There is a lot to see and do in London, especially if you live in one of London’s central hostels. Once you’ve seen the iconic attractions, why not explore the weirder and wackier side of this great old city?
1. Ripley’s Believe It or Not – Head to Piccadilly Circus and prepare to let your mind blow. From quirky exhibits to a breathtaking laser race, this is definitely a fun place youngsters shouldn’t miss.
2. Sample vintage beers on a pub tour – If you are a true beer lover and have £ 20 to spare, you can book a pub tour of London’s East End, courtesy of Alternative London. This is a great deal if you are staying in one of London’s hostels and want to make the most of your limited time and have fun.
3. Relax in the swimming ponds of Hampstead Heath – There’s nothing like an icy dip in the middle of winter to get the blood flowing again! Hampstead Heath’s swimming ponds are open year round, ready to give you the chills and thrills with a dip in the waters.
4. Gourmet Toast at Clapham – Are you hungry? As in, really hungry? Breads Etcetera offers huge portions and you can eat all you can of their freshly baked bread. Combine it with one of their delicious tortillas and you will be ready for the whole day.
5. Buy umbrellas at James Smith & Sons – London is famous for the rain and you will inevitably need an umbrella if you don’t want to get wet every time you leave London hostels. You can always buy a cheap one, of course, but why not stay dry in style with an umbrella from one of London’s most iconic shops, which has been around since 1830?
6. Dine Among the Dead – Have you always felt that your average restaurant lacks dead animals preserved in real poses? Then you might want to visit Les Trois Garcon restaurant. Located in Shoreditch, you can enjoy a delicious feast under the watchful eyes of a host of stuffed (but very real) animals. It is a taxidermist’s dream, but it is not for everyone, although it is certainly different!
7. Get your laugh for free: Monday nights at the Theater Royal Stratford East are reserved for a host of stand-up comedy acts, and the best part is that Comic Mondays are free. This is a great night out and very easily accessible from central London hostels.
8. Learn a Little Fake History: Speaking of laughs, Bullsh * t London is a two comedians walking tour of the South Bank. For £ 10, you can enjoy a two-hour tour with an ironic and skewered version of London’s great history. Perfect for those with a penchant for the irreverent.
