London is a place that draws millions of visitors to it every year. There is accommodation available for every budget, the public transport system is reliable and safe, and it is easy to get around when you want to do some sightseeing. London is known for having many tourist attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the lights of theatre land. There are also many not so well-known attractions that have something to offer whether you visit often or are just looking for something slightly different.
A great way of getting to know London’s secrets is to go on a guided walk that will show you exactly what you are looking to discover. You will get to escape from the beaten track and walk along meandering lanes, finding secret spots of greenery hidden in the city. You will also hear stories and of London’s past. There are many other organized walks which start on a regular basis from various locations in London. It is easy to walk about and see specific things that interest you or you can just enjoy a trip into the city’s eccentric side.
Alternatively; why not consider a London treasure hunt? Rather than just walking from one tourist hotspot to another –why not have fun with a GPS device and face some challenges along the way? There are plenty of different hunts available; such as an old red London bus hunt, a black taxi hunt, and even a take on the famous BBC TV show “The Apprentice” where you’ll have to use your business skills to complete the treasure hunt.
Peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city can be found at the Japanese Kyoto Garden located in Holland Park. This traditional Japanese Garden is home to a Japanese maple, the trickling sounds of a waterfall and the presence of koi carp. There are also many peacocks that visit the garden. It may not be a very large space, but the beauty of the Garden lies in its tranquility and the relaxing space it gives you to take a break from the busy city.
The Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret is one of the more interesting museums in London and where you may be if you are looking for something different. It is situated near the London Bridge and is part of the Old St Thomas Hospital. The theatre was closed down in 1862 and rediscovered in the 1960s. It is a reminder of how surgery was done in the past. It is in the Herb Garret of the hospital. This location provided a bit of sound proofing, which was necessary for those in the ward.
If you want to experience what London life was like in the 18th century, then take a candlelit tour of Dennis Severs’ House. This Spitalfields home has been authentically decorated to give a feel of life in the 1800s. You will get a variety of sensory stimulations from the smells and sounds in the house to the noise as you walk through the rooms. This all makes for a fun experience.
For something more modern, head over to the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising in W11. The museum centers on British consumerism over the last 120 years and one man’s obsession with packaging. The layout gives you a feel of consumer culture over the years and a bit of nostalgia for times gone that have passed.
If you are in London for the first time or know the city well, you will find that there are a lot of attractions that will show you an alternative side to the past and present of London. If you do your homework, it is easy to find some of the hidden treasures that are on offer in London
