I have this friend from a different country, and he’s revisiting London. He was here two years ago but for only a short time, and decided to come back.
He’s the total opposite of my personality. He was way too bold and adventurous, and with that, he gave me an assignment to list some things he could do. Not an easy task, but thanks to my team, they’ve given me great ideas!
I wanted to give my friend a memorable experience, so we’ve compiled London’s craziest tourist attractions he could visit. If you’re also up for something unique, this list might also be for you!
Head to the smallest police station in Trafalgar Square
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Address: 44 Trafalgar Sq
In the Southeast of Trafalgar Square, you’ll find The Lilliputian Police Station, also known as the smallest police station in the world. It was built in the 1930s and used by the police as a watch post for protesters and rioters back in the day.
It’s worth visiting, especially since locals call it a “piece of history”. You wouldn’t want to miss this Instagram-worthy spot! You can reach this historic police station by walking down from Buckingham Palace, Leicester Square, or the riverside.
Since it’s really unnoticeable, make sure to head directly to the Southeast corner of Trafalgar Square.
| Pro tip: Use a wide-angle lens when taking photos to see its scale relative to Trafalgar Square. You can also look at it from a distance to compare its size. |
See the Highgate Cemetery
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Website: https://highgatecemetery.org/
Address: Swain’s Ln
Contact Details: 020 8340 1834, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- March to October: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- November to February: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Fees:
- £10 – Adult
- £5 – Children aged 8-17
- £8 – Students
Ever heard of Karl Marx or Michael Faraday? If yes, then you’d better visit Highgate Cemetery! This Victorian cemetery has approximately 170,000 people buried, including some personalities.
It’s an active burial and an official tourist attraction, with guided and private tours available. You can choose from either the Highlights tour (West Side) or the East Side tour.
The West Side tour includes architectural views, like the Egyptian Avenue and the Terrace Catacombs. Meanwhile, the East Side tour focuses on the stories of famous people laid on the cemetery.
| Pro tip: If you plan to purchase tickets on-site or buy something at their shop, don’t forget to bring your card since they don’t accept cash payments. |
Find the Seven Noses of Soho
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Locations:
- Admiralty Arch
- Bateman Street
- Dean Street
- Meard Street
- Endell Street
- Great Windmill Street
- D’Arbly Street
The Seven Noses of Soho is one of the most clever attractions to see. It’s a type of street art hunt that’ll pique your adventurous side. Thanks to Rick Buckley, who did this as he snubbed the city’s growing CCTV installations.
Initially, there were 35 noses, but only 7 can be seen today. The fun part is that they’re hard to spot! It would be best to use an online map in a street view before you head out.
Also, most noses are 6-8 feet tall, so you better look UP! This is perfect for anyone who wants to roam around with an end goal.
| Pro tip: You can avoid the crowd and make searching easy by going early or late in the day. |
Visit the jars full of tweeting moles
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Address: Rockefeller Building, University College London, 21 University Street
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday – Sunday: Closed
Fees:
- Free entry
- For research purposes, booking is required
If you’re into museums or someone fascinated by animal artefacts, you’d better get going and see these tweeting moles preserved in a jar. This famous yet terrifying attraction can be found at the Grant Museum.
Wondering why they’re compressed into one jar? Well, they say it’s cost-effective since preservation fluid and jars are expensive. You can find the jar of moles in the central area of the museum.
It’s also ideal if you familiarise yourself with the locations of the exhibits by reading their digital guide (in case you want to see something else). The good news is that there are no maximum hours, so you can take your time.
Seeing a mole isn’t a big deal, but witnessing many of them squeezed together can be really weird!
| Pro tip: Flash photography and lighting equipment, together with selfie sticks are not allowed inside. |
Dine at The Morpeth Arms
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Website: https://www.morpetharms.com/
Address: 58 Millbank, Westminster
Contact Details: +44 20 7834 6442
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
How about a taste of London with a bit of history? The Morpeth Arms is a famous Victorian pub serving beers and meals ranging from toasties to mushroom Wellington.
On the upper floor, you’ll get a nice view of the River Thames and the Mi6 building. If you want that prime seating, reserve your table online to secure it.
And not just that! This gem is an old prison cell, particularly the underground vault. History says that there were prisoners who died in the basement, which makes the pub haunted (and famous) today!
| Pro tips: You can ask the staff about the haunted cellar. Some say that their staff are friendly enough and brought them to the haunted underground. |
Go down to the Billingsgate Roman house and baths
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Address: 101 Lower Thames St
Contact Details: [email protected]
Tour Details: Between April and November (only Saturdays)
Admission Costs:
- £12 + booking fee for an adult
- £10 + booking fee for children 14 years old or under
Tired of London’s busy streets? No worries because the Billingsgate Roman house and baths are waiting for you underground. This is crazy because it has a winged residential layout and a hypocaust heating system from the late 2nd century.
You can only access it through public tours, which require advanced booking. Also, prepare yourself to witness this Roman private residence via the staircase.
| Pro tips: Don’t bring children aged 8 years old and under since they’re not allowed due to safety reasons. Tours are in hourly slots, so make sure to get the earliest time so you can take advantage of the lighting when taking pictures. |
