The capital is home to a magical medley of secret spots and weird wonders. These quirky locations offer a fun and interesting contrast to the usual must-see locations.
Neal’s Yard colorful houses of Neal’s Yard burst with charm. Just a stone’s throw away, the gothic Hunterian Museum intrigues and horrifies visitors alike with its magnificent array of medical oddities.
Visit God’s Own Junkyard, a neon sign wonderland, or the candlelit Leighton House, home to Victorian art and design. If you are looking for an unusual experience outdoors, head to the peaceful Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.
These quirky spots offer an alternative look at London’s artistic and historical scene. Perfect for those looking to uncover something different, this post highlights lesser-known sights that make the city an endlessly fascinating destination.
1. Leadenhall Market’s Hidden Architecture
One place that does is Leadenhall Market, with its breathtaking Victorian architecture, including magnificent honeycomb roofs and intricate carved shopfronts. This medieval market was established in the 14th century. With over 70% of its original structure still remaining, it is one of the few surviving examples of its kind in London.
The detailed ironwork and painted ceilings give the market an old-world elegance. This beautiful location is sure to please both history buffs and architecture aficionados. Its beautiful aesthetic has enchanted visitors and is most famously featured in the Harry Potter films. This connection only increases the beauty of the Leadenhall Market to true Harry Potter devotees.
The market’s deep past as a former site of trade illuminates London’s development over the past several centuries. Beneath its surface lies hidden Roman architecture, including ruins of a basilica and the forum, which once served as spaces for trade and community gatherings. The ancient underbelly of history makes for a beautiful juxtaposition with the exuberant Victorian masterpiece above.
They combine centuries worth of artistry into one breathtaking enclave. This mix of old and new continues today, as the market houses a variety of modern shops and restaurants within its historic framework. Photography lovers will find Leadenhall Market a fantastic wealth of opportunities.
The vibrant colors of the stalls, the natural light filtering through the glass roof, and the bustling atmosphere create dynamic scenes to capture. For more architectural whiplash, a few minutes’ walk away is the Leadenhall Building, nicknamed “The Cheesegrater.” With its sleek, modern design, it fits right into the historic charm of the market, representing London’s knack for blending tradition with innovation.
The calm ambiance of Leadenhall Market creates a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re exploring its unique past or enjoying the picturesque views, there’s something for everyone. This beautiful spot is a magical experience for any traveler looking to catch a unique glimpse of London’s history and modernization.
2. The Hunterian Museum’s Medical Oddities
The Hunterian Museum provides a truly unique opportunity to explore the history of medicine, centered around an unrivaled collection of anatomical and pathological specimens. Its exhibits include everything from stillborn human and animal organs preserved in jars, to beautifully crafted historical surgical instruments. You can get up close and personal with their preserved medical oddity, the skeleton of Charles Byrne. Famed as the “Irish Giant,” he stood at an incredible 7-foot-7-inches.
Another highlight are the Evelyn Tables. These wooden panels from 1646 beautifully illustrate a web of veins and arteries, examples of the incredible precision applied to the study of anatomy traveled far and wide. The museum was founded by 18th-century surgeon and anatomist John Hunter. It’s a testament to his passion for both exploring and understanding the human body.
Hunter was an innovator and pioneer in the field of medicine, amassing thousands of specimens to further the field of surgery. His legacy continues to shine through the medical oddities that still fill the museum’s vast collection. It houses a fascinating collection of human remains and preserved zoological specimens, a testament to his incredible work as a naturalist.
This commitment to education and research has made the Hunterian Museum one of Europe’s most important treasure troves of medical and zoological history. Guided tours provide a deeper experience by exploring the stories behind these artifacts. Exhibits such as the specimens of syphilis sufferers show the shocking realities of how diseases have affected the body and mind.
The thoughtful labels that go with each display make the collection approachable and educational for any visitor, no matter what their interests are. The museum is temporarily closed for renovations. Please confirm reopening dates and event calendars before making travel plans!
It’s free to get in, but booking in advance guarantees you’ll get in. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m., it’s a must-see for anyone intrigued by medical history.
3. God’s Own Junkyard Neon Wonderland
God’s Own Junkyard is a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of neon brilliance that is the creative legacy of Christopher Bracey. Taking up more than 54,000 square feet, it’s home to an eye-popping collection of neon signs, vintage movie props and rescued creations. Each piece has a story of its own, from iconic film set pieces to custom-made artwork.
Walking through this kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and glowing displays is an overwhelmingly beautiful sensory experience that somehow feels both nostalgic and futuristic.
For photography lovers, this place is a photography lover’s dream come true. The eye-popping neon displays provide great dramatic scenes that play incredibly well on social media. Whether you’re photographing a vintage sign or an artsy neon sculpture, every corner provides the picture-perfect shot.
The venue is sensory overload, as much as it’s a visual feast, it’s a spiritual recharge. It boasts a really nice café / bar called “Rolling Scones.” It remains open until 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays! Savor a flavorful selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items, creating a perfect place to relax after a day of adventure.
