dark tourism in england

12 Macabre & Strange UK Dark Tourism Sites That’ll Make Your Hair Stand On End!

S ince the release of Dark Tourist on Netflix, the industry has seen a spike in interest in the dark, macabre, and just plain weird tourist experiences destinations have to offer.

Every place has its history, and if we’ve learned everything we know, the practices of our ancestors were far from kosher. Historically, people have committed all variants of atrocities and have been through plenty of tragedies, whether it be natural disasters or wars.

The United Kingdom is no different and is the host to many curiosities that can be both disturbing and intriguing, like a bad car crash…

We’re curious and will try anything once for a taste of adventure. Dark Tourism is the new fad, so we’ve decided to find the most unique, bizarre, and just plain eerie destinations for you to explore.

So if you’re looking for chills and thrills, here’s a guide to must-see dark tourism sites in the UK.

12 Dark Tourism Sites In The UK You Have To Experience!

1. the tower of london.

The Tower of London is infamous for its history of death and atrocity, piquing the curiosities of history buffs and fans of the macabre just itching to see the crumbling walls.

The Tower is home to some interesting and unique aspects of British history, including the Crown Jewels and nine resident ravens with their own legends and superstitions.

It’s a World Heritage Site, known for its influences throughout the ages and the twisted history behind its walls. But while open to the public, the Tower of London still has its secrets, which simply adds to its mystery. Especially knowing that somewhere hidden out of sight are torture chambers that once held London’s most infamous prisoners.

Perhaps one of the most famed stories in its history is the beheading of Anne Boylen, King Henry III’s 2nd wife; after all, it caused a noticeable change in British history.

It is rumoured that her ghost still haunts the Tower, with sightings of the pale visage dating back as far as the 16th Century, shortly after her execution.

Location: London

Tags: Ghost Tourism; Dark History; Morbid Tourism; Heritage Tourism

2. St. Leonard’s Ossuary

St. Leonard’s Ossuary is a crypt beneath the Parish of St. Leonard in Hyde that houses the skulls of over 1000 individuals. It’s the largest known collection of human skulls in all of Britain and was mentioned in text dating back to the 18th century.

Speculations about the bones’ origins have been made, but no answer has been found. The most common working theory is that the bones were collected from numerous cemeteries around the town when they were put out of use in the 16th century.

The Ossuary is entombed in intricate architecture that suggests it might have once acted as a Charnel House, but the history of the building is as steeped in mystery as the origin of the skulls.

The sight of walls of skulls and mounds of bones is surprisingly humbling and does well to remind us of our mortality. And while the idea of thousands of hollow eye sockets seems scary, there have been no reported incidents of paranormal activity in the Ossuary, if that helps you sleep at night.

Location: Hythe, Kent

Tags: Dark History; Grave Tourism

3. Jack the Ripper Tours

Jack the Ripper was a notorious serial killer active in the Autumn of 1888 in Whitechapel, London. He has become the boogeyman of many stories, not because of the high victim count; only 5 known victims were discovered. No, it was the brutality and severity of the murders that garnered international attention, which was a feat for that day and age.

His mystery has lived on, much like modern serial killers such as the Zodiac, and has inspired a few to create walking tours that throw you back to that haunting time.

These walking tours take you to the sites where the atrocities happened and, at length, detail the brutal discoveries and the investigations that came back fruitless.

While the real name and face of Jack the Ripper are still unknown, the fear he struck into the impoverished community of Whitechapel still exists. These tours keep horror alive and are a great thrill for people intrigued by murder and mystery.

To date, very few advancements have been made in the Jack the Ripper case, although detectives and historians often try to use modern forensics to determine exactly who the savage killer was.

Location: Whitechapel, London

Tags: Macabre Tourism; Murder Mystery; Morbid Tourism

4. The Poison Garden at Alnwick Garden

Tucked within the seams of the gorgeous 12-acre Alnwick Garden is a wrought-iron boundary that separates beauty from death. Labelled the “Poison Garden,” this fenced-in section of the garden is home to over 100 species of the world’s most lethal plants.

Created as a sort-of pet project by the Dutchess of Northumberland, this garden serves to educate. She believed the idea of deadly plants would appeal more to kids and those who suffer from morbid curiosity, and she was right!

The garden is only available through guided tours, as strict safety protocols are in place. This hasn’t stopped the plants from doing their thing, though, and it’s not uncommon to hear of a guest fainting after inhaling toxic fumes.

The garden has varieties from all around the world. It even features common garden plants that people don’t realise have a nasty reputation. The dutchess has even made sure to grow some narcotic plants, such as Marijuana and Coca (the mother to cocaine), as part of an initiative against drug abuse.

Either way, you don’t have to be a green thumb to admit that’s pretty cool; as scary as it might be, finding out your garden variety hedges could kill you.

Location: Denwick Lane, Alnwick

Tags: Morbid Tourism; Macabre Tourism

5. Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey, a once gorgeous feat of architecture, had fallen into disrepair since the early 15th century when the already war-torn buildings were further destroyed for other purposes by King Henry VIII.

It was originally built by the Benedictine Monastery as a place of worship and learning, and played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity in the area.

Throughout its years, it was the subject of invasive forces, who had destroyed some of its walls and left it derelict.

But its most infamous visitor was the author of the original Dracula novel, who used it as a setting for some of the most pivotal points in the book.

Today, that heritage is a prominent part of the old abbey, with fanatics gathering to live their deepest, darkest vampire fantasies within the walls of Count Dracula’s stead. They even broke the World Record for the most Draculas in one venue!

So if you’re looking to explore the creepy ruins, learn more about its history, or just want to feel like a creature of the night, Whitby Abbey is a must-see Dark Tourism destination in the UK.

Location: Abbey Ln, Whitby

Tags: Dark History; War Tourism; Supernatural Tourism;

6. Pluckley: The Most Haunted Village in England

Pluckley is a town of immense history dating all the way back to the Anglo-Saxon period. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the village thrived, growing in industry and population. Still, with several factors influencing the turn of the 20th century, it underwent a major population decline.

The town still boasts its historic buildings, which are a hub for tourist activity. But the real reason curious onlookers visit Pluckley is its reputation as England’s most haunted village!

Paranormal and dark tourism enthusiasts flock to this UK village for the chance to have a close encounter with ghosts and ghouls, so much so that the town’s entire tourism industry is moulded around it.

Ghost tours are available throughout the year, taking brave visitors to haunted buildings and sites in the hopes of catching a glimpse of a ghostly figure. Popular sites include the Black Horse Inn and the Church of St. Nicholas.

The legends around the town are quite interesting, and if you plan to get your fair share of goosebumps, you’ll surely find it when hunting for any of their dozen resident ghosts.

Location: Pluckley, Kent

Tags: Paranormal; Dark History; Macabre Tourism; Morbid Tourism

7. Sellafield

Sellafield is a nuclear fuel reprocessing and decommissioning site located in Cumbria, England. It was originally built in the 1940s and 1950s as a nuclear fuel production facility and was known as Windscale at that time.

In 1957, a fire erupted in Windscale’s Unit 1 with devastating effects. While this was before the meltdown in Chernobyl, it has been on the list of the world’s worst nuclear disasters, rating at a 5 on a 7-point scale of the Nuclear Event Scale.

The towns surrounding Sellafield still show the detrimental effects of it today. While nuclear waste has been “safely” disposed of since the ’50s, environmentalists are still picking up radioactive activity on beaches and surrounding lands.

It is known as England’s most polluted area, which is yet to deter people from living there. So if you’re looking for a place in the UK to feel humbled by human impact today, Sellafield would be the place to visit.

Location: Cumbria

Tags: Dark History; Disaster Tourism; Nuclear Tourism

8. Lancaster Castle

Lancaster Castle was once a pillar of history for the UK and went through many transitions since its initial build. From palace to prison, the ancient building has so many memorable characteristics on display through guided tours and exhibitions.

Other than the heinous torture and housing of some of the UK’s most notorious prisoners of the time, Lancaster Castle is involved in another dark era of history that might tickle your fancy.

Lancaster Castle is known for the infamous Witch Trials of the 17th century. It was a central hub for Witch Hunts at the time and often became the final resting place for people accused of having otherworldly powers.

The executions were brutal and, as a result, left behind some spectral entities that add to the charm of the old building. That’s right, prisoners, witches, and now ghosts; Lancaster Castle seems to rightfully be a hub of supernatural activity, so enter if you dare.

Location: Castle Grove, Lancaster

Tags: Supernatural; Dark History; War Tourism

9. Overtoun Bridge

The phenomena of Overtoun Bridge have attracted the attention of mystery enthusiasts intrigued by the enigma of the “Dog Suicide Bridge.”

That’s right. Since the ’50s, the bridge has seen hundreds of dogs throw themselves off into the rocky gorge below. But people have yet to learn why. Dog owners often report strange behaviour from their beloved pooches before they suddenly throw themselves from the ledge.

The mystery behind the cause of this phenomenon is heavily debated, but the local lore dictates some supernatural force is at play. Some think it’s due to the ghost of the grieving widow, “The White Lady of Overtoun.”

Some dog walkers have sworn that they could see their dogs recognising a presence around the bridge, while others just seem convinced that the dogs made the great leap after smelling mink, which is common in the area.

It’s morbid curiosity at its finest, especially since nothing sounds worse than the idea of a dog harming itself. But we’d like to mention that in most cases, the dogs survive and fully recover.

That still begs the question, why are the dogs doing this? Aside from this creepy factor, the area makes for a lovely walk through the woods.

Location: Dumbarton, Scotland

Tags: Paranormal; Morbid Tourism; Mystery Tourism

10. Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms also offer a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and the importance of peace and diplomacy. It is an interesting destination for those interested in the history of WWII and the role of the UK in it.

The war rooms were the underground command centre for the British government during the war and were used by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his staff to plan and coordinate the country’s defence efforts.

Guided tours are available, but it acts as a museum that preserved the scene of the UK’s strategic planning operations that ultimately helped the allies win the war against Nazi Germany.

It’s humbling in all capacities and a much-needed relic of the past to remind us of the tragedies that unfolded. But it reminds us of the horror and death that the world faced at the time, making it a hub for Dark Tourism in the UK.

Tags: Dark History; Disaster Tourism; War Tourism

11. Hunterian Museum

Morbid curiosity can lead people to do some rather odd things, and a visit to the Hunterian Museum is one of them. There’s a reason horror movies often use preserved organs as a backdrop to creepy scenes; it’s disturbing, but realistically, there’s a reason most of these backdrops are featured in places of medicine and science.

While the Hunterian Museum was not originally designed to be a creepy sideshow attraction, and that still is not its purpose, it has become a hit amongst the dark tourism crowd for its strange human and animal anatomy collection.

The original collection was started in 1923 as a learning aid for those studying human and animal anatomy. Named after the Hunt Brothers, who were some of the first few individuals to originally study anatomy as part of science, it is home to everything from severed limbs to growths, tumours, and congenital abnormalities, all perfectly preserved and displayed.

We can’t deny that it’s intriguing, and although rather disturbing to think some poor bloke’s foot is now trapped in a jar of formaldehyde, we can forgive it; it’s for science. But those who enter are warned that the displays are gruesome and disturbing if you aren’t prepared to face the reality of strange medical anomalies.

After all, if you’ve never seen what diseases like syphilis can do to the body, the results might be incredibly horrifying. But that’s part of the experience that makes it so interesting. And you’ll be thanking your lucky stars upon leaving for modern medicine.

Location: The Royal College of Surgeons of England 38, 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London

Tags: Morbid Tourism, Macabre Tourism

12. The Crime Through Time Museum

An unfortunate part of human existence is that murderers walk among us. While names like Bundy and Dahmer have recently hit the screens as biographies of their lives were turned into movies and series, there are even more disturbed individuals out there.

The Crime Through Time Museum highlights some of the UK’s most infamous killers and heinous criminals through memorabilia and exhibits that hint towards their gruesome nature and show the disturbing truth behind their guise.

Not only can you find Murderabilia such as Fred West’s tie, but you can also find gear from organisations like the KKK, Nazis, and more that can create a disturbing image of humanity’s dark side.

But if the dark and disturbing isn’t for you, you’d enjoy hanging around the celebrity scandal section and enjoying some hot gossip dating back a few decades!

Honestly, the museum is packed full of crazy and interesting things. The creator behind the concept, Andy Jones, has brushed shoulders with some of the UK’s most notorious individuals and has found a unique way to remind people of their horrible deeds.

The whole idea is quite terrifying because most documentaries often forget to highlight just how normal individuals appeared before committing acts of violence. Is anyone else developing trust issues, or is it just us?

If the disturbing contents of the museum weren’t enough, let’s sprinkle in some resident ghosts from the Littledean Jail the museum is housed in to make it even more freaky and outlandish. For a dark tourism site in the UK, The Crime Throughout Time Museum is a must visit.

Location: Littledean Hill Rd, Littledean, Cinderford

Tags: Morbid Tourism; Dark History; War Tourism; Paranormal; Murder Tourism

Our Final Thoughts

So if all the regular tourist sites have lost their lustre, and you’re looking for something exciting and different, here you have it, a small guide of a handful of the most disturbing, emotion-evoking, and just plain creepy dark tourism destinations in the UK that’ll truly make for a memorable trip.

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10 of the most eerie, terrifying or weird places in England worth a day trip

A new book on Dark Tourism delves into our fascination with sites of pain and shame - here are some of the favourites

• 15:12, 21 Nov 2021

A damp cave where our ancestors munched on the flesh of other humans, a memorial to England's last sin-eater and a village where 260 residents perished from the plague - these are just three of the places in a new book about 'dark tourism'.

It's human nature to be drawn to painful or shameful events of the past, which help us appreciate our lives today and contemplate our mortality.

And that thrill you get when an light glints on an axe in a horror film or when a friend describes a possible encounter with a ghost is only intensified when you visit the real life location of one of history's macabre incidents.

Philip R Stone, author of 111 Dark Places in England that You Shouldn't Miss, began writing about so-called dark tourism when a student told him about the practice of visiting "places that portray heritage that hurts".

He said: "Of course, people have long been drawn to sites of death and fatality. In ancient times, gladiatorial games were a leisure mainstay of the Roman Empire.

"Visiting and remembering our dead is a cultural phenomenon - we attach importance to certain kinds of death and the dead."

