Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Discover a more unusual side to London

London is a city of many faces. Indeed, effortlessly blending historical sites of interest and top tourist attractions with trendy bars and original street markets, visitors to the city can expect to be truly dazzled by its distinctive sense of style, as well as its countless cultural offerings.

However, for those of you who have already visited London’s main attractions, or for those who are seeking adventure, what can the capital offer you? Take a bit of time out to research and you’d be amazed with the variety of unusual attractions to be found.

For instance, why not start the day off with a visit to the gruesome Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garrett? Located at the top of an old spiral staircase, the museum is hidden in the roof of an old Baroque church. It is the UK’s only surviving 19th century operating theatre and depicts what medical procedures used to be like, before anaesthesia was invented!

However, if excitement is what you’re after, then it’s worth booking yourself on a Duck Tour. Venturing out on land and water, an amphibious vehicle will take you on a unique tour of the city, whilst guides will provide you with an alternative history of London. Not only that, but you’ll also get to learn about the Duck vehicles, which were historically used in the Second World War.

The award winning London Wetland Centre is another great place, especially for those looking to escape the noise of the city for a few hours. A stunning wildlife reserve situated just 25 minutes from the city’s centre, it boasts over 43 hectares of wetland habitats and attracts thousands of wild birds, as well as a colony of endangered Water Voles.

To finish off a day in the English capital, the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London is a short, but definitely sweet excursion. Having been tradition for the last 700 years, each night the Chief Yeoman Warder, dressed in customary attire and carrying a lantern, goes out at precisely 21.53 to lock all the Tower gates. Upon approaching the archway of the Bloody Tower, however, he is challenged by a sentry and must provide the right answer. The ceremony is concluded with the sound of a trumpet blasting.

Visitors can experience this ancient tradition for free, but they must first write to the Tower of London officials up to two months in advance, in order to receive tickets. This may seem like a hassle for a ten minute tour, but it’s certainly one of the more unusual London experiences!
London Secrets: London Guidebook For The First Time Visitor

There is an amazing array of strange and curious things to do in England’s capital, and with a vast choice of hotels in London in which to stay, you can see for yourself what extraordinary things you can find off the beaten tourist track!

Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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