Sometimes, God’s Own Junkyard presents temporary art and design exhibitions, mixing artistic craftsmanship with commercial signage in intriguing new forms. These events always go a little further down the neon rabbit hole, drawing a huge crowd of locals and tourists alike.
The surrounding Walthamstow area further enriches your experience, with colorful street art everywhere you turn and quirky local shops. There’s a lot more to see outside the neon wonderland!
The colorful backstory behind God’s Own Junkyard only adds to the allure of this neon wonderland. Founded by Welsh coal miner-turned-neon artist Chris Bracey, the wonderland is now run by his son Matthew, a third-generation neon artist.
The site has since become a cult attraction in both London and Los Angeles, even making its way onto BBC News. In fact, about 70% of visitors come specifically to get their pictures taken. Despite new establishments popping up, this space is still a true hidden gem for art lovers.
4. The Seven Noses of Soho
Next, the Seven Noses of Soho provides a fun and unusual exploration of London’s Soho neighborhood. Though it’s called the Seven Noses of Soho, there were originally 35 sculpted noses by artist Rick Buckley concealed on walls throughout Central London. Buckley conceived these sculptures as a reaction to the increasing installation of CCTV cameras throughout the city.
He wanted to take a stand against what he saw as an Orwellian “Big Brother” culture. With Central London already home to 12.5% of all surveillance cameras in Britain, his artwork proved to be a brilliant, unexpected act of protest.
The first nose to go up appeared on the wall of a strip joint close to Quo Vadis. Buckley wanted to put them up without drawing attention. The very fact that some hid out in plain sight for decades on end shows that he did just that. Others were taken down within a matter of days.
The installation languished without much fanfare until around the halfway point. Buckley’s girlfriend found it, and after she saw its potential, urged Buckley to release his work on the world. What began as an artist’s humble protest now has firmly established itself as a Scootour’s top pick and added an unparalleled burst of creativity to London.
This makes hunting for these noses a real scavenger hunt. Though hardly any are left today, their unique spots around town make for a great, fun and memorable thing to do. It’s the perfect introduction to Soho’s colorful streets, lined with restaurants, cinemas, boutiques and more.
Each find is like discovering one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Taking pictures of the noses was a great way to keep track of your discoveries. What’s more, it makes for an awesome anecdote to tell friends!
This installation has gone on to inspire installations like Tim Fishlock’s series of ears appearing on walls around London. The Seven Noses represent the cheeky, creative heart of the city. They combine history, protest and creativity, making their mark on the character of London.
5. The Whispering Gallery at St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Whispering Gallery at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is famous for its incredible acoustic marvel. If one were to whisper into the curved wall, that sound would travel, undistorted, to the other side. The curvature of the dome made for some pretty cool effects. This incredible phenomenon was found by happy accident after regular cathedral consecration in 1708.
Soaring 121 feet above the cathedral floor, the gallery provides a one-of-a-kind experience that combines architecture, history, and science. Visitors connect with the phenomenon in awe as they speak softly into the wall and hear how sound travels across the dome. It’s an ideal introduction to the intersection of art and engineering that defines this iconic masterpiece.
Getting to the Whispering Gallery requires climbing quite a few steps, but the stairway leads you to breathtaking views that are worth every step. Originally built for acoustics, this space provides an unmatched view of the cathedral’s interior opulence. The colorful mosaics and intricate stonework leap out in vivid splendor.
You can’t get this perspective by looking up from the ground floor. If you’re a fan of design or craftsmanship, this is one place you won’t want to miss! Sir Christopher Wren designed the dome, which is widely considered one of the masterpieces of Baroque architecture. The gallery allows for a better appreciation of its marvelous magnificence.
Led tours provide a unique look into the cathedral’s fascinating history. They point out its amazing resilience, dramatic tales of it surviving the Great Fire of London and the Blitz of World War II. The gallery features an amazing acoustic experience.
It is a doorway into the deeper cultural and historical importance of St. Paul’s. For a quieter experience, visiting during less busy times lets you fully immerse in the peaceful atmosphere, avoiding crowds and distractions.
Conclusion
Whether you love history, art, or just want to see the most interesting things in London, this city always has something up its sleeve. Leadenhall Market shines with beautiful architectural adornments. God’s Own Junkyard dazzles with a rainbow of colorful neon lights, providing every spot with a kooky, kaleidoscopic character. The Hunterian Museum fascinates with its medical wonders, while the Seven Noses of Soho turn a stroll into a scavenger hunt. At St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Whispering Gallery brings a mischievous spirit to an enduring symbol of London.
These unique attractions offer a look at a different side of London that’s anything but average. They provide memories, narratives, and vistas that last a lifetime. If you’re visiting London, make sure to include these on your itinerary. They’re a big part of what makes exploring the city so rewarding and memorable.