Forget Big Ben and ditch Buckingham Palace.
London is a great place for a weekend away. It’s easy to get to, it’s teeming with culture and there’s just so many things to see.
But if you go to London this year don’t just go to all the usual cliche spots. If you want to see the real London, ditch the tourist traps and go to some of these more unusual places instead.
Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Sketch
Sketch is a quirky 18th-century townhouse tearoom that transforms into a cocktail lounge every evening. A firm favourite among Instagram-seeking travel bloggers, Sketch is famous for its unusual interiors and brilliant food. I mean, just look at how amazing their toilets are. It is pretty pricey though just pop in for one.
Neasden Temple
It’s hard to believe that this temple exists in Europe, never mind London. The Neasden Temple, also known as BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple and easily accessible from the city centre by train.
God’s Own Junkyard
Tucked away in the sleepy village of Walthamstow lies God’s Own Junkyard, a quirky neon light museum filled to the rafters with various lights, signs and memorabilia. The museum is a real treasure trove and the best part is you don’t even have to pay to go in. But you really should grab a pint or a slice of cake in their little cafe.
Sky Garden
OK, not such a hidden gem per say but lots of people will overlook this iconic landmark on a trip to London. The Sky Garden is completely free to enter and a great place to stop off for a spot of lunch. If you want to try something really different then try the sunrise yoga in the gardens. It’s well worth the early start.
Kingston’s phone box dominos
David Mach’s ”Out of Order” is a piece of installation art consisting of twelve telephone boxes toppling over like dominos. Locals have started several petitions to get the installation removed so you better go and see them before they’re gone.
Main image via @SketchLondon.
