(content by Branka V)
Planning a trip to London soon? You won’t want to miss visiting these wonderfully magical places whilst you’re there!
Sniff out The Seven Noses
A rather peculiar start to the list, but if you’re taking the train down to London and enjoy spotting weird and wonderful sights then this one is for you. The Seven Noses is an unusual art installation created by Rick Buckley dotted around Soho.
Making for a rather interesting treasure hunt, these noses are placed on walls and bricks around the Soho area. See if you can spot (or sniff) all seven!
Feel zen at Isabella Plantation
Unlike London’s busy, bustling streets and never-sleeping atmosphere, the Isabella Plantation is a visual escapism from all that London is known to be. This stunning garden full of beautiful flowers and greenery is sure to instil its serenity unto you. Take a trip up to King Henry’s Mound whilst here to see incredible views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Step back in time at Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market might look familiar to you ‘Potterheads’ out there as it was used as a filming location for The Philosopher’s Stone. But beyond that, it’s a beautiful hall of shops and stalls that have stood the test of time. Since the 14th century, this market was home to butchers and fishmongers from all over London. Now, Leadenhall Market is home to several high-end shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Discover magic at Cecil Court
Although this location is situated between the popular Covent Garden and Charing Cross Road, it’s the opposite of busy and crowded. Forgotten are the large stuffy buildings and pushy crowds. Here you’ll find a small block of booksellers and Victorian era architecture along with some working gas lamps from times gone by.
Most of the bookshops in this area sell a plethora of books dedicated to magic and other whimsical things such as the occult, making Cecil Court a truly ‘magical’ spot to be in.
Explore the jungles of the Barbican Conservatory
Full of brutalist architecture, the Barbican is London’s biggest cultural centre. The conservatory is full of exotic plants, winding vines and greenery as far as the eye can see. This tropical paradise is juxtaposed against the bold, concrete structures.
Currently open for bookings, the Barbican Conservatory is a chip off the old block and far different to London as we imagine in to be – in fact, it gives off post-apocalyptic vibes where nature has been able to reclaim the earth. Take your favourite book and read a few chapters whilst you enjoy the scenery and let your mind be transported to otherworldly lands.
