SEPTEMBER, 17 2018 Add to Favorites

Unusual Ventures in London for the Well-Travelled

The London Eye

London is a city crammed with the exciting, the majestic and the historic and while we’ve all seen the tourist attractions and well photographed landmarks, there are many slightly more unusual places to visit if you’re a little bored of good old Big Ben by now. With a diverse range of weird and wacky places to visit you’re sure to find something suited to you. Whether you discover a new hobby, realise an interest in a new kind of art or just quench your thirst for travel and culture London’s hidden treasures will change your view on both the city and perhaps yourself. 



Eel Pie Island

Eel Pie Island

This island situated in the middle of the Thames, still carries with it an air of mystery to this day. Accessible by just one foot bridge from the mainland, this island was once home to the famous Eel Pie Island Hotel that hosted a whole range of jazz and blues musicians in its early days. With its grand dance hall and unique setting, the hotel housed bands such as The Who and The Rolling Stones during the 1960s, before it closed due to lack of funds.

The Island soon after became the UK’s biggest hippie commune until a mysterious fire burnt down the hotel in 1971. While the island’s original structure may not remain, it is now home to a community of artists that often open their studios up to the public. And while you may not be able to live on this island there are plenty of properties for sale in Lewisham and other London boroughs, so you are never far from these badly kept secrets. So, for a place with a zany history that still lingers, cross over the bridge to this quirky island and do a little exploring.



Gir Lion Lodge

Gir Lion Lodge

If your looking for a thrill like no other why not spend a night sleeping by the side of a pride of lions. With a two-course dinner and guided tours after hours, you can get amazingly close to these breathtaking beasts without being savaged. Situated in London’s extensive zoo you might not have the most quiet night but you certainly won’t forget it. So, while it’s a great a place to bring the kids this close encounter with some impressive creatures is sure to excite even the most travelled of tourists.



Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School

Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School

Fancy a new sport but the treadmill isn’t doing it for you? Why not head down to Regent’s park for a lesson in trapeze. While it may not be for those who aren’t a fan of heights, this activity will most definitely get your heart racing and your arms working on a Saturday afternoon in the park. But there’s no need to be scared with all the safety wires and nets, the adrenaline will soon become enjoyment as you are tossed through the air by a professional instructor. Who knows by the end of it you might have packed in the day job and joined the circus.



Dans le Noir?

Dans le Noir?

If you’re a bit of a foodie but are looking for something slightly different London has an experience not to be missed. Dans le noir? Is a restaurant that is set in complete darkness. Created with the idea of heightening your sense of taste and smell this is far more than just a nice meal out at a London restaurant. You will be led into the restaurant by a waiter and showed to your seat in complete darkness allowing you to really immerse yourself in the sensational culinary excursion. With a choice of a meat, fish or vegetarian the colour coded menu will reveal very little, with the option to go for the chef’s special if you’re feeling daring.



So, while London may be filled with plenty of places that you simply have to visit, if you’ve ticked off your list and are keen to discover something new, these are a perfect way of pushing the boat out and making memories doing something a little out of the box. But if you simply can’t get enough of the city why not relocate and become a permanent part of this buzzing urban centre. With shared ownership properties available in places close to and in the city you can make this thriving city your home at a price you can afford. Check out propertybooking.co.uk, with plenty of homes in and around the area of London, you can make your trip a regular occurrence.


Louisa Munch

A travel and property writer for the UK's national shared ownership portal PropertyBooking.co.uk


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