Discover These Delightful Oddities Around London's West End - Atlas Obscura Lists

Discover These Delightful Oddities Around London's West End

Forgo the tourist stops and crowded theaters for some lesser-known pieces of British lore.

London’s West End will always be in fashion. From exclusive boutiques to palaces, parklands, and historic homes, this district encompasses all the class and prestige that color London in the popular imagination. It’s where good manners meet fine arts and flashy folks parade down centuries-old cobblestone in the chicest, trendiest outfits. 

However, beyond its glitz and glam, the West End has quite a few quirky treasures along its bustling streets. As much as it is a dazzling display of cosmopolitan culture, it’s also an area loaded with history (not all of it pleasant), odd characters, and more than a few mysteries. 

For a different perspective on London’s most famous district, forgo the tourist stops and crowded theaters for these lesser-known pieces of British lore. From an eerie crypt cafe to a series of scandalous medical sculptures, there’s no shortage of surprises in this part of The Big Smoke. And who’s to say you can’t explore these wonders and still make it to the latest musical? In the West End, the world is your oyster.