Sightseeing in London, crime museums and more!

If you’re looking for things to do in London, then these London tours and attractions are unique and provide different experiences. If you have come here expecting to find the same old London tourist attractions that everyone visits, then I must apologise!. This is a sightseeing in London special, as we concentrate on the crime based and gruesome places to visit! Sure, some of the London tourist attractions simply have to be done, but did you know that there are London attractions that concentrate on London’s dark and murky past? From gruesome tales of Jack the ripper, through gangsters of the past, these unique London experiences will take you through times gone! Be warned, some of these sightseeing tours and attractions around London will not be family friendly attractions and may not accept children.
Below we give you some great alternatives to the most popular (and very busy!) London attractions and Sightseeing in London. A few words of advice though, London is an amazing city, but it is also a very busy city with regard to tourism. With any London attractions or tours that you intend to visit, make sure you are pre-booked! There is nothing worse than turning up and expecting to get in, and then you are told that the attraction or London tour is fully booked for the next week!
Plan ahead! book your London attractions in advance and if you are going by car, make sure you have parking sorted in advance of your visit.
London Weather
Check the weather in London before you arrive, don’t ruin your sightseeing in London, you don’t want to visit your London tours or attractions and not be prepared for showers! it’s easy to get caught out! Check the London weather forecast before you go!
DID YOU KNOW… Thankfully, as far as London weather is concerned, “Pea Soupers” are a thing of the past. London smog, also known as “Pea Souper,” was caused by a combination of industrial pollution and weather patterns. The combination of smoke and fog brought the city to a halt, resulting in thousands of deaths.
The weather phenomenon of “London fog”, the all-encompassing fogs, were known as “pea-soupers” for their dense, yellow appearance, had become a feature of London by the nineteenth century. However, due to the burning of coal, polluted fog was an issue in London as early as the 13th century, and the situation only worsened as the city grew.
DID YOU KNOW 2…Due to extreme cold London weather, in the past, People were able to hold ‘Frost Fairs’ on the River Thames when it would completely freeze over, the first of its kind was held in 1608, when the river was frozen for around six weeks.
Traders sell souvenirs from the Frost Fair.
Frost Fairs were known to take place in 1684, 1716 and the final frost fair took place in 1814.Another “big freeze” of the Thames occured in January 1963..Hopefully your visit to London attractions won’t have you experiencing either of the above weather conditions in London.
With the fantastic London attractions listed below, you will be sure to find the best things to do in London whatever the weather.
London transport/Sightseeing in London
London has a lot of charm, visit London and you will find it has excellent transport facilities that you can use to get to the various London attractions with the family. This is a great way to go sightseeing in London. Using the London transport system is an easy way to do a London tour so why not explore the options? use London’s Iconic “Black cab” taxi service to get around and use London’s great Underground network, a great way to go sightseeing in London, the underground will take you to all the main areas you will want to visit.. (you will be surprised at how cheap you can get around London’s attractions using day traveller tickets)
Check out the Transport for London website for underground maps, buses, prices, details of the city congestion zone charges and much more, you will be sure to save a lot of time!
Although not normally considered as a tourist attraction, it still has to be experienced, so be sure to take a visit to the Woolwich Ferry it’s free!. And if you wish to learn more about the fascinating history of East London’s excellent Woolwich Ferry, please visit the Royal Greenwich website for the full history of this often overlooked piece of London.
Not too far from the ferry is if course the Emirates Air Line cable cars with breath-taking views of London (especially at night) and the price to get across is far cheaper than you might imagine! It really is well worth a visit ! Scroll down for some more great and sometimes bizarre things to visit in London.
London attractions, things to do that explore a dark and murky past!
London Attractions / Things to do in London
There are plenty of attractions in London as this is a city steeped in history and mystery (and sometimes unpredictable weather!). But when you’re looking for things to do in London, why stick to the ordinary London attractions for tourists? Why not take a look at some of the lesser known attractions that explore London’s history? These may not always be family friendy attractions, so please check first, then you can scare yourself silly, or explore the fascinating London crime History, take a London tour around the East End on the Naughty Bus sightseeing Gangstertour with Micky Goldtooth (THE BEST!) and you’ll make some amazing memories!
Gangster Tours UK

