Exploring Some of the Offbeat Destinations in London
London is one of the most attractive cities in the world and is visited by millions of people every year. There are many famous tourist spots in the city, and there are equally attractive offbeat locations for those who love exploring such uncharted places. In fact, you can visit many hidden marvels in London to engage in the true experience of a voyager. Below are a few offbeat destinations in the city that you can visit on your London private tours.
Gods Own Junkyard
This is a neon-lit rainbow jungle in Walthamstow, which has several works by artist Chris Bracey. The placed is covered in vintage ephemera and neon signage that you will be immersed in a completely different world the moment you step inside. After you are finished admiring the artwork, you can visit the neighboring The Rolling Scones café for a hot beverage or a slice of cake. There is also a gin and cocktail bar next-door, Mother’s Ruin.
Dalston Eastern Curve Garden
An unknown destination is located opposite Dalston Junction and nearby Kingsland High Street. It is known as the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden and is built on an old railway line. There are several varieties of vegetables and fruits grown here. You can spend some peaceful time here in the shades of a blanket. There are decorated spaces inside too with disco balls and street art. Visit in any season and you can be sure of having a great time in the garden.
Hackney City Farm
If you have ever pictured London as a concrete jungle, you are completely mistaken. The Hackney City Farm is located near Haggerston Park and has a number of farmyard animals. The place is free for adults and children to visit. You can also use this place to learn more about the practices and techniques used in the farm, which is located in the heart of an urban setting.
The Barbican Centre
This is a performing arts center in the center of London. It is peculiar in its architecture with its classic and modern styles. Visit the Barbican Estate housing complex to admire the bold brutalist architecture that is on display. You can catch theatre performances, concerts, art exhibitions, and films in many of its theatres. The Barbican Conservatory is open to the public on Sundays, where you can explore the botanical greenery of the place.
Battersea Power Station
Fans of Pink Floyd will definitely remember this structure as it makes a cover appearance in one of their famous albums. Pink Floyd band’s ‘Animals’ was shot near this decommissioned coal-fired power station. The place is currently under restoration as a part of redevelopments. There are several hang out spots on the rise here, so it is set to be even more famous in the near future.
Wellcome Collection & Library
This library and museum was built with an intention of educating the visitors about medicine, art, and science. Apart from its permanent exhibitions, the place also hosts several curated displays that makes people wonder about existential questions like the meaning of human life. The Wellcome Library is home to 750,000 books and journals. Besides, you can visit the place for the quality of content on offer for any visitor.
The Arcelormittal Orbit
This place was one of the main icons of the 2012 London Olympics. It is also the tallest sculpture in the UK. Besides, the place also has the longest tunnel slide in the world. All these features and the unmatched view of the city make this place worth visiting. The slide here is 178 meters long, but you can go on the ride only if you make prior bookings.
St Dunstan-in-the-East
Break away from the hustle of city life and visit this hidden ruins of a church constructed in the Saxon times. Although the place is slightly overgrown, it is a great place for fashion photography. There used to be a lot of photo sessions of models taking place here in the old times. This is ideally suited for this purpose due to the wild surroundings.
Famous Street-Art in Shoreditch
Shoreditch is famous for its street art and the hip culture found in the adjoining areas. The works of several reputed names, such as Ben Eine, Banksy, and Roa, are on display here. You can go on a London guided tour along Shoreditch and learn more about the art form. You can also try your hand at making your own stencil and artwork.
London’s Smaller Art Galleries
Do not forget to check out some of the lesser-known galleries of London such as famous art collector Victoria Miro’s galleries, Serpentine Galleries in Hyde Park, and the Whitechapel Art Gallery in Whitechapel. These galleries will give you a different experience from what you might have got from the touristy museums and galleries in London.