Bizarre London: Discover the Capital's Secrets and Surprises

London is a city full of surprises, and there's more to it than meets the eye. Beyond the iconic landmarks and well-trodden tourist trails, there's a hidden world of bizarre and offbeat attractions, secret gardens, forgotten churches, eccentric museums, and subterranean wonders. In this guide, we'll take you on an unforgettable journey through the capital's hidden side, revealing the secrets and surprises that make London one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Bizarre London: Discover the Capital's Secrets & Surprises

by David Long

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4605 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Secret Gardens

Amidst the hustle and bustle of London, there are hidden oases of peace and tranquility. Secret gardens tucked away behind walls and down alleyways offer a welcome respite from the city's relentless pace. One of the most charming is the Golden Hinde Garden, a hidden gem in the heart of the City of London. Once the garden of the Golden Hinde pub, it's now a tranquil oasis with a fountain, flower beds, and a statue of Sir Francis Drake. Another hidden gem is the Charterhouse Garden, a beautiful 14th-century garden in the Smithfield area. Originally the garden of a Carthusian monastery, it's now a public garden open to all.

Forgotten Churches

London is home to a wealth of historic churches, but some have been forgotten and abandoned over time. These forgotten churches often have fascinating stories to tell, and some have been repurposed for new uses. One of the most atmospheric is the Old St Bartholomew's Church in Smithfield. Founded in the 12th century, it was once one of the largest churches in London. After being damaged in the Great Fire of London, it was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren. However, it was declared redundant in the 19th century and fell into disrepair. In the 1960s, it was rescued by the Barbican Centre and is now used as an exhibition space.

Eccentric Museums

London is home to some of the world's most famous museums, but there are also a number of quirky and eccentric museums that offer a unique take on the city's history and culture. One of the most popular is the Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising, which tells the story of branding and consumerism through a collection of over 12,000 objects. Another eccentric museum is the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, which houses a bizarre and wonderful collection of oddities and curiosities from around the world. From taxidermy to medical specimens to vintage toys, there's something to fascinate everyone at this unique museum.

Subterranean Wonders

Beneath the surface of London lies a hidden world of subterranean wonders. From ancient tunnels and crypts to abandoned stations and secret bunkers, there's a whole other city to explore beneath the streets. One of the most popular subterranean attractions is the London Dungeon, a gruesome and immersive experience that tells the story of London's dark past. Another subterranean wonder is the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel, a colorful and ever-changing tunnel under Waterloo station that's covered in graffiti from some of the world's best street artists.

Quirky Characters

London is full of quirky and eccentric characters, from street performers to pavement artists to costumed characters. One of the most famous is Mr. Bean, the bumbling and lovable character created by Rowan Atkinson. Mr. Bean has been seen all over London, from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. Another quirky character is the Singing Nun, a statue of a nun singing into a microphone that can be found in the Old Spitalfields Market. And then there's the Pineapple Man, a street performer who wears a pineapple on his head and dances around London's streets.

London is a city of endless surprises, and there's always something new to discover. Whether you're a local or a visitor, we encourage you to explore the city's hidden side and discover the bizarre and wonderful secrets it has to offer. From secret gardens and forgotten churches to eccentric museums and subterranean wonders, there's a whole other world to explore beneath the surface of London.

To learn more about London's hidden gems, we recommend picking up a copy of our book, Bizarre London: Discover the Capital's Secrets and Surprises. This book is your guide to the city's unusual and offbeat attractions, secret gardens, forgotten churches, eccentric museums, and subterranean wonders. With over 100 entries, this book will help you discover a side of London that you never knew existed.

Bizarre London: Discover the Capital's Secrets & Surprises

by David Long

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4605 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	273 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE