Thursday, August 25, 2011

Five Odd London Attractions

London Attractions Photo by E01 on Flickr
With the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton just a few weeks away, more and more people are planning trips to London, England for holiday. Now when one thinks of London attractions, what usually comes to mind? Maybe a ride on the London Eye? Perhaps a visit to Buckingham Palace? Or how about a walk along the River Thames?

Now while those typical tourist traps are all brilliant, what about checking out some truly unique London attractions? Consider this your lucky day, as we've got you covered with five of the most interesting, eerie and downright odd London locales worth a visit.

Highgate Cemetary: Located in the north, this macabre London attraction is listed on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England and is the final resting place for such famous names as writers Douglas Adams and George Eliot, scientist Michael Faraday, and the father of modern socialism and communism, Karl Marx. Many Marxists have bid big bucks to be buried nearby the man who predicted the end of the capitalist system. The East Cemetery is open during normal business hours to roam freely. Guided tours of the West Cemetery are available after hours.

The Old Operating Theatre: Ever wonder how doctors performed surgery before modern medicine and technology? This London attraction is chock full of nut intimidating instruments used for surgical procedures and a collection of kooky concoctions that were inhaled back in the 18th and 19th century when one was feeling a bit under the weather.

Fan Museum: Celebrating 20 years of complete and utter fan fare is this South East London attraction. The Fan Museum is in fact the first museum dedicated entirely to the fan. With over 4,000 fans on site, including one that dates back to the 10th century, you'll surely get your fan fix after a visit. New fans are created at the museum and real fan fanatics can even take part in a fan-making class.

Royal Observatory: If you've ever thought to yourself, "being in the past, present and future at the same time sure would be nice", well then your prayers have been answered via this London attraction. The Royal Observatory in Greenwich is the place where the GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) is zero. Most visitors come to snap a few pictures with one foot in the east and one foot in the west.

Hunterian Museum: Warning, this London attraction might only be suitable for people with strong stomachs. In 1799, the Royal College of Surgeons of England purchased Scottish scientist John Hunter's collection of body parts. Over 3,500 anatomical and pathological fossils, paintings and drawings are on display. Visitors can view half of famed mathematician Charles Babbage's brain and the skeletal remains of the 7'7" tall "Irish Giant" Charles Byrne.

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