London is the home of the weird and the wonderful. Forget the big-ticket attractions for once, there’s plenty of time for those! 2020 has been of the weirdest years we’ve ever experienced on this planet, so why not take advantage of the ‘anything goes’ mentality at the moment? London has so many unique, unusual, and quirky things you can do right now, so let’s let off some steam and have fun, shall we? Here’s five of the weirdest things you can do in London right now.
Stay overnight at the Zoo
Yep, you read that correctly – you actually can have a sleepover at the ZSL London Zoo. Book a London Zoo Lodge in the middle of their Land of the Lions exhibit, meaning you’ll literally be sleeping within close proximity to their Asiatic lions! You’ll completely forgot you’re staying in a city, what with your wake-up call of singing gibbons, honking flamingos, and of course, the roaring lions! A perfectly weird experience, to say the least.
Explore a hidden island
If you’re near the Thames, and you head from east to west, things start to get very weird indeed. Once you’re passed Hampton Court, you’ll find little islands popping up all around you! The most famous one is Eel Pie Island, well-known in the 1960s for its music scene and recording studio. These days, the island is privately owned and home to artists’ studios and a nature reserve. Keep an eye out for when they’re open and grab a rare chance to see it for yourself!
Have a go at erotic pottery
You asked for weird, you’ve got weird. At a secret East London location, artist Adele Brydges offers a workshop where you make and decorate bespoke sex toys. Once completed, your creation will be enamel fired and sent to you via post. Adele Brydges has made her studio COVID-safe so attendees can continue to enjoy the experience. We won’t tell if you won’t…
Head down memory lane
If you’re after a more wholesome and family-friendly toy experience, the Pollock’s Toy Museum is a good shout. It’s definitely quirky – a creaky, unrestored Georgian townhouse packed full of old-fashioned money boxes, wax dolls, and board games. It’s also home to the world’s oldest teddy – equal parts adorable and creepy.
Canoe down the Thames
Why not explore the Thames unlike you’ve done before by kayaking down it in a bovine boat? This watery sightseeing experience provides you a black-and-white cow-printed boat for your mode of transport – great for a quirky Insta pic! Choose from several waterway routes, like Limehouse Basin or Hackney Wick, and be sure to take pit stops along the way. If you’re exhausted from a long day’s boating, we suggest a stay at the nearby Dorsett Hotel, City, just a stone’s throw away from the Thames. The Dorsett is perfect for the weary traveller looking for a little bit of luxury after a weird and wonderful day in London.