A Local’s Guide to London
By Fiona Cooper (City Leader for London)
When it comes to London, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do. But if you’re like me and love the quirkier side of life, you’re in for a treat. My go-to list focuses mainly on the West End and the City of London, where fascinating finds and hidden gems are aplenty. While I’m less familiar with the charming London villages like Wimbledon, Greenwich, and Hampstead, this guide will still keep you plenty busy.
From Quirky to Curious
Leadenhall Market Leadenhall Market’s stunning architecture makes it a must-see, but here’s a quirky secret: it has a magical history dating back to the 14th Century, making it one of the oldest markets in London. This place was the inspiration for Diagon Alley (Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone), and was also one of the first places in London that women were allowed to work. Fun Fact: It was the first place you could ever buy cutlery! More Info
The Mithraeum For a taste of Roman history, head to the Mithraeum. This free-to-visit Roman temple requires booking ahead, but it’s worth the planning. While you’re in the area, take time to explore some of Christopher Wren’s 51 post-Great Fire churches. St. Stephen, Walbrook, is a personal favorite. More Info
Roman Amphitheatre at the Guildhall Art Gallery Beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery lies the remains of a Roman amphitheatre. It’s a fascinating glimpse into London’s ancient past. More Info
Denis Severs’ House In 1979, American-born historian Dennis Severs bought a derelict house in Spitalfields, London. He moved in with a candle, a chamber pot and a bedroll, then set about recreating it to tell the story of an imaginary Huguenot family, who had lived there since it was built in 1724. Today, visitors can walk back in time by taking an immersive silent tour or a theatre experience. It feels entirely magical. More Info
Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities This tiny museum of oddities also houses a bar called The Absinthe Parlour, which serves up fantastic cocktails. Be sure to check the opening hours as they’re a bit unconventional. More Info
The Vagina Museum Located in Bethnal Green, this free museum is all about smashing taboos and celebrating anatomy. Not for the faint-hearted, but definitely for the woke. More Info
The Barbican Lovers of brutalist architecture should visit the Barbican; a lush, urban oasis and performing arts center that hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. More Info
Skyline Alternatives If you can’t snag tickets to the Sky Garden or don’t fancy the high prices at The Shard, try the Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street. It’s free, and the queues are often shorter. Another option is climbing the Monument for just £6, offering great views and historical significance. More Info
Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garrett Europe’s oldest surviving operating theatre lies in the attic of a beautiful old 18th century Baroque church, close to London Bridge Station. It’s much more creepy and otherworldly than the London Dungeon nearby, and you’ll learn extraordinary things about the history of medicine and surgery. For example, surgeons were once rated by how quickly they could perform an amputation! Entry also gives you access to the herb garrett - akin to a witch’s attic - where hanging dried herbs, skulls, potions and the strangest of instruments are on display. More Info
Sir John Soane’s Museum This is the extraordinary house and museum of the British architect Sir John Soane (1753-1837), who was the forth son of a bricklayer and a master looter of precious and rare artifacts. His home is a Victorian treasure trove of beautiful things that belong to others, and (somewhat ironically), is free to visit. More Info
The Wallace Collection Another fantastic free museum that boasts an impressive range of art, including works by the Old Masters. This national museum displays the art collections brought together by the first four marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace; the likely illegitimate son of the 4th Marquess. More Info
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Concerts On Fridays, head to Trafalgar Square for lunchtime concerts at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. It’s the perfect cultural break and they even hold concerts in the Crypt! More Info
British Library Book lovers, rejoice! The British Library features a rotating exhibition of ancient books. Right now, there’s a fascinating exhibit on Medieval Women in their own words running until March. Across the road, the Wellcome Collection often features intriguing displays as well. More Info | More Info
Leighton House Leighton House is the former home and studio of the leading Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830-1896). Now a museum, the Kensington property showcases beautiful interiors and fascinating art collections. Frequent trips to Turkey, Egypt, and to Syria resulted in astounding collections of textiles, pottery and other objects that are on display in the marble and mosaic Arab Hall. More Info
The Cross Bones Graveyard In 1996, writer John Constable experienced a shamanic vision of a woman calling herself “The Goose.” She led him to Redcross Way, claiming it was an ancient paupers’ burial ground. Unbeknownst to Constable, the site had recently been uncovered during Jubilee Line construction and was indeed a graveyard linked to a medieval churchyard for sex workers, known as Winchester Geese. Today, the site is a memorial garden, adorned with ribbons and messages. Monthly vigils honor the buried. More Info
Angels Costumes One of the world’s largest and most respected costume design houses, Angels Costumes (established in 1840), is famous for creating costumes showcased in Star Wars and Doctor Who. The company offers guided tours through eight miles of cosplay and costume artistry. Visitors can try on iconic pieces, appreciate the craftsmanship, and immerse themselves in a captivating world of design and textiles. More Info
Best Views
For stunning views of Covent Garden, head to the fifth-floor terrace of the Royal Opera House. Take the escalator up and enjoy a drink at the bar while soaking in the scenery. More Info
Skyline Alternatives If you can’t snag tickets to the Sky Garden or don’t fancy the high prices at The Shard, try the Garden at 120 Fenchurch Street. It’s free, and the queues are often shorter. Another option is climbing the Monument for just £6, offering great views and historical significance. More Info
My Favorite Eats
Bancone or La Goccia (Covent Garden): Fabulous Italian fare.
Dishoom: A popular Indian chain with several locations.
Imad’s Syrian Kitchen (Kingly Court): Delicious and tucked behind Liberties.
Petersham Nurseries (Wimbledon): A garden center with a delightful restaurant.
Staying in the Know
To keep up with what’s happening in London, I find these websites invaluable:
London is a city that never stops surprising me. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins beneath a barber shop or sipping absinthe in a museum of curiosities, there’s always something new to discover. I hope this guide inspires you to explore the quirkier side of this incredible city!
About the Author: Fiona Cooper, City Leader - London
Fiona is currently based in Lewes near Brighton, (about 50km south of London) but spent years living in London and often travels up to explore the quirky underbelly of the city. She is inspired by her grandfathers tales of the city before it was decimated during World War II and has a particular interest in the City of London where said grandfather was a journalist and fire warden during the blitz.
