Whether you’re hoping to do something a little different during your next trip to London, or even if you’re curious about seeing more unconventional exhibits outside of London’s major museums, then there’s a handful unusual places in London that are unlike any other on the planet (and that’s putting it mildly).

From historical places, artsy places, and downright strange and creepy places, London has it all. But out of all the unique and one-of-a-kind spots to choose from, here are a few head-turning locations in London that stand out from the rest. You can explore them on your own or you may want to join a free walking tour to visit them with a guide:

1. The Wellcome Collection

Address: 183 Euston Road

Nearest station: Euston Square station

Described as “the free destination for the incurably curious,” The Wellcome Collection has been fascinating the public since it first opened its doors in 1936, and has a specific focus on the connections between art, life and medicine.

This intriguing museum houses everything from Napoleon’s toothbrush to hearing aids and keyholes, and in the past has hosted exhibits on the natural power of electricity, “adventures in refrigeration” and even mental asylums and quack remedies. Visitors can purchase their own audio guide to listen to as they stroll around the building, and the museum even offers guided tours as well.

The Wellcome Collection is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays (but is closed on Mondays).

2. Sir John Soane's Museum

Address: 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields

Nearest station: Holborn

3. House of Dreams

Address: 45 Melbourne Grove

Nearest station: East Dulwich

Taking the “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” expression to a whole new level, every inch and corner of this unconventional museum is covered in all sorts of different forgotten and unloved objects, like old Christmas crackers, broken toys, religious objects from Mexico, and much more.

The museum was founded by the local mosaic artist Stephen Wright (known for his mosaic decoration outside the Blue Mountain Cafe), who decided to transform the ground floor of his home into a dizzying display of countless objects that the average person would consider trash. (Wright still resides in this building to this very day, and often conducts tours for visitors.)

The House of Dreams is only open on specific days throughout the year (July 27th, August 24th, October 26th, November 30th and December 7th) from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so if you plan on visiting make sure you arrive extra early as the building can get quite crowded. Admission costs £12 for adults, or £7 for students, but children can enter for free.

4. The Cartoon Museum

Address: 63 Wells Street

Nearest station: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street

Here is a haven for lovers of comics and cartoons right in the heart of London. This quirky museum, established in 2006, celebrates the history of British cartooning, from the cheeky caricatures of the 18th century to today’s cutting-edge graphic novels. With a collection that boasts original artworks by legends like Ronald Searle and Gerald Scarfe, the museum is a treasure trove of hilarity and satire.

Run by the Cartoon Art Trust, a registered charity dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of cartooning, the museum offers a jam-packed schedule of exhibitions, workshops, and events that cater to all ages.

Open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, with hours from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (and from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays), this museum is a must-visit. Admission prices are £9.50 for adults, and free for under-18s. London Pass holders and museum members can enter for free.

5. Battersea Flower Station

Address: 16 Winders Road

Nearest station: Battersea Park Station

It’s been awarded as the Best Garden Centre in London, and once you visit it you’ll see why. Listed as an “Independent Garden Centre and Florist,” the Battersea Flower Station is a enchanting place packed full of all sorts of different flowers, flower pots, houseplants, olive trees and much more. Visitors can purchase a few bags of compost, a bouquet for a loved one, or even just stroll around to get some gardening inspirations of their own.

The Battersea Flower Station is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays.

6. Alexandra Palace

Address: Alexandra Palace Way

Nearest station: Wood Green

North London’s Alexandra Palace represents a unique milestone in not only British history, but worldwide history as well – as it hosted the first ever television broadcast in 1935 which was seen by millions of people (and also led to the palace being coined as “the birthplace of TV”).

But besides this, Alexandra Palace has become a popular location over the years as it has hosted countless events ranging from drone races, London’s International Yoga Day and even music concerts by acts like the Deftones and The Maccabees, so you’ll never know what kind of event will be taking place during your visit. The palace also regularly hosts evening discos and daily skating sessions, and there is also a play area for children, a garden centre, a deer enclosure, a boating lake, a rose garden and a pitch and putt course, not to mention a whopping 196 acres to explore at your heart’s content.

For more info on any upcoming events, check out Alexandra Palace’s official website.

7. The Sky Garden

Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk

Nearest station: Monument

Are you itching to see panoramic views of the London skyline but don’t have the money to shell out on a visit up The Shard? Well you’ll be happy to hear that The Sky Garden lets its visitors enjoy stunning views of London from 155 metres above for literally no cost at all!

In The Sky Garden, all of the views of London are labelled on the glass so you can learn more about the different buildings you can expect to see during your visit, and there’s also a picturesque rainforest garden you can stroll around as well.

Sky Garden itself is open from 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends, but its restaurants are open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., all of which provide unlimited access to the gardens. Given its popularity, it’s highly recommended that you book a spot online beforehand, and make sure you bring some form of photo ID during your visit as well.

8. Deptford Creek Low Tide Walk

Address: Creekside Centre, 14 Creekside, Deptford

Nearest station: Deptford

Interested in learning more about the River Thames? Well by going on a Deptford Creek Low Tide Walk, you can get down to the nitty-gritty of River Thames’ phenomenal ecological history and see the historic river from an entirely new perspective – literally.

The Deptford Creek Low Tide Walk provides visitors with the fascinating opportunity to wade along the banks of the River Thames from Deptford Bridge on a low-tide day to see around a kilometre of the riverbed when its exposed. During the two-hour walk, visitors should be able to see various freshwater and saltwater plants, birds, butterflies and over 120 different species of wildflowers which call the banks of the River Thames their home.

Because the Low Tide Walk only happens on specific days throughout the year, you’ll need to check the website beforehand and then book a spot online, or by phone/e-mail. For more information visit the Creekside Centre’s official website.

9. The Grant Museum of Zoology

Address: 21 University Street

Nearest station: Euston Square

Step into the fascinating world of natural history at The Grant Museum of Zoology, located in the heart of London. Established in 1827 by Robert Edmond Grant, this museum is one of the oldest natural history collections in the UK. It features an impressive array of specimens, including rare and extinct species, offering a detailed glimpse into the diversity of the animal kingdom.

The museum, part of University College London, houses over 68,000 zoological specimens. Highlights include a quagga skeleton (an extinct relative of the zebra), a dodo specimen, and various preserved creatures in fluid, from tiny invertebrates to larger mammals.

Open to the public from Monday to Saturday, between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., the museum offers free admission.

10. Dennis Severs’ House

Address: 18 Folgate Street

Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street/Liverpool Street

Travel back in time and immerse yourself with the smells, sounds and sights of historic London in this thought-provoking Spitalfields museum, which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of what life in London would have been like hundreds of years ago.

The museum was founded by Dennis Severs, who was looking for a spot to serve as a sort of “canvas” for his own artistic imagination. Over the years, Severs has redesigned the home with only antique decorations and furnishing, and without any modern-day technology or electricity.

Visitors can walk around the various rooms inside the home (which include the cellar, kitchen, dining room, smoking room and bedrooms) and look at half-eaten plates of food on the table, jackets thrown over chairs, and even the smell the food cooking in the kitchen. The museum is especially unique in that visitors must stroll around the various areas of the building in silence so they can imagine how the original inhabitants of the house would have lived hundreds of years in the past. Otherwise, visitors can also book 80-minutes theatrical tours for £75.

Do you want to discover the most unusual places in London? Then take a look at the many free tours of London and explore iconic places.