It’s no hyperbole to say that London is home to some of the best museums in the world. You’ve heard of the legendary British Museum, National History Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum, some of the world-renowned museums in their field. These popular museums are great but if you want to discover something unusual then London also offers some of the most bizarre yet fascinating museums in the city, for you to explore. Here’s a list of quirky museums to explore that will take you beyond the regular must-do list of London attractions.
Museum of the Homes, Hackney
Museum of the Homes, formerly known as the Geffrye Museum in Hackney, is perfect for anyone with a keen interest in design and interiors. Book your stay at The Montcalm London City and stay minutes away from an exciting mix of some of the most well-known attractions as well as some hidden gems in the city (especially the unusual museums). Depicting the series of connected almshouses, back from the 18th century, the one-of-a-kind museum showcases conventional middle-class, living quarters in succession of period rooms. Start your journey in an authentic 17th-century living space and discover more at the period gardens in the outdoors as the museum remains open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Old Operating Theatre, London Bridge
Discover the eccentric Old Operating Theatre Museum, originally the operating theatre space for individuals with terminal sicknesses, back in the 1800s at St. Thomas’s Hospital. Take a historical journey with extraordinary insights into the evolution of medicine, with immersive weekly talks held here, bringing the gruesome space to more life. Don’t forget to see the popular timer-framed herb garret exhibition with a 52-step spiral staircase with its intriguing, complementary medical displays. The museum remains open every Thursday to Sunday, from 10.30 a.m. until 5 p.m., so plan your visit accordingly.
Sherlock Holmes Museum, Baker Street
If you’re a true Sherlock Holmes fan, you must know that as per the beloved book by writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the iconic fictional characters Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes, himself lived on 221b Baker Street. Head start what’s sure to be a memorable day at the Sherlock Holmes Museum, with a flavoursome Montcalm afternoon tea and then get a sneak peek into the famed detective’s life. The museum showcases a real-life-like setting, with a multi-storey space full of unique artefacts, known to have been used by the detective and his associate. Take your time to explore it all as the museum remains open throughout the week from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hunterian Museum, Holborn
The Hunterian Museum in Holborn, only minutes away from your accommodation in London City, draws from the 18th-century collection of surgeon and anatomist John Hunter. Forming one of the most thorough pathological and anatomical displays in the country, explore the fascinating medical macabre at the Hunterian Museum. Some of the most famous artefacts here include the giant Charles Byrne skeleton, the tooth of an extinct giant slot and Winston Churchill’s dentures! Take a curator-led guided tour of the museum and book your spot in advance, to get acquainted with some of the most bizarre facts and concepts in science!
Note: This museum is closed on Mondays and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all other days of the week.
So, here it goes. If you have a love for discovering things, all unconventional and peculiar, check for the best London hotel deals and add these offbeat London museums to your exploration list as you venture off the beaten path in the city.
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