The World’s Coolest Underground Attractions in London

London’s Underground

London is filled with a wealth of underground attractions and hidden gems that provide a unique and intriguing look into the city’s history, culture, and secrets. Here are some underground attractions and activities in London:

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1. The Churchill War Rooms: Located beneath the streets of Westminster, the Churchill War Rooms offer a fascinating glimpse into the underground bunkers where Winston Churchill and his government operated during World War II. You can explore the preserved rooms and learn about this crucial period in history.
2. The Mail Rail: This is a hidden postal railway deep under London. The Mail Rail offers visitors the chance to ride a small train through the tunnels and learn about the history of London’s mail delivery system.
3. Catacombs of West Norwood Cemetery: The West Norwood Cemetery is home to an extensive network of catacombs, which were constructed in the Victorian era. They are not typically open to the public but can be visited during special events or guided tours.
4. Aldwych Station: Aldwych is a disused station on the London Underground that offers guided tours to the public. It’s an eerie and interesting look at a “ghost station” that was closed to the public in 1994.
5. Crystal Palace Subway: Hidden beneath a road in South London, the Crystal Palace Subway is an architectural gem, featuring a beautifully designed, Victorian-style passageway. It’s occasionally open for special events.
6. Chislehurst Caves: Located in the London borough of Bromley, these are actually man-made chalk and flint mines. They have a rich history and were used as an air-raid shelter during World War II.
7. Bunker 51: This is an underground paintball and laser tag facility located in a decommissioned nuclear bunker in North Greenwich. It offers a unique and adrenaline-pumping experience.
8. The Brunel Museum and Thames Tunnel: Explore the underground chamber of the Thames Tunnel, the first underwater tunnel in the world, designed by Marc Isambard Brunel. The museum also offers insight into the history of the tunnel’s construction.
9. Postman’s Park: While not entirely underground, Postman’s Park is a small, peaceful garden in the heart of the city where you can find the touching Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, commemorating individuals who lost their lives while saving others.
10. Hidden London Tours: The London Transport Museum offers guided tours of various disused and hidden locations within the London Underground system, including disused stations, secret bunkers, and hidden passageways.

These underground attractions and activities in London provide an alternative perspective on the city’s history, architecture, and culture, making for memorable and often off-the-beaten-path experiences for visitors.

Plant Based Foods in London

London, being a diverse and cosmopolitan city, offers a wide range of vegan-friendly options, from restaurants and cafes to markets and events. Here are some specific things in London that are vegan:

1. Dedicated Vegan Restaurants: London is home to numerous vegan restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, including Ethiopian, Indian, Italian, and more. Places like “Mildreds,” “The Gate,” and “Purezza” offer delicious vegan dishes.
2. Vegan Street Food: Explore London’s vibrant street food scene at markets like Camden Market, Borough Market, and Brick Lane Market, where you can find vegan options ranging from falafel wraps to plant-based burgers.
3. Vegan Afternoon Tea: Many traditional British tea rooms and high-end hotels offer vegan afternoon tea options, featuring dairy-free scones, finger sandwiches, and vegan pastries.
4. Vegan Pub Food: Some pubs in London have embraced the vegan movement, offering vegan pies, burgers, and other hearty fare. Check out places like “The Spread Eagle” and “The Blacksmith and The Toffeemaker.”
5. Vegan Fish and Chips: Enjoy a classic British meal with vegan fish and chips at restaurants like “The Vegan Hippy.”
6. Vegan Pizza: Satisfy your pizza cravings with a vegan slice at pizzerias like “Purezza” and “Voodoo Rays,” which offer dairy-free cheese and a variety of plant-based toppings.
7. Vegan Ice Cream: London has several ice cream parlors serving delicious vegan ice cream flavors made from coconut milk, almond milk, and other dairy alternatives. Try “Yorica!” and “Black Milq.”
8. Vegan Breakfasts: Start your day with a vegan English breakfast at cafes like “The Full Nelson” or opt for avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and more at breakfast spots across the city.
9. Vegan Grocery Stores: London boasts many health food shops, supermarkets, and vegan specialty stores where you can stock up on vegan products, including plant-based cheeses, meat substitutes, and dairy-free alternatives.
10. Vegan Markets and Festivals: London hosts various vegan markets and festivals throughout the year, such as Vegan Nights and Vevolution, where you can indulge in vegan street food and discover vegan products.
11. Vegan Food Delivery Services: Londoners can enjoy vegan food delivery services that bring plant-based meals and snacks directly to their doorsteps.
12. Vegan Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare vegan dishes with cooking classes and workshops offered in various locations across the city.
13. Vegan Breakfast Delivery: Some cafes and delivery services offer breakfast delivery options with vegan choices like pancakes, smoothie bowls, and more.
14. Vegan Desserts: Satisfy your sweet tooth with vegan desserts like dairy-free cakes, cookies, and pastries available at vegan bakeries and cafes.

London’s dynamic food scene has embraced veganism, making it easy to find delicious vegan options across the city. Whether you’re in the mood for international cuisine, traditional British fare, or indulgent desserts, London offers a wide array of vegan choices.

General Plant Based Ideas in London

While cafes and restaurants may close or open here are general ideas you can use in London, or other metropolitan cities like them.

1. London now offer vegan versions of this classic British dish using ingredients like tofu or battered vegetables.
2. Vegan Full English Breakfast: Numerous cafes and eateries serve a vegan version of the classic full English breakfast, which includes vegan sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, hash browns, and toast.
3. Vegan Afternoon Tea: Several high-end hotels and tea rooms in London offer vegan afternoon tea options, complete with vegan scones, sandwiches, and pastries.
4. Vegan Indian Cuisine: London is renowned for its Indian cuisine, and you can find many Indian restaurants offering vegan options like chana masala, aloo gobi, and vegetable biryani.
5. Vegan Street Food Markets: London’s street food scene includes many stalls and markets that serve delicious vegan options. Check out markets like Camden Market and Borough Market for vegan treats.
6. Vegan Burgers: Numerous burger joints offer vegan burger options made from plant-based patties, with a variety of toppings and condiments to choose from.
7. Vegan Pizza: Several pizzerias in London have vegan pizza on their menus, featuring dairy-free cheese and a wide range of plant-based toppings.
8. Vegan Ethiopian Cuisine: Ethiopian restaurants often offer a variety of vegan dishes, such as injera (a spongy sourdough flatbread) served with lentil stews, vegetables, and spicy sauces.
9. Vegan Dim Sum: Some Chinese restaurants in London offer vegan dim sum, which includes steamed dumplings, buns, and other bite-sized delights filled with vegetables and tofu.
10. Vegan Sushi: Sushi restaurants in London have adapted to the growing demand for vegan options. You can enjoy vegan sushi rolls filled with ingredients like avocado, cucumber, and tempura vegetables.
11. Vegan Desserts: Satisfy your sweet tooth with vegan desserts like dairy-free ice cream, vegan cupcakes, and vegan chocolate treats available at various bakeries and cafes.
12. Vegan Grocery Shopping: London has many grocery stores and health food shops where you can stock up on a wide range of vegan products, including dairy-free milk, plant-based meat alternatives, and vegan snacks.
13. Vegan British Pies: Some British pubs and bakeries offer vegan versions of traditional pies, such as vegan shepherd’s pie and vegan steak and ale pie.