There are many alternative things to do in London if you don’t fancy queuing for the London eye for the tenth time in your life. If you wish to stray away from general tourist attractions, but wish to soak up historical culture, then read on.
One secret find is The Sir John Soane Fields museum adjacent to Lincoln’s Inn fields. Lincoln Inn Fields is the largest public square in London and is great for a wander, and the museum is something else. It is the historic house of distinguished 19th century architect Sir John Soane. The house has been left untouched since his death – almost 180 years ago. It holds many drawings and models of Soane’s projects and the collections of paintings, drawings and antiquities that he assembled are left unchanged; it is most authentic. If you’re a fan of art, sculpture or architecture, a visit is highly recommended.
While you’re in this neck of the woods, why not wander over to The Hunterian museum, just opposite. Commonly known as the College of Surgeons, exhibiting four centuries of surgery, medicine, natural history and the arts. This one isn’t for the faint hearted!
Tucked away on Little Britain’s Road is Postman’s park, home to George Frederic Watts’s Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice – a memorial to ordinary people who died while saving the lives of others and who might otherwise be forgotten. It is a large park with modern walls surrounding it, perfect for a stroll with a loved one.
If you venture over to the top tourist spot Tower Bridge, you will find one of the oldest Churches in England. ‘All Hallows by the Tower’ is an Anglican Church with medieval and gothic vibes. It also has a museum in the basement called the Undercroft Museum. It contains portions of Roman pavement which together with many artefacts was discovered many feet below the church in 1926. The church has been through a lot, being bombed during the war and pieced back together. It’s authenticity will take you back in time and let your imagination run wild.
Another hidden treasure is the displays of Westland London. If you’re having a day out with your partner, you must stop to admire some of the antique furniture and home accessories in this stunning shop. The whole collection is displayed in their galleries set within gothic splendour of the former Church of St Michael and All Angels, so it is worth having a mooch around to see all of the stunning pieces.
Westland is perfect if you’re looking to do a home renovation, if you’ve bought a period property or if you’d like to characterise your current home by adding a few stylish period pieces. Westland London will provide suitable pieces for the grandest country house or chateau, to those more suited to a townhouse, apartment.
Have you ever been to some London sites that are a little off the tourist track? Would love to hear where your favourites are!
*collaborative post
It’s terrible that I haven’t made it to any of these places yet… I’m the worst londoner!
There’s always time!