The first week of the year is often a difficult time to find something to do. However, even on the quietest days of the year, London has a host of attractions, some of which are less well-known than others, but can still be fantastic days out.
Among varied parks and museums, here are our top tips for lesser-known London destinations worth a visit.
The Geffrye
Based on the concept of a period house, this museum shows the way people lived in the 17th century. Replete with a huge collection of artefacts and furniture, the space brings to light the drastic changes society has gone through in behaviour, style and taste, over the last 400 years.
The delightful gardens which surround the mansion are an attraction in themselves, well worth the entrance fee alone. The museum is in Hoxton and opening times can be checked on the site.
Where: 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
Kew gardens
Located in Southeast London, these botanical gardens are some of the world’s largest. They were founded in 1840 and are considered a UNESCO world heritage site.
If you visit before 2 January, you’ll be in time to see the Christmas decorations, complete with light and water shows – one of the most beautiful sights in the English capital.
Throughout the rest of January, the Gardens will have several themed areas, such as the Flora of Japan and guided tours of the park. Find out more on the site.
Where: Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB
The Cartoon Museum
Do you like cartoons? This London museum has a library of over a thousand items, divided into caricatures, sketches, comic strips and all sorts of animations.
The space, which recently celebrated its 10th birthday, features the work of some of the most influential British cartoonists, and is a fascinating way to spend an afternoon, for cartoon fans of all ages. Find out more about opening days and times on the site.
Where: 35 Little Russell Street, London WC1A 2HH
Fashion and Textile Museum
Located in an old warehouse, this museum is full of everything you can possibly imagine which has anything to do with fashion: clothes, fabrics and prints. In addition, the stories of some of the great stylists are displayed on its richly decorated walls. Also on offer are a selection of workshops, put on in partnership with a renowned school of fashion.
The current exhibition is “Jazz Age”, which will be open until 15 January, and represents all the class and elegance of the Rip-Roaring Twenties. Another destination which is absolutely worth a visit!
Where: 83 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF
