If you’re a regular visitor in London you may tire of visiting the more well-known attractions. We’ve compiled a list of 5 things to do in London which are a little more on the unusual side. We wonder how many of these attractions black cab drivers would have to memorise to get that much coveted green badge.
Top 5 Unusual London Attractions
1. The Hunterian Museum
Perhaps not one for the squeamish, the Hunterian Museum has free collections to browse and amongst them are various body parts that are stored in jars and Churchill’s dentures. Admission is free and it’d be well suited to someone who has an interest in biology. The Hunterian Museum also hosts some paid-for exhibitions and lunchtime lectures which would be well suited to someone wo works locally looking to visit during their lunch hour.
2. Highgate Cemetery
Located in Highgate, Highgate Cemetery is one of London’s great Victorian graveyards full of beautiful architecture and wildlife. Many notable figures are buried here, including Karl Marx, Jeremy Beadle and author Douglas Adams. You’ll be free to explore the eastern half of the cemetery on your own, but you’ll be required to book on a guided tour in order to explore the western half. Note that children under the age of 8 are not permitted to go on the guided tour of the western cemetery. They are free to go into the eastern cemetery though.
3. The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
Restored and opened in 1962, The Old Operating Theatre is the only 19th Century operating theatre in England and Europe’s oldest operating theatre. It serves as a stark reminder to us all how far medicine has evolved. Visitors can view re-enactments of operation procedures in the 19th Century and what it must have been like to have an operation without any anaesthetic.
4. Dennis Severs’ House
From the outside, this house has no discernible features, but step inside and you are transported back to the 18th Century as Dennis Sever wanted to restore the house to reflect life during the Huguenot era. The house has been left to look like its residents have just left for the day with half eaten plates of food strewn across the house and unmade beds. Note that this tour is considered unsuitable for children as it is conducted in total silence.
5. Wilton’s Music Hall
Wilton’s is the oldest and last surviving grand music hall that served as a soup kitchen during the Great Dock Strike of the late 19thCentury, a shelter during the blitz and a rag warehouse in the 50s. It now runs a variety of events which include theatre, concerts and cabaret and is a Grade II listed building. You can also get a guided tour around the music hall which gives a more in-depth insight into Wilton’s history itself, as well as the history of other music halls in the East End.
We’re sure that cabbies will know of these fascinating little-known attractions so if you’re not confident navigating to the places on foot or using public transport, you could always take a black cab. It may serve as an additional educational experience as the driver could probably give you a little history of the surrounding area too. Tradex is a leading provider of taxi insurance.