bar in the Savoy Hotel, London Cocktail Club in Westminster and others.

59. Look at the mummified English philosopher

Jeremy Bentham - English sociologist, lawyer, founder of utilitarianism, one of the trends in English philosophy. After his death in 1832, his body was preserved and transferred to University College London. It is still kept in a glass cabinet in this educational institution on Gower Street. The mummified corpse and the philosopher's clothes are identical, but the head is made of wax - the real one was stolen by students.

60. Visit the Olympic venues

Naturally, it is worth visiting the sites of the Olympic Games. Tours are conducted by guides of the travel company Blue Badge Tourist Guides in 28 languages, including Russian. There are walking tours from Bromley-by-Baw station, tours of the three major Olympic venues and an introduction to events in Greenwich Park.

61. Visit the museum of a school for the poor

In the Victorian era in London there were charitable educational institutions for the poor, the so-called “ragged schools”. Today, one of them houses a museum. Children can not only visit the exhibitions, but also go to the demonstration lesson. It is worth remembering that in the 19th century teaching methods were very different from modern ones. For example, a disobedient student could be put on a “cap of shame.” Entrance to the museum is free.

62. Admire the peacocks in Holland Park

Peacocks roam freely in Holland Park in Kensington. These birds add mystery and elegance to a well-kept urban garden. They are especially good during the mating season, when the males unfurl their magnificent tails. At this time, peacocks wandering in search of a partner can be found not only in the park, but also on the nearby streets.

63. Buy something cheap at the Frank G Bowen auction house

Frank G Bowen auction house is located in Leytonstone. Here, lost items whose owners could not be found are sold under the hammer. Since this place is located near the city center, and the range of goods is varied, it is not surprising that there are a lot of visitors. In that auction house you can make a bargain, for example buying a bike for £10. The auction usually includes a variety of items: from clothing and cosmetics to appliances and vehicles.

64. Visit the renovated Kensington Palace

After a two-year restoration, on which £12 million was spent, Kensington Palace appeared before the public in all its glory. The luxurious interior began to look even more dazzling, and additional exhibition halls were opened. At the exhibition dedicated to Queen Victoria, you can hear amazing stories from the life of the royal person. The renovated garden is also worth a visit. There are also shops, cafes, terraces and walking paths. Tickets cost £14.50 and children under 16 are free.

65. Walk around the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel located in King's Cross. The building is not like other hotels. The design combines features of classic and modern styles. This hotel is called a national treasure and the pride of London. Tours are run by Royden Stock and tickets cost £20. During the day the price includes tea, coffee and pastries, in the evening - a glass of sparkling wine.

66. Go to a floating puppet theater show

The Puppet Barge is a barge anchored on the Grand Union Canal that houses a puppet theater. This place is popular among families, but the intriguing productions are interesting not only for children but also for adults. Performances based on Aesop's fables, works by William Shakespeare, Federico Garcia Lorca and others are given here. An adult ticket costs £10, a child ticket costs £8.5.

67. Take a craft class at Drink, Shop & Do

Drink, Shop & Do in King's Cross is a bar, shop and training center rolled into one. Here you can learn how to make papier-mâché crafts or fold origami for free while sipping cocktails. Drink, Shop & Do sells stationery, jewelry and household items. Many of them are handmade by London craftsmen and artists. The interior of the establishment is constantly changing, as its owners like to make rearrangements.

68. Feel inspired with afternoon tea at Attitude London

Every Sunday a gospel choir performs on the 29th floor of Milbank Tower in Pimlico. Tickets cost £49. As for the menu, they serve different types of bread, bone-in meats, vegetarian dishes, pies, ice cream, teas and coffee. From here you can get to the observation deck, which offers a dizzying 360° view of London.

69. Feel like a circus performer

Not everyone can afford to give up everything and go traveling with a traveling circus. However, you can learn basic tricks at the Circus Space circus academy in Hoxton. Courses include trapeze, acrobatics, tightrope walking and more.

70. Be amazed at the originality of trendy designer bars

New bars are popping up all the time in London, but only a few remain consistently popular among the capital's designers, stylists and other fashion experts. These include the Zenna in Soho, with its plush seating and otherworldly lighting, the 17th-century style VOC in King's Cross, as well as Ruby & Sequoia in Notting Hill, Dalston Superstore in Dalston, Paramount in Soho and more.

