Ripley’s Believe It or Not! may be in the heart of Soho but it’s definitely nothing like the major museums in the city and is an absolute must-see. Showcasing everything from the pretty to the macabre, you’re in for a treat when you venture inside. Home to over 700 artefacts, including an 8ft Transformer, a knitted Ferrari and a huge collection of Marilyn Monroe’s personal belongings, you’ll be amazed at what’s inside. Make sure you give yourself time to enjoy the Mirror Maze and the Impossible Laser Race.
The Cartoon Museum is a haven for all things animated. Having opened in 2006, this relatively small museum is dedicated to comic strips, including the post-war favourites, The Beano, The Dandy and Topper. There’s a comic library upstairs which would be perfect for hard-core fans, while the Young Artist’s Gallery is ideal for the budding cartoonists in your family. You can find the museum in Little Russell Street, just around the corner from The British Museum.
The Magic Circle Museum is an incredible, small museum that is by appointment only but well worth visiting if you are a fan of magic, the occult and illusion. From the handcuffs used by Harry Houdini to props used by TV magicians such as Tommy Cooper and David Nixon, the Magic Circle Museum is full of spellbinding treasures. The museum is situated in Stephenson Way, just a short walk from Euston Square tube stop.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum is an absolute must for any fan of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most infamous fictional sleuth. Located, naturally, in Baker Street (just south of Regent’s Park), this Grade II building has been renovated to look like the apartment of Holmes and Watson when they resided there as tenants of Mrs Hudson. It includes waxworks and furnishings that will make you feel like you’re part of this fictional history yourself. Make sure you visit the gift shop to pick up a piece of Sherlock merchandise.
Take your pick of this quirky delights, or head for one of the other small museums in the city, such as the Anaesthesia Heritage Centre or the Old Operating Theatre that can be found at the top of an old church on St. Thomas Street. Make sure you check out the Travelodge site for great value accommodation and start planning your London itinerary!