Day out in London

[fluffandfaff]

Hoping the collective wisdom here might help!
We’re heading up to London soon for a day trip and already planning to spend a bit of time at the British Museum. I had really hoped to book one of the tours of the disused underground stations as that’s exactly our sort of thing, but unfortunately none are running on the day we’re going.
We’re also currently researching our family history and have discovered quite a few relatives buried in Newham Old Cemetery and Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. I did look at guided tours as I’d feel a lot more comfortable going with someone knowledgeable, but the private 1:1 guides seem quite expensive for the four of us. We’re also honest country bumpkins and not hugely confident wandering around big cities on our own!
So I wondered if anyone had suggestions for other slightly unusual historical things to do nearby? We’re much more interested in the quirky/less touristy side of London rather than the usual big attractions. Bonus points if there’s a bit of a paranormal angle – think Jack the Ripper, Sweeney Todd type history. To add my family were all living in Whitechapel and area during that time along with being printers in Fleet Street too and so that would really appeal! We’re all active members of our local ghost hunting group so anything a bit eerie or atmospheric would definitely appeal.
Would love to hear any ideas – walking routes, small museums, historical spots, or tours that people have enjoyed.
Thanks!

The British Museum is big so you might be tired after a day there? If not, there are numerous walking tours, some free. There’s a Jack the Ripper tour and a Ghost Bus that might suit as you get to sit down.

The Ghost Bus Tours
https://share.google/ddP2OQ90oej8L17Y7

https://jacktherippertours.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23515049961&gbraid=0AAAABCxOZUGMW943hPDcvBa_mvBL_dToh&gclid=Cj0KCQjw37nNBhDkARIsAEBGI8NWs0QTfspZH5vl1HR8WfxBy3tMAWU0peZ-yzoVi1SCrlPKVG5GxHAaAmgfEALw_wcB

Museum of childhood Bethnal Green. Brick Lane. I'd have a look at guided City tours. I'll pm a link to someone later. A chap who grew up at the Tower, then worked in the City. Very knowledgeable. All Hallows anext the Tower also worth a look.

We have decided to limit the BM to the sections we are really interested in...Rather than all of it, when not all of it is our genuine interest. We are only there for a limited time and so want to get as much out of it in one day as possible! Thanks for the links... will have a good look.

The Museum of the Home in Hoxton (formerly the Geffrye Museum) might be very interesting for you.
https://museumofthehome.org.uk/

The Postal Museum is not far from the British Museum. It is in the old Sorting Office, and has an miniature underground railway, that was used to shift mail bags across London to avoid the traffic. It is now converted for visitors, and it is a quite interesting couple of hours. The Museum part covers the history of the post system. https://www.postalmuseum.org/

In a similar area to the British museum are the wellcome collection museum (medical) and John soanes museum, both free and really interesting. There’s a few traditional pubs is the Russell Square area that are not particularly touristy (thankfully) also we found a lovely pub near Charing Cross called the marquis. I did the ghost tour 20 years ago which was great

How much time do you actually have in London? I live in London and have been to the British Museum several times but even just two or three galleries will take you around 2 to 3 hours. Getting from the museum to Tower Hamlets or Newham also takes time.

We have been to a brilliant Jack the Ripper tour by London Walks. But they only are in the evenings, I would say from 7.30 to 10 pm so I don't think you will find a walking ghost tour or similar one during the day
London Walks is a great company, the guides are really knowledgeable but again that's easily 2 to 3 hours of your time.

I think you are underestimating the time you need for each of your program points plus food plus travel time.

Unless you can make a 2 to 3 day trip out of it, I think you will run yourself to the ground.

https://oldoperatingtheatre.com

Brilliant place

The Winston Churchill war rooms are supposed to be very good, have never managed to persuade children to go with me.
Have always wanted to go to operating theatre pp posted!

This is a good suggestion, and you can go on the postal train through old tunnels, but that books out in advance so make sure you book.

How about the Sir John Soames Museum in Lincoln’s Inn - https://www.soane.org/. Also very close to Dr Johnson’s House, which is just behind Fleet Street.

Have a little look through these. I’ve never been on one that wasn’t great https://www.walks.com/