London Adventures: Exploring the City Beyond the Tourist Trail
London’s a never-ending adventure, should you get out and about, beyond the tourist trail. While the list of historical, cultural, and other landmarks is a massive one, the city’s got more to delight ardent travellers and those seeking delightfully offbeat (and sometimes thrilling experiences. Sounds interesting? Let’s read on!
Discover London’s Most Fascinating Neighbourhoods
Discover the smart way to get access to some of the city’s most fascinating and intriguing neighbourhoods in London. Some of them include:
Notting Hill- Notting Hill’s not just about the Portobello Road Market and pastel-hued homes, but also about colourful backstreets. They are as Instagrammable as can be, as you’ll find, wandering about the serene lanes with their boutiques and mews.
Greenwich- It’s just like a tiny, charming village tucked neatly along the Thames River. Of course, you do get some must-visit places here, like the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, but the real magic lies elsewhere. Explore the side streets with their cosy cafes, hidden gardens, antique shops and more. Take in the lovely riverside views whenever you can!
Shoreditch- In the mood for a quirky yet creatively stimulating experience? Hop over to Shoreditch, which is like a live and ever-evolving canvas. Graffiti, street art, murals, vintage stores, quirky outlets, pop-up markets- you and your camera are going to be in for a fabulous time ahead!
Hidden Gardens & Parks
If you’re looking for a calm respite away from the city buzz, London’s got several neatly hidden parks and gardens to escape to. Here’s a list that you may consider:
Chelsea Physic Garden- One of the oldest botanical gardens in the city, it is home to 5,000+ plants and even a lovely café.
Camley Street Natural Park- Just beside Regent’s Canal, it’s a small nature reserve that’s home to wetlands, woodlands, meadows and wildlife. You’ll love how nicely it’s hidden despite being a few steps away from the busy King’s Cross.
Hampstead Heath Pergola & Hill Garden- It’s the perfect setting to enjoy stunning architecture, landscaping, elevated walkways, lowers and gorgeous skyline views.
Unique Experiences in London
If you’re venturing beyond the tourist trail, do it in style! Here is a list of some of the most unique experiences you can enjoy in London.
Wilton’s Music Hall- Pay a visit to the oldest surviving grand music hall in the world, taking a step back in time as you enter. The venue hosts several concerts and performances that you can enjoy.
The Seven Noses of Soho Art Hunt- The brainchild of artist Rick Buckley, it’s a quirky and fun public art installation that’s scattered throughout Soho. You’ll have to track every component along the way for a thrilling time.
Little Venice Canal Rides- Get away from central London’s frenetic pace by taking a detour to Little Venice. This is where you can take a leisurely boat ride, walk along the canals or even check out the waterside cafes.
The Viktor Wynad Museum of Curiosities- Are you turned on by the macabre or unusual? This one’s for you! It has a quirky collection of vintage erotica, shrunken heads, and more!
The Museum of Brands- How about going back in time to learn about the inception and evolution of packaging, consumerism, and advertising? View vintage wrappers, retro toys and fascinating displays that will tell you amazing stories about Britain’s daily life over the ages.
Borough Market Hidden Food Stalls- You can miss several hidden stalls if you’re only strolling along the main thoroughfare. Dig deeper to discover rare spices, artisanal cheese, fresh-baked treats and more.
Dans le Noir Dining (In the Dark)- You can savour an incredible gourmet meal in total darkness here, guided by staff members who are visually impaired. It brings your smell, taste and touch to life, making it a meaningful, touching and unforgettable experience.
Gin Tasting Tours- London’s known for its heritage gin and you can get a taste of its history by visiting famous distilleries, including the Beefeater Gin Distillery.
Brick Lane Vintage Stores- This is not just a curry house hotspot; you’ll discover retro accessories, vintage apparel, quirky shops and more. Street art occupies pride of place here, along with boutiques aplenty.
Speakeasy-Style Bars- London is dotted with hidden cocktail bars, many of which have secret entrances, amazing mixology and unmatched vibes. These speakeasy-style venues will take you away from tourist favourites into exciting environments. For example, the Evans & Peel Detective Agency is a bar disguised as a regular detective agency. You’ll even have to solve a small mystery before you enter!
God’s Own Junkyard Neon Paradise- This quirky attraction is situated in Walthamstow, offering a wonderful collection of movie props, neon signs and vibrant artwork. Every corner is a wonderful photo stop in itself!
Seven Dials Pillar- It’s a landmark in Covent Garden that is flanked by several independent stores and concealed courtyards.
Victoria Tower Gardens- Want the feeling of a hidden picnic and that too beside the Houses of Parliament? This concealed park is the perfect answer, ideal for reading, casual walks and picnics, of course! You’ll love the riverside vistas and tranquil lawns here.
As you can see, there’s more to London than just the touristy trails and sights. It’s an old and historic city and one that offers a slice of life, creativity, culture, history, quirkiness, eccentricity, and unmatched vibrancy at every corner! For a true local experience, furnished apartments in London offer a cozy base right in the heart of the city, letting you soak it all in comfortably. That’s what you’ll aim to savour when you visit!