9 Quirky things to do in London
20th August 2023
You do know one is having a Tantric Massage, right?
There are so many things to do in London. It is steeped in history and tradition and there is a buzzing culture to it. Now, I could give you all of the obvious answers like visit the Tower of London and go to Madame Tussards and visit Buckingham palace (blah blah blah), but here are a few other “out there” ideas that London has to offer. It might be because you would never have thought of or even be unaware of it’s existence.
1. Mudlarking at low tide
The River Thames, like every other river in the country has a low and high tide. As a result, there are a few groups that organise regular mudlarking (the equivalent to beachcombing).
Here, you can find ancient treasures from the Medieval, Tudor, and Victorian periods. There have also been finds of bones (both animal and human).
Thames Beachcombing provide you with bags and gloves as well as a very knowledgeable guide who can give an indication of the artefacts you find.
Further details can be found at https://www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/London/Thames-Beachcombing/d737-92533P3
2. Visit the Fake Houses at Bayswater
If you take the Metropolitan line to Bayswater, come by to visit Leinster Gardens. Leinster Gardens looks like a prestigious mid-Victorian row of delectable houses. But looks are very deceptive! Because two of these houses are fake.
Numbers 23 and 24 were demolished back in 1860 to build the Metropolitan line connecting Paddington and Bayswater.
Instead of exposing a very open section of track in the street, the engineers used a “cut and cover” technique. Instead you’ll see facades with painted on grey windows and doors that are just 5 feet thick. If you actually go through neighbouring Porchester Terrace, you can see the gaps as well as their metal supports.
The False house, maintained by Transport for London, is Grade II listed. As with any false address, this address has been the source of many pranks.
3. A backstage tour of the National Theatre
The National Theatre is one of the most iconic buildings on the South Bank, but did you know they also hold regular backstage tours?
Normally held in the early evening, NT’s 75 minute tour takes you through the history of the building. it also takes you backstage to show where all the magic happens. From what’s being created in their on-site workshops to a chance to play with props and costumes from previous productions.
Further details can be found at https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/your-visit/things-to-do/theatre-tours/
4. Visit God’s own Junkyard
A slight detour to North-East London is worth it just to see this funky art gallery cum museum cum bar.
God’s own Junkyard is a former warehouse that now boasts the largest collection of neon signs in Europe. It consists of everything from adverts to the signs for strip bars and brothels. This is a social place where people can sip and certianly get a good shot for Instagram.
Further details can be found at https://www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk/
5. Study the Lions at Trafalgar Square
I said I would avoid the normal attractions but go with me on this one. The Lions at Trafalgar Square are definitely worth a look especially to the creatives amongst us.
Back in 1846 funding was granted by the House of Commons to make Nelson’s column bigger and better by adding the sculpture of 4 different lions. Although the original projects was to be decided by the most talented sculpturers, the job was given to Sir Edwin Landseer. Sir Edwin was more renowned for his portraits.
Landseer, as with most people at this time, hadn’t seen a real live lion. After a lot of badgering, London Zoo presented him with a dead lion to serve as a basis.
Sadly Landseer was not a dab hand with a chisel and took his time over the sculpture. As a result, the last details were the paws. While the model had begun to decompose, Landseer had to use his imagination. So behold, the raging beast with cat like paws.
6. Ride the Mail Rail
This technically comes under the banner of the Postal Museum in Clerkenwell and is included in the ticket price.
Deep below Mount Pleasant’s sorting office, lies all the original tunnels used to ship mail throughout London around 100 years ago. Not only to you get the journey in a tiny train, but there is also an audio visual show including accounts of the people who worked below ground and what their lives were like.
Further details can be found at https://www.postalmuseum.org/
7. White Water Rapids
A more recent addition to London’s to do list is White Water Rafting. It is technically on the Essex/Hertfordshire border (Lee Valley), but this was the Slalom course that was used for the white water canoeing events in the London 2012 Olympics.
After a talk through the basic skills and safety elements, you are ready to hit the 300 metre course and 5.5 metre drop for a thrilling 90 minute experience.
The packages include Rafting Unleashed for ages 12+ and the more daring Rodeo Rafting for 14+
Further details can be found at https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/white-water-centre/rafting
8. Create your own dildo
It sounds a bit Amsterdam doesn’t it? But genuinely, if you take a trek to Hackney Wick to Adele Brydges workshop. Adele combines porcelain and pleasure and runs workshops where you can decorate your own ceramic dildo.
The atmosphere is welcoming and with a large array of bespoke paints and pre-printed decals, you can create your own dick-oration.
Your creation will need time afterwards to dry out and be fired up. After then, the finished product gets shipped to you in the post.
Further details can be found at https://adelebrydges.com/
9. Get a Tantric Massage
London does have many thrills but for a truly indulgent “you” time, book a tantric massage experience with one (or two!) of our Tantricity treasures.
Our masseuses are based across Central London and some provide outcall massage to your hotel. Massages very from the sublime tantric massage, to the more intimate yoni or lingam massage.
You can choose your masseuse from our website, or for a touch of mystery, you can opt for one of our “secret” masseuses.
