Chiselhurst caves
THIS IS A GUEST POST from Charlotte Kay over at Holiday Extras. Because the only place in the UK that I’ve been to is Northern Ireland, I thought it appropriate to populate this blog with a little bit of Brit. And of course, because I’m all about going “Off the Path…” Charlie (as she’s called) has provided us with some perhaps unexpected suggestions for how to spend your vacay in the UK.
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Many travellers have a view of traveling to the United Kingdom that only involves cream teas, and stiff upper lips – a view that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Once you find your car at Heathrow Airport Parking and dropped your luggage off at one of the nearby Airport Hotels , step outside and prepare yourself for the strangest, weirdest, spookiest travel experience ever.
In the Cotswolds there is a little village whose residents partake in fully clothed football games in the river… this may be a fun start to a trip… or maybe you would prefer to visit Gloucstershire for their cheese rolling competition?
If you plan to stay just in the London area, be sure to visit Churchhill’s war rooms; full of interesting facts, stories and arifacts. For the macabre, alongside Guy’s Hospital near London Bridge, one can visit the Old Operating Theatre – an unusual museum that hosts a wide variety of items including an amputation table.
If you’re on the hunt for ghosts, be sure to visit The Viaduct Tavern which is one of London’s spookiest haunts. Call ahead if you want a tour of the cellar, which is the most haunted spot in the pub. The Tavern was built over parts of Newgate Prison which adds an extra edge to the experience; it’s a traveler destination that will not soon be forgotten. Check out this video to see more about the spooks (and AWESOME accents):
If you’re looking for something slightly more picturesque but want to maintain a spooky feel then Ham House by the River Thames is the place for you. For less haunted and more historical adventurers, be sure to go to Chiselhurst Caves – an easy trip by train. Originally used in World War II for air raid shelters, the caves can feel fairly haunting. Be sure to take advantage of the offered guided tours as this adds extra debth to these shadowy caves.
There are also a load of guided free and paid walks around the various areas of London for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts who love the weird and haunted. There is a “Jack the Ripper” walk that follows his steps through London’s darker, seedier streets. If Jack the Ripper isn’t really your scene you can opt for a more light-hearted trek and try out the Theatreland Walking Tour that takes you through all the historical theatre locales in the city. If after all the partying and the macabre you feel the need for a little spiritual lightness, be sure to visit the many, many Cathedrals throughout the city.
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