{"id":10560,"date":"2019-05-22T12:00:31","date_gmt":"2019-05-22T11:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog?p=10560"},"modified":"2025-01-15T15:12:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T15:12:33","slug":"15-under-the-radar-museums-and-galleries-in-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/15-under-the-radar-museums-and-galleries-in-london","title":{"rendered":"15 Secret Museums and Galleries in London"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We all know that London is home to some of the world\u2019s best museums. It leaves both visitors and Londoners spoilt for choice (and overwhelmed!) when it comes to seeing iconic works of art or learning new things. But as well as some of the bigger, renowned institutions, London has plenty lesser-known yet fascinating museums and galleries that are well worth a visit. From taxidermy to fans, toys, psychoanalysis and neon, here are 15 hidden (and not so hidden) gems that you won\u2019t regret discovering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sir John Soane\u2019s Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Quietly tucked away in the middle of Holborn, Sir John Soane\u2019s Museum<\/a> is a true wonder for the eyes. This former home belonged to British neo-classical architect Sir John Soane, who was also an avid art collector. At Soane\u2019s request, the house has barely changed since his passing in 1837, making it a very unique museum.<\/p>\n\n\n

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When exploring the house, visitors must be fairly careful as a large portion of the rooms and hallways are crammed \u2013 in the best possible way \u2013 with sculptures and artworks from Soane\u2019s vast collection of artifacts. This allows viewers to get up close and personal with the art in a way that feels almost interactive. As well as these memorable rooms, there\u2019s also a fab collection of paintings by venerated British artist William Hogarth. What\u2019s not to love about this weird and wonderful setting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Own Junkyard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s hard to categorise this cult hotspot in Walthamstow, North East London. But categories aside, God\u2019s Own Junkyard<\/a> is an absolute-must see for those who love neon, retro vibes, bright lights and a quirky photo opportunity. It was created by artist Chris Bracey, who made a living out of producing stunning neon props for London businesses and Hollywood films. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This self-described \u2018neon heaven\u2019 is unlike anything you\u2019ll have seen before. Prepare to be surrounded by thousands of weird and wonderful neon signs and artworks. Some of these have indeed been featured in films, while others are pieces that didn\u2019t quite make the cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entry is free and there is also a caf\u00e9 where customers can have some tea and cake. It’s a great way to support this independently run-business that aims to keep the memory and work of Bracey (who sadly passed away in 2014) alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strawberry Hill House<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Conveniently located away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, you\u2019ll find the stunning and aptly named Strawberry Hill House<\/a>. This beautiful little castle was erected in the 18th century under the vision of art historian Horace Walpole, who wished for a home that would reflect his whimsical and eccentric tastes. The result? A Gothic Revival building full of striking rooms with elements that add a dramatic flair.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The castle, which underwent a huge restoration a few years ago, holds specialised exhibitions from time to time. However, it’s worth seeing any time of the year, as each room is a work of art in itself. Don\u2019t forget to have a wander in the peaceful gardens and have your picture taken with the beautiful shell bench. It’s an exact replica of a bench that Walpole had in the very same garden back in the 18th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pollock\u2019s Toy Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the buzzing area of Fitzrovia, Central London, you\u2019ll spot a very colourful store front that is Pollock\u2019s Toy Museum<\/a>. Made famous in part by Instagrammers (who love capturing its cheerful fa\u00e7ade), this quirky little place is a combined toy shop and museum featuring mainly Victorian toys. It’s an independent, family-run business that proudly welcomes people of all ages and promises to take visitors on a playful, whimsical and fascinating journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

