The UK is synonymous with iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London when it comes to travel. But what about the offbeat, the odd, the downright unusual? Beyond the classic landmarks and tea traditions lies a world of oddness and unusualness waiting to be explored.
From bog snorkeling in Wales to cheese rolling in Gloucestershire, the UK offers several unusual adventures that will leave you both bewildered and delighted. This article delves into a list of unusual exploits that will take you off the beaten path and into the wonderfully weird world of the United Kingdom.
Check out the Fake Houses of 23 and 24 Leinster Gardens
The fake houses of Leinster Gardens in Bayswater are one of London’s more obscure attractions, primarily because of their elusive nature. The false houses number 23 and 24 have no rooms behind them. Legend has it that two houses were demolished to make way for an air vent for the Metropolitan Line during its construction.
Outraged locals demanded disguises for the unsightly gap, leading to the creation of these structural facades. Through the years, these houses have been embroiled in scandals such as a 1930s con where tickets were sold for a nonexistent ball. Their intrigue even extends to the popular detective drama Sherlock.
Bog Snorkeling in Wales
As odd as it might sound, bog snorkeling in Wales is a sporting event where participants aim to complete two consecutive lengths of a water-filled trench made through a peat of bog. With only a snorkel and flippers you too can get the chance to indulge in navigating this mud-filled activity. Or simply enjoy watching the competitors splash through this messy and muddy affair.
This quirky sport takes place annually in the heart of Wales, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Participants dive into the murky waters, propelled only by their determination and a healthy dose of insanity. It’s messy, it’s muddy, but above all, it’s uniquely one of the unusual things to do while in the UK.
Cheese Rolling in Gloucester
Cheese rolling is a tradition held annually in Gloucester, England, and one of the most unusual and thrilling events you can experience in the UK. Known as the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake, this competition is named after the steep hill outside Gloucester where it takes place each spring.
The rules are delightfully simple: a hefty 9-pound Double Gloucester cheese is hurled down the hill, with participants chasing after it. The cheese gets a one-second head start, and the first person to reach the bottom and cross the finish line claims victory – and the coveted cheese prize.
It’s a spectacle of sheer madness and adrenaline, attracting locals and visitors alike to witness this gravity-defying race down the treacherous slope, making it a typical example of unusual things to do in the UK.
Visit the Witchcraft Museum in Cornwall
The Witchcraft Museum is one of Cornwall’s most popular museums. Located in a Cornish Coastal village since 1960, the museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of items relating to witchcraft. The Museum intrigues visitors with its collections of charms, curses, herbs for healing, and sea witchcraft.
Some of the most popular items are magical tools such as athames, wands, and other Wiccan items, objects that were used for scrying. You will also find black mirrors, crystal balls, and a collection of protection talismans made by soldiers in the trenches of WWI.
The Museum also has an extensive library with 7000 books and an archive of documents that can be viewed online. So, if you are looking for unusual, the Cornish Witchcraft Museum is a place to see.
Dwarf-Led Pub Crawl
In the heart of London lies a pub crawl with a twist called the Little Legs Pub Crawl. Imagine a pub where your guides are not your average pub aficionados, but rather a group of charismatic dwarfs. They’ll lead you through some of London’s finest drinking establishments, entertaining you with stories and jokes along the way.
From the historic taverns of Covent Garden to the hidden gems of Shoreditch, each stop on the stroll offers a unique experience, accompanied by the infectious energy and humor of your diminutive guides.
It’s not just about the drinks but the camaraderie, laughter, and unexpected encounters that make this pub crawl an unforgettable night out in the heart of London. Embrace the unconventionality, and let the Little Legs Pub Crawl show you an unusual side of the city you never knew existed.
Bizarre Food Adventures
Embark on a culinary journey unlike any other with the bizarre food adventures that make the UK must-go for the adventurous eater. From London’s exotic eateries to quaint corners of the countryside, there’s no shortage of unusual delicacies waiting to excite your taste buds. Indulge in insect tapas at Archipelago or sample jellied eels at Tubby Isaacs.
For the truly daring, there’s the notorious haggis, a Scottish specialty made from sheep’s offal, or the infamous deep-fried Mars bar for those with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re enjoying the peculiar flavors of the land or diving into international oddities, these culinary adventures promise to surprise, challenge, and delight, making them an essential part of any traveler’s quest for the unusual in the UK.
Enjoy the UK’s Quirky Side
From cheese rolling down steep hills to snorkelling through murky bogs, the UK has proven itself to be a treasure trove of the unusual. A night led with dwarfs on a pub crawl, dine on unusual delicacies like jellied eels and haggis, and explored the supernatural in a Cornish witchcraft museum. The UK is a place where tradition and innovation collide, where the quirky and unusual coexist in perfect harmony.
So as you depart this imaginative island, remember that the unusual isn’t just a novelty here – it’s a way of life. Whether you’re chasing cheese, exploring the supernatural, or simply raising a pint with newfound friends.