As well as the 111 locations Prof Stone has written about in great detail, the book contains suggestions for other creepy places to check out nearby.

Here are 10 to whet your appetite for macabre attractions, including some already recommended by the community on our sister staycations website 2Chill.co.uk .

If it wasn't for the cars and telegraph poles, the Derbyshire Village famous for helping to halt the bubonic plague would feel little different to the 17th century when 260 of its residents died of the disease.

When the sickness was carried to Eyam by fleas in a bundle of cloth, the entire village agreed to quarantine itself despite the immense personal risk.

Today, outside the houses are boards listing the names of those who perished inside. They make chilling reading.

Amy Crowther recommended Eyam Museum on 2Chill , saying: “You can see the boundary stones where merchants from neighbouring villages left supplies, and where the people of Eyam cut holes to leave money ‘disinfected’ with vinegar. A museum details the history of the village, including how it rose to prominence again in the 18th century with the invention of a new way of weaving silk.”

2. Monument to the Last Sin-Eater

Richard Munslow’s unusual profession involved eating a meal over a corpse to consume the person’s unconfessed sins and therefore absolve them.

The ritual is believed to have begun in Wales and was usually practised by vagrants.

Believed to be England’s last sin-eater, Munslow died in 1906 and a plinth dedicated to him can be found in the village of Ratlinghope, Shropshire.

3. Dick Turpin’s Grave

The famous highwayman was eventually, and underwhelmingly, apprehended for shooting a cockerel in Yorkshire, where he had fled to evade capture.

Tried and condemned to death at York Assizes, he is said to have exchanged a few calm words with his executioner before throwing himself off the gallows.

You can find his grave in St George’s Church, York, where his body was reburied in lime after being dug up from its original resting place by body-snatchers.

4. Old Mother Shipton’s Cave

England’s most renowned prophetess was banished to a cave in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, in the 15th century for having a daughter out of wedlock.

King Henry VII was a customer, sending messengers to hear her fortunes, and she was said to have predicted the Plague, the Great Fire of London and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

She is also said to have turned things to stone in a well at her cave - but rather than magic powers, objects were slowly petrified by the sulphate and carbonate-rich water.

5. Poison Garden

Next to Alnwick Castle, which doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, inside Alnwick Garden, is a place with a threatening name.

If the moniker The Poison Garden isn’t enough of a clue to its contents then there is a sign to drive the point home, warning ‘These plants can kill’.

Andrew H recommended a visit on our sister staycations site 2Chill , saying: “Lovely spot to spend a few hours. It's not actually that big - but plenty to explore. The water fountains are magnificent. The poison garden is fascinating, and the cherry blossom orchard is set out in a lovely way with many swings.”

6. Huskisson Memorial

Poor William Huskisson only just made it to the launch of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway - his doctor had forbidden him to attend due to a kidney inflammation.

Despite the statesman and financier ignoring his medic’s advice, it wasn’t his kidneys that got him in the end but Stephenson’s Rocket locomotive when he fell into its path.

A striking mausoleum was erected in his memory in St James Gardens, Liverpool, where you can also see many interesting graves.

7. Cross Bones Graveyard

This Medieval burial site in Camberwell, London, holds the mortal remains of some 15,000 paupers - more than half of them children.

Closed in 1853 because it could fit no more graves, it was for centuries an unconsecrated mass burial pit for the capital’s poorest suburbs.

It has now been taken over as a community initiative to memorialise the ‘outcast dead’ and is decorated with artwork as well as flowers and plants.

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8. Lincoln Castle

The cobbled streets of old Lincoln may now be home to wine shops, tearooms and antique emporiums but the fortress that has dominated the city’s skyline for nearly a millennium has a dark history.

From the 13th century, the castle housed a prison and burial ground, with an execution site on the roof of Cobb Hall where crowds gathered to watch.

It is also home to one of four original copies of the Magna Carta.

9. St Leonard’s Ossuary

The remains of more than 4,000 people are contained in the best-preserved collection of medieval skulls and bones in Britain.

The ossuary in St Leonard’s Church, in Hythe, Kent, is believed to have been filled with the bones of 13th century residents of the area dug up when extra burial grounds were needed.

Even looking at photographs sends a chill down the shine, but you can also visit in person and stand in front of the walls of skulls.

10. Cheddar Gorge and Caves

When Captain Richard Cox Gough evacuated a cavern within Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, in 1892 he was to discover a nasty little secret about our Ice Age ancestors.

He found human remains featuring cut-marks and butchered breakages consistent with cannibalism.

In some cases, skulls and brain cases had been used as drinking cups in a ritualistic tradition.

111 Dark Places in England that You Shouldn’t Miss by Philip R Stone is published by Emons.

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• 10 dark tourism destinations to visit in the UK

Dark tourism involves visiting places that have links to gruesome or tragic events. This type of sightseeing has grown in popularity in recent years, as it seems many of us enjoy learning about the more dark and twisted times in history.

If this sounds like you, we hope our list of 10 dark tourism destinations to visit in the UK will offer some inspiration.

Note: Dark tourism can be a heavy and upsetting subject and we appreciate that it won’t be for everyone. If you aren’t comfortable reading about historic attractions that centre around death and tragedy, this probably isn’t the article for you.

1. St Leonard’s Ossuary, Kent

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St. Leonard’s Ossuary is an underground crypt beneath the Parish of St. Leonard in Hythe, Kent, that houses the skulls of over 1,000 people.

It’s the largest known collection of human skulls in Britain, but mystery still surrounds where they came from.

First mentioned in a text dating back to the 18th century, there’ve been various theories about who the people were – from Danish pirates killed in battle to men who fell in the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Though, the most common theory is that the skulls were collected from different cemeteries in the area when they closed down.

The architecture of the Ossuary itself suggests that it might have once been used as a Charnel House (a place where human skeletal remains are stored), which lent to its nickname as ‘the bonehouse’.

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2. the poison garden, alnwick.

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Known as the UK’s deadliest garden, the Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle is home to around 100 different species of toxic and dangerous plants.

Guarded by two signs with skulls and crossbones which warn that “ These plants can kill ”, the garden was started by the Duchess of Northumberland in 2005. It was formed as part of an investigation into the evolutionary roots of medicine, and the fine line between how plants can both kill and cure.

Visitors to the Poison Garden are invited to look but must not touch, smell, or taste, any of the plants, because they all have the ability to kill.

In fact, it doesn’t take many berries from the garden’s Atropa belladonna plant to kill. Extracts from Helleborus were once used in low doses as a purgative to help rid children of intestinal worms – but overdoses caused death.

So, if you’re intrigued by how poisonous plants have been used throughout history, a trip to Alnwick’s Poison Garden might interest you.

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3. crumlin road gaol, belfast.

Dark tourism in Belfast is a thriving industry. Its primary focus is on retelling Northern Ireland’s difficult, and painfully recent, history of the Troubles – a period of conflict lasting around 30 years from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Crumlin Road Gaol held prisoners from 1846 to 1996 and played a leading role in the imprisonment of Loyalists and Republicans throughout the Troubles.

During a visit here, you’ll walk in the footsteps of former prisoners and learn about what life would’ve been like within the prison walls. Interviews with former prisoners are played throughout and offer valuable insight into prison life and the conflict itself.

Visitors are free to explore Crumlin Road themselves, or there are walking tours available too.

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4. Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh

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Mary King’s Close is worth a visit for any dark tourists in Edinburgh.

As the story goes, in the 1640s, hundreds of plague victims were forced into the tight quarters of Mary King’s Close. The area was then walled up and victims were left to die to prevent further spread of the disease.

One known local plague doctor, George Rae, would visit the sick and dying in Mary King’s Close, wearing the now-infamous full leather outfit and a mask with a long bird beak.

Methods to try and save plague victims were harsh. Rae would slice off the top of the victim’s sores, before using a red hot poker to cauterize the wound. If done early enough, it’s believed this process may have saved lives. Though, when you consider that this was long before the invention of anesthetic, it becomes even more grisly.

Today, Mary King’s Close is available to visit and there are a number of tours available.

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5. the tower of london, london.

Probably the most famous of the destinations on this list, the Tower of London has a rich and bitter history as a formidable fortress and prison.

While it’s also served as a lavish palace, the Tower is more famous for marking the end of the line for the many people who’ve been imprisoned, tortured, and executed within its confines.

Spot the Tower’s infamous river entry, Traitor’s Gate, or head to Tower Green where you can stand on the site of famous executions – including those of two former queens, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

If you dare, you can buy tickets to the  Torture at the Tower exhibition  to see the terrifying instruments used for torture, such as the barbaric rack and manacles.

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6. gough’s cave, somerset.

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Recent investigation into 14,700-year-old prehistoric human remains found in Gough’s Cave in Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge revealed some rather grueling history about our ancient ancestors…

The remains show clear signs of cannibalism. Many of the bones had been chewed, and long bones and ribs were found cracked open and gnawed. Other bones show cut marks where soft tissue had been carefully removed, and three skulls were found shaped into cups and bowls.

Perhaps even more unnerving is that it seems that there was an abundance of animal meat available. This suggests that cannibalism was carried out by choice, rather than to survive.

Despite its rather chilling history, Gough’s Cave is fascinating and boasts magnificent rock formations that make it well-worth the visit.

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7. Eyam Village, Derbyshire

Also known as the Plague Village, Eyam Village in Derbyshire became famous after the Black Death of 1665 and 1666.

After the plague arrived in Eyam, the entire village sealed itself off from the outside world to prevent the deadly disease from spreading to nearby communities, despite the great personal risk this posed.

While undoubtedly saving thousands of lives in the surrounding area, the village of Eyam paid a high price. Percentage wise, the village suffered a higher death toll than London. Over 14 months, 260 out of the 800 villagers died and many families were wiped out completely.

But the impact on medical understanding was huge, as doctors learned that enforcing quarantines could help to limit or prevent the spread of disease.

Today, there are boards outside the houses in Eyam listing the names of those who died; and you can see the boundary stones where merchants from neighbouring villages left supplies for those in Eyam. The museum also gives a history of the village if you want to find out more.

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8. Jack the Ripper Tours, London

Jack the Ripper was an unidentified serial killer active in and around the Whitechapel district of London in the autumn of 1888. Though only a threat to a relatively small section of the London community, his crimes had a much greater impact on society as a whole.

Because he was never caught, it remains unknown how many truly fell victim to Jack the Ripper – but the stories of those that we do know are enough to send chills down your spine.

The mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper lives on today, and has inspired the creation of walking tours.

If you’d like to come face to face with the haunting reality of Jack the Ripper’s brutal crimes, you might be interested in booking onto one of  these 7 Jack the Ripper Tours in London .

9. Monument to the last sin-eater, Shropshire

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In a quiet country churchyard in Ratlinghope, Shropshire, stands a monument to Richard Munslow, who was the last known ‘sin-eater’.

Munslow, who was buried in 1906, had an unusual – and rather disgusting – profession that involved eating his meals over corpses. The idea was that, by doing so, he’d consume and take on the person’s unconfessed sins and free them of any punishment.

The practice of sin-eating was typically undertaken by the poor, who’d often be shunned by locals who feared they’d taken on evil spirits.

In some areas, the ritual was thought to guarantee the dead an untroubled passage into heaven; and others believed that it prevented them (along with their sins) from returning in ghost or spirit form.

Campaigners raised £1,000 in 2010 to restore the grave, which is free to visit in the grounds of St Margaret’s Church.

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10. Lancaster Castle, Lancaster

Lancaster Castle offers a haunting glimpse into some of the darker sides of our history. First used as a prison in 1196, the castle has been the scene of significant trials, thousands of executions, and has housed prisoners until as recently as 2011.

Other than the heinous torture of some of the UK’s most dangerous prisoners, Lancaster Castle is also rooted in another dark era of history…witches.

The trials of the Pendle witches in 1612 are among the most famous and richly recorded witch trials in English history. Ten people were charged with witchcraft and sentenced to death during the trials – and, tragically, one key witness in the case was a nine-year-old girl whose own mother, sister, and brother were executed as the result of her testimony.

Guided tours unlock the fascinating – and often eerie – history of this magnificent monument. You can also drive along the 45-mile long Pendle Witch Trail , which is the lonely road the Pendle ‘Witches’ took as they journeyed towards Lancaster Castle for trial.

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Final thoughts…

We continue to be intrigued by the lives of our ancestors – and, quite often, it’s the darker, more gruesome parts of history which draw attention. From infamous serial killers to prisons and poison gardens, we hope this list has given you some dark tourism inspiration.

That said, we appreciate that dark tourism isn’t for everyone.

If you’re interested in dark tourism, you may like to check out the true crime section of our website. You can also find more day trip inspiration on the travel section of our website. Here, you’ll find everything from popular days out to battlefield sites you can visit in the UK .

Or, if you’re looking to book a staycation, why not browse hundreds of deals below?

Have you been to any of these dark tourism destinations? Which periods of history intrigue you the most? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Francesca Williams is a lifestyle writer at Rest Less. She joined Rest Less in early 2021 after achieving a first-class degree in History at the University of Sheffield and qualifying as an NCTJ Gold Standard Journalist. Francesca writes across a range of lifestyle topics, specialising in health, history, and art and culture. In her spare time, Francesca likes to keep herself busy and enjoys going on walks, playing netball, going to the gym, getting involved with her local church, and socialising with friends and family.

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here .

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Your Ultimate Guide To Dark Tourism In London: 100+ Spookiest Spots

The long and dark history of London means this city is the ultimate creepy attraction. Dark tourism in London is everywhere, and there’s so much to see. 

Here are my favourite London dark tourism spots where you can see the gruesome, gristly and dark history of London come to life. 

What is Dark Tourism? 

Dark tourism is a way of looking at travel through a spooky lens.

Dark tourists enjoy history – particularly the gruesome and mysterious kind – and seeing historic spots today. 

Whereas most tourists would enjoy seeing Instagrammable streets, dark tourists want to know all the dark deeds that happened on that street.  

Why? Because we’re built differently, and the macabre fascinates us. 

Does Dark Tourism Glorify Crime and Death? 

Disrespectful dark tourism can certainly do those things. It entirely depends on the traveller. 