William Morris Gallery<\/h2>\n\n\n
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William Morris was a successful textile designer and social activist in 19th-century London. To this day, Morris\u2019s highly distinctive nature-themed and floral creations continue to inspire interior designers, fashionistas and artists alike. So it\u2019s no surprise that his former childhood home in Walthamstow \u2013 a Georgian house where Morris lived with his mother and 8 siblings from the age of 14 to 22 \u2013 makes for an inspiring visit. Turned into the William Morris Gallery<\/a>, this charming place holds the world\u2019s largest collection of Morris\u2019s work. It also offers a deeper vision into his inspirations, family life, social circles and political views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With an ultra-contemporary location in Kensington, West London, the Design Museum<\/a> is one of those underrated, worth-a-visit spots. Its mission is to spread knowledge about the design industry and its history while looking ahead to the future and championing new talent. The association regularly holds exhibitions focusing on a variety of topics from fashion to cinema and architecture. But its permanent collection gives a great insight into the history of design in an eye-catching and playful way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horniman Museum and Gardens<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Self-described as \u2018a free gift to the people\u2019, the Horniman Museum<\/a> is a family-friendly place based in Forest Hill, East London. It specialises in anthropology, natural history, musical instruments, and a large collection of taxidermy. With over 350,000 objects on display, it is one of London\u2019s most specialised and unique museums. You\u2019ll also love the \u2018Animal Walk\u2019, where you\u2019ll get to see alpacas, goats, sheep and other furry residents!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leighton House Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n
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In case you didn\u2019t think Holland Park had *quite* enough on offer (such as being conveniently located right next to Notting Hill and a beautiful park), it turns out that, tucked away on one of its pretty streets, there is a must-see gallery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leighton House Museum<\/a> is the former home of Victorian painter and sculptor Frederic \u2018Lord\u2019 Leighton, who lived and painted in Holland Park for many years. The house itself is stunning. You\u2019ll marvel at the Arab Hall, Islamic tiles and small fountain within said hall (yes, you read that right). There are also many works of Leighton as well as his contemporaries on show, making this place an absolute treat for the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Museum of the Home<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Sat neatly in the trendy area of Hoxton in East London, the quirky Museum of the Home<\/a> explores homes from the 1600\u2019s to the present through a series of period room displays. Housed in almshouses built in 1714, the museum has undergone major renovation in recent years and now offers more exhibition space, a caf\u00e9, wonderful period gardens portraying the role of the garden at home over the years and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Queen\u2019s House<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Renowned architect Inigo Jones created this former royal residence for King James I\u2019s wife Anne of Denmark in the early 17th century. Rumour has it this \u2018gift\u2019 for Anne was a form of apology from her husband, who swore in front of her after she had accidentally killed one of his favourite dogs during a hunting session!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Used by members of the royal family until 1805, the Queen\u2019s House<\/a> is famous for its beautiful art collection, which includes works by the likes of Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner and Hogarth. It also features the beautiful and famously haunted Tulip Stairs. That\u2019s right \u2013 be prepared to bump into a ghost or two while you visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you’re in the area, visit the home of Greenwich Mean Time, the Royal Observatory<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guildhall Art Gallery<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Tucked away in the busy City of London is the Guildhall Art Gallery<\/a>. Built in 1885, it has a great display of both classical and contemporary paintings, drawings and sculptures that revolve mainly around the history of London and England. Moreover, extension plans were made in 1985, only for a Roman Amphitheatre to be discovered in its lower levels! This surprising piece of architecture is now luckily also on show for visitors, signifying London\u2019s unique history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whitechapel Gallery<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Considered by many as one of London\u2019s most cutting-edge art galleries, the Whitechapel Gallery<\/a> has been at the forefront of showcasing contemporary art ever since its establishment in 1901. It’s located in Aldgate, next to the very trendy area of Shoreditch in East London, and proudly describes itself as \u2018the artist\u2019s gallery for everyone’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fan Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

London really does have a museum for everything \u2013 the Fan Museum<\/a> being a fine example of this! Located in Greenwich, this charming place holds over 5,000 fans from the 11th<\/sup> century to the present day. But as niche as this sounds, fashionistas and art lovers will undoubtedly be in awe of these surprising works of art. And why not indulge in a spot of afternoon tea in the museum\u2019s lovely orangery?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freud Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Did you know that the founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud lived in London during the last year of his life? His home, which he shared with his daughter Anna, a child psychoanalyst, was located in the picturesque suburb of Hampstead. Anna lived there until her death in 1982 before it opened to the public four years later as a museum. Ideal for those interested in the life and legacy of Freud, the Freud Museum<\/a> holds a great variety of exhibitions, workshops and events throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

V&A Museum of Childhood<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The V&A Museum of Childhood<\/a> in Bethnal Green, East London, explores the many aspects of childhood. It’s great for both kids and adults. As well as temporal exhibitions, it has a fascinating assortment of historical and contemporary childhood-related objects and boasts the largest collection of dolls in the UK. Visitors can also expect to see many teddy bears, clothes and even furniture, making this place a rare chance to rediscover your childhood in the most imaginative of ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to tag us in your spectacular pictures @goldentoursuk<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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