London is one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities, and there is certainly no shortage of things to see and do. From iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to the countless museums and galleries, the city is a treasure trove of culture and history. But if you’re looking for something a little more offbeat, there are plenty of bizarre and unusual places to explore. Here are just a few of the most bizarre places to visit in London.
- The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
Located in the heart of East London, the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities is a one-of-a-kind attraction. Described as a “cabinet of curiosities,” the museum is home to a bizarre and eclectic collection of oddities, including shrunken heads, taxidermy animals, and vintage pornography. There’s even a room filled with jars of human remains, including a preserved brain and a pair of human eyeballs.
- The Hunterian Museum
For those with a fascination for medical oddities, the Hunterian Museum is a must-visit. Located in the Royal College of Surgeons, the museum is home to a vast collection of anatomical specimens, including preserved brains, skeletons, and even a mummified hand. The highlight of the collection is undoubtedly the skeleton of the “Irish Giant,” who stood over seven feet tall.
- The Crossbones Graveyard
Hidden away in a backstreet in Southwark, the Crossbones Graveyard is a haunting reminder of London’s past. The graveyard was once a burial site for the city’s outcasts and prostitutes, who were denied a proper Christian burial. Today, the site has been transformed into a public garden, with artwork and memorials to the forgotten dead.
- The Old Operating Theatre Museum
Located in the attic of an 18th-century church, the Old Operating Theatre Museum is a fascinating glimpse into the history of medicine. The museum is home to a collection of surgical instruments and displays, including an operating table and an iron lung. Visitors can even attend a demonstration of 19th-century surgical techniques.
- The Dennis Severs’ House
Step back in time with a visit to the Dennis Severs’ House, a unique living museum located in Spitalfields. The house has been preserved as a time capsule of 18th-century London, with each room carefully designed to evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era. Visitors are invited to explore the house in silence, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past.
- The Horniman Museum
For a truly bizarre experience, head to the Horniman Museum in South London. The museum is home to a collection of over 350,000 objects, including musical instruments, taxidermy animals, and even a giant stuffed walrus. The highlight of the collection is undoubtedly the famous “merman,” a bizarre creature with the head of a monkey and the tail of a fish.
- The Temple of Mithras
Hidden beneath the streets of the City of London lies the Temple of Mithras, an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the god of light. The temple was discovered in the 1950s during the construction of a new office building, and has since been preserved as a fascinating archaeological site. Visitors can explore the remains of the temple and learn about the rituals and beliefs of ancient Rome.
These are just a few of the many bizarre and unusual places to visit in London. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or the macabre, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant and eclectic city. So why not step off the beaten path, and discover the weird and wonderful side of London?
