London is renowned for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and world-class museums, but beyond the traditional tourist trail lies a treasure trove of quirky attractions and unusual museums. From eccentric collections to hidden gems, the city offers an array of offbeat experiences for those seeking something a little different. Here’s your guide to the quirkiest places to explore in London.
1. The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
Tucked away in East London, the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities is a haven for the bizarre and macabre. This eccentric collection features everything from shrunken heads and two-headed animals to occult artifacts and surreal artwork. Part museum, part cocktail bar, this peculiar establishment invites visitors to immerse themselves in the strange and surreal.
Insider Tip: Visit in the evening to enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail while browsing the oddities.
2. The Hunterian Museum
Housed within the Royal College of Surgeons, the Hunterian Museum is not for the faint-hearted. This medical museum boasts a fascinating yet eerie collection of anatomical specimens, surgical instruments, and preserved body parts. Named after the pioneering surgeon John Hunter, this museum provides a gripping insight into the history of medicine and anatomy.
Insider Tip: Look out for Charles Babbage’s preserved brain, one of the most unusual exhibits in the collection.
3. The Clown Gallery and Museum
Dedicated to the world of clowning, this small but charming museum in Dalston celebrates the history and artistry of clowns. The collection includes clown costumes, props, and a unique display of painted clown faces on eggs—a tradition used to register clown identities.
Insider Tip: Check in advance for opening times, as this museum operates on a limited schedule.
4. Sir John Soane’s Museum
A true hidden gem, Sir John Soane’s Museum is housed in the former residence of the neoclassical architect. The museum is an eccentric labyrinth filled with antiquities, paintings, and architectural oddities. Highlights include a collection of ancient sarcophagi, Hogarth paintings, and hidden rooms brimming with artifacts.
Insider Tip: Visit during the candlelit evening openings for an atmospheric experience.
5. The Grant Museum of Zoology
For fans of natural history, the Grant Museum of Zoology is a must-visit. This Victorian-era museum at University College London is home to a fascinating collection of preserved animals, skeletons, and rare specimens, including a jar of moles and dodo bones.
Insider Tip: The museum is relatively small, so plan your visit during quieter hours to fully appreciate the displays.
6. The Old Operating Theatre Museum
Step back in time at the Old Operating Theatre Museum, one of the oldest surviving surgical theatres in Europe. Located in the attic of an 18th-century church, this museum offers a glimpse into the brutal yet fascinating world of pre-anesthetic surgery.
Insider Tip: Attend a live demonstration to see how surgeries were performed in the 19th century.
7. The Museum of Brands
A nostalgic trip through time, the Museum of Brands in Notting Hill showcases over a century of consumer culture. The exhibits include vintage packaging, advertisements, and memorabilia from iconic brands, offering a fascinating look at how everyday products have evolved.
Insider Tip: The Time Tunnel exhibit is a highlight, taking visitors on a journey from Victorian times to the present day.
8. Dennis Severs’ House
More than just a museum, Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields is an immersive experience that transports visitors to 18th and 19th-century London. Each room is meticulously staged to recreate the home of a fictional Huguenot silk-weaver family, complete with period furniture, half-eaten meals, and the scent of burning candles.
Insider Tip: Visit in the evening for the full atmospheric effect of flickering candlelight and eerie silence.
9. The Postal Museum & Mail Rail
Discover the fascinating history of the postal service at the Postal Museum, where interactive exhibits showcase everything from early mail coaches to modern-day postal innovations. The highlight is the Mail Rail, a miniature underground train that once transported letters beneath London’s streets.
Insider Tip: Book your Mail Rail ride in advance, as tickets sell out quickly.
10. Leighton House Museum
Once the home of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton, this opulent house-turned-museum in Kensington is a masterpiece of design. Featuring stunning Moorish architecture, elaborate mosaics, and an enchanting Arab Hall, the museum is a visual delight.
Insider Tip: Photography is restricted in some areas, so check the guidelines before your visit.
Final Thoughts
London’s quirky attractions and unusual museums offer a refreshing alternative to the city’s more traditional sights. Whether you’re exploring the macabre wonders of the Viktor Wynd Museum, stepping back in time at Dennis Severs’ House, or taking a ride on the Mail Rail, there’s no shortage of unique experiences to discover. For those who love the unconventional, these hidden gems provide an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s weirder side.