Recently with the spate of Fred and Rose West documentaries and dramas, visitors have been drawn to their “house of horrors” to pose for selfies . This is absolutely disrespectful and glorifies the deaths of their innocent victims.  

Many dark tourists would want to see this place, but do it to remember the victims.

Many dark tourists (like myself) believe that the energy of events and people live on in those locations, and want to visit to feel that energy. We would absolutely not take silly selfies in these locations. 

Respectful dark tourists always, always remember the victims of atrocities and never glorify the perpetrators. 

There is a fine line between respectful and disrespectful dark tourism, and unfortunately, some travellers and media reports give us all a bad name. 

Is There a Lot of Dark Tourism in London? 

London is a city that’s about 2,000 years old, and has survived through wars, plagues, fires, bombs, and so much more.

Every inch of this city has an incredible history, and a lot of that history is very dark. 

This makes London dark tourism prolific and immeasurable – it’s everywhere. You only need to know where to look. 

Use my London Dark History map to see every location on this list and more.

Where are the Best London Dark Tourism Spots? 

It depends on what you’re interested in! London has history in every genre and in every location. 

Let’s go through my favourite dark tourism spots in London. If you’re visiting London and have limited time, these are the spots I would check out first.

Most Iconic Spots for London Dark Tourism: Top 10

Here are the most well-known dark tourism locations in London, where the history is prolific and darkly fascinating. 

If you see one location while visiting London, make it #1 on this list:

1. The Tower of London

The most iconic dark tourism spot in all of London. Explore centuries of murders, executions, and imprisonment, all in one historic place. 

You’ll need a good 3 hours to explore it fully, or more if you want to see every little detail.

2. Whitechapel & Spitalfields 

Jack the Ripper haunted this historic area in 1888, and you can take a guided tour, or explore on your own with my complete Jack the Ripper guide.

Don’t miss Smithfield Market, and hit up the area’s haunted pubs explored further down this list.

3. Charterhouse Square 

A notorious plague pit is now a lovely London garden, with 50,000+ bodies buried beneath. The Charterhouse itself saw centuries of torment and executions, especially during the Reformation. 

4. The British Museum  

The ghost of the Unlucky Mummy isn’t the only piece of dark history inside this iconic museum. It’s filled with centuries of pillaged artefacts from cultures around the world, some of which are said to haunt its halls. 

5. The Clink Prison Museum  

The most notorious prison in all of history is now a museum with original artefacts from the prison. This place saw more death and despair than many other places in London, and if you touch the original wall you might feel that dark energy. 

6. The Old Operating Theatre  

Enter the very chamber where doctors learned how to amputate limbs. Before hand-washing was a thing, this place saw a whole lot of death at the hands of “doctors.” 

7. Tyburn  

If you head towards Marble Arch, you’ll see a plaque in the sidewalk marking the place where Tyburn Tree used to sit. This was the original execution spot of London, and saw many, many people hanged over the centuries. 

8. The Viaduct Tavern  

Famous for its appearance on ghost hunting shows, this tavern sits across from the Old Bailey, which used to be Newgate Prison. The only surviving cells of the notorious prison are in the basement of the tavern. If you ask nicely (and buy a pint or three), they might let you take a peek. 

9. Hampton Court Palace

The notorious home of Henry VIII and his divorced/beheaded/dead wives. The ghosts of its former inhabitants haunt the halls! 

10. Highgate Cemetery 

The most iconic of the “Magnificent Seven” Cemeteries, Highgate is not only extremely creepy and atmospheric, but it has its own vampire legends attached. Alexander Litvinenko, who was famously poisoned , is buried here, among many other infamous figures. 

Cemeteries 

London has over 150 cemeteries. These are just a small sample of the creepiness you can find browsing any of London’s burial grounds. 

The Magnificent Seven Cemeteries 🪦

Highgate might be the most iconic cemetery in London for dark tourists, but don’t forget about the other 6 of the “Magnificent Seven” .

11. Brompton Cemetery  🪦 (Magnificent 7)

Beneath the regal Brompton Cemetery in Kensington lie a vast network of catacombs, where a young girl in white is said to float through the tunnels, searching for her long lost parents. 

12. Kensal Green Cemetery  🪦 (Magnificent 7)

Beneath the ornate tombs of this prestigious graveyard lie a catacomb network containing many, many lead-sealed coffins.

Their bombing in WWII was said to release spirits long-buried, and they don’t always have the best intentions for the living. 

13. Abney Park  🪦 (Magnificent 7)

An arboretum combined with a cemetery makes Abney Park a totally unique spot for dark tourists in London. Its ornate structures combined with lush foliage, plus a haunting and dark past, make it well worth the trip to Stoke Newington. 

14. Nunhead Cemetery 🪦 (Magnificent 7)

This grand and large cemetery was overrun by woodland, which makes it a supremely creepy spot to visit. 

15. Tower Hamlets Cemetery  🪦 (Magnificent 7)

The most popular burial site for the East End in the Victorian period, victims of the Princess Alice disaster, Bethnal Green tube crush, and Carthusian monks from the Charterhouse were buried here. 

16. West Norwood Cemetery 🪦 (Magnificent 7)

Another extremely atmospheric cemetery contains 3,500 graves buried beneath two chapels. In the 1840s, some 12,000 bodies were taken from beneath the grossly overcrowded Enon Chapel and reburied here. 

17. City of London Cemetery 

Over 150,000 people are buried in this grand cemetery, which is not actually in the City of London – check your map before you set out. Jack the Ripper victims Catherine Eddows and Mary Anne Nichols are buried here, as well as murder victim Percy Thompson . 

18. Bunhill Fields 

“Bunhill” likely stemmed from “Bone Hill,” when in 1549 over 1,000 cart loads of human remains were brought here from St Paul’s Charnel House. In 1665, the city decided to officially make it a burial ground. Famous poets Daniel Defoe and William Blake are buried here.  

19. Hyde Park Pet Cemetery 

Over 1,000 animals are buried in this creepy hidden corner of Hyde Park. It’s only open for guided tours. 

20. Crossbones Graveyard 

A post-medieval burial ground used for the internment of “single women” (aka sex workers). Most died young of disease. The space is now beautifully maintained by volunteers, and you can go pay your respects to women who were just trying to survive. 

21. Chingford Mount Cemetery 

The grand final resting place of the notorious Kray Twins , and it’s also said to be haunted by a headless horseman! 

22. Barnes Cemetery 

This historic site has seen everything from vandalism to grave robbing, but it’s also the place where murder victim Julia Martha Thomas of the “Barnes Mystery” was buried. 

Churches & Churchyards 

There are over 2,000 churches in London, each with their own unique and dark histories. And since churches were the traditional place of burial for centuries, they come with a lot of dead bodies. 

23. Westminster Abbey

Sure, it’s a beautiful gothic church (pictured above), where hundreds of historic Royal moments have happened.

But inside there are over 3,500 graves from monarchs to scientists to authors. It’s definitely the most beautiful – and haunted – burial ground in London. 

24. St Olave’s

Dickens coined the phrase ‘Saint Ghastly Grim’, and the name for the churchyard stuck.

You’ll soon see why: the macabre entrance to the churchyard of St Olave’s is adorned with skulls and crossbones from the 1600s. If you walk past the creepy skulls, you can visit the graves inside. 

25. The Execution Bell at St Sepulchre

Inside this historic church you’ll find a grim souvenir: the execution bell that used to ring before prisoners were put to death at Newgate jail. 

26. St Anne’s and St Agnes  

Works beneath this church uncovered a massive plague pit. If you walk into the gardens, you’re standing right on top of it. 

27. St Magnus the Martyr

This church used to be the entrance of the old London Bridge, which has its own grim history. But the church is also said to be haunted by the ghost of Miles Coverdale, a preacher responsible for bringing the bible to England. With that one book, countless lives were lost. 

28. All Hallows by the Tower 

The oldest church in the city of London, this place has seen some serious stuff go down since the 1300s. But the site is much, much older than that, and you can explore its Saxon history in the Crypt Museum beneath the church. 

29. St Dunstan in the East 

Is there a more instagrammable dark tourist spot in London? I don’t think so. 

First built in 1,000 AD, this church was severely damaged by the Great Fire of London. After being rebuilt, it did not survive the Blitz. These spooky remains have been taken over by nature, and the result is a haunting spectacle very much worthy of a visit. 

30. St Giles Cripplegate 

Now nestled in the brutalist Barbican complex, this church is much, much older than first glance. First established in the 11th century in an old city gate (Cripplegate) along the original London wall, the space was used as a prison in the mediaeval period. This site has seen so much history, including the Great Fire and the Blitz. 

31. St Giles in the Fields 

Not only is this an old historic church with centuries of history, but it sits on top of a massive plague pit. It also used to be a leper hospital! 

32. Temple Church 

Temple Church was founded by…you guessed it: The Knights Templar. And combined with their mysterious history, this building has seen some crazy stuff in modern times, too. The Da Vinci Code was partially based in and filmed inside the church.  

33. St Helen’s Bishopsgate 

Dating from at least the 1300s, this old creepy church survived the Great Fire and the Reformation. But stories of the nuns that used to live on the property also survived, and they are said to haunt the halls. 

34. Southwark Cathedral 

This ancient church has possibly the most dark history in all of London. It survived two massive fires, the reformation, and hosted heresy trials during the reign of Queen Mary. Six high-ranking officials were condemned to death on this very premises. It’s an eerie spot with a very spooky vibe inside. 

35. Christ Church Spitalfields 

This church has stood here since 1729, right in the heart of the East End. It’s seen its fair share of gruesome history, and even has an original crypt you can visit in the basement.

36. The Hardy Tree at Old St Pancras Church

The story goes that when the railway was coming through the King’s Cross area, a man named Hardy was tasked with moving the graves, so he piled them around a tree.

The Hardy Tree fell last year, but the graves are still there, and it’s in a very peaceful and quiet corner of this busy area.

37. St Bartholomew the Great 

Next to the ancient St Bart’s hospital is this ornate church, which used to be a priory. It’s said to be haunted by a monk named Rahere, who founded the hospital in 1123.

The church was partially demolished during the reformation, and some parish leaders were executed. The churchyard still holds several tombs, and looks over the oldest house in London on Cloth Fair. 

Dark Historic Pubs

London has over 3,500 pubs. But it also has more than its fair share of pubs with gruesome, dark and intriguing history. Here are my favorites.

38. The Grenadier, Belgravia

It might be in posh Belgravia, but this spot has a sordid history. In the 19th century a soldier named Cedric was beaten to death for an unpaid gambling debt.

Customers often leave an offering for Cedric, who still haunts the pub. 

39. The Bow Bells, Bow

A classic East Ender, and the only pub in London with a haunted ladies loo, a sign inside the stalls actually warns customers to beware of the ghost.

A previous landlord tried to hold a seance to rid the spirit, but only ended up with smashed glass in the toilets.

Ladies, beware when using the services!

40. The Viaduct Tavern, St Paul’s

A lovely example of a gin palace, and very, very haunted, the Viaduct sits across the street from the Old Bailey.

The Old Bailey was formerly Newgate Prison , where brutal public executions took place monthly. In the cellar of the pub are the only remaining cells of the prison, which were so filthy with vermin and insects that there was a “crunch” when you walked. 

41. The Flask, Highgate

Have a pint in the room where the first even autopsy in London was performed! This place has been around since the days of body snatching, and it’s seen some pretty gruesome history.

A barmaid – who still haunts her former place of work – hung herself in the cellar. Lots of paranormal activity happens here. 

42. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead

Originally a toll gate, this pub has been pulling pints for over 400 years. Infamous Highwayman Dick Turpin was a regular, as well as “Black Dick”, the ghost of a chap run over by a horse and buggy and died outside the door.

Apparitions abound at the Spaniards. 

43. The Volunteer, Marylebone

This pub isn’t very old in the world of London pubs – it’s only been around since the 1700s. But before that, it was a mansion. And in 1654, it burned to the ground, killing everyone inside.

The ghost of its former owner Rupert Neville is said to haunt the premises, especially the cellar, which was original to the mansion. 

44. Hoop and Toy, Kensington

Right next to South Kensington Station is this classic West London pub. But before the tube station even existed, builders constructing South Kensington station unearthed several bodies of priests while digging tunnels beneath the pub.

It’s said that they awoke the spirits that day, and the priests are known to haunt the pub to this day. Maybe they just want a pint? 

45. The Morpeth Arms, Westminster 

This pub used to be a deportation facility for prisoners of Millbank. They were put on ships from a series of tunnels beneath the streets, and the largest holding cell was in the cellar of the pub.

There’s a live feed at the bar, on which you can try to spot their spirits. 

46. The Blind Beggar, Whitechapel 

When Ronnie Kray walked into The Blind Beggar around 8.30pm on March 9th, 1966, his nemesis George Cornell allegedly said, “well look who’s here.”

And those were the last words he ever spoke – Ronnie shot him, killing him right at the bar. 

47. The Ten Bells, Spitalfields

In the heart of Jack the Ripper territory stands this iconic pub where – supposedly – Jack the Ripper victims drank the night of their murders.

Annie Chapman still haunts the bar, as does the apparition of a Victorian landlord who was murdered with an axe. 

48. The Rising Sun, Smithfield

Rumor has it that the London Burkers – body snatchers who went on to just kill their victims instead of digging them up – hunted for victims in this very old and historic pub.

49. The Golden Lion, Soho 

Serial Killer Dennis Nilsen picked up at least four victims in this Soho standard. It was one of the only gay-friendly pubs of the era. 

50. The Pembroke, Earl’s Court 

Formerly the Colherne Arms, several serial killers used it as a hunting ground.

Killers Dennis Nilsen, Colin Ireland and Michael Lupo all picked up victims from this pub. 

51. The World’s End, Camden

This pub was (supposedly) on the site of a cottage of a mediaeval witch who practised dark magic.

Old Mother Red Cap haunts the premises, and there’s also rumors of torture devices and gallows in the basement. 

52. Prospect of Whitby, Wapping

This Thames-side pub was originally coined ‘The Devil’s Tavern,’ due to the sheer number of pirates, cutthroats, thieves and smugglers that congregated there.

Hangings took place out front (there’s a faux noose that commemorates the history on the foreshore), and pirates were regularly tied to the banks to drown at high tide.

This is one spooky pub – they even have a ghost warning sign. 