71. Walk through the places of Jack the Ripper

Much water has passed under the bridge since the mysterious Jack the Ripper brutally murdered five women in 1888, but his memory has not been erased. The crime scene is concentrated in a small corner of the East End - Whitechapel. Today, excursions are held here, during which the guide tells various scary stories about the legendary killer. Routes vary. Some start from Whitechapel station, then history buffs head to Durward Street, where the body of the first victim, Polly Nichols, was found, and then to other places, including Spitafields and Brick Lane markets. At the end of the tour, it is recommended to stop by The Ten Bells pub. Rumor has it that some of Jack the Ripper's victims were his regular visitors.

72. Have fun in a floating cabaret

Tucked away on the south bank of the Thames between Vauxhall and Battersea, Battersea barge houses a cabaret with a warm and relaxed atmosphere. There is a bar that serves a variety of food, including traditional British dishes, and also provides visitors with a large selection of wines. On Fridays and Saturdays, incendiary parties are held on the barge. The cabaret plays live music; the organizers invite DJs and various performers.

73. Visit the house of John Keats

John Keats is the third (along with Byron and Shelley) great poet of the younger generation of English romantics. He managed to make many contributions to literature before he died of tuberculosis at the age of 25. Today his home in Hampstead is open to the public. Many personal items are kept there, including an engagement ring given to his beloved Fanny Bron.

74. Try pie and mashed potatoes at A. Cookes

A. Cookes on Goldhawk Street serves traditional English food - mince pies, mashed potatoes, puddings and fried eels. The meals are cheap and you can take them with you. This establishment was founded by Alfred Cook in 1899 and has been owned by the same family since 1934. A. Cookes is closed on Sundays.

75. Eat a bagel on Brick Lane

On Brick Lane there are two side-by-side convenience stores that sell London's famous bagels. They come with a variety of fillings such as salmon, corned beef or cheese and cost just £2-3. Judging by the reviews of enthusiastic tourists, this is one of the best places to satisfy hunger in London.

76. Admire the Royal Stables

Buckingham Palace has a stable that houses a 4-tonne gilded carriage that has been used in the coronation ceremonies of every British monarch since 1821. A typical visit to the stables lasts about an hour, and audio tours lasting 45 minutes are also offered. Entry costs £8.25.

77. Take a walk around the London Wetland Center

London Wetland Center, located in Barnes, attracts wildlife enthusiasts. 200 species of waterfowl live here. There are walking paths, for those who wish to organize free excursions. Entry costs £10.99. For £45, experts give lessons that teach about animals and birds. In addition, under the supervision of the center keeper, you are allowed to feed the birds.

78. Welcome the new residents of Madame Tussauds

Wax figures of William and Kate, the Earl and Countess of Cambridge, have appeared at Madame Tussauds on Baker Street. They look exactly like the day they were engaged. You can also look at sports stars, musicians, politicians and other celebrities. Entry costs £30.

79. Learn a lot at a free lecture

Founded in 1597, Gresham College has been giving free public lectures for over 400 years. Professors of commerce and finance, theology, law, astronomy, rhetoric and other sciences share their experience with everyone. Gresham College is the oldest higher education institution in London. You can find it in Holborn.

80. Learn to mix cocktails

The small bar on Colebrook Row is one of the most popular in London. Here you can try cocktails and learn how to mix them during master classes. Ingredients include bourbon, tequila, gin, champagne and whiskey. One lesson costs £40.

81. Experiment with ice cream at Chin Chin Laboratorists

Chin Chin Laboratorists in Camden has something special in store for its customers: it is the first in Europe to use liquid nitrogen to make ice cream. The special dish is Rambutan & Rose, a sorbet made from the exotic nephelium fruit, rose water and lime zest.

82. Sing with a ukulele at karaoke

Anyone who is tired of regular karaoke should try singing songs to the live music of the KaraUke group playing the ukulele, the national Hawaiian instrument. They perform in different parts of London on one Thursday of every month. KaraUke doesn't have as large a repertoire as a karaoke machine, but they can prepare several songs if asked in advance.

83. See justice in action

The Royal Courts of Justice holds open hearings that are open to everyone. Each time different cases are considered, the process is fascinating and allows you to get acquainted with the intricacies of British judicial system. The courthouse itself is remarkable, looking like a fairy-tale palace.

84. Watch the Tower close

The Key Ceremony is traditional ritual, during which the Keykeepers close the Tower of London. This has happened every night for 700 years. Tourists are allowed to attend the ceremony free of charge. This action is popular, so it is better to come to the Tower in advance. Some dates are booked months in advance.

