If a Londoner wanted to visit a museum where he or she could study the bones of animals of nearly every shape and size, chances are the Natural History Museum in South Kensington would come to mind. The problem is that every other fan of the natural sciences will head there too - often with screaming children in tow. For the more serious-minded fan of stuffed animals and elephant skulls, the Grant Museum of Zoology is the more appropriate (and much calmer) choice.
This centrally located museum is more compact than the Natural History Museum, but I find myself spending more time studying certain displays without the need to rush along to the next exhibit. Along with the usual skeletons of monkeys or cats, there are more quirky displays that show the richness of the 67,000 specimen collection. Keep an eye out for the dodo and the Tasmanian Devil. The jar of tiny moles is also a strange but oddly intriguing sight.
The museum also provides a number of events (most of them free) for the intellectually curious, including lectures, films, and Q&A sessions with curators.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
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The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
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Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
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The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
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"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
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"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
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"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
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In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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