53. The Magdala, Hampstead 

You wouldn’t suspect a notorious murder to have taken place in the beautiful leafy lanes of Hampstead.

But in 1955, Ruth Ellis shot and killed her abusive boyfriend outside the pub. You can still see the bullet holes in the stone. She was the last woman to be hanged in Britain. 

54. The Black Lion, Chiswick 

In 1804, the “Hammersmith Ghost” was assaulting women in the dark. One neighbor decided to take it upon himself to catch the bastard, and shot a white figure walking down the lane.

But – surprise – it wasn’t a ghost, it was a laborer walking home wearing white. James Millwood was taken to the nearby Black Lion and laid out on a table, where he died from his injuries. 

55. The Champion, Notting Hill 

Dennis Nilsen – prolific pub patron and serial killer – often enjoyed a drink in this unassuming pub. But so did Freddie Mercury and the rest of Queen, so, not all bad. 

56. The Goat, Kensington 

In this lovely little pub something very ugly happened in 1944.

John George Haigh – who would come to be known as the Acid Bath Murderer – lured his first victim in with a pint. From the pub, he took William Donald McSwan back to his workshop and killed him.

You can guess what he did with his body. 

57. The White Hart, Whitechapel 

The White Hart, just like the Ten Bells, is part of Jack the Ripper lore. But what’s most interesting is that Severin Klosowski – ripper suspect – worked in the building as a barber in 1888.

It’s also part of the Muffin Man murderer legend , though we don’t know for sure that actually happened here. 

Parks, Gardens & Squares 

Chances are if you’re walking in green space in London, you’re either walking over graves or a plague pit. 

58. Postman’s Park 

The entire park is a living memorial to victims who have died due to self-sacrifice. It’s a lovely tribute to those who lost their lives trying to aid others. If you’re looking for unusual places to visit in London, this should be toward top of your list.

59. Hyde Park 

Hyde Park is one of the oldest in the city, so it comes as no surprise that it’s seen some tragedy. On the northeast corner near Marble Arch is Tyburn Tree, where hundreds of convicts were hanged. 

In 1915, a woman was found stabbed to death near what is now the Serpentine Galleries. Alice Jarman ’s head was nearly severed from her body, echoing earlier Jack the Ripper killings.  The weapon – a bayonet, like that killed Martha Tabrum – was found in a sewer near Westminster. The crime has never been solved. 

In 1982 Hyde Park suffered a mass tragedy when the Hyde Park Bombing occured. A nail bomb exploded in the trunk of a car on South Carriage Drive, just as the King’s Guard was passing. Four servicemen were killed. 

60. Regent’s Park 

The beautiful bandstand was once the site of a horrific tragedy. In 1982, a bomb had just gone off at Hyde Park. Just a few hours later, the bandstand was blown to bits as a band was performing. Seven band members were killed, and many were injured. 

A second tragedy had hit Regents Park much, much earlier. In 1867, 40 people died of hypothermia after the ice they were skating on crumbled beneath them. 

61. St James’s Park 

Before this land was hunting ground for Henry VIII, it was a leper colony in the 1100s. Henry didn’t want that unsightly scene on his land, so he swept it away and stocked the fields with game. 

62. Lincoln’s Inn Fields 

In 1683 – in the middle of this lovely bit of green space – Lord William Russel was publicly beheaded for his participation in the Rye House Plot. The executioner was so terrible that it took a ghastly four blows for Russel to die. 

63. Soho Square 

Lying under this fashionable address is a massive air raid shelter from WWII. 

64. Berkeley Square 

The home of the most famous haunted house in London: 50 Berkeley Square. 

65. Grosvenor Square 

In this beautiful square is a touching memorial to the 67 British victims of 9/11.  

66. Golden Square, Soho 

A massive plague pit sits beneath this delightful little square. 

67. Hampstead Heath

Through Hampstead Heath ran a main road in and out of the London area, and it became notorious for highwaymen, who robbed and sometimes killed any passersby they saw fit. In 1674, one of those highwaymen was hanged on the heath , and his head displayed on gibbet until the 1800s. 

68. Epping Forest 

Notorious dumping ground for murder victims of organised crime. It was a favourite spot of the Krays, who supposedly hid several bodies here. 

69. Charterhouse Square 

The Charterhouse was once a monastery, where several monks were executed during the Reformation. The following century it became a huge burial ground for plague victims , as is noted in the signs in the garden. 

70. Aldgate Station & Square

Right next to Aldgate Station, which had to tunnel through a massive plague pit during renovations, is part of this plague pit you can still walk on top of. 

Attractions 

Think London attractions are all sunshine and rainbows? Think again.

Here’s the attractions that are darkly fascinating.

71. Tower Bridge  

Though the most iconic bridge in London was only built in 1894, it has a lot of gruesome history. Part of the base used to be a morgue, both for bodies that would wash up the Thames and for bodies arriving on boats.

During construction countless men died falling from height , and its said that their spirits are still there, warning visitors not to get too close to the edge. 

72. The London Bridge Experience  

The Old London Bridge was nothing like the bland concrete of today. Tour through a thousand years of history in this interactive walk-through experience, nestled in a very haunted location.

The history they reenact is very, very real, and very, very dark. 

73. The London Dungeons 

This super fun theatrical experience takes you through London’s darkest history with actors and effects. Learn about the Great Fire, Jack the Ripper, Guy Fawkes, and more. 

74. Madame Tussauds 

What used to be the top destination for dark tourists is now a fairly tame attraction. The Chamber of Horrors – made from real death masks of serial killers – began as a morbid 19th century wax museum attraction.

Had they commemorated victims of crimes and not perpetrators, perhaps it would have lasted. 

75. Borough Market 

If you wanted to commit a crime in the earlier days of London, all you had to do was hop across the bridge to Southwark. And what was at the end of that bridge? Borough Market.

Because City bailiffs couldn’t reach you, you got off without penalty, which made this the land of vice and criminals, all within the bounds of Borough. 

In more recent years, Borough Market was the site of the horrific 2017 attacks.  

76. Changing of the Guards 

If you want to go see the decorated horses and soldiers that protect the King, pay respect to the 4 servicemen who were killed during the Hyde Park bombings of 1982 .

A nail bomb in the trunk of a car exploded as the regiment was passing on South Carriage Drive, perpetrated by the IRA. 

77. Spitalfields Market 

In the heart of Jack the Ripper territory is this newly-renovated market that’s been trading since the 17th century. All of the Ripper victims, and perpetrators, would have shopped here. 

78. St Paul’s Cathedral 

We only look out over the great dome of St Paul’s today because it was destroyed so many times before. There was a cathedral on this site since 604 AD, but it was shredded to bits over the centuries by fire, raiders, and lightning.

The building you see today has not been without tragedy – a bomb struck the site in the Blitz, and workers had to remove an unexploded bomb before repairs could begin. Talk about tense! 

79. Buckingham Palace 

So many royal births have happened in this iconic palace, and a lot of royal deaths, too . The most notable was King Edward VII, who died in his bed after a bunch of heart attacks.

But his wife wouldn’t let anyone touch his body. So he just lay there, decomposing, until a whopping 8 days later she let his (probably smelly) body be removed and buried. 

80. Kensington Palace 

Surprisingly, way more royals have died at Kensington Palace than Buckingham Palace. The most notable of these is George II, who died sitting on the toilet.

There’s a beautiful memorial to Princess Diana in the sunken gardens , which were her favourite. 

81. St James’s Palace 

Before this land was a palace, it was a leper colony where victims were buried in the garden. 

Two of Henry VIII’s children, Henry and Mary, died in what was his royal residence at the time.

It’s also said to be haunted by Anne Boleyn. Mary Tudor (“bloody Mary”) is also said to haunt the palace. After she died there, her body was embalmed in the Chapel Roya l, and it’s claimed her heart was buried under the choir stalls.

X-Rays taken in 2010 revealed a small wooden box beneath the floor.  

82. Lambeth Palace 

It’s not a well-known palace with the larger ones dominating popular imagination, but Lambeth palace is the oldest original palace in the area, and historians are always discovering more secrets here. 

Lollard’s Tower was used as a prison from the 1400s, with deep cells and iron bars hidden beneath the ground. Beneath what is now the Garden Museum was discovered some 30 lead coffins , containing the remains of religious officials. 

You can visit any one of London’s museums and there’s bound to be some dark history there, either in the building or in the contents.

Here’s my favorite London museums for dark tourists. Make sure you visit the museums listed in my essential dark tourist locations at #4, #5, and #6 on this list.

83. Natural History Museum 

Not only are the artefacts creepy and haunted here, but the building itself is, too. A long line of men were responsible for this epic museum, and not all of them have left after they died. 

84. Imperial War Museum 

Though the original “Bedlam” mental hospital sat at what is now Liverpool Street Station, for a long stretch of history the hospital was run in what is now the Imperial War Museum. Is it still haunted by former patients? Staff seem to think so.  

85. Sir John Soane Museum 

More of a haunted house than a museum, this mystery maze is full of intriguing artefacts that Sloane collected throughout his life. But not only can you see his (stolen) treasures, you can get lost in the maze of false cabinets, hidden chambers, and moving walls. 

86. Hunterian Museum 

A gristly collection of specimens, skeletons, crude surgical instruments, and crazy animals, this museum is sure to surprise and delight any dark tourist. 

Full of skeletons that may have not been taken with permission or knowledge, the Hunterian Museum is a massive taxidermied treasure trove. Do some of the human and animal spirits want their bodies back? 

87. Ragged School Museum 

A “Ragged school” was the first iteration of free education in London, and this one has some incredible history.

Built to serve the poor east end children of dock workers and labourers, the kids were happy here, and still haunt the halls today. 

Haunted London Underground 

In a tube network that’s over 150 years old, there’s bound to be some dark and tragic happenings underground.

Here’s the stations where you might feel some dark energy, and for good reason.

88. Moorgate Station 

Moorgate Station was the site of a horrific incident in the 70s when a driver failed to brake at a dead-end platform. 56 people died, and the energy is very heavy and dark on platform 9. 

89. King’s Cross Station 

A massive fire broke out at King’s Cross under an escalator in 1987 and killed 31 people, injuring scores more. There is a memorial to the fire alongside a stopped clock inside the station. 

90. Bethnal Green Station

Bethnal Green Station was home to a 1943 wartime disaster, when hundreds of people tried to find their way into the air raid shelter in the dark. 173 people died of asphyxiation . There is a memorial on the southeast staircase at the station. 

91. Liverpool Street Station 

In 2015, workers tunnelling for the Elizabeth Line ran straight into a massive burial ground. Built on top of a massive burial ground.

It was on this site that sat the original Bedlam mental hospital, and archeologists have uncovered 3,000 skeletons that were likely patients at the facility. 

92. Aldgate Station 

The station is so haunted that TFL workers (allegedly) keep a “ghost log book”! Aldgate Station sits on a massive plague pit from the black death era.

Since trains began running, ghost stories have abounded. A popular one is of a rail worker who fell onto the third rail, electrocuting himself unconscious.

But as he fell, his colleagues saw the spectre of a woman in white, cradling his head. 

93. Covent Garden Underground Station

Covent Garden – both the area and the station – are said to be haunted by the ghost of William Terris , a Victorian actor who was murdered by a jealous colleague outside the Adelphi Theatre in 1897. 

7 to 8,000 skeletons had to be moved for this station to expand, and in the process it seems they stirred up some spectral activity. Part of the Northern Line ticket hall used to be a crypt from a nearby church, and there ‘s lots of activity reported here. 

But Bank has also been the site of a tragedy, when in 1941, 56 people were killed by smoke from a German bomb. 

But the most infamous ghost is of “The Black Nun” – Sarah Whitehead – a Victorian lady whose husband died while working for the Bank of England, and she roams the halls, looking for him in the afterlife. 

95. Farringdon

Farringdon is haunted by the most terrifying ghost on the underground – the “ screaming spectre. ” She likes to surprise you and scream in your ear as you make your way to the platform.

The girl is supposedly Anne Naylor, a 19th century apprentice who died from neglect and was dumped in nearby sewers.

Spooky Things to Do in London: Ghost Stations 

London has 40 disused tube stations that closed for various reasons. They still exist, it’s just that trains don’t serve them anymore. They just sit there. In the dark. You can tour them , if you dare! 

96. Aldwych Station  

You’ve definitely seen Aldwych Station on screen – it’s been used in many popular films like Luther, V for Vendetta, and 28 Weeks Later. But this “ghost” station actually has some real ghosts, too. The ghost of a Victorian actress in stage costume is said to roam the platforms. 

97. British Museum Station 

This superfluous station closed in 1933, but the spirits of the nearby museum still like to roam the tunnels.

The most famous of these is Amen-Ra, or “ The Unlucky Mummy. ” She walks the (supposed) tunnel that connects the station and the museum, howling in pain after having her coffin stolen and displayed in the museum. I don’t blame her. 

98. Down Street 

Hidden beneath Mayfair, this station was closed in 1933. Afterwards, it was used exclusively by Churchill and his compatriots to get in and out of his bunker.

The ghost of Churchill is said to roam the tunnels, smoking his pipe, still worried about the war. 

99. Brompton Road Station 

The station closed down before the war, but came back to life during WWII as the headquarters for the anti-aircraft brigade.

It’s still haunted by military men, who pace the platforms, talking strategy and smoking. 

100. The Necropolis Railway Ghost Station

In true macabre London fashion, the Capital used to have a train just for dead bodies. You can see the remains of the terminal , where there used to be an area for mourners and a morgue to hold the bodies.

London Dark Tourism: Final Tips

Don’t limit yourself to this list. Whether you’re looking for scary things to do in London or dark historic locations, London’s macabre history is all around.

Use my London Dark History Map to see everything that’s near you (there’s a lot!).

More on Visiting London’s Dark History

What’s the Oldest Pub in London? 13 Curious Contenders 

Gross Jobs in the 1800s: 10 Dirty and Dangerous Victorian Jobs

Bricks to Burberry: The 7 Worst Areas in London that are Now Super Posh

10 Ghastly Royal Deaths and What Happened to Their Corpses

Titanic Museum Southampton: Tour & 9 Treasures of the Collection 

London Charterhouse Square: Are There 50,000 Bodies Buried in this Lovely Garden?

Temple Bar London: Why did this London City Gate Sport Rotting Heads on Top?