85. Plunge into the magical world of Harry Potter

All the Harry Potter films have already been filmed, but the sets and props remain. They are stored at the Warner Bros. studio. Today everyone can look at them during a tour. There's Hagrid's motorcycle, a stuffed giant Aragog spider that's over 5m wide, character costumes and more. Visitors can stroll along the pavement of Diagon Alley, look at the dishes on the dining room table at Hogwarts and the books on the shelves in Dumbledore's office. The main exhibit is a 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts. It was used during exterior filming of the building in the first six films. Children's admission costs £21, adults £28. There is also a fan shop selling saga-related items from lollipops to a replica of Dumbledore's robe.

86. See the tallest sculpture in Great Britain

The almost completed ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture is located at the Olympic Stadium in east London. It is the tallest building in the country. It contains two observation decks, with 360° views of the 100-hectare Olympic Park and Stratford. The sculpture, designed by Anish Kapoor, is already being compared to the Eiffel Tower.

87. Shop at Selfriges department store

Selfriges is the most famous department store in London, located on Oxford Street. A personal consultant will help you navigate the abundance of goods. For example, a stylist can select suitable clothes from the latest collections. Such help is free, but you should count on large purchases.

88. Buy cheap things

There are many charity shops in London, which is the name given to shops that sell second-hand items and donate proceeds to charitable causes. You can find various goods in them, you can even find designer clothes that cost several times cheaper than in expensive boutiques, or even completely new items in excellent condition. If you're lucky, you can find a cocktail dress for under £20. There are such stores, for example, in Pimlico (Sue Ryder Cancer Care, Hospices of Hope, Oxfam, Fara, Trinity Hospice), in Highgate (RSPCA, Mind, Green Room, Cancer Research, Oxfam), on Holloway Road (Sense, Scope , British Heart Foundation), in Clapham (British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research, Trinity Hospice, Age UK, Save the Children) and other places.

89. Get lost in the maze

The Hampton Palace of Justice has had a labyrinth with many bizarre twists and turns since about 1700. unexpected turns and dead ends. Its area is about 1,400 m². It is Britain's oldest surviving hedge maze. It is so famous that it is even mentioned in Jerome K. Jerome's book, Three Men in a Boat and a Dog.

90. Imagine the coffee shops of the past

Coffee houses have existed in London since 1652, when the first establishment of this type opened in St. Michael's Alley. According to contemporaries, at the beginning of the 18th century there were more than 3,000 coffee houses in London, but today's historians believe that there were only 550 of them. Each had its own unique style. For example, the walls of Don Saltero’s were decorated with stuffed exotic animals; at Lunt’s you could not only drink coffee, but also get a shave from a barber and listen to lectures on the abolition of slavery; there was even a floating coffee shop, the Folly of the Thames, where dancing was held. Today there are audio tours that tell the history of London coffee shops.

91. Immerse yourself in the world of celestial bodies at the observatory

The Royal Observatory Greenwich has a unique 28-inch refracting telescope, created in 1893, which is the largest in the UK and the seventh largest in the world. Dark winter evenings visitors look through it at the same constellations that so fascinated astronomers in the 19th century.

92. Taste wine at The Sampler

The Sampler store window

The Sampler is a wine shop and bar on Old Brompton Road where you can buy wine to take away or just try different varieties. This establishment is good because it makes elite drinks accessible to the masses. Here you can order a small order of wine for just 30p. Takeaway drinks range from £10 to £200.

93. There is what they give in a “diner with no alternatives”

There are countless cafes and restaurants in London, where visitors can order whatever their heart desires. Recently, eateries of the opposite type have begun to appear, with a limited menu of 1-2 dishes. For example, Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecôte restaurants in Marylebone and the City serve a green salad with walnuts, steak sauce and fried potatoes. And all this for £21. The only choice guests can make is how the steak will be cooked. The Burger & Lobster in Mayfair serves, as its name suggests, only steak and lobster, accompanied by salad and fries. A serving costs £20.

94. Make shoes at I Can Make Shoes

There's a workshop in Dalston called I Can Make Shoes where you can make your dream shoes or simply refurbish your old ones. Training courses last from several hours to several days, after which you can take on any job, from making sandals and ballet shoes to fashionable stilettos. The owners of this workshop have proven that making shoes is easy.

95. Join the owls at London Zoo

During daylight hours, the zoo is owned mainly by families with children. However, in June and July there are adult-only events on Friday evenings. The show begins after dark: there are performances in the aquarium, a cabaret opens in the amphitheater, alcoholic drinks are served in the bar, and picnics are organized on the lawns. Entry costs £25.

