3 Unusual Spots To Head To In London, UK
Most people know about Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and other attractions on London’s skyline. Here are three less usual locations that are equally fascinating on a UK vacation.
1. God’s Own Junkyard
Located at 82A Shernhall Street in London, God’s Own Junkyard is a colorful, kaleidoscopic warehouse filled to the brim with handmade neon signage. The gallery is perfectly placed in Walthamstow, a gentrified area of the city where hipsters and young creatives now flourish.
The collection was curated by a neon artisan, Marcus Bracey and serves a number of functions. Besides being a free art gallery and a great place to take Instagram selfies, the collection is invaluable for film and photo shoots and for the recycling of neon signage.
God’s Own Junkyard contains thousands of neon signs in one, large warehouse space. Every kind of disreputable or entertaining business is represented here, including casinos, pinball, rock ‘n roll, casinos, cocktail bars and karaoke clubs. Some represent the seedier, carnal vice dens of London’s old Soho.
2. Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is an ornate, 19th-century market in the historic heart of the financial district in London. You may find this a magical place to shop, as it has starred in the Harry Potter films. The Victorian market is the oldest of its kind in London. While its current look dates from the 19th century, the market has stood on this spot since the 14th century.
Speaking of Harry Potter, the market was a filming location for exterior shots of Diagon Alley, where Hogwarts students did their shopping. Besides that, as you head down Bull’s Head Passage in the market, you might recognize the blue door of an optics shop. In Goblet of Fire, the door was used to access the Leaky Cauldron.
While it is pretty to look at, Leadenhall Market is also the perfect place for some major retail therapy in London, with all kinds of goods available, as well as coffee bars and excellent restaurants.
Disneyland And Walt Disney World To Remain Closed Until June 1st https://t.co/1FRG9qXZgc pic.twitter.com/jUtN3un3Ez
— Annemarie @ TMT (@touristmtravel) April 6, 2020
3. The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History
Also known as Viktor Wynd’s Little Shop of Horrors, this eerie and fascinating shop resembles a Victorian cabinet of curiosities. The gallery shop is located in East London within a group of perfectly “normal” shops. However, on entering, visitors will spot an amazing array of skeletons, stuffed animals, modern art, erotica, books and a myriad of other wonders.
Owned and run by the Last Tuesday Society, the shop’s website describes the collection as “an attempt to recreate or reinterpret, within 21st century sensibilities, a 17th century Wunderkabinett.” When visiting, be prepared to be fascinated, curious and often shocked by what you will see here. The website describes the collection as being “assembled on a whim” based on their historical and aesthetic appeal.
The description goes on to say there has been no attempt to explain anything or educate anyone. According to the manager, Vadim Kosmos, the collection is a display of “naturalia and artificialia” put together to give pleasure to the gallery’s creators and hopefully also be enjoyed by visitors. These days there is even a cocktail bar where you can relax and enjoy a drink.
Have fun seeing the alternative side of London, where many more fascinating locations are waiting for your visit.
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below, on our Facebook Page, Follow Our Twitter Account or Head Over To Our Pinterest Page!