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Originally published 25 November 2018 | Updated 1 September 2019

London has had a long, dark history. I guess that’s unavoidable in a city as old as London, though. Still, this makes it a pretty ideal dark tourism destination. It is also means there are A LOT of macabre and unusual things to do in London. We set out to see as many of the sites, monuments and other hidden gems associated with London’s dark history as possible.

London is full of creepy activities, but it’s huge. So it was super time consuming, but worth it to compile a list of our favourite scary, weird, and unusual hidden gems in London for dark tourists. Or anyone, really. This list is full of fun and historical places to visit, as well as dark, spooky and non-touristy things to do in London!

Since we know not everyone has time to see all there is to see in London during a short holiday (or in a lifetime, if we’re honest), we wanted to provide a list that showcased some of the best alternative dark tourism spots rather than reiterating the main ones. Sites like the Tower of London, Churchill’s War Rooms, HMS Belfast and St Paul’s Cathedral all fall under the purview of dark tourism – and many of them are unique and different in their own way.

However, all those sites will also come up on nearly any ‘top things to do in London’ list alongside the most iconic London landmarks . So we didn’t want to include them here since this list is all about celebrating the dark AND unusual places to visit in London. Thus, below are our recommendations for those interested in being a dark tourist in the city, or for those merely interested in discovering some hidden gems while exploring the London’s darker history.

If you’re bag of unusual and off the beaten path is a little less macabre and a little more books, then you’ll enjoy this London literary itinerary (say that 10x fast!).

1. GET LOCKED UP IN THE CLINK

Before we break this list down into more specific and helpful categories, why not first start with the perfect place to rest your weird little dark tourist head!

The term ‘clink’ (i.e. ‘lock him up in the clink!’) comes from London. More accurately, it comes from a specific prison in London called ‘The Clink Prison.’ Nowadays, there are several ways you can explore this history. 

One great and unique way is to stay at London’s very own  Clink Hostel 78 . This hostel was converted from an old courthouse with prison cells. A few of the former prison cells are now outfitted with refurbished cell block beds, which you can opt to stay in for the night! You must select this option when booking – it’s not random! In addition to staying the night, visitors may also be able to catch a music gig in the basement. If you’re a musician, you can even arrange to stay for free so long as you play a show. Music is important to the hostel’s history, as this is the courthouse where The Clash were tried.

This place is a hostel, and seeing as they have live shows not always the quietest one, but the vibe is pretty chill, the included breakfast is quite hearty and it just so happens to be down the block from one of my favourite  Vietnamese restaurants in London.

Staying here is definitely one of the more unusual things to do in London, but make sure you stay at Clink Hostel 78,  NOT  261! They are run by the same people, but the second one is just a building and doesn’t have prison cells. This goes for their location in Amsterdam, as well.

If that doesn’t satisfy your curiosity, check out  The Clink Museum  (where the actual prison was). But, just beware, it’s quite theatrical and a bit of tourist trap. Still, you can see Medieval torture devices and heads on sticks. Be sure to get a photo of yourself behind bars!

Unfortunately we haven’t had the chance to stay in the old prison cells (they’ve always been booked up!). But I have stayed at the Clink 78 twice, and although I’m not a partier, it definitely had a good vibe. I also lived around the corner from here for awhile and attended a few gigs. Highly recommend!

Sound like your kind of place – prison cell, or not? Then book  here !

NOT YOUR THING?

If the Clink just isn’t your cup of tea, we have a few other recommendations for where to stay from budget to high-end!

Monopoly Accommodation is a self-catering hostel (with free breakfast) on the border of the Whitechapel and Spitalfields districts. We had a great stay here. The beds were comfy and the hosts were quite friendly. If you stay in Whitechapel, you’ll be surrounded by dark history from Jack the Ripper to the Kray Twins! The original Bedlam Hospital was even in this neighbourhood. Plus, within 5 minutes is Spitalfields Market, Shoreditch (yay street art !), and Brick Lane! Try to ask for a top floor room as they are by far the best!

The Barmy Badger Backpackers … This place surprised me! Honestly, when we booked this hostel last minute before heading to Morocco, I thought I was going to hate every second. The name just screams party hostel. And maybe it is, but up on the top floor, sleeping on one of the comfiest mattresses I’ve ever lain on, I didn’t hear a thing. I can’t speak for the comfiness of the dorms, but our double bed was immense! Also, their wifi speeds are AMAZING! And there’s two dogs!

The Kensington Prime is a higher-end hotel – okay, maybe mid-range, we’re not rich and London is expensive! The rooms are small but incredibly comfy. Great location if you like the Kensington area and comes with free breakfast! If you want top-end without breaking the bank, we recommend!

Weird and Different Things to do in London: Food & Drink

2. grab a drink with some of london’s ghosts.

Visiting a pub might not seem like one of the most unusual things to do in London – after all, it’s part of the culture, right? But London pubs are full of history! When so many of them are hundreds of years old, they kind of can’t help it. You can find any type of dark history in London pubs, from bare knuckle fighting and cholera outbreaks to Jack the Ripper and London’s gangster scene. And of course, ghosts!

We had a great time doing our own haunted histories pub crawl of London .

You can find out about all of London’s pubs with killer histories in our post. However, I will talk about my favourite just to whet your appetite.

The Ten Bells on Commercial Street, across from Spitalfields Market, is quite unique as far as British pubs go. Although it has certainly been refurbished since its Jack the Ripper era days, the pub has maintained many of its original fixtures.

It’s also not designed like any other British pub I’ve been in, making it one of the more unusual places to visit in London for a drink. There are a few seats and booths around the edges of the first floor, but most of the area is standing area. Don’t get me wrong, there’s standing area in most pubs, but it does look very distinct inside the Ten Bells.

Just don’t order a diet “coke” here. I made that mistake once, and it was grim. But hey, who goes to a pub to order a soda? Other than me, apparently.

Book a Jack the Ripper Tour

The Ten Bells only Location: 84 Commercial St, Spitalfields, London E1 6LY Nearest Tube Station: Aldgate East Opening Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 12:00 to 00:00; Thursday – Saturday 12:00 to 01:00

Related: Haunted Pubs in Norwich

3. GET CAFFEINATED AMONGST THE DEAD

Alcohol not your thing? We feel you. We’re not actually huge drinkers (contrary to the above suggestion and corresponding post).

Or, maybe drinking is your thing, but you need your coffee fix and you’d prefer it to be somewhere a little creepy?

Either way, London is home to not one, but two crypt cafes!

There is the Cafe in the Crypt at St Martin’s in the Field, just across from the National Portrait Gallery. This crypt is believed to have once been the resting place of over 70,000 bodies. However, it was cleared out in 1859 due to lack of space. Presumably the bodies were moved to other burial grounds, such as the Magnificent Seven cemeteries around the city.

Today it is a pleasant and lively cafe just beneath the church. Don’t be fooled by the giant ‘London’s Hidden Cafe’ sign above, though, cause it’s pretty popular!

By contrast, the Crypt Cafe at Christ Church, Spitalfields is an equally unique place to visit, but nowhere near as busy. At least not in our experience! Enjoy an afternoon tea before exploring the Shoreditch street art scene, or going for a Jack the Ripper walking tour.

You can find out more about their history and opening times towards the bottom of our historic London pubs post (I know, I know).

4. HOXTON STREET MONSTER SUPPLIES

I fell in love with this quirky little shop before ever stepping foot in it. A monster supply shop that sells edible oddities like ‘a vague sense of unease’ (boiled candies and a poem) and werewolf biscuits (clotted cream shortbread)? Yes please!

Everything about the Hoxton Street Monster Supplies shop and their website is so well thought out and brilliant. From the monster pen pal post office at the shop to the invisible store cat who meows from time to time (Jeremy searched desperately for one to play with until the lovely shopkeeper told us the cat was invisible).

Even little touches on their website, like the fact that a bar at the top informs you it has been “automatically translated for humans.” If you click on the drop down, you’ll find the site can be viewed in mummy, werewolf, vampire bat, and zombie. And I thoroughly recommend you view it in each one.

So whether you need toasted bone chunks, fang floss, zombie mints, or you’re just looking for unusual places to visit in London, the Hoxton Street Monster Supplies shop is for you!

PS: Due to a rather inconvenient curse, all profits go to the  Ministry of Stories , a creative writing and mentoring charity for young humans!

Location: 159 Hoxton St, Hoxton, London N1 6PJ Nearest Tube Station: Hoxton Opening Hours: Thursday – Friday 13:00 to 17:00; Saturday 11:00 to 17:00

Spooky and Unique Things to do in London: Parks & Rec

5. search for creepy street art.

Now, it might come as a bit of a surprise that we’re including street art on here. However, we saw some seriously spooky pieces. Granted, some went up just for Halloween, but others were more permanent fixtures.

Not only is London’s street art scene epic, but many of the more prolific neighbourhoods, such as Shoreditch, Brixton, and Camden are some of the more unique and quirky parts of the city. It’s honestly one of the best free things to do in London , and I’m also impressed how relatively non-touristy it remains. Plus, wandering around looking for street art is just a great way to find some random hidden gems in London.

We always advocate getting out and about to search for some street art, and in London you can’t go wrong. Here are some more of our creepy faves!

Related: The Perfect London Street Art Tour

6. INDULGE IN A DARK TOURISM THEMED WALKING TOUR

I think it’s pretty well established by now that we’re big fans of walking tours! No? Well, you must be new here; you’ll soon learn!

If you’re on the fence about walking tours, London is a great place to give them a go due to the sheer number (and therefore competition to be good). Because there are so many uniquely themed tours, finding new ones is easily one of my favourite unusual things to do in London. The tours available range from Harry Potter sites to food tours to street art to all manner of the macabre.

If you’re looking at this list, I can only assume that you’re at least mildly interested in that last category. In which case, here are a few  darker themed London walking tours  we recommend.

7. HAVE A PICNIC AND REFLECT AT ST. DUNSTAN’S-IN-THE-EAST

Poor St. Dunstan’s-in-the-East. This church was nearly destroyed during the Great Fire of 1666. It took over 150 years before it was rebuilt and reopened. Then, tragically, the church was once again destroyed during the Blitz bombings in WWII. This time around, the city decided against rebuilding. Now it stands as a testament to what the city suffered through.

Still, it’s awfully pretty, if not hauntingly so. Although visitors can see straight through the now hollowed out church, its skeletal remains are shrouded in foliage, truly showing there can be beauty from destruction. Nowadays it’s a popular spot for businessmen and women on their lunch breaks. Families often picnic here.

But few realise that St. Dunstan’s-in-the-East has an even darker history. Like most old churches in London, St. Dunstan’s-in-the-East donated land for burials during the plague. As such, it is a plague pit. Hopefully that doesn’t ruin your sandwich next time you’re there! 

And if it does, you really shouldn’t even be in London. Because pretty much anywhere you go in the city, you’re probably standing on a dead body.

Location:  St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD Nearest Tube Station: Monument OR Tower Hill Opening Hours:  Everyday 08:00 to 19:00 or dusk (whichever comes first); open every day except Christmas (Dec 25), Boxing Day (Dec 26) and New Years (Jan 1). Cost:  Free!

8. SPEND AN AFTERNOON WITH HEROES AT POSTMAN’S PARK

Just behind St Bart’s and around the corner from St Paul’s Cathedral lies a small, inconspicuous little park. Its name is Postman’s Park. You may have even passed by it without realising just how special this green space is.

If you’re looking for relaxing and non-touristy things to do in London for the macabre tourist, you can’t go wrong with a stroll through Postman’s Park. It is one of the remaining hidden gems in London.

The park was initially opened in 1880, and in 1900 painter George Frederic Watts erected the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice installation. Watts created the memorial to honour the everyday men and women who died saving the lives of others. There are 62 memorials in total, and it is reported that Watt’s wife said each one took months, sometimes years for her husband to research.

It has been theorised by some that the earliest documented memorial plaque, that of Sarah Smith who died in 1863, might have been friends with the Watts family.

Sarah’s plaque reads:

“Sarah Smith | Pantomime Artist At Princess Theatre Died of terrible injuries received when attempting in her inflammable dress to extinguish the flames which had enveloped her companion. January 24 1863”

The youngest listed is that of eight year old Henry Bristow who, similarly, died by ripping off the flaming clothing of his little sister, but himself caught fire.

You can find out even more about Sarah and Henry, as well as all of the heroes memorialised at Postman’s Park in this book .

If the park looks familiar, that’s because it’s featured in the 2004 Natalie Portman film, Closer .

Location:  King Edward Street London EC1A 7BT Nearest Tube Station: St Paul’s Opening Hours:  Everyday 08:00 to 19:00 or dusk (whichever comes first); open every day except Christmas (Dec 25), Boxing Day (Dec 26) and New Years (Jan 1). Cost:  Free!

9. GET IN A DEBATE AT THE TYBURN TREE & SPEAKER’S CORNER

This really is for those invested in dark tourism sites. Not because it’s full of severed heads or horrific paintings, but because it will only mean something to hardcore dark tourists since today little remains. The histories of the Tyburn tree and Speaker’s Corner, however, are quite gruesome.

Tyburn used to be a village in Middlesex, near present-day Marble Arch in London. For most of its history, Tyburn was the execution capital of London, even earning the nickname ‘God’s Tribunal’ during the 18th century. 

Prior to being executed, prisoners were driven on horse and cart from Newgate Prison, down Oxford road to Speaker’s Corner. Here, they were permitted to say any last words, before being loaded back onto the cart and taken to the Tyburn Tree.

The eponymous Tyburn ‘tree’ was of course not a tree, but a gallows where prisoners were publicly hung. Spectator numbers were often as high as 20,000. The site was in operation for over 650 years. Although it is impossible to know the exact number as many of the deaths were not recorded, the figure is certainly quite high. 105 Catholics died between 1535-1681; and during the 1570s, 704 felon executions were recorded. Oliver Cromwell’s remains were also posthumously executed at Tyburn. On 3 November 1783, the Tyburn tree witnessed its final execution.

Public debates and protests often still occur at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park. If nothing is going on, visitors can still read about the corner’s history. The Tyburn Tree is commemorated by a plaque and three trees on the floor of a traffic island.

