Although it is very sad to browse the internet and see the list of London events all cancelled, it is somehow a challenge and not even such a hard one to find places to discover and visit around here trying to enjoy the summer season anyhow.
So, there is the London of museums, that of shopping, the London of markets, that of parks, the London of the royal family and that of eateries...but, among many “Londons,” there is also that of places of mystery.
London too has its dark side that terrifies a little if you think that it is not really the result of invention, but an itinerary for places touched by tragic events around which there are scary legends and rumours of all kinds.
London is a fascinating and mysterious city to explore and if you are tired of the touristy things you can explore the mysterious London like I did.
Over the centuries, tragic events and heinous murders have occurred among its streets and buildings that still make you shiver.
London has always tickled the imagination of noir writers.
London after all is the city of the dark fog that conceals in the oblivion of time brutality and never forgiven sins, guarded by its historical buildings, where elusive rippers, mad barbers and bloodthirsty monarchs have reigned.
London is a city with a unique and precious charm, but it is also the European city that carries the greatest number of mysteries.
One place you just can't miss is the Highgate Cemetery where Karl Marx is buried.
They say the cemetery is haunted and apparently a vampire would live here.
The legend goes back to the death of a lady from the 18th century.
It is said that the coffin was reopened a century later and her body was found in perfect condition and with even longer hair than on the day of her death.
It is reported that mysterious attacks on passers-by and visitors occurred in the cemetery between the 1960s and 1970s.
Highgate Cemetery photos by my friend Lauren McCowen
Another place not to be missed is The Viaduct Tavern, a place built on the remains of an ancient prison in whose basement a ghost is said to be hovering.
The most haunted house in the city is located at 50 Berkeley Square near Piccadilly.
Even the London Underground seems not to be immune from strange presences, such as that of the black nun at Bank Station or the thirteen-year-old girl in Farringdon.
A famous place surrounded by mystery is also “The ten bells.”
This is another place related to the character of Jack the Ripper.
In fact, there are some people who are convinced that the killer spent many hours here. However, the pub seems to have been frequented by numerous notoriously positive people too and although it is closed these days it is nice to drop by and read the poster about Jack the Ripper here and perhaps do a self-guided tour of White Chapel, the infamous neighbourhood of JTR.
Another pub made famous by its ghost that seems to enjoy scaring its patrons is the Spaniard Inn.
The ghost in question seems to be the spirit of the bandit Dick Pim who always seems to be appearing accompanied by his faithful steed.
The most haunted hotel in London is apparently the Langham Hotel.
If you are not lacking in courage, you must ask for room 333 which seems to be the one where the ghost of a doctor who died here in the company of his wife still wanders.