When looking for things to do in London, make sure that you make time for a tour on the Naughty bus! The best sightseeing in London Tour, and definitely rates as one of the best London attractions.This doesn’t take you around the popular tourist attractions, this is THE gangstertour! (although you will get to see some of London’s landmarks) Looking for things to do in London? Then this sightseeing in London tour is a must! London’s best open topped bus sightseeing tour, with a difference! How do you fancy a tour on the “Naughty Bus”? This is not a history tour.. but a personal understanding and experience of the criminal underworld. NOT YOUR USUAL HISTORY TOURS, BUT A PERSONAL INSIGHT TO LONDON’S FAMOUS UNDERWORLD, HOSTED BY MICKY GOLDTOOTH. Don’t expect the norm, Micky is a full on character with lots of stories to tell.
Gangster Tours guides you through the personal, lived experience and understanding of London’s criminal and gangster underworld. This is an absolute MUST for a sightseeing attraction and should top your list of things to do in London!
Narrated by Micky ‘Goldtooth’ and developed by people in the know, this is the best bus tour in London! you will leave us knowing all the secrets and stories of the gangsters themselves. Join us on The Naughty Bus for your tour of London’s infamous East End. Ride our open-top tour bus down Bethnal Green Road where the notorious Kray twins Ronnie and Reggie ruled, pass Valance Road where they were born. See the famous E Pellicci Cafe (film buffs will recognise this from the movie Legend) where the twins and the firm frequented. Hop off at The Blind Beggar pub, where Ronnie shot George Cornell, for refreshments, stories and photos. Then off on the next part of the tour. Go on, book yourself on the naughty bus! (Tell ’em Londoncrime sent ya!)The pic below is the upcoming “winter bus”.. Awesome!! Gangster Tours UK

The London Dungeons
While you’re exploring and sightseeing in London, make sure you call in to The London Dungeon County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7PB. One of the well known London attractions, the London Dungeon is a uniquely thrilling attraction that will whisk you way back to the capital’s most perilous past. See, hear, feel and (ahem!) smell the chillingly amusing characters of the ‘bad old days’ as they come to life before you. Will you lose yourself in fear or in mirth? Whichever way, it’s not looking good for your underwear!
Bow Street Police Museum
The Bow Street Police Museum tells the story of the early Bow Street Patrols and Runners, London’s first official law enforcement service, and the Metropolitan Police officers who followed in their footsteps through the streets of Covent Garden. The Museum, which is located on the site of the 1881 Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station, is rich with stories of investigations, arrests, and justice being served. From the earliest watchmen who used only a lantern and a staff to the modern Magistrates who preside over cases of international renown. Put this down on your list of London attractions that you must visit!
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Another of the great London attractions follows the world famous consulting detective Sherlock Holmes who lived at 221b Baker Street London between 1881-1904, according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Mr Holmes shared his rooms with his loyal friend and colleague Dr Watson and the house is protected by the government due to its “special architectural and historical interest.” The 1st floor study overlooking Baker Street is faithfully maintained for posterity and just as it was kept by Mrs Hudson in Victorian Times!
Step back in time and visit The World’s Most Famous Address – 221B Baker Street, London. The home of the greatest Victorian sleuth, faithfully preserved as it would have been in the nineteenth century.
Jack the Ripper Museum
The story of Jack the RIpper has held a fascination for thousands of people, so while looking for things to do in London, It would well be worth looking at the Jack the Ripper museum. A London attraction dedicated to the history of Victorian East London in the 1880s, providing a serious examination of the crimes of Jack the Ripper.
The Clink Museum
EXPLORE THE PRISON THAT GAVE ITS NAME TO ALL OTHERS! The Clink Prison dates back to 1144 making it one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons. Positioned in the heart of modern-day Southwark and built on the original site, The Clink Prison Museum presents the scandalous truth of Old Bankside through a hands-on educational experience. There are opportunities to view archaeological artefacts, experience the sights, sounds and smells of the prison, handle torture devices, and to view and hear all about the tales of torment and many misfortunes of the inmates of the infamous Clink Prison.It’s definitely a London attraction that is worth a visit.
The London Bridge Experience and the London Tombs
visit this London attraction and become part of London’s gruesome history and bad old times, travel back in time with notorious English characters, uncovering the dark secrets that lie beneath the world’s most haunted bridge. You will see, hear and even smell what London Bridge was like throughout the ages. Or Descend into the bowels of hell at the haunted site of London Tombs, crowned the UK’s Scariest Attraction Make your way past walls dripping in blood, squeeze through confined spaces and scream with terror as you are met with an array of unspeakable horrors in this unimaginable scare maze.
The Dark Side Of Camden
London tour, Serial Killers – Crimes Of Passion – Gangsters – Witchcraft, Take a walk on the dark side! You’ll be introduced to the sights, sounds, and incredible true-life stories that will educate and entertain. Serial Killers, Gangsters, Witchcraft, Terrorism, crimes of passion and much much more. From a lifelong resident of Camden, you will receive a personal and informed insight into the ‘Dark Side Of Camden’. This fascinating walking tour is available to BOOK NOW. Explore the tour packages, book your ticket, and then take a walk on the wild side!