Location:  The Tyburn Tree plaque is located at the junction of today’s Edgware Road, Bayswater Road and Oxford Street; Speaker’s Corner is Located across the street in Hyde Park; There is a plaque to the Catholic Martyrs executed at Tyburn around the corner at 8 Hyde Park Place. Nearest Tube Station: Marble Arch Opening Hours:  24 Hours Cost:  Free!

Scary and Unusual Places to Visit in London: Graveyards & Tombstones

10. get lost wandering around the magnificent seven.

Call me weird, but I’ve always loved cemeteries. I find them quite humbling. And they are certainly one of the more macabre non-touristy things to do in London.

In case you’re unaware, there are  a lot  of dead people buried under London. For hundreds of years, the dead were buried in small parish churchyards outside of the city. These parishes quickly became overcrowded, leading to numerous health crises. Most notably, rotting remains polluted the water supply and caused outbreaks of diseases such as cholera. However, the government refused to allocate funding towards the construction of private cemeteries. Until, that is, Paris’ Père Lachaise cemetery (built in 1804) galvanised the British to request a vote on burial reform. In 1832, London’s first privately owned cemetery, Kensal Green, was built.

Over the next nine years, six more urban cemeteries were built around London. Together, these became the Magnificent Seven.

To be honest, unless you have a significant amount of time in London, you’re unlikely to have time to see all seven. If you do have time, each has its own vibe and architecture – they were, after all, designed by famous architects of the age. 

If you can only pick one, I would be cliche and pick Highgate as it is the most famous, most atmospheric and most uniquely designed. And, while they all have numerous famous people buried within, Highgate cemetery arguably has the most well known famous people (such as Douglas Adams’ ashes, George Michael and Karl Marx). And it’s next to Waterlow Park, which is beautiful!

Location:  Swain’s Lane, Highgate, London N6 6PJ Nearest Tube Station: Archway OR Highgate Opening Hours:  Daily: 10am to 5pm (March to October); 10am to 4pm (November to February) Cost:  Highgate east cemetery costs £4 and includes a map (or £8 for a guided tour). The west section is only accessible through a guided tour, which also includes entrance to the east cemetery and a map. For more information on dates and times, or to book a spot, check out their  website .

11. CROSS BONES GARDEN

If you truly want to see a less touristed side of London, while still being in the heart of the city, head to the Cross Bones Garden. At least, in my experience, there is almost never anyone here. And that is a damn shame, because this memorial park is really beautiful and peaceful, easily one of the best hidden gems in London!

The Cross Bones graveyard was originally established as a graveyard for some of London’s poorest residents in one of its most horrific slums; Southwark. The graveyard dates back to at least 1598, as indicated by the oldest excavated tombstone. At the time, the Southwark district was rampant with poverty, prostitution and violent crime.

Although little is known about the origins of the gravesite (including its exact inception date), it is believed that the Crossbones graveyard was originally established as a makeshift gravesite (i.e. dumping ground) for the “Winchester Geese.”

The Winchester Geese were the local Southward prostitutes, called such as they were licensed by the Bishop of Winchester to work within the Liberty of the Clink. The Liberty of the Clink was an area of London that lies outside of the City of London’s jurisdiction. As such, it was not held to the same laws, and many illicit activities illegal elsewhere with London were legal in the Liberty of the Clink district, such as bear baiting. 

However, whether or not it started as a gravesite for only the Winchester Geese, by 1769, it was used by the whole district as a burial site for the poorest among them.

In 1992, the Museum of London Archaeology Service unearthed 148 graves on the site. It was discovered that more than a third of the skeletal remains were perinatal or less than a year old.

Now the graveyard is a peaceful memorial garden, and one of my favourite unusual places to visit in London.

Location:  Union Street, London SE1 1SD Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge OR Borough Opening Hours:  Honestly, it’s impossible to find exact opening times, mostly because it’s down to volunteer availability. I think the only time it seems to be “guaranteed” to be open is Wednesday – Friday 12:00 to 14:00. But I’m pretty sure I’ve been there outside of these times – you can also still see in and appreciate the knotted gate from the outside, regardless. Cost:  Free! (Donations welcome)

12. TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN LONDON GIRL

In 1995, while excavating the land that would soon become 30 St Mary Axe (also known as the Gherkin), archeologists made an unusual discovery: a skeleton.

It was concluded that it belonged to a young girl, between 13 to 17 years of age. Thanks in part to pottery that was also discovered near her body, they were able to date her body back to Roman times, and guessed she died between 350 and 400AD.

The skeletal remains were kept safe throughout the construction of the Gherkin in a makeshift tomb. But when the building was complete, she was given a permanent burial site within the foundation of 30 St Mary Axe.

Supposedly, the grave has actually been moved once more to be slightly closer to where she was initially found. Nevertheless, if visiting the Gherkin, you can see the inscription where she is buried. It reads in both Latin and English:

To the spirits of the dead the unknown young girl from Roman London lies buried here

Location:  30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF Nearest Tube Station: Aldgate Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

Even more bodies!

The unknown London/Roman girl is not the only Roman body to be excavated from beneath the city. As more and more is built – or rebuilt – archaeologists keep discovering hidden remains. 

In the 1990s, excavations at Spitalfields Market unearthed a rather large section of a Roman cemetery, including a mostly intact sarcophagus of a woman. This cemetery would have sat just outside of Londinium, a Roman settlement established in 43AD, which is now the City of London.

Even more recently, in 2006, a Roman man in a sarcophagus was discovered during an archeological dig of St Martin’s in the Field (yes, the one with a Crypt Cafe from #2).

The man discovered at St Martin’s in the Field was actually initially believed to only be a couple hundred years old. However, rigorous analysis and carbon dating indicated he was in fact Roman, and is now thought to have died sometime between 390 and 430AD. He is often referred to as “London’s Last Roman.”

If you’re looking for more unique things to do in London, the Spitalfields woman and London’s last Roman are on display at the Museum of London.

Location:  150 London Wall, Barbican, London EC2Y 5HN Nearest Tube Station: St Pauls OR Barbican Opening Hours:  Daily from 10:00 to 18:00 Cost:  Free!

13. THE HARDY TREE

So this is definitely one for those seeking out weird and unusual places to visit in London.

When the Midland Grand Railway announced their plans to turn St Pancras into a great train station, they quickly discovered a bit of a wrinkle in their plan. See, at the time, the main reason anyone came to the area was the St Pancras Church and Cemetery. The owner of the railway did not like the idea that his passengers would alight the train only to be greeted by the dead.

At the time, the cemetery held over 88,000 bodies. To add to the issue, the St Pancras Cemetery was also rife with grave robbery and bodysnatchers. It was kind of the main site in the city for it in the first half of the 19th century. Charles Dickens even has one of his characters, Jerry Cruncher, bring his son to the cemetery for a bit of “fishing” in A Tale of Two Cities . (Just so we’re on the same page, “fishing” is 100% body snatching)

Architect Arthur Blomfield was hired to fix the problem. However, Blomfield didn’t really care to do it himself. Instead he assigned his assistant, Thomas Hardy, to come up with a solution.

Most of the gravestones were dismantled, and sadly many of the former occupants were moved into a mass grave (I’m not really sure where). Although this was not the fate of all the residents. One notable resident in particular, Mary Wollstonecraft, was initially buried at St Pancras Churchyard. Although her tombstone remains, her body was moved to the family burial plot in Bournemouth.

Following the removal of most of the bodies and graves, Hardy did wind up keeping a few. These were all piled together in a corner of the churchyard, and a tree was planted in the middle. It was meant to be a constantly evolving monument. 

Today that tree is known as The Hardy Tree. It still sits in the cemetery of St Pancras Old Church and it is one of the best hidden gems in London!

Location:  St Pancras Old Church, Pancras Rd, London NW1 1UL Nearest Tube Station: Kings Cross & St Pancras OR Mornington Crescent Opening Hours:  Can’t find exact times, but I think the cemetery might always be open. To be safe, maybe stop in between 10:00 to 17:00. Cost:  Free!

14. GIRO THE “NAZI” DOG’S TOMBSTONE

One of the most unusual places to visit in London – if you can manage to find it – is the gravestone of a dog named Giro. Giro belonged to the German ambassador the Britian, Leopold von Hoesch. Hoesch and Giro moved to London in 1932.

Sadly, after only two years in his new home, Giro chewed through a cable in the garden and died by electrocution. 

Heartbroken, Hoesch had a full gravestone made for his beloved dog, whom he buried in the backyard.

The inscription on the gravestone reads:

“GIRO” EIN TREUER BEGLEITER! (A faithful companion!) LONDON IM FEBRUAR 1934. HOESCH.

The gravestone no longer rests in its original spot as this was dug up for additional parking. It is believed that a member of the construction crew saved the tombstone as he was unable to see it be destroyed and placed it where it lies today – just outside of Hoesch’s old London home.

Although he is referred to as Giro the Nazi dog, this is an inaccurate and unfortunate misnomer. Hoesch, who was a representative of the Weimar Republic, would have switched to belonging to the Nazi party (the ruling party) by default when they took over. However, it seems unlikely he actually shared the beliefs of the Third Reich. In fact, although he was well loved in Britain, not a single member of the Nazi party attended his funeral in Germany when he died soon after Giro in 1936.

Also, as far as we know, dogs don’t have political ideologies.

If you want something truly unique to do in London, come pay your respects to Giro, a faithful companion.

Location:  9 Carlton House Terrace St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AJ – nearby in a small, walled off garden area Nearest Tube Station: Charing Cross Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

Dark and Different Things to do in London: Monuments & Memorials

15. see where the great fire of london started – and ended.

The great fire of London raged for only 5 days (Sep 2, 1666 – Sep 5, 1666), but it devastated the city, destroying the homes of 70,000 of London’s 80,000 residents. Although the official death count is only six, it is believed to be much higher. There are two main reasons for this: (1) Losses amongst the poor and middle class probably went unrecorded; and (2) The fire likely incinerated many people, leaving behind no bodies to count.

However, the fire was also thought to be a blessing in disguise, as it is believed to have eradicated the plague. Although this fact is disputed.

Regardless, it is irrefutable that the great fire of London was horrific. For those interested in this aspect of the city’s history, there are three sites to visit.

Two are right next to each other: Monument and Pudding Lane. The fire is believed to have started in a bakery on pudding lane. Those inclined, can buy a pastry in a shop and eat it beneath the Pudding Lane sign and Fire of London plaque. Across from Pudding Lane is ‘the monument’ which commemorates everything lost during the fire. You may be wondering why the monument is not  at  the incendiary site. Due to building restrictions, this was not possible. However if laid on its side, the monument reaches to the exact spot on Pudding Lane.

The views from the top are some of the best views in London , but there’s typically a long line to get in. And we don’t really do lines.

The third stop associated with the great fire is a home on Cloth Fair across from St Bartholomew’s church, another one of London’s hidden gems. The Cloth Fair home is not an official site, but one can see the exact spot the fire stopped at due to the dramatic shift in architecture. It is someone’s house, so please be respectful.

PS: the site where the fire ended is much more off the beaten path!

Location:  Started: Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH // Ended: Cloth Fair Nearest Tube Station: Monument // Barbican Opening Hours:  The Monument is open everyday 09:30 to 17:30, closed December 24 – 26 // 24/7 Cost:  Adult tickets are £5.00, Child tickets are £2.50 // Free!

16. WILLIAM WALLACE MEMORIAL

I’m sure you’ve heard of William Wallace, the Scottish freedom fighter. Yeah, the one Mel Gibson portrays in Braveheart .

Well, what you might not remember – or realise – is that he was actually executed in London, and visiting his grave is one of the more unusual things to do in London.

Scotland and England – despite currently being part of the same United Kingdom – have a rather contentious history. And it goes back hundreds – if not thousands – of years (we recommend you watch this amusing video about it).

The earlier years of William Wallace’s life had seen peace under King Alexander III. However, he died in 1286 after falling off of a horse, leading England to once again gain control of Scotland.

Wallace, like many Scots, joined the army to fight for Scotland’s independence. In May 1297, he participated in the assassination of the Sheriff of Lanark, William de Heselrig. This, and several other similar incidents were considered to be the beginning of the Scottish uprisings.

On 11 September 1297, William Wallace and Drew Moray led a small army into battle against the English at Stirling Bridge. The Battle of Stirling Bridge saw the first real victory for Scotland, despite being heavily outnumbered.

Upon returning home, both were awarded the title of Guardians of the Kingdom of Scotland on behalf of King John Balliol. Sadly Moray died not long after from wounds sustained during the battle.

Wallace continued to successfully fight off the English until 5 August 1305 when he was turned over by John de Menteith. Although Menteith was Scottish, he way loyal to King Edward I.

Back in London, Wallace was put on trial for treason. To the charge he is quoted as saying, “I could not be a traitor to Edward, for I was never his subject.”

Not surprisingly, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was stripped naked, tied to the back a horse and dragged through the city to Smithfield (see #34). There he was hanged, drawn and quartered. His head was preserved by dipping it in tar and placed on a spike on top of London Bridge. He would later be joined by the heads of fellow Scotsmen, brothers John and Simon Fraser.

His limbs were also publicly displayed, as a warning to others, in Berwick, Newcastle, Perth and Stirling.

On 8 April 1956, a plaque was unveiled at the spot he was executed. Most of it is in English, but the end reads: In Latin: Dico tibi verum libertas optima rerum nunqual servili sub nexu vivito fili (I tell you the truth. Freedom is what is best. Sons, never live life like slaves); and in Scottish Gaelic: Bas Agus Buaidh (Death and Victory), which is an old Scottish battle cry.

Location:  West Smithfield, London EC1A 7AQ Nearest Tube Station: Barbican or Farringdon Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

17. VIOLETTE SZABO & S.O.E. MONUMENT

In Lambeth between the Imperial War Museum and MI6 Headquarters is a memorial plinth dedicated to the Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.) agents of WWII.

The S.O.E. was formed on 22 July 1940. Agents were recruited to perform espionage and commit acts of sabotage in occupied countries. There were approximately 13,000 active agents throughout the war. However, 117 of them never made it home. This monument is dedicated to them.

The memorial is topped with a bronze head of a woman. Her name is Violette Szabo.

Violette was French on her mother’s side, British on her father’s. Although it is unclear why she opted to join the S.O.E., she believed in what they were doing.

