When visiting London, it can be easy to disregard the East-End due to the picturesque, extravagance of Central London. Though East London is not as clean-cut as the central tourist spots, it is rich with history and up-and-coming trendy spots, also you can find a wide variety of restaurants for special occasions in London. But what is there to do in East London?In addition to its cool and edgy vibe, it is affordable to spend a day in the East-End and unique.
The Jack the Ripper Tour
Everyone is familiar with the notorious Whitechapel serial killer; however, no one knows who he truly was. There are 10 Jack the Ripper suspects, and with the guided tour you can walk in the exact same places that each of them walked. Of course, Whitechapel has changed significantly since 1888, but that does not lessen the spookiness of standing in several murder spots.
Dennis Severs’ House
Down the road from Whitechapel is Spitalfields; the home of Dennis Severs House. Dennis Severs bought a derelict house in Spitalfields in 1979, in which he reconfigured it to tell the story of the imagined Huguenot family, who had lived there since it was built in 1724. You can walk yourself around the house, however, it is imperative that you remember to stay silent. This is to awaken your senses, allowing you to experience sounds and smells more pungently.
The V&A Museum of Childhood
The Museum of Childhood is home to 33,000 objects and 61 archival collections that span from 1600 to the present day. This is a collection that encapsulates a national childhood, giving audiences of all ages a heart-warming and nostalgic experience.
The Museum of The Home
Like The Museum of Childhood, The Museum of The Home takes us on a historical journey through the evolution of the English interior. This is another collection that will evoke nostalgia within an array of audiences and allow them to recognize the advancements of homes from 1714 to now.
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
The Viktor Wynd Museum is abundant in eerily surreal objects, similar to the Early Modern concept of “Cabinets of Curiosities”. You can view anything from fine art to human hair, a visit to The Viktor Wynd Museum is anything but predictable.
Wilton’s Music Hall
Wilton’s Music Hall is amazingly the oldest Grand Music Hall in the world and is still home to multiple extraordinary performances. This is the height of culture not just in the East-End but worldwide.
Sutton House
Sutton House is one of London’s last remaining Tudor houses, built in 1535 by Sir Ralph Sadleir. Over 500 years, Sutton House has evolved with London’s radical social and political changes; it was a Victorian school, a church institute in World War One, a Trades Union office in the 1960s and ‘70s, and a punk squat in the 1980s.
Abney Park Cemetery
Abney Park is one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ garden cemeteries of London. It is a woodland memorial park and Local Nature Reserve, where over 200,000 people are laid to rest, including world-famous names. It was established in 1840 and has remained ever since.
Conclusion
So, next time you are in London, instead of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, try an East-End cultural experience. You will be guaranteed a much more unique experience with much less hustle and bustle. Once you are out of the business of Central London, you are truly able to truly concentrate on the rich culture without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Additionally, once you have visited your cultural spot, there are heaps of food establishments in Brick Lane and Shoreditch to have a bite to eat.
