Category: Quirky London

Fleeced in the City: The History of Sheep Grazing in London’s Parks

Picture the scene: a misty morning in Hyde Park, the distant clatter of horse-drawn carriages, and a flock of sheep serenely nibbling away at the grass. No, this isn’t the latest pastoral-themed art installation or an ambitious promotional stunt for artisanal wool—it’s a glimpse into London’s past, when sheep grazing in the city’s parks was…
The Tottenham Outrage: London’s Wildest Police Chase

It was the morning of January 23, 1909, and Tottenham was bracing for another ordinary winter’s day. The workers at Hodgkinson’s rubber factory on Chestnut Road were busy with their routines, unaware they were about to become unwitting participants in one of the most infamous and chaotic events in London’s history: the Tottenham Outrage. What…
Extraordinary London: The Real-Life Filming Locations of Disney’s Hit Series

What if you lived in a world where everyone had superpowers—except you? That’s the delightful premise of Disney+’s Extraordinary, a comedy-drama packed with flying commuters, telepathic exes, and one woman, Jen, just trying to get by without a single special ability. But beyond its clever writing and hilarious performances, there’s another star of the show: London…
London’s Supercar Season: When Knightsbridge Becomes a Billionaire’s Pit Stop

Every summer, as the mercury rises and London’s well-heeled visitors descend, the capital’s streets transform into an impromptu, petrol-fuelled catwalk. Forget Fashion Week—this is Supercar Season, where the world’s wealthiest jet in, ship over their four-wheeled treasures, and turn Knightsbridge into something resembling a very upmarket Grand Theft Auto server. If you’ve ever wondered what…
The Man Who Tastes the Tube

Imagine riding the tube on your commute and tasting sausage and eggs at Tottenham Court Road, a sweet burst of dolly mixtures at Camden Town, or pea & ham soup at Green Park—all without a single bite. For James Wannerton, a resident of Dollis Hill in North London, this is everyday life. James has synaesthesia,…
Willy the Thames Whale

The Day London Fell in Love with a Lost Visitor On Friday, 20 January 2006, Londoners were treated to one of the most extraordinary sights in the city’s recent history: a Northern bottlenose whale swimming gracefully along the River Thames. This unexpected visitor, affectionately nicknamed “Willy” by locals, captured the hearts of millions, transforming an ordinary January…
The London Pub That Floods

The White Cross Pub in Richmond: London’s Quirkiest Flood-Prone Waterside Pub Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Thames, The White Cross in Richmond is a true gem among London’s riverside pubs. With its stunning views, cozy atmosphere, and inviting terrace, it’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. But there’s one thing that sets this…
London’s Last Toll Road

In a city where history hides in plain sight, the Dulwich toll road stands as one of London’s best-kept secrets and quirkiest relics. Nestled in South London, this 1.5-kilometer stretch of College Road is not just a thoroughfare—it’s a time machine. For a mere £1.20, you can roll through London’s last surviving toll road, complete…
The Last Time the Thames Froze Over

Temperatures in London rarely dip below zero long enough to freeze the River Thames. The river’s constant flow makes it even more unlikely to make it freeze. So when it does, it’s a rare and special event. The last occasion the River Thames froze over was in 1968. These photos capture the remarkable moment.
The Sharks of the Regent’s Canal

in a city as eclectic as London, where the unexpected often meets the everyday, five sharks are now inhabitants of Regent’s Canal.
London’s Knocker-Uppers: The Forgotten Human Alarm Clocks

Before the days of smartphones, loud alarm clocks, and snooze buttons, there existed an unlikely profession that guaranteed people in London woke up on time. Meet the Knocker-Uppers—a group of hardworking individuals whose sole job was to make sure you didn’t sleep through your responsibilities.
The Pigeon Eating Pelicans of St James’ Park

St. James’s Park, located in the heart of London, is not only a sanctuary for city dwellers seeking a moment of respite amidst the hustle and bustle, but it’s also home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife. One of the park’s most famed avian residents is the pelican. With their expansive wingspans and…
London is home to one of the World’s Best Occult Collections

The Warburg Institute is little known, but the museum houses one of the world’s most important and unusual collections of visual scientific and occult material in the world. Situated in Bloomsbury, the Warburg Institute, named after its founder, Aby Warburg, a pioneering art historian, the institute stands at the intersection of the humanities, exploring the role of culture,…
The Curious Tale of London’s Smallest House

Imagine a house so small, you could practically touch both walls at once! Meet Number 10 Hyde Park Place, once known as London’s smallest home, measuring a mere 3 feet 6 inches wide—narrow enough to make even the skinniest buildings feel spacious. This slender, tube-like dwelling first popped up in 1805, squished between two grand mansion…
The Soho Waiter’s Race

The Waiters’ Race of Soho, also known as the Soho Waiters’ Race, is a quirky and beloved tradition that captures the vibrant spirit of one of London’s most iconic neighborhoods. This eccentric competition sees waiters from Soho’s restaurants and cafés race through the bustling streets, all while balancing trays laden with drinks or other items. The…
The Harrods Zoo

The Harrods Pet Department: A Glimpse into a Bygone Era Located in the heart of Knightsbridge, Harrods is one of the world’s most famous luxury department stores. Known for its decadence and opulence, Harrods has become an emblem of London’s high society and a must-visit tourist destination. However, many are unaware of a curious and…
Visit Jeremy Bentham’s Mummified Body

In the heart of London, nestled within the hallowed halls of University College London, an unusual and enigmatic figure rests in eternal repose – Jeremy Bentham, the father of utilitarianism. Bentham, an English philosopher and social reformer, left an indelible mark on the world with his radical ideas about ethics and governance. But what truly…
London’s Chewing Gum artist

One of London’s greatest living artists’ work can’t be found in any art gallery but rather on the pavements, and particularly one London bridge. Have you ever noticed the hundreds of tiny works of art on the Millennium Bridge? They are the work of Ben Wilson, an ‘outsider artist’ who paints the chewing gum stuck…
Explore London by Boat

To explore London by boat is to see a whole new side of the city. River Thames Boat Tours There a number of tour operators that can you take on guided sightseeing up and down the River Thames. Canal Boat trips London doesn’t just have a the River Thames it also has a canal network…
The Sherlocks of Baker Street

Baker Street tube station, the closest tube station to the home of Sherlock Holmes, has a fantastic Sherlock Holmes mural. The tiled mural shows an iconic image of the great fictional detective, made up of hundreds of mini- Sherlock Holmes’.
London’s smallest statue

Here we have a tale of Death, Mystery, Intrigue and Tragedy. (Ok, we’ve kinda bigged it up a bit there but stay with us). On the corner of Philpot Lane and Eastcheap, (Cheap being an old word for Market, so this was the Market in the East) you will find the home of these two…