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5 unexpected things you have to do in London, England

ByIan Goodwillie|
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: A woman walks past a reflection of the City of London skyline at sunrise on March 1, 2021 in London, England. As the government prepares to present the 2021 Budget to parliament on Wednesday, political factions within the ruling Conservative party and the opposition are weighing in on how they think the government can best shape its tax and spending plans to recover from the economic devastation of covid-19. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: A woman walks past a reflection of the City of London skyline at sunrise on March 1, 2021 in London, England. As the government prepares to present the 2021 Budget to parliament on Wednesday, political factions within the ruling Conservative party and the opposition are weighing in on how they think the government can best shape its tax and spending plans to recover from the economic devastation of covid-19. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images)

When people think about the greatest cities of the world, London is inevitably on that list. The capital of England was established by Romans in the year 47, and has grown into something greater than anyone could have imagined.

But London can also be a pretty absurd place with a seemingly endless list of unique experiences to choose from. Some of them are about as London as you would expect, while others come completely out of left field.

Enjoy a cup at Twinings Tea Shop

If you’re a tea fanatic or just enjoy a cup now and then, Twinings Tea Shop on Strand is an absolute must stop. It has been in operation for 300 years, making this shop the oldest of its kind in the entirety of London. And that’s saying a lot when you’re talking about city that runs on tea.

Twinings’ flagship store has an incredible variety of experiences, including a massive tea bar as well as several tea masterclasses. These classes are the perfect way to learn how to brew the perfect cup, the way only Twinings knows how.

Visit Viktor Wynd’s Museum of Curiosities

If you’re looking for a modern piece of London that’s a solid call back to its Victorian era, look no further than Viktor Wynd’s Museum of Curiosities. It is an attempt to recreate the Victorian concept of a “cabinet of curiosities.”

This is a strange collection of taxidermy, various skeletons and more absurdities alongside interesting collections of literatures and art. It is one of London’s most unique attractions, and is a far cry from tours of usual tourist spots.

Stay overnight at the London Zoo

London Zoo
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: ZSL 19 month old Everly Reen watches the penguins on penguin beach as London Zoo reopens as festive wonderland at ZSL London Zoo following UK lockdown on December 02, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Suggesting that you go to the London Zoo isn’t really an out there recommendation. It first opened it’s gates in 1828, meaning it is quickly approaching its 200th anniversary. And the London Zoo is generally regarded at one of the best in the world.

Staying overnight in such an incredible zoo is a completely different story. The London Zoo Lodges allow guests to spend the night near their pride of lions. Plus, overnight guests get private, guided tours of various exhibits.

Explore God’s Own Junkyard

London Tube
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 26: A woman sits in a near-empty carriage of an underground train during what would traditionally be a busy period for commuter travel, on March 26, 2021 in London, England. A year after the first Covid-19 lockdown discouraged use of public transit, ridership on the London Underground, which recorded around 4 million rides every weekday pre-pandemic, is hovering around 20 percent of normal. Transport for London worries it will take two years before ridership – and hopefully the agency’s finances – returns to normal. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

If you’re looking for unique spots in London, God’s Own Junkyard is an absolute priority. This is a museum of neon wonders featuring the work of internationally acclaimed neon artist Chris Bracey, whose work can be found all over London, Los Angeles and beyond.

But this is not just an impressive exhibit of his work. It is also a collection of rescued and reclaimed neon signage from a variety of venues. This space is filled with vivid colors and shapes, so much so that it’s almost hard to go back to the real world after you’re done.

Stock up at Hoxton Street Monster Supplies

This shop is like something straight outta Diagon Alley, just in London, England. Hoxton Street Monster Supplies bills itself as the prime spot for, “bespoke and everyday items for the living, dead and undead.” That has to make you want to stop there.

It carries an incredible range of products, including some truly disgusting and off putting food options alongside some interesting bric a brac. While you can explore some of what Hoxton’s has to offer online, you have pop in to get the full experience.

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