Top Ten London, Uk city

Top Ten London, Uk city

London has a special place in many travelers’ hearts thanks to its centuries of history, vibrant pop culture and the countless famous landmarks which tourists flock to every year. With the upcoming Royal Wedding and Olympic Games, the spotlight is definitely on the capital. But if you’ve exhausted the usual tourist haunts and are seeking the hidden gems and lesser-known cultural treasures of the city, follow these unique suggestions for off-the-beaten-track places to visit, brought to you by Hotels4u.com.

 

1. Return to your childhood

Take a trip down memory lane at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. This museum showcases the best toys, dolls and artefacts from childhoods past and helps us to relieve the fondest memories from our own young years. With exhibitions running all year round, this is a great place to get lost in imaginary friends, dolls and stories.

2. Enjoy the sensory overload at Smithfield Market

Smithfield Market – or to give it its proper title, London Central Market – is a hub of activity from 3am through to mid-morning, with meat traders selling their wares and many buyers haggling for a great deal. For a true sensory overload of sight, sound and smell (and even taste, at one of the local cafes) then make sure you’re there from around 7am. The market is steeped in history so it’s worth a visit to the nearby museum to learn more about its past too.

 

3. Swat up on your brand knowledge

Do you think you know your Kit Kat from your Crunchie? Your Daz from your Ariel? Then a visit to the Museum of Brands is a must! Whether you’re a design enthusiast or are simply keen to reminisce about the early days of advertising, from the humorous to the heart-warming, you’ll enjoy the advertisements displayed here. Visitors will often remark how many British brands they know and love – and how many they had forgotten about!

 

 

4. Discover the personal art collection of Sir John Soane

Sir John Soane was a an English architect who collected incredible works of art within his London homes, the most famous of all being his house at 12 Lincoln Inn Fields. After his death the house was turned into a museum of architecture, featuring both a collection of his drawings and models of his work, and many items from his extensive collection of antiques and artefacts. The Soane museum is situated right in the centre of London, so there are many London hotels just a few minutes’ walk or a short Tube ride away.

5. Get lost in an adult wonderland

Callooh Callay is a secret bar hidden away in a creative part of London’s eastern corner. Step through the magic wardrobe into a curious land of grown up cocktails and Alice in Wonderland-themed quirkiness. From the eccentric décor to the fabulous drinks menu, there is plenty here to intrigue and entice. You just have to know where to find it…

 

6. Indulge in Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a uniquely British pastime, with many popular London hotels such as the Savoy and the Ritz serving up a delicate blend of tea, sandwiches and cakes. For the best afternoon tea however, head to the Langham, which was awarded “Top London Afternoon Tea” by the prestigious Tea Guild in 2010. If this isn’t reason enough to go, it’s worth noting that the hotel’s Palm Court, where their tea service is held, is reputedly where the afternoon tea tradition first began – over 140 years ago.

7. Find the giant squid

The Darwin museum is a great place for children and adults alike to discover animals and species which they’ve never encountered before. And if you ask nicely, you may also get to view the colossal squid. At 2.5m long, the preserved squid is quite a sight to behold, and scientists have been able to determine a lot about its habits. Discover some fascinating facts about squid and other creatures, and gain a renewed perspective of the natural world.

 

8. Meet a wise monk

Battersea Park is home to a Japanese pagoda, tended to by a resident monk who doles out kind wisdom to those who seek to meet him. Reverend Bikkhu Gyoro Nagase considers himself the keeper of the Peace Pagoda, working hard to remove litter, graffiti, and damage. He relies on donations and kindness to keep the pagoda looking as beautiful and welcoming as it does, and whether you want to volunteer to help or simply stop and ask to join him in prayer, you’re unlikely to meet anyone else like him in London.

9. Get stuck in the mud

Experience life on the farm in the heart of the city! Mudchute City Farm is a fun place for visitors of all ages. Covering 32-acres of farmland in the centre of the city, visitors to Mudchute are given the chance to get up and close to a range of barnyard animals, including pigs, sheep and horses. There are also regular daily events, from daily duck walks to summer open days.

 

10. Gain free entry to the Tower of London

The Ceremony of Keys is a century-old traditional process in which the Tower of London and its gates are carefully locked up for the night. A small number of visitors may accompany the Chief Warder as he does this, giving them a special insight to the secrets of the tower and its hidden treasures. This is free of charge, however as places are limited you will need to make sure you book at least two months in advance to avoid disappointment. The good news is that the ceremony takes place every night without fail, so there are plenty of chances to attend.

This post is part of a monthly Travel Tips Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find London hotelssuitable for all tastes and budgets.