A Different Take on London

You can find ZSL London Zoo next to Regent’s Park—one of London’s most beautiful Royal Parks. Once you arrive at the zoo, you’ll find a whole host of eclectic animals. These include lemurs, otters, warthogs, African hunting dogs, lions, camels, meerkats, gorillas, and llamas.

However, what about sleeping next to a lion enclosure? That’s right. At the ZSL London Zoo, you’re free to spend the night with the lions. You’ll enjoy a complimentary drink on arrival, a two-hour tour of the zoo at sunset and after dark, and an overnight stay in a private lodge. Sure, London has many excellent 5-star hotels, but sleeping in the zoo will be an unforgettable night.  

Website: www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/london-zoo-lodgeLink opens in a new tab

Address: Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY

London’s world-famous underground station—iconically called ‘The Tube’ by locals and visitors alike—is the world’s oldest underground metro system. With that said, the London Underground has changed since the 1800s. Some old stations have vanished from existence, but you can still visit them on a guided tour.

London Euston station has an array of hidden passageways that the city has hidden for over 50 years. Many of these tunnels have a beautiful mid-century design. However, with the development of HS2, it’s likely construction work will remove these stations in the coming years. So, now’s the time to visit before it’s too late.

Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/hidden-london/eustonLink opens in a new tab

Address: Euston Square Station, Euston Rd, London NW1 2BN

It’s fair to say: London is full of incredible architecture and interior design. Leighton House, however, is an unknown epitome of world-class art and design. In 1866, Frederick Lord Leighton built the house as a private studio house. He wanted somewhere he could work and showcase his vast art collection.

As a result, the house is a stunning show of art and design. You’ll find rich colors, quirky materials from all over the world, and gorgeous furniture. Lord Leighton has become one of London’s most respected artists. He became the president of the Royal Academy shortly before his death. 

Website: www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums/Link opens in a new tab

Address: 12 Holland Park Rd, London W14 8LZ

During the London Olympics of 2012, London built the ArcelorMittal Orbit. The world could see the unusual structure next to the Olympic Stadium. The British government intended the tower to be a longstanding reminder of the London Olympics—which were an enormous success.

Today, the ArcelorMittal Orbit offers stunning views over East London. You can see London’s vast skyline, famous attractions, and cityscape from the observation deck. In addition, you can slide down the tower if you like an adrenaline rush. It remains the tallest structure at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, standing at 114.5 meters tall. 

Website: www.arcelormittalorbit.com/Link opens in a new tab

Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton St, London E20 2AD

The O2 is now one of the world’s leading entertainment venues; it hosts concerts, major sporting events, and massive speeches from world leaders. It first became famous in 1999 when the city built it to commemorate the Millennium and called it the Millennium Dome. In the James Bond film, The World is Not Enough, the building played a key role in the opening scene.

Today, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb the O2 and check out the superb views of Greenwich. Not only is the O2 one of London’s most famous landmarks, but it also offers sensational views of Canary Wharf and Central London, whilst offering a sense of adventure. You can climb during sunset or at night.

Website: www.theo2.co.uk/up-at-the-o2/climbLink opens in a new tab

Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

British Premier League football team, Tottenham Hotspur, built the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2016. It cost a staggering £1 billion to build. Nevertheless, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—situated in North London—is arguably the world’s most impressive modern-day stadium. Better still, the stadium offers guests the chance to complete The Dare Skywalk.

On The Dare Skywalk, you can scale the stadium and even step out onto a glass walkway 46.8 meters above the pitch. If that’s not enough, you can marvel at the stunning views of the London skyline from afar.

Website: www.tottenhamhotspur.com/the-stadium/visitor-attractions/the-dare-skywalk/Link opens in a new tab

Address: 782 High Road, London N17 0BX

Everyone knows London has a rich history; however, did you know you can worship a Roman God at the London Mithraeum? That’s right. You can wander under the Bloomberg offices in London and find a Roman temple dating back to the 3rd century AD.

The ruins are an excellent sensory experience that delves you into the mystery of worshiping a Roman temple. The Mithraeum spans over three floors; one of the floors showcases Roman artifacts found on the site. The second floor explains who Mithras was and how people worshiped him.

Website: www.londonmithraeum.com/Link opens in a new tab

Address: 12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA

London continues to be one of the world’s greatest megacities. Even if you’re uninterested in the conventional attractions, this city of 9 million people will have something unusual or quirky for you.