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London has a handful of world-class and world famous museums. But they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the city’s artefact offerings. Here are 10 of London’s lesser-known, more unusual museums worthy of your attention.

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Churchill War Rooms – Westminster

  • In a nutshell: The bunker where Britain’s wartime government sheltered during the Blitz. Dioramas depict the operations centre at work. The museum also pays homage to Winston Churchill’s life. (The featured image of the War Rooms is by heatheronhertravels).
  • Admission: £17

 

 

Geffrye Museum – Shoreditch

  • In a nutshell: See how tastes, behaviours and technologies have developed since the 18th century. A succession of dioramas depicts “typical” middle-class living quarters across different time periods.
  • Admission: Free

 

 

The Household Cavalry Museum – Westminster

  • In a nutshell: Learn about the horse-mounted military division that guards the Queen on ceremonial occasions at its majestic Grade I listed stables.
  • Admission: £6

 

 

Horniman Museum & Gardens – Lambeth

  • In a nutshell: The eclectic and eccentric collection of Victorian tea magnate Frederick John Horniman. A massive stuffed walrus and a paper-maché merman sculpture are its most famous exhibits.
  • Admission: Free

 

 

The Old Operating Theatre – London Bridge

  • In a nutshell: Britain’s oldest operating theatre. Operations took place here in the early 1800s, in the days when medical equipment was primitive, and anaesthesia was unavailable. Be sure to time a visit so it coincides with a talk.
  • Admission: £6.20

 

Leighton House Museum – Holland Park

  • In a nutshell: The former home and studio of the Victorian artist Lord Frederic Leighton. When it comes to opulence, this residence rivals even the most well turned out private houses in neighbouring Kensington.
  • Admission: £5

 

 

V&A Museum of Childhood – Bethnal Green

  • In a nutshell: This is where the V&A Museum exhibits its collection of child-related objects. Toys, dolls, games, teddy bears, clothing and paintings are all here.
  • Admission: Free

 

 

The Whitechapel Bell Foundry – Whitechapel

  • In a nutshell: The working foundry of the company that created the Big Ben bell (the one in the clock tower at the Houses of Parliament). Founded in 1570, it’s Britain’s oldest continuously operating company.
  • Admission: £12 (tours must be pre-booked)

 

The Magic Circle’s Museum – Euston

  • In a nutshell: This private club of magicians has a museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving what they call, the craft of magic. There are some great anecdotes and artefacts connected to famous magicians, for example the handcuffs used by legendary escape artist Harry Houdini.
  • Admission: Free

 

 

Freud Museum – Hampstead

  • In a nutshell: Former home of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud (he moved to London after fleeing the Nazi annexation of Austria in 1938). The museum pays tribute to his life and works. His famous patient’s couch is the most symbolic of the exhibits.
  • Admission: £6

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Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…

About the author

Brett AckroydBrett hopes to one day reach the shores of far-flung Tristan da Cunha, the most remote of all the inhabited archipelagos on Earth…as to what he’ll do when he gets there, he hasn’t a clue. Over the last 10 years, London, New York, Cape Town and Pondicherry have all proudly been referred to as home. Now it’s Copenhagen’s turn, where he lends his travel expertise to momondo.com.

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