96. Go down to Churchill's bunker

In Westminster, a combat post for monitoring the operational situation has been preserved, from where Winston Churchill gave orders during the Second World War. The bunker remained in the same condition as it was left in August 1945. Personal items used by the British Prime Minister are stored here: telephones, documents and even cigars.

97. Sit on a bench in Richmond Park

Quiet and spacious, Richmond Park is full of unexplored corners. One of its most unusual attractions is a bench erected in memory of singer Ian Dury. It is equipped with solar panels and a headphone jack. By connecting to the player, you can listen to the musician’s songs, including Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick.

98. Get new knowledge in the Frontline club

Frontline is a club in Paddington whose members include prominent journalists and other media workers mass media. Exhibitions, lectures, educational seminars and debates are regularly held here. Anyone can attend them. Entrance fee is usually £150 and reservations must be made in advance.

99. Experience art in the East End

On the first Thursday of every month, over 100 galleries and museums across east London are open late. The program includes tours of art exhibitions, concerts and performances. If you're lucky, you can treat yourself to beer for free. There is a free bus along the route.

2017-01-17 22:26:49

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Slave of the Intestines

2017-10-31 13:21:42

Victoria and Albert Museum

Continuing the conversation about London museums, I would like to separately mention the most unusual museums. The capital of Great Britain is famous for the fact that the choice of its museums is truly inimitable, be it the huge British Museum in Bloomsberry or the group of museums in South Kensington (Scientific, Natural History Museum and the most famous of them, the Victoria and Albert Museum).

But there are twenty small, but very eccentric museums in the capital, hidden along the streets. Everyone has their own story. We will talk about several of them.

Museum in Covent Garden (LT Museum)

This cultural institution is rightfully included in the most unusual museums: after all, there are old subway cars, buses, and trams here. However, only a small part of it is located there, while the main one is concentrated in the Acton area of ​​West London. Located in a depot, it is more of a collection than an amusement park. For example, there you can see the remains of a spiral escalator, which exists in a single copy!

Museum of Bloody Surgery

Museum of Bloody Surgery (The Old Operation Theater & Herb Garred)

This is truly not only the most unusual museum, but also one of the creepiest. Here, near London Bridge, an operating theater was founded in 1822, today offering an immersive experience of the surgery of those times when anesthetics and antiseptics had not yet been invented.

London Canal Museum

The colorful history of the canals is collected here - boats, horses, tunnels, art dedicated to the canal, people associated with them in some way. You can come here by boat and feel like you are in the depths of London's canals.

Interestingly, this place used to be the ice cream warehouse of Carlo Gatti, one of the pioneers of this area. Before the invention of refrigeration, ice was brought here from Norway and stored for later use in hot weather. Therefore, the tunnel museum is also part of the ice cream museum.

Cartoon Museum

The Cartoon Museum

Although this is also the most unusual museum, it probably does not need a description. Amazing drawings, hundreds and thousands of characters and caricatures, including the most amazing firstborns. It is impossible not to mention the sharp political satire, also expressed on paper.

Museum of Eccentric Collections (Cuming Museum, the Museum of Southwark History)

Here you can find truly unusual things: an Indian scalp, a fragment of the ceiling of the room where Napoleon died, a piece of the vest of Charles I, worn on the day of his execution, a sawed-off leg of a mummy. You definitely won’t find anything like this anywhere else in the world!

Museum of Fans

London Fan Museum

This museum houses more than three thousand folding fans, and their collection is the largest in the world. There is also a special exhibition of special fans in the art nouveau style, opened in 1999. And in the nearby tea shop, the napkins are also folded in the appropriate shape.

Museums of Great Writers

The houses of such great writers as Dr. Johnson or Charles Dickens have also long ago become museums. There is also a separate museum that is dedicated not only to Arthur Conan Doyle, but to his hero Sherlock Holmes. So, pleasant surprises await all fans of the work of great writers in London.

Bank Of England Museum

The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street Museum houses a variety of banknotes from the earliest ones, which were handwritten by bank clerks and signed by cashiers. Previously, the banks of the countries that surrounded Britain produced their own banknotes. These notes were as valuable as the bank itself. And England's banknotes were considered as reliable as the Bank of England.

Today, only a few banks in Scotland issue their own banknotes. The museum also talks about how the fight against counterfeiters has improved.

Anyone who finds ordinary museums boring will certainly be interested in the most unusual museums in London, or at least one of them. For those learning English via Skype, we are waiting for your story about which one you found most interesting!

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