Most large cities, like London, have city tours operating and they’re a great way to see and learn about your chosen destination. If you’re part of a large group you may not get to hear all the juicy history: sometimes it’s all you can do to keep sight of the umbrella or flag your guide is carrying.

This pocket guide suggest four places in London that don’t always make their way onto the tour itinerary, how to find them, and what you need to know.

London’s hidden gems – go seek!

The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History

This little museum claims to “present an incoherent vision of the world displayed through wonder enclosed within a tiny space” and promises it will “merely display everything that has glittered & caught the eye of it’s [sic] founder.

Dodo bones, living coral and a two-headed kitten can be found alongside McDonald’s Happy Meal toys and a unicorn skull. Suits from dandies, erotica and the preserved privates of Victorian prostitutes may also be found in this London museum.

Book ahead – reservations are strongly encouraged. No children after 7pm.

  • Nearest Tube station: Bethnal Green
  • Postcode: E8 4RPLondon

Clown Museum

Not for the coulrophobics, the Clown Museum opens on the first Friday of each month or by appointment. Here you’ll discover a small gallery of props and costumes used by some of Britain’s most famous clowns. You’ll also find a collection of more than 200 eggs painted with clowns’ faces.

  • Nearest Tube station: Bethnal Green or Old Street
  • Postcode: E84

God’s Own Junkyard

Visit to see neon artist Chris Bracey’s personal collection of work – everything from 60s Soho sex club signage to pieces used in ‘Captain America’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, among others. The yard has its own cafe for refreshments too – the Rolling Scones Cafe.

  • Nearest station: Walthamstow Central
  • Postcode: E17 9HQLondon

Murder on the streets of London

Follow in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper and hear how he brought about the demise of his victims. There are plenty of tours operating, but we like this one because it’s free! Listen to the tales from your guide and you decide how much you want to pay for their patter.

Follow the clues and see if you are any closer to solving this mystery than those who’ve tried before.

Reserve online and meet by the Tower Hill Tram coffee stand next to Trinity Square Gardens. Look out for your guide with a strawberry umbrella.

  • Nearest Tube station: Tower Hill
  • Postcode: EC3N 1JL
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