5 Awesome Things to Do in London

Even if it’s not your first time in London, you will find that there’s always something unique to do in the capital.

Don’t get us wrong, the London Eye, Big Ben, and are all great, but sometimes it’s rewarding to go beyond the beaten path. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the marvellous things you may not have done yet in one of the oldest cities in the world:

Go on a morbid tour

One of the most visited places in the city is the London Museum. But did you know that it houses the largest single collection of stratified human remains in the world? That’s right. Around 20,000 remains are on shelves filled with cardboard boxes – filled with, well, human bones. From the Roman era, the Great Plague of 1665, to the mid-19th century, the museum is filled with the largest curation of human osteology. The collection will certainly make you feel deeply connected (albeit a little uncomfortably) with London’s history.

Run a half marathon

A half marathon is just one of the many ways to explore the city. The London Landmark Half Marathon is one of the biggest events held in the city every year. With almost 65,000 runners on the waiting list for 2020 already, you should probably book a year or two in advance to ensure you get in. Alternatively, global charity Save the Children have a team running in the Royal Parks Half Marathon on October 2019, which you can join and raise money for the charity in the process. Participants will get the chance to run through four out of the eight Royal Parks in the city, which is definitely an awesome way to see grand, old London. With this month marking the centenary of the Versailles Treaty, the Royal Parks will be showcasing WWII exhibits and memorabilia.

Spam the gram

God’s Own Junkyard is a psychedelic trip full of neon lights packed in a warehouse deep in Walthamstow. Disco statues and neon signs find their way onto the walls of this colourful explosion of 90s grit – an intense gallery dedicated to retro signage. Culture Trip notes that this place is arguably the most instagrammable site in the city. Also, we recommend you try their own on-site café called the Rolling Scones. We guarantee you’ll find something to hashtag in this beautiful treasure trove.

Check out the Beer Mile

We’ve featured beer from Poland and the Czech Republic but you should definitely go to the Beer Mile when in London. This stretch in Bermondsey is the epicentre of craft beer in the city. Unlike most pubs, these establishments are actually breweries during the week and then transform into craft bars at the weekend. Neat, right? Cask masters suggest that you start from Four Pure and work your way to the succeeding bars along the London Bridge. That way, when you’re done, you can hop on the tube to get home. We also recommend that you put on your friendly face as this pub crawl is one of the best ways to meet new friends in the city.

Visit the Eel Pie Island

An island in London? Absolutely. Forget the Thames cruise and hop aboard the hippie island in the middle of the river – Eel Pie Island. A peaceful and lovely island in Twickenham, it hosts recording studios and artists that have chosen to stay on the island. Although TimeOut warns that the island only opens to the public a few times a year. Be sure to check the schedule for a truly unforgettable experience.