5 Different Things to Do in London

London is a buzzing city and there`s so much to see and do. Here are 5 different things to do in London when you want to step besides the tourist sights.

Rolling Bridge

This is the only rolling bridge I`ve ever seen and it`s quite interesting to watch in action. The Heatherwick Studio`s Rolling Bridge spans an inlet of the Grand Union Canal at Paddington Basin (west London). It appears to be a normal steel and timber footbridge when open – until it needs to get out of the way. Rather than breaking and lifting up as a rigid element, the Rolling Bridge curls until its two ends meet. The bridge is transformed into an octagon that stands on one side of the canal, without a trace of a bridge on the other bank. For more photos and info.

 

Sherlock Holmes Museum

Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Scottish author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes is famous for his logical reasoning, his ability to take almost any disguise and his use of forensic science skills to solve cases. The Sherlock Holmes Museum in Baker Street, London was the first Museum in the world to be dedicated to a fictional character.

The museum is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day) from 9.30 am till 6 pm. Admission is 6 £6/adult, £4/child (under  16 years).

If you want to read up on the Museum, have a look at this review by London expert, Laura.

 

Criterion Restaurant

I actually discovered this by accident, as I had a meeting in London and went for a drink here. The ceiling is golden and the whole interior gives it an elegant and chic look. Not to mention the history that this place has to tell. Apparently this is where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first imagined a meeting between Dr Watson and Sherlock Holmes. More recently it was one of the film locations for ‘Batman: The Dark Knight’. It`s definitely worth just going into this place to enjoy a meal or a drink. How to get there

 

The Supreme Court

You might not have thought of visiting the Supreme Court, especially not when you know where it`s located. It`s situated on Parliament Square, Westminster, directly opposite the Houses of Parliament. People tend to visit the more obvious landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Not only is it a beautiful building with stone sculptured details with deep figures at the exterior, it also offers a permanent exhibition that provides an insight into the work and history of the UK’s highest court, as well as the history of the building. Read more.

 

Guildhall Art Gallery

The first Guildhall Art Gallery was built in 1885 to display the City of London Corporation’s growing art collection. In 1985 the City decided to redevelop the site and add a new Gallery on its lower levels. Afterwards the Museum of London Archaeological Service discovered the remains of London’s Roman Amphitheatre and the building was re-designed to incorporate this astounding piece of architectural history. The capital’s only Roman amphitheatre was located in Guildhall Yard, during an archaeological dig taking place in preparation for the new Art Gallery building project. In 2002, the doors to the amphitheatre opened for the first time in nearly 2,000 years.

The city of London acquired works of art since the 1600`s and it houses around 4500 paintings.

Admission to the Gallery’s permanent collection and the Roman Amphitheatre is free. An entrance fee may be charged for some exhibitions. It`s open Monday to Saturday from 10 am till 5 pm and Sunday from 12 noon till 4 pm. For more info on how to get there, check www.cityoflondon.gov.uk.

 

If you`re looking for a cheap way to see the sights of London, jump on the number 11 for a sightseeing tour.