Her first mission was to ascertain Germany bombing targets, which was successful. Sadly, on her second mission to sabotage German communication during the Normany landings, she was captured. Violette was interrogated and tortured and ultimately sent to Ravensbrück, a women’s concentration camp in Germany. There she was executed on or before 5 February 1945. She was only 23 years old. 

On 17 December 1946, she became the second woman to be awarded the George Cross, albeit posthumously.

Location:  5 Lambeth Palace Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7LB Nearest Tube Station: Lambeth North Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

Related: Dark & Historical Things to do in Norwich

18. BATTLE OF CABLE STREET MONUMENT & MURAL

Oswald Mosley and approximately 3,000 members of the British Union of Fascists (also called Blackshirts) fully intended to march through the streets of East London in full uniform on 4 October 1936.

Instead, over 20,000 anti-fascist protestors showed up on Cable Street to block the protestors.

The Blackshirts had specifically chosen East London due to its large population of Jewish residents. And knowing that because of this the march was likely to result in violence, over 100,000 residents of East London had petitioned for a ban from then Home Secretary John Simon. He denied the request and instead sent a police escort. During the march, between 6,000 – 7,000 police, many of whom were mounted, were installed to ensure the march was allowed.

The anti-fascist protestors set up road blocks and hurled insults, rotten food, and the contents of their chamber pots at the Blackshirts and police as they passed by.

After several confrontations, Mosley finally agreed to call off the march.

Although no one was killed, around 175 people from both sides were injured. 150 protestors were arrested, while many more managed to escape with the help of other demonstrators. Many of those arrested reported harsh and unfair treatment by the police.

The Battle of Cable Street remains an important moment in British politics and history. It is also frequently referenced, such as in Terry Pratchett’s novel Night Watch , which features a battle on a fictionalised Cable Street with Ankh-Morpork’s secret police.

Today, there is a small red commemorative plaque on the corner of Dock Street and Cable Street, and a rather intricate mural on St George’s Town Hall.

Location:  Plaque: Corner of Dock Street & Cable Street // Mural: St George’s Town Hall, Shadwell, E1 0DR Nearest Tube Station: Aldgate East OR Shadwell // Shadwell Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

19. PARK STREET PLAQUE

“An international incident happened here,” an unusual and unobtrusive plaque on Park Street proclaims. If you weren’t looking out for it, you might miss it. We saw it by chance, because we read all the random history plaques in London. And we’re so glad we did because learning about this plaque was one of the most unique things we did in London.

So what is the international incident? 

In 1850, Julius Jacob von Haynau, a cruel and ruthless Austrian general, who had garnered the nickname “the Austrian Butcher” (among several others, such as General Hyena), was on holiday in London.

While there, he popped over to Bankside for a drink at the Anchor bar. Due to his reputation and very recognisable facial hair someone recognised him. After signing the bar’s visitor book, he was confirmed to be the butcher. A few of the bar’s patrons began to heckle him, and he realised it was time to run. As he fled, several people followed him, and more joined along the way. Eventually he was chased down and attacked in the middle of the street.

Most of the mob hit or kicked him, ripping at his clothes. Someone threw scissors at him, apparently in an attempt to cut of his mustache. While still others threw dirt, rocks and manure.

He did manage to escape, and hid in a nearby house until police arrived to escort him away. The next day he left for Austria, and the incident is said to have embittered the relationship between Britain and Austria for several years.

Location:  Park Street, SE1 9EA Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

20. THE ANIMALS IN WAR MEMORIAL

This monument… Just all the feels.

I mean, if you don’t care about animals you won’t get much out of it. And also fuck you very much. But if you do love animals – as everyone should – you may find yourself getting a bit emotional.

The Animals in War Memorial was unveiled in 2004, and is in honour of all the animals who fought and died in wars throughout British history.

The monument depicts various animals that have been used in war such as horses, elephants, donkeys, even birds. One harrowing section even portrays an elephant stepping on the back of an exhausted dog.

As the memorial itself reads: They had no choice.

Truly, I loved this really unique, moving monument and think if you’re looking for dark or meaningful non-touristy things to do in London, this one shouldn’t be missed. The memorial is right next to Hyde Park, so you’d think it got more foot traffic. But no, it somehow remains one of the best hidden gems in London.

Location:  Brook Gate, London W1K 7QF Nearest Tube Station: Marble Arch Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

Related: Wojtek the Soldier Bear Statue and other WWII sites in Krakow

21. THE OLD BALTIC EXCHANGE MEMORIAL GLASS

On 10 April 1992, as Londoners went about their everyday lives—

A white vehicle filled with a one-tonne bomb, wired to fertiliser and 100lbs of SEMTEX (a plastic explosive) detonated just outside of the Baltic Exchange building at 21:20. Responsibility for the bombing was claimed the next day by the Provisional IRA (Irish Republican Army).

Sadly, the blast killed three people: Paul Butt, 29; Thomas Casey, 49; and Danielle Carter, 15; and a further 91 people were injured. It was the worst attack on British Mainland since WWII.

The Baltic Exchange building, a historic landmark, was also badly damaged. Amazingly, the stained glass memorial that was installed inside the building in 1922 survived.

The stained glass was designed by English artist John Dudley Forsyth to honour those members of the organisation that lost their lives during WWI. The memorial is made up of five separate pieces each depicting the personification of the five virtues: Truth, Hope, Justice, Fortitude and Faith, as well as a dome with “Victory.” It had hung above a staircase at the exchange since 1922.

Following some restoration after the bombing, the stained glass was brought to the National Maritime Museum, where it remains today.

The National Maritime Museum is also just generally worth seeing as it has some fascinating exhibits and collections and is one of the more non-touristy things to do in London. My absolute favourite part is the ‘Polar Worlds’ exhibition. FYI: giant Antarctic sea spiders look like facehuggers – you’ve been warned!

That having been said, there are also some incredibly problematic parts of the National Maritime Museum, as well. For example, in the permanent collection that details the British (and the rest of Europe) conquering North America, one plaque actually suggests that the Native Americans enjoyed the British invasion. C’mon people!

In case you’re wondering what happened to the spot the Baltic Exchange was built on, in 1995 it was excavated; a tomb was found (see #11), and the Gherkin – now one of London’s most unique and iconic buildings – was built.

Location:  Park Row, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9NF Nearest Tube Station: Greenwich (DLR) Opening Hours:  Everyday 10:00 to 17:00 Cost:  Free! (Special exhibits often cost money, check their website for what’s on ).

READ: Incredible True Stories of Survival and Adventure

22. BETHNAL GREEN STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN MEMORIAL

I bet if someone asked you where the worst civilian disaster of WWII happened, you wouldn’t guess Bethnal Green, London. You probably wouldn’t even guess London.

But on 3 March 1943, Bethnal Green saw the worst civilian disaster of WWII.

As hundreds descended the stairs into the Bethnal Green tube station to wait out an air raid, a woman with a child slipped, nearly at the bottom of the wet stairs. She toppled over, and before she could right herself in the dark, more and more people began to trip over, as well.

Just outside of the tube station, the unfamiliar sound of a new anti-aircraft rocket batter firing nearby, sent many outside of the shelter into a frenzy. As people tried to clamber in in a panic, nearly 300 people wound up piled on top of each other inside the stairwell which measured around 4.5 metres by 3.4 metres (15 ft by 11 ft).

It took over 3 hours for rescue services to finish pulling everyone out. In total, 173 people had died: 84 women, 62 children and 27 men. Over 100 more were injured.

The disaster went unpublicised until after the war as the UK government believed it could feed into propaganda for the Axis powers.

However, it wasn’t until 2017, 43 years later, when the Bethnal Green Stairway to Heaven Memorial was erected to honor those who lost their lives. Since Bethnal Green rarely gets the love it deserves, this is one of many London hidden gems in the area.

Location:  Unnamed Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9QX (just outside of the Bethnal Green Underground Station) Nearest Tube Station: Bethnal Green Underground (NOT overground) Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free! (However, upkeep fees are much appreciated. You can donate here .)

Related: Things to do in Coventry

Creepy and Quirky Things to do in London: Marvel at Dead Things in Jars

I know it’s super weird, but I’m absolutely fascinated by dead things in jars. Or just generally by the refuse of our bodies. I vividly remember the first time I saw preserved kidney stones. Having, luckily, never suffered from kidney stones (or gallstones), I honestly didn’t understand just what they were. But seeing a collection of literal stones – sharp, porous stones – really crystallized the image for me. It also made me terrified to ever get them!

So, being the creep I am, I appreciate the sheer number of unusual places to visit in London that enable one to walk among preserved body parts and specimens. Definitely dark tourism at its ickiest.

Unfortunately, Jeremy is less keen – as you’ll read about in #27. However, I did convince him to catch a talk on Death Masks at Bart’s Pathology Museum (#23).

Please be aware that it is illegal to take close up photos of human remains in the UK due to the Human Tissue Authority guidelines!

23. HAVE A CHAT WITH JEREMY BENTHAM

Jermey Bentham was an English philosopher considered to be the founder of modern utilitarianism. Upon his death, he requested that his body be dissected and then preserved as an auto-icon. His hope was that his friends could wheel him out for social events whenever they missed him!

Since his death, his body has been kept on display at University College London (UCL). While most of the body on display is Jeremy Bentham’s original one (albeit embalmed), his head is not. Unfortunately, during the early years of being on display, his head was stolen by UCL students multiple times. It was permanently damaged during a “football” match after being ‘kidnapped’ by students from a rival school.

Today, his head is made of wax and he is kept behind glass for his own protection. His original head, which used to sit at his feet, was removed for further testing. It is believed that Bentham may have suffered from autism or aspergers and that his brain may lead to further discoveries that will help those on the spectrum.

Stopping by for a chat with Jeremy Bentham is one of the more unique and unusual things to do in London. Luckily, he is always up for a discussion on philosophy or politics. He may not contribute much, though!

Be warned, it is a bit difficult to find the auto-icon. We wandered around the campus and asked multiple amused students before finally finding it tucked away and the end of a hallway.

Location:  South Cloisters, University College London, Gower St, Kings Cross, London WC1E 6BT (might have to ask for specific directions from students or staff) Nearest Tube Station: Euston Square Opening Hours:  Monday – Friday: 09:00 to 18:00 Cost:  Free!

24. CATCH AN EVENT AT BART’S PATHOLOGY MUSEUM  

Bart’s Pathology Museum is part of Queen Mary University, and is located in St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

Although Bart’s isn’t public, you can book to see a talk, and you can view the museum’s specimens prior. Bart’s typically puts on different talks throughout the year. Typically you can check out the current offerings  here , but annoyingly I’ve noticed this hasn’t been updated in a while. I have searched for a more up-to-date site, but sadly cannot find one. Instead, if interested, you’ll have to google Bart’s Pathology Museum events and something typically hosted on EventBrite or another ticketing site pops up. 

Location:  St Bartholomew’s Hospital, 24 W Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE Nearest Tube Station: Barbican OR St Paul’s Opening Hours:  Depends on event Cost:  Depends on event

25. LEARN WHAT A QUAGGA IS AT THE GRANT ZOOLOGY MUSEUM

UCL’s Grant Zoology Museum is part of UCL. It is a relatively small museum, but still one of the best free museums in London! Most of the specimens are kept within one, rather large, room. What makes it special is that unlike the others, the Grant Zoology Museum is for animal remains, rather than people. In fact, it is somewhat renowned for its jar of moles and Quagga skeletons. 

Location:  Rockefeller Building, University College London, 21 University Street, London WC1E 6DE Nearest Tube Station: Euston Square Opening Hours:  Mon – Sat 13:00–17:00 Cost:  Free! You can even take a free tour, just book ahead of time here .

26. EXPLORE YOUR INNER WEIRDO AT BODY WORLDS

How are people put together? If you’ve always wanted to know, but don’t actually want to cut anyone open (which is good, keep NOT doing that!), then this is the exhibit for you!

Okay, so this one is cheating a bit. It’s not really a hidden gem in London, but it is super unique and weird. And creepy! So it stays because while not off the beaten track, it is certainly one of the more unusual things to do in London regardless. And despite being in the centre of Piccadilly Circus people still don’t know about it!

Body Works is an expensive, but awesome exhibit that looks at the inside of the human body. There are several exhibits worldwide if you can’t make it to – or afford – the London one.

Location:  1 Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 0DA Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus Opening Hours:  365 days a year from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; London Lates (last Friday of the Month): 10 am-10 pm Cost:  Tickets start at £22.50 for adults (16+), £20 for students or 65+, or £16 for ages 6-15. It is free for kids under 5, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. I recommend you buy them in advance . However, you can typically get them at the door or the day for a few £’s more.

27. EMBRACE YOUR WANNABE SURGEON AT THE HUNTERIAN MUSEUM – TEMPORARILY CLOSED

The Hunterian Museum is sadly closed for renovation until late 2021. But it’s one of my favorite medical museums in London for the sheer number of specimens it has. I know, I know, I’m a creeper!

Location:  35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE Nearest Tube Station: Holborn Opening Hours: Closed for renovations until late 2020 Cost:  Likely free, but won’t know until it reopens.

Unique and Unusual Things to do in London: Even More Medical Tourism

28. be regaled with horrific medical tales at the old operating theatre.

The Old Operating Theatre in London is Europe’s oldest surviving operating theatre. The operating theatre is closely linked to St Thomas’s Church. This is because initially, all public hospitals were associated with churches. Because of this, during the dissolution of the churches under King Henry VIII, the country’s churches and hospitals were shut down, significantly endangering the poor. Although the current building was built between 1698 and 1702, there has been both a church and a hospital on the site since medieval times. 

The garret it is located in was closed and forgotten about due to the opening of a new railway line in 1850, and the hospital was moved further south. It wasn’t until 1956 when organologist Raymond Russell was researching the history of the church and discovered that a part of it was ‘missing.’ He was able to get permission to open up the loft – where the operating theatre was once housed – and was met with a monstrous stench. The blood and chemicals that had leaked into the wooden floorboards during the hospital’s operational years, had been preserved within the room during the years it was sealed off.

Jeremy is convinced this is what made him dizzy during  our visit to the Old Operating Theatre . However, he refused going forward to see any more body parts in jars since he was hovering over some when his dizziness kicked in.

In any event, it’s still one of my favourite unusual things to do in London. And any fellow curious traveller or dark tourist can  attend a few talks  at the theatre during the weekends in order to learn about about some of the more gruesome details of its history. Turns out historical medical practices were pretty unpleasant and extremely dangerous!

Location:  9a St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge Opening Hours:  Monday: 14:00 to 17:00; Tuesday – Sunday: 10:30 to 17:00 Cost:  Adult tickets are £6.50; Under 18s are £3.50

29. USE A FREUDIAN SLIP AT THE FREUD MUSEUM

The Freud Museum was actually the first London medical museum I ever visited, so it holds a special place in my heart. But even if you don’t like gross medical stuff like I do, I promise this museum doesn’t have much of it and is just generally one of the best unusual things to do in London.

As a psychology enthusiast, I’ve always been a bit of a Freud fangirl. Okay, so his theories are a tad outrageous, but who doesn’t idolise the founder of psychoanalysis? Just me? Yeah, that’s fair. But whether you love him, hate him, or have absolutely no idea who he is, you’ll definitely walk away from this museum have learned something new about Freud and/or psychology.

This small museum packs a punch and is one of my favourite hidden gems in London. Make sure to check out the special exhibits and events as there’s normally something interesting going on!

Location:  20 Maresfield Gardens Hampstead London NW3 5SX Nearest Tube Station: Finchley Road Opening Hours:  Wednesday – Monday 12:00 to 17:00 (I believe it is only open on Mondays during the summer months) Cost:  Adult tickets are £9.00; Concessions are £7.00, 12-16 (£5.00) and Under 12’s are free

30. KNOCK YOURSELF OUT AT THE ANESTHESIA HERITAGE CENTRE

Okay, so you can’t actually knock yourself or anyone else out at the Anesthesia Heritage Centre . Sorry!

But if you find medical history fascinating, like we clearly do (particularly me), then you won’t want to miss on one of the most unusual places to visit in London.

The museum chronicles the history of anaesthesia, resuscitation and pain relief. My favourite part of the collection are the old inhalers, which seem to essentially be sponges in glass jars doused in soothing ointments.

My, how far we’ve come!

Location:  21 Portland Place, London, W1B 1PY Nearest Tube Station: Regent’s Park OR Oxford Circus Opening Hours:  Monday – Friday 10.00 to 16.00 (I will say, though, the museum doesn’t seem to always be open when it should be. So check the website ahead of time, and possibly even call.) Cost:  Free!

31. BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR DENTIST AT THE BDA DENTAL MUSEUM

We thoroughly enjoyed this tiny little museum. And as one of the more offbeat hidden gems in London, it’s unlikely you’ll have to fight to view.

The  BDA Dental Museum is tucked away in the back of the library of the British Dental Association building. It is incredibly small, but packs a punch ( as small things often do )! It’s incredibly informative and even has interactive elements – like practicing pulling teeth (not on yourselves)!

I’m weird, and I find teeth fascinating. Perhaps in another life I would have been a dentist. And the stereotype about British teeth – well, let’s just say it’s there for a reason. So it was particularly interesting to read about the history of dental care in a country that is, frankly, still kind of lacking in it.

Loved this super unique museum, though! Definitely one of the best quirky things to do in London for museum lovers and fellow weirdos.

Location:  64 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8YS Nearest Tube Station: Regent’s Park OR Oxford Circus Opening Hours:  Tuesdays & Thursdays 13:00-16:00 Cost:  Free!

32. LEARN WHAT MAKES US TICK AT THE BETHLEM MUSEUM OF THE MIND

Previously a priory, the Bethlem hospital once stood where what is today the London Liverpool Street Station. A plaque on the station’s (I believe) east side indicates that it was formerly the site of the infamous mental asylum. It was located in the parish of St Botolph, just outside of the London wall.

Aside from several changes in location, Bethlem Royal Hospital is Europe’s longest surviving psychiatric hospital. And certainly its most infamous. Yet it is unknown when exactly it transitioned to a psychiatric hospital. The building has been in operation for more than 750 years, while it is believed to have been a psychiatric hospital for at least 600 years.

Fun Fact: the word “bedlam,” meaning uproar and confusion, comes from the Bethlem Royal Hospital, which was nicknamed Bedlam. Although initially not intended to be a psychiatric hospital, Bethlem became synonymous with the horrific patient mistreatment we often associate with mental asylums. This is due largely in part to it being the most well known of its kind during the era of Lunacy reform in the UK. Bedlam is also used as a premise in many films, novels and TV shows. My favorite is the Boris Karloff classic, Bedlam .

The Bethlem Museum of the Mind is part of the updated – and relocated – institution that once housed London’s most unsettled and depraved minds. A section of the hospital has been converted into a museum showcasing its history, as well as the history of psychiatric care.

Location:  Bethlem Royal Hospital Monks Orchard Road Beckenham Kent BR3 3BX Nearest Tube Station: You have to go by train, I’m afraid. Nearest station is West Wickham OR Eden Park Opening Hours:  Wednesday – Friday (except public holidays); Saturday (first and last of the month) from 10:00 – 17:00 Cost:  Free! (Donations welcome)

33. GET CREEPED OUT BY AN IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION OF INHUMANE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AT THE WELLCOME MUSEUM

I adore this little gold mind of a museum. I’ve been quite a few times, and I love that there’s always so much extra going on. It’s definitely top of my list for weird and unusual places to visit in London.

The museum is largely comprised of the personal collection of Sir Henry Wellcome. Wellcome held a strong interest in medical science, and collected numerous items from around the world that represented different medical practices and advances. These, as well as other items of interest and numerous medical books make up the museums permanent collections and library. If you like weird medical histories, you can spend hours wandering through their library collection.

However, the best – and scariest – section of the museum is Wellcome’s extensive collection of medical equipment that I never want stuck inside my body! There are a concerning number of obstetrical forceps that just look like full on torture devices. 

There is also normally a special exhibition or two going on. We have seen special exhibitions on magic and the art of misdirection, Indian medicine and even Bedlam (see #31). 

Location:  183 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BE Nearest Tube Station: Euston Square OR Euston Opening Hours:  Depends on what you want to see, check their website for the different opening times for the galleries, library and other facilities) Cost: Free!

34. CELEBRATE CLEAN WATER AT THE CHOLERA PUMP

… and then grab a drink afterwards because it’s RIGHT in front of the John Snow pub. And really, nothing is more fitting given that, ironically, alcoholism actually saved thousands during the great cholera outbreak of 1849.

The Physician John Snow (so no, not the Game of Thrones one), discovered that cholera was being spread by water – not air. He did this by extensively mapping out the outbreaks throughout London and realising that many originated from areas next to water pumps. He also used many of the prisoners of Millbank Prison – who suffered greatly during the outbreak – as guinea pigs. So raise a glass to John Snow and prisoners!

The cholera outbreak in London wasn’t as bad as other parts of London, in part thanks to John Snow. Although 6,536 died in the city (and 55,000 throughout the United Kingdom), this is small compared to the 20,000 that died in Paris.

Location:  44 Broadwick St, Soho, London W1F 7AE Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost: Free! (unless you go inside the John Snow for a pint)

Related: The East Grinstead Museum and the History of the Guinea Pig Club

London Hidden Gems: Odds & Ends

35. smithfield market.

Today, Smithfield Market is a fishmongers market, and although you can walk through it at all hours of the day, you’ll need to get up early to catch the actual market.

But the dark side of Smithfield can be discovered at any time and wondering around Smithfield seeking out macabre sites is actually one of my favourite unusual things to do in London. Because thanks to London’s love of marking historical sites (I mean this sincerely), the market’s past is well documented on site.

If you want to visit a place with a wide range of dark history in London, Smithfield Market is for you!

You can easily do so by yourself, or on a tour. We did the Dark Side of London tour which passes through Smithfield, and loved it. Alternatively, if exercise is your thing, you can take a nice peaceful bike tour of the big landmarks, which includes Smithfield – despite it being a relatively less touristed area.

Here are some of the highlights at Smithfields

• William Wallace was hanged, drawn and quartered here (see #15).
• John Hobbs is said to have tried to sell his wife at the market, but I can’t seem to find a date for this. Although the practice certainly happened in England, it is disputed that John Hobbs himself existed, and might be an amalgamation of other men. But he does have his own folk song ! Despite Henry VIII (you know, the one with six wives) creating the Church of England so that he could divorce Catherine of Aragon, divorce wasn’t really available to the masses until the 1857 Matrimonial Causes Act. Instead, from time to time, men would bring their wives – you know, their property – to the local market and sell them to other men as a form of divorce.
• In 1958, there was quite a bad fire at Smithfield Market – it was the worst fire in the city since the Blitz. Two of the firefighters on duty rushed into the flames to fight the fire. Sadly, both men died at the scene, despite several attempts to resuscitate them. Their names were Jack Fourt-Wells and Richard Stocking. (Also, like most of London, Smithfield was mostly destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666 – the house the fire stopped at is around the corner from the market.)
• Let’s end with the most horrific history. Mary I of England derived her nickname “Bloody Mary” in part because she used to have Protestant martyrs boiled alive in oil at the market. Often people who passed out would be removed from the oil until they regained consciousness and then lowered back in. Those who were not boiled, were burned alive at the stake. To be fair to Mary, she didn’t start this practice – her father Henry VIII did. She was awarded the nickname due to just how prolific her murderous reign was, but he was just as cruel and sadistic as she was. Also, let’s be honest, it’s because she was a woman.

36. WAPPING EXECUTION DOCKS

Just down the side of the Town of Ramsgate Pub is a small path. If you blinked, you’d miss it.

If you follow the path, you’ll find yourself standing at the top of a flight of stairs leading straight into the Thames – across from another set of stairs leading into the river.

Confused yet?

If you’re looking for something a little different and unique to do in London, try coming back at low tide and you’ll be able to see the remnants of something quite sinister.

It was along this stretch of the river that pirates and smugglers were kept in individual cages to wait their turn at the gallows.

Remnants of the gallows remain all along the river, but you can only access it during low tide, otherwise you’ll just find yourself wading through water. Plus most of the remnants are now underwater.

However, if you head further along to the Prospect of Whitby pub, you can actually see a hanging noose out the back of the pub, along the river. Although the original gallows is long gone, this one is kept as a reminder of the pub’s infamous patron, Judge Jeffreys. Jeffreys was known as ‘the hanging judge’ due to his role during the Monmouth Rebellion trials.

Location:  Town of Ramsgate: 62 Wapping High St, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London E1W 2PN; Prospect of Whitby: 57 Wapping Wall, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London E1W 3SH Nearest Tube Station: Wapping Opening Hours:  24/7 (for the docks, not the pubs – but check here for information on low tide) Cost: Free! (unless you go inside for a pint)

37. JACK THE RIPPER MUSEUM

To be honest, unless you’re a completionist or you would struggle to make it through a Jack the Ripper walking tour due to disability, I don’t entirely recommend the Jack the Ripper Museum . There’s just not a lot of new information here.

However, as a dark tourist and somewhat of a ripper enthusiast, I did get something out of it. And, I do feel it is somewhat of a worthwhile inclusion as an unusual place to visit in London purely because of the room dedicated to the man the museum clearly believes committed the crimes: Walter Sickert.

This room includes some creepy drawings made by Sickert, as well as medical equipment that Jack the Ripper would have used. Throughout there are also reprints of an illustrated newspaper from the time that showcased the ongoing crime in Whitechapel. And yeah, I know, I’m weird and creepy, but I kind of wish newspapers like that still existed!

I also thought the top floor room dedicated to the victims was quite moving.

Still, as I say, if you’re well versed on the case, or you are able to do a walking tour, perhaps give it a miss.

Oh, unless you want an adorable little Jack the Ripper teddy bear, then make sure to stop by!

Location:  12 Cable St, Whitechapel, London E1 8JG Nearest Tube Station: Aldgate East OR Tower Hill Opening Hours:  Everyday 9:30 to 18:30 Cost: £10.00 if you book online , or £12 at the door

RELATED: Best Historical TV Series for Dark Tourists

38. HITCHCOCK’S HOUSE

I mean, this isn’t all that exciting unless you love Alfred Hitchcock. But I do, so I’m adding it. You cannot go in the house, it’s just a blue historic plaque on the wall of the home he lived in from 1926 – 1939. 

In case you live under a rock and somehow don’t know who he is, Alfred Hitchcock was a British film director who directed and produced a lot of films. He is also considered to be one of the most influential and studied film directors in history.

So why is he on this list? Because a good chunk of his films are considered to be horror.

Some of my favourites are: Rear Window , Rope , Psycho and The Trouble with Harry (an amazing dark comedy).

You may also be interested in the Alfred Hitchcock walk with Sandra (I know it’s top of our list the next time we visit, and will undoubtedly be one of our new favourite unique things to do on London)!

Location:  153 Cromwell Rd, Earl’s Court, London SW5 0TQ Nearest Tube Station: Gloucester Road Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

39. SIR FREDERICK TREVES’ HOUSE

No idea who Sir Frederick Treves was? Don’t worry, we’re massive nerds, so it’s in our DNA.

Frederick Treves was a well-known British surgeon. He is credited with saving Edward VII in 1902 after he was diagnosed with appendicitis – which at the time was normally fatal.

However, he is most well known for his “friendship” with Joseph Merrick, or “the elephant man.” I say “friendship” because although he supposedly did care for Merrick, he mostly treated him as an accessory and party trick.

Poor Merrick, who spent his life as a curiosity, died as one, as well. In fact, his skull is still on display at the Royal London Hospital Museum . You can also learn more about him from the 1980 film The Elephant Man .

So, while at the BDA museum just up the road, you may as well stop by and see where Treves lived for 21 years of his life.

Location:  6 Wimpole St, Marylebone, London W1G 8AL Nearest Tube Station: Bond Street Opening Hours:  24/7 Cost:  Free!

What are your favourite dark tourist spots in London? Are there any quirky and unusual things to do in London that we missed? Did any of these unusual places to visit pique your interest? Let us know in the comments!

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Dagney McKinney

American by birth, miniature by design. I moved for the first time when I was 18 months old, and I haven't stopped since. If I'm not wandering the planet, you can find me seeking out the hottest food possible or reading a good book and/or listening to a podcast in some quiet, remote alcove. I'm a classic introvert with a penchant for Camelidae, salt and underground spaces.

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