Two days in London - unusual places to visit?

[Lightasafly]

I’m taking DD 18 to see Mamma Mia on a Saturday in January. We arrive into Paddington by train at 10.15 am. The show is at 3pm.

Can I ask for ideas to visit before the show, after the show we’ll eat and go to the hotel which is by St. Paul’s cathedral.

Sunday we can catch the train back at tea time so have the full ‘ish’ day to fill.

We’ve seen the usual sights, we aren’t huge shoppers. Bearing in mind the weather may be cold or wet being January can you give me some ideas where to go on the Sunday?

Museum possibly but not sure if we need to book now?

Thank you!

Postal Museum near Farringdon is excellent and really interesting. Borough market. Cabinet war rooms (fascinating) - near Trafalgar Sq.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/4324449-Quirky-London-tourist-attractions?pg=1

this is useful!

Graffiti/street art tour?
Camden market (I know you said your not big shoppers but more for the atmosphere)

Clink prison museum is quirky

The sky garden is amazing for views of London. You have to book it in advance but it’s free

www.museumofthehome.org.uk/

This is a bit different. Smallish museum, interesting area, nice cafe on site!

If you are staying near St Pauls you must visit ‘One New Change’ - it is a rooftop viewing platform with absolutely amazing views across the cathedral and the surrounding area.
It’s free entry and there is also a rooftop bar and terrace that serves food.

@Icannever

The sky garden is amazing for views of London. You have to book it in advance but it’s free

Seconding this and the cabinet war rooms. Also really enjoyed HMS Belfast last time I was in London and it's very near where you're staying

I went to the museum of the london docklands last year, was v.good. Also, a few years ago I really enjoyed The Wellcome Collection.

Barbican conservatory is free but need to book in advance

These are two of my favourite museums in London

dennissevershouse.co.uk/

dickensmuseum.com/

I know you said you’re not much into shopping but I love Liberty at Christmas time. Their Christmas shop is gorgeous even just for a look.

Go from Paddington to the show via the fortnum and mason Christmas shop front, maybe buy a biscuit or two?! And see the Christmas lights. Seems shame to miss those!

Abandoned underground stations? https://secretldn.com/heres-chance-explore-londons-abandoned-tube-stations/

I know you said not shoppers but as it’s a Sunday maybe Columbia Rd flower market, brick lane and spitalfields market. Lots of nice cheapest lunch options. We went to Dennis Severs house on a recent trip along with the above and that was really cool. Also called into eataly next to Liverpool st to look at beautifully wrapped Italian chocolates and so on.

Another vote for museum of the home.
The Design Museum is also worth a trip.

Another vote for Dennis Severs house. You need to book as far in advance as possible.

Ice skating at Somerset House?

Novelty Automation , an arcade of satirical themed arcade games, amazing works of art.

Can I ask which hotel you've chosen @Lightasafly ?

I'm taking my DD16 to London for one night just before Christmas and want to stay near St Paul's but I'm having trouble choosing

@titchy

Go from Paddington to the show via the fortnum and mason Christmas shop front, maybe buy a biscuit or two?! And see the Christmas lights. Seems shame to miss those!

Where are the best Christmas lights in central London, out of interest? I'll be down in December myself.

I've been to the Museum of the Home that @BananaPie mentioned and really liked it. Hipster places to eat not far away too if that's your thing.

Highgate Cemetery tour. Fascinating!

Another vote for Dennis’ Severs House. It’s unusual and unforgettable - a fascinating place to visit, and Spitalfields Market is fun. Also Sir John Soane’s Museum. www.soane.org/home
Somerset House is a good suggestion , and the Courtauld Gallery reopens this week.

2nd Columbia market flower market on a Sunday, great food and shops. Walkable to Spittle fields market, Box park.
www.picfair.com/pics/06542815-18th-century-historic-huguenot-houses-spitalfields-east-end-london

hidden-london.com/the-guide/geffrye-museum/

@thejollypostwoman

Highgate Cemetery tour. Fascinating!

This, or any of the other Magnificent Seven cemeteries.