Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, London abounds with options for entertainment and culture that are unrivaled by most cities. The city itself is a sprawling, almost overwhelming, metropolis that could take weeks to explore fully. Part of the fun of experiencing London is finding places that are off the beaten track, places that the average tourist wouldn’t know about – places that aren’t in the guidebooks. Check the Internet for flights to London to compare fares, and check out these ideas for places to visit in London where you won’t be battling crowds or seeing typical souvenir stands. For accommodations, recommendations for the top London hotels from many overly satisfied tourists can be browsed on the web.

Cabinet War Rooms

During the darkest hours of World War II for Britain, Winston Churchill and his staff were holed up in a bomb proof bunker in Westminