When most people think of London, a number of well-worn images spring to mind?
The Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, Buckingham Palace and even the red double-decker bus have all become iconic symbols and we wouldn’t suggest that you visit the UK’s capital without taking in at least some of these more traditional attractions:
Can also be added to a potential ‘must see’ list for the first-time visitor.
If you’re a repeat visitor, however, or simply looking to explore a side of London that’s a little further from the beaten path, there are a whole host of quirky and unusual alternatives:
A slice of history
The Old Operating Theatre in Southwark, for example, features a herb garret and the oldest operating table in Europe.
Sir John Soames’ Museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields features a fascinating jumble of artefacts and its eponymous founder established the house as a museum by Act of Parliament in 1833, requiring that his romantic interiors be kept as they were at the time of his death.
Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields, meanwhile, preserves the look and feel of different London periods in each of its distinct rooms covering everything from the start of the 18th Century to the beginning of the 20th Century.
New lodgings
You might also consider an alternative to the traditional hotel.
Described as a community that matches those with apartments and other living spaces with potential short-term tenants, the company focuses on security for both parties; ensuring visitors and hosts have a safe and enjoyable experience.
If you’re bored of hotel chains or standard rooms with little character, a short-term let can offer a bespoke experience and provide you with a base that feels like a home away from home.
Own a property in London?
For property owners in London, balancing everyday life and the maintenance of a home can be a struggle.
The use of Airbnb Property Management is an excellent option for short term lets – an Airbnb Agent will provide maintenance support and end-to-end management – lets you avoid all the boring tasks! One Airbnb management company in particular that stands out is HelloGuest.
Are you looking to advertise your property on more than 40+ booking channels giving you maximum exposure. For a London short stay, services such as Airbnb, Booking.com and VRBO can offer a wholly different experience.
Going underground?
If you want to go underground you can visit exclusive jazz dance or rock clubs:
- Shacklewell Arms, E8 – formerly an old-boozer, reopened two years ago under new management and now houses a bar, 200 capacity music venue.
- The Lexington, N1 – with its’ secluded booths, low-slung chandeliers and sprawling bar walking into The Lexington in Angel, Islington is like throwing open saloon doors of a bar in the American mid-west.
- The Windmill, SW2 – South of the river is The Windmill – no, not Brixton’s recently restored 19th-century windmill – but Time Out’s third Best Live Music Venue in London.
Or, if you want to be more literal, try the Brunel Museum – Situated above the Thames Tunnel where Isambard Kingdom Brunel began his extraordinary career, the museum incorporates a huge underground chamber that has also been fitted out as a performance space.
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