To see a different side to this city on your next visit, seek out these unusual places to visit in London.
Cutty Sark Theatre
Many people will be familiar with the story of Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving clipper ship that’s now an award-winning attraction on the riverbank in Greenwich, but fewer people know of the atmospheric theater that lies within the ship’s hold. Comedy, music and theatrical performances are held here on select evenings throughout the year, combining entertainment with a unique setting.
rmg.co.uk/cuttysark/theatre
Dennis Severs’ House
Described as a ‘Still-life drama’ this museum in Folgate Street was the creation of the house’s former owner Dennis Severs who imagined what it would have been like inside the house of Huguenot silk weavers from 1724 to the beginning of the 20th century. As people step into this world depicting the silk weavers’ lives, the intention is that they have the sense of stepping into a painting, transporting them to this time in history.
Grant Museum of Zoology
A part of the University College London, the Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy houses approximately 68,000 specimens from the animal kingdom. Originating from 1828, the collection even contains exhibits of species that are now extinct, including the dodo, and one of only seven skeletons of the quagga, an extinct species of South African zebra.
Leighton House Museum
The former home and studio of Victorian artist Lord Leighton who lived and worked here between 1830 and 1896, this building is remarkable in both its interior architectural design and in the wealth of paintings and sculptures that are housed here. Evolving over the time Leighton spent here, the house was transformed into his ‘private palace of art’ comprising lavish details such as a gold dome, mosaics and Islamic tiled walls. Historic figures such as Queen Victoria were entertained within this ornate space.
Little Venice
For visitors to London, this scenic neighborhood is an unexpected pocket of tranquility. Here, hours can be whiled away strolling along the canals and taking in the area’s canal boats and Regency architecture before stopping off in the waterside cafes, restaurants and bars. Boat rides transport visitors along the waterway and events take place throughout the summer months.