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Things to do

London

9 Things to Make Life Less Boring if You’re in London this Summer #MakeLifeLessBoring

August 2, 2015
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It was Samuel Johnson who once said something along the lines of “if you’re tired of London, you are tired of life” – he had a point, there’s always something happening in London but sometimes the problem is choosing what to do. I’ve picked a few activities to do this Summer in the city, that are slightly more off the beaten track. I’m making my life less boring and adding all of these to my never ending list of things to do, so enjoy! Let me know if you’d like to come along to any of them!

Trampolins, lots of them – Up for a bouncy time? at Oxygen Freejumping you can forget about being an adult and just jump. jump, jump! Bring a group of friends and bounce around a room filled with trampolins from wall to wall. I usually say that nothing ever happens in West London, but that seems to be changing, fortunately!

The Alternative London Tour – If you’re a fan of street art and would really like to get into more detail about the artists, get on your feet (or your bike) and explore the art and history of Brick Lane and the Shoreditch area.

The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities – Being a fan of oddities, I have already gone through the book Viktor Wynd’s Cabinet of Wonders. Much to my surprise, I found out about the museum when I visited the Last Tuesday Society for an entirely different event but had no time to go see the Museum. It is now on my to do list, as this is the country’s only curiosity museum. Filled with taxidermy and other curiosities, it’s definitely a must see and on the way out stop for a cocktail at the bar.

Try out new restaurants and bars – I am terrible with these things and tend to go to the places I’ve already been introduced to. I am making a point of trying out new restaurants in London and there’s always deals available at any time, all over the city.

The Hunterian Museum – This is probably not for the faint of heart, as a medical science museum that exhibits hundreds of human specimens. Real ones. the collection was started in 1799 when the government bought a collection to be used by the College of Surgeons. Be prepared to trip on the occasional goth while you’re there.

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Photo Walks – One of my ongoing objectives is to improve my photography and the best way to do it, is to go out and use the camera in different situations. London is a perfect place for this, as there is so much variety of architecture, neighbourhoods and people. I just need to decide where to go.

The Cinema Museum – A small but charming museum, that’s been recommended by several friends. I want to go there and take loads of photos, as it hosts a comprehensive collection of cinema related objects, from old programmes, cinema fittings and equipment. Check the website before you go as you may have to pre-book your visit.

Fashion and Textile Museum – This one isn’t exactly a secret but as it’s a little bit out of the way in Bermondsey, it’s not as well known as many other museums in London. As you know I am interested in Fashion and textiles in general, I can’t believe I haven’t been to this place yet!

This post has been sponsored by Groupon.

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Things to do in Edinburgh

May 15, 2014

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If you’ve been following my blog you will know that I went to Edinburgh for the long Easter weekend. Me and my friends had a great time so it’s only fair that I share a bit of the highlights of the fun things we got up to and that you can do too!

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Harass the locals for photos – I’m just kidding, I wouldn’t bother them but some girls had already asked so I just stepped in. I’m glad I did, how good looking are they in their kilts?

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Visit the Castle – It is not only the oldest building in Edinbugh but also houses the crown jewels collection. Come by at 1pm to see the One O’clock Gun being fired. For opening times and ticket information check their website here.

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Go for an afternoon tea – I recommend the Doubletree at the Hilton on Bread Street, at £12 per person – the amount, variety and quality of the food is a pretty good deal. If you’re a vegetarian they will make you extra sandwiches. I stuck to the Scottish salmon sarnies and they were delicious! My blogger homies Lynsay Miss West End Girl and Jennie Frocktasia joined me and we had a lovely time. The next time I go I would also like to try the Missoni Hotel, it looks lush!

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Go visit a Museum – there’s plenty of them to choose from in Edinburgh and a lot of them free. This time I went to the Scottish National Gallery and it’s well worth it if you’re a fan of the grand masters. Rembrandt, El Greco, Lucas Cranach, Raphael, and more are represented in this gallery, along with other fascinating pieces. I myself love looking at the way fabrics and other details are treated in painting – the way light is reflected, the textures – and classical art is very rich in these themes.

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Walk around and explore – There’s so many interesting details and architecture to look at. Edinburgh is so rich in history and you can really feel it when you move around.I would say that it is that kind of city where you can really feel a special energy when you’re out and about exploring. There’s vestiges of human settlement in the area as early as the Mesolithic, followed by Bronze and Iron Age, although the more recent architecture from the 17th century onward is more evident.

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The Greyfriars Bobby – Pay your respects to this famous dog, which is said to have guarded the grave of his owner for 14 years, in the cemetery across the street.

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The Greyfriars Kirkyard – A burial place that’s been used since the 16th Century but with a lot of Victorian funerary art. If you’re a closeted goth like me,you will like this place. There are also accounts of paranormal activity in the yard but sadly I was no witness to any of it.

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Ghost walks – Speaking of paranormal activity, as the city is known as the most haunted place in the UK, there are plenty of organized walks and tours that you can take. Some can be done during daylight, but I prefer to do them at night, for that extra spookiness. We booked a walk with Mercat Tours and weren’t disappointed.

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Vintage shopping – There are plenty opportunities for shopping and my favourite was Armstrong’s, a second hand and vintage emporium at the Grassmarket. Even if you’re not buying, it’s well worth paying a visit, as it is filled to the brim with treasures. No inch is left uncovered and you will see lots of authentic pieces from the early 20th century. Check out their website, as you can also shop their Ebay page.

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Check out the This is Edinburgh website – It’s the ultimate guide of things to do when you’re in Edinburgh. Lyndsay checked it and found out that we could go and have a free photoshoot, as part of the Style in the City event. How cool was that? Don’t forget to have a look to find out what’s going on during your visit!

Here’s a little video of my friends and I wandering the city. Music by The Cooling Pearls, used with permission. Check out their Soundcloud page here.