London’s Weirdest Attractions You Won’t Find in Guidebooks
London is a city filled with famous landmarks, iconic attractions, and well-trodden tourist paths. But beneath the surface of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye, there’s a whole world of quirky and weird attractions that most guidebooks overlook. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just someone who enjoys the unusual, these hidden gems will give you a unique and offbeat perspective of the city. From hidden noses on Soho’s walls to quirky museums and historical mansions, here’s your guide to London’s weirdest attractions that you won’t find in the usual tourist guides.
The Seven Noses of Soho
Fun Fact: London’s Soho district is home to seven sculpted noses hidden on various buildings. These unusual pieces of art were created by artist Rick Buckley in 1997 as a protest against the increasing presence of CCTV cameras in London. Buckley wanted to make a statement about the surveillance society by placing these noses in plain sight but subtly out of view, urging people to look up and question the world around them.
Historical Background: The noses were originally intended as a commentary on the erosion of privacy in urban spaces, but they’ve since become an iconic (if obscure) part of London’s art scene. The noses are located at various sites around Soho, including on Greek Street, Old Compton Street, and Dean Street. Finding all seven can be like a scavenger hunt for curious explorers!
Directions from London Backpackers in Hendon:
• By Tube: Take the Northern Line from Hendon Central and get off at Tottenham Court Road Station (around 30 minutes). From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Soho.
• Budget Eatery Nearby: Once in Soho, grab a bite at Dishoom, a popular Bombay-style café known for its delicious and affordable Indian street food. It’s a fantastic place to relax after your nose-hunting adventure. (Approx. £10-£15 per meal).
Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
Fun Fact: If you’ve ever wanted to see the world’s weirdest collection of oddities, then Viktor Wynd’s Museum of Curiosities is the place for you. This quirky museum showcases everything from taxidermy animals to rare artefacts, including shrunken heads and medieval torture devices. It’s a bizarre and eclectic mix of objects that will make you question what constitutes “art.”
Historical Background: Viktor Wynd, a self-proclaimed “curator of the weird,” opened the museum to showcase his vast and eccentric collection of curiosities. The collection is constantly changing, so each visit offers something new and strange to discover. It’s also a bit of a personal shrine to Wynd’s fascination with the odd and the macabre.
Directions from London Backpackers in Hendon:
• By Tube: Take the Northern Line southbound from Hendon Central and get off at Shoreditch High Street Station (around 35 minutes). The museum is a short 5-minute walk from the station.
• Budget Eatery Nearby: After exploring the museum’s oddities, head to Brick Lane Beigel Bake, one of London’s most famous 24-hour bagel shops. Here you can get a classic salt beef bagel for just a few pounds, perfect for a budget meal in East London. (Approx. £5-£7).
Leighton House Museum
Fun Fact: Leighton House is often considered one of London’s most beautiful and eccentric houses. Built for Victorian artist Frederic Leighton, the house is a masterpiece of design that blends art, architecture, and interior design. The museum is a stunning display of the artist’s personal collections and his love for orientalism, including an entire room designed to resemble a Middle Eastern palace.
Historical Background: Leighton was a renowned Victorian artist and the president of the Royal Academy, and his home reflects his status and artistic taste. The museum’s unique architecture, especially the Arab Hall (which features intricate tiles imported from Damascus), offers an insight into both Victorian opulence and the artistic soul of the time.
Directions from London Backpackers in Hendon:
• By Tube: From Hendon Central, take the Northern Line to Charing Cross Station (around 35 minutes). From there, transfer to the Circle Line or District Line to Kensington High Street (just two stops). Leighton House Museum is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
• Budget Eatery Nearby: After visiting Leighton House, check out The Kensington Creperie, a cosy and affordable spot for savoury and sweet crêpes. It’s a casual, budget-friendly place with great flavour. (Approx. £7-£10 for a crêpe).
The Hunterian Museum
Fun Fact: The Hunterian Museum is filled with one of the most extensive and bizarre collections of anatomical and medical specimens in the world, including preserved human organs, bones, and even a giant walrus. It was originally founded in the 18th century by John Hunter, a pioneering surgeon who amassed a staggering collection of biological specimens and surgical instruments.
Historical Background: While it is currently closed for renovations until further notice, the Hunterian Museum is a must-see for those interested in the history of medicine and the human body. The exhibits offer a glimpse into the development of surgery and medicine in London during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Directions from London Backpackers in Hendon (once reopened):
• By Tube: From Hendon Central, take the Northern Line southbound to Tottenham Court Road Station (around 30 minutes). From there, walk to the Royal College of Surgeons in Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
• Budget Eatery Nearby: After your visit, head to The Lamb & Flag, a charming historic pub just around the corner. It’s a great spot to enjoy a pint and a hearty meal, without breaking the bank. (Approx. £10-£15 for a meal).
The Old Operating Theatre Museum
Fun Fact: If you’re fascinated by medical history, The Old Operating Theatre is a fascinating trip into the gruesome and grim world of surgery in the past. Located in the attic of St Thomas’ Church, this museum houses one of the oldest surviving operating theatres in the world. The operating room, dating from the 19th century, was once used to perform surgeries without anaesthesia!
Historical Background: In the 19th century, surgery was a brutal and often deadly process. Patients were typically awake during procedures, which were often done without modern hygiene standards. The museum offers a hauntingly interesting look at the evolution of surgery and medical practices through the ages.
Directions from London Backpackers in Hendon:
• By Tube: From Hendon Central, take the Northern Line to London Bridge Station (about 30 minutes). From there, it’s a short walk to St Thomas’ Church, where the museum is located.
• Budget Eatery Nearby: After visiting the museum, grab a bite at Borough Market, one of London’s best food markets. It offers an array of budget-friendly options, from sandwiches to fresh produce and international street food. (Approx. £5-£10 for lunch).
God’s Own Junkyard
Fun Fact: God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow is a psychedelic wonderland of neon lights, signs, and art installations. This quirky warehouse is filled with neon art created by Chris Bracey, who spent years creating neon signs for film sets, advertising, and art installations. It’s a colourful explosion of lights that feels like stepping into another world.
Historical Background: Chris Bracey’s work has appeared in films like Blade Runner, The Dark Knight, and Eyes Wide Shut. The collection in God’s Own Junkyard is a testament to his career, featuring pieces from iconic films as well as his personal art collection.
Directions from London Backpackers in Hendon:
• By Tube: From Hendon Central, take the Northern Line southbound to Tottenham Court Road (around 30 minutes). Transfer to the Victoria Line at Warren Street Station and travel to Walthamstow Central Station (about 20 minutes). God’s Own Junkyard is just a 10-minute walk from the station.
• Budget Eatery Nearby: While you’re in Walthamstow, check out The Bell Pub, a local favourite that serves hearty and affordable meals like burgers and Sunday roasts. (Approx. £8-£12 for a meal).
London is full of surprises, and these weird and wonderful attractions offer a refreshing change from the usual tourist spots. Whether you’re marvelling at the quirky Seven Noses of Soho, stepping into the colourful world of God’s Own Junkyard, or discovering the haunting history of The Hunterian Museum, London’s offbeat attractions will give you a deeper, more unique understanding of this vibrant city.
So, next time you’re staying at London Backpackers in Hendon, why not explore some of these hidden gems and get off the well-worn tourist trail? Whether you’re uncovering the strange history of medical practices or searching for hidden art in Soho, you’re bound to have a memorable experience!
