With over 300 museums in London, it’s hard to experience them all. You’ve been to Tate Modern and the National Portrait Gallery – but now you want for something different. Something that can spark excitement in your brain and create a desire to learn more.
While there are many go-to locations for Londoners and tourists alike, there are some mysterious gems that only few know about. Often, these are hidden in plain sight and will most certainty take you by surprise upon a visit. You’ll never want to leave!
The Old Operating Theatre
Just across the street from The Shard, you’ve probably passed this place hundreds of times. However, older structures tend to fall to the background, especially when met with the pioneering skyscrapers that surround you.
Although The Old Operating Theatre is nestled in the heart of London, it’s in a place where you’d least expect. The museum itself is hidden away in the attic of an early eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas’s Hospital – and now the name of it makes sense!
Once you grace the 52-steps of a narrow spiral staircase and reach the top, you’ll be met with all the historical medical possessions you could dream of. This London museum truly offers an unmatched insight into the history of both medicine and surgery. Not only that, but it is also the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe!
While this may be closed in the meantime due to government guidelines, and we now know you’re eager to find out more, we’d recommend checking out this video on YouTube for your very own virtual tour and history lesson! It’s a win-win!
The Postal Museum
When we’re not takinga black cab, most Londoners are proud of their tube map knowledge. It’s something that is just ingrained in us. However, what if we told you that it was all a lie? Believe it or not, there’s actually a secret underground train that isn’t located on any map. In fact, this ‘Mail Line’ was something that only posties knew about! So much so, for the last 70 years its travelled from Paddington to Whitechapel!
The Postal Museum boasts historic artefacts, old post boxes, trucks and more. It really shows a generational insight into the world of our beloved posties and they’re actually providing virtual tours for those who can’t make it in person. So, if you’re looking to experience the Mail Line for yourself – click here.
The Clockmakers Museum
The Science Museum is home to many unique spaces dedicated to different areas of history – and clockmaking is one of them. While this may not be an area that sparks initial interest, the more you think about it, the more interesting it becomes. Time is something we use in everyday life, so why can’t we explore its origins?
The collection itself houses more than 600 watches and 90 clocks. Who said you can have too many? Not only that, but you can also expect to see 30 marine chronometers and some of the best sundials mapping clock innovation from 1600 to 2021. The Clockmakers Museum really does have it all!
If time isn’t ticking fast enough for you to visit in person, we’d recommend watching this video.
We’d love to know your favourite museums in London! Make sure to follow us on social media to get involved with the conversation.
