Explore 10 Unique and Unusual Attractions in London

It is essential to recognize that even locals may overlook some of these intriguing locations in our vibrant city, as there are so many experiences awaiting discovery.

A notable aspect of London is its continuous array of fresh and captivating discoveries. This can include hidden gems like the secret spots of London, featuring charming oddities like hidden noses and ears in Covent Garden, or unique dining experiences such as a coffee shop in a historic public toilet. Indeed, London harbors a plethora of remarkable surprises throughout the city. 🙂

Building upon our exploration of Secret Spots in Central London, I am delighted to present an array of lesser-known places I have recently uncovered in the heart of London.

Venturing beyond the more widely recognized landmarks such as the London Eye and Tower Bridge, I wish to showcase a distinctive side of London—one you might not readily associate with the capital, yet one that is undeniably worth exploring.

Discover ten unique and unusual places in London that are imperative for exploration:

1.) Become a monster in London

Monsters, akin to all premium beings, visit Hoxton Street Monster Supplies for their essential needs and delectably eerie remedies.

Step inside to experience frightful jars, discover how real monsters exist, and sample creations like ‘human ears’ and skin! Additionally, they offer delightful trinkets to take home.

2.) Explore an overlooked Royal Palace

Eltham Palace, located in the Borough of Greenwich, is part of the Royal Family’s Crown Estate, which also encompasses all of Regent Street and numerous additional buildings across London.

This remarkable site serves as a prime example of art-deco architecture and boasts a captivating history dating back to the 1300s.

To reach this magnificent palace and its sprawling grounds, take a train from Central London to Eltham railway station. Eltham Palace is certainly an (unjustly) undervalued Royal palace within London.

Read more: Best things to do in Greenwich

3.) See the Golden Boy of the Fire of London

Situated at the intersection of Giltspur Street and Cock Lane in Central London is the Golden Boy of Pye Corner. This charming monument signifies the official location where the Great Fire of London was subdued in 1666. The statue, intricately crafted from wood, is coated in gold.

4.) Discover one of the oldest (and most gruesome) operating theatres in the world!

For those seeking an extraordinary experience in the city, a visit to the Old Operating Theatre is highly recommended, as it is recognized as one of the oldest operating theatres globally. This location offers a tantalizing glimpse into medical history before the advent of anaesthetics. The theatre was home to some of the most esteemed surgeons of the time, although many of their successes came through trial and error. Yikes!

5.) Trademark your smile at a secret clown museum

Whether you favor or dislike clowns, the delightful Circus Clowns Club gallery constitutes a must-see for those intrigued by humorous performances (pardon the pun. 🙂). Historically, clowns created unique make-up signatures symbolizing their brand, often painted onto eggs to prevent imitation. This unique aspect of London is open on the first Friday of each month or by appointment. For more information, visit the official Circus Clowns Club website.

6.) See the body/skeleton of Jeremy Bentham in UCL

For a captivating fragment of London’s historical tapestry, engage with the auto-icon of Jeremy Bentham, who, as noted in various sources, was “an English philosopher, jurist, and social reformer.” He holds significant relevance in British history (see the full Wikipedia article here).

Jeremy requested his friend assist in displaying his auto-icon, which now comprises the complete skeleton and attire, minus the head. Although originally intended to be preserved, the process encountered unfortunate mishaps, resulting in its replacement with a wax replica. This peculiar aspect of London history now resides at University College London (in the South Cloisters of the Main Building).

7.) Become a master miller at The Brixton Windmill

Now 200 years old, the Brixton Windmill certainly presents itself as one of the more clandestine and unusual attractions that often escape the notice of visitors. It is not only visually appealing but also offers an opportunity for you to hone your skills through a range of training sessions conducted there. Isn’t it intriguing that many of us have harbored dreams of becoming Master Millers? (Perhaps not, but it’s worth a quick visit! 🙂)

8.) Discover Henry VIII’s underground wine cellar in Whitehall

First, the pressing question is—who consumed all the wine?! 😮

Deep beneath the city, specifically beneath the Ministry of Defence, lies the wine cellar of Henry VIII. This exquisitely preserved vault was once home to his finest wines meant for his indulgence. The wine cellar represents one of the few remnants of Whitehall Palace, where the Royal Family resided historically.

Access to Henry’s wine cellar is invitation-only, thus requiring either an invitation to visit, attendance at an event hosted there, or possibly even a request via email to the Ministry of Defence for a tour! (Good fortune with that last attempt!)

9.) See the weeping church of St. Bartholomews

St. Bartholomews is considered one of London’s most beautiful churches. During my recent visit to read at a friend’s wedding here, I learned some captivating historical facts about this church and how it seemingly weeps!

During damp and chilly weather, the walls of St. Bartholomews absorb water. When the rain becomes sufficiently heavy, this moisture subsequently trickles out through the walls, resulting in the church earning its title as London’s only “weeping church.”

Search the church thoroughly, and you may even discover references to its tears inscribed as ‘unsluice your briny floods.’

10.) Discover dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park

Roar! Dating back over 150 years, these dinosaur models represent the first endeavor to create full-sized replicas of the prehistoric creatures identified by early explorers. Now classified as a national heritage monument, these dinosaurs are available for public viewing in the park.

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