London has a very distinctive look.
When you think of this city you’ll think red buses, black cabs, Big Ben, and maybe Hugh Grant running around telling someone he loves them.
In reality, London is more than just the Houses of Parliament. It’s a beautiful city with a diverse identity that stretches from the traditional realms of British royalty (think Buckingham Palace and ‘how do you dos’) to the 21st century landscape of culture, counterculture, politics and technology.
It’s exciting to think that nestled in this metropolis are places you just wouldn’t believe are part of London.
From exotic décor to dinosaur parks, here are 5 places that do not look like they belong in London.
Rivoli Ballroom
The Rivoli Ballroom is the only intact 1950s ballroom in London. Think thick velvet carpets, Chinese lanterns and chandeliers… this place is all glamour. With Oriental motifs and a nod to old-school Art-Deco interiors, you will feel like you have travelled back in time when you enter this beautiful building in Brockley.
The Arabesque floor tiling and whispers of the Orient from the red lanterns make the Rivoli Ballroom feel otherworldly.
Kew Gardens
These gardens, in West London, have a vast range of indigenous plants and flowers to enjoy. Collections include botanical samples from all over the world which colour the landscape every shade of green you can imagine. Enter another world and visit this iconic Palm House, filled with lush palm trees and tropical plants.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens
This Museum, located in Forest Hill, is home to an extensive collection of anthropology and natural history. Expect to see a vast assortment of exotic animals in this unique museum.
Enjoy refreshments in a magnificent conservatory shaped like a giant bird cage. This gorgeous design is surrounded by the museum’s verdant gardens that are reminiscent of thick forests untouched by human hands.
Richmond Park
Did you know you can go deer spotting in London?
Richmond Park is a massive nature reserve in West London… and yes, there actually is a place to go deer spotting in London! The park is a bucolic vision of pastoral wonder that will make you feel you’re thousands of miles from civilisation. It’s so peaceful here, and inspires serenity.
Crystal Palace Park
Did you know you can go dinosaur spotting in London?
Surely not… but Crystal Palace Park is home to some fun, life-size, replica dinosaurs that will transport you to the carnivorous world of Jurassic Park.
This is a gorgeous park with beautiful scenery – you’ll forget you’re in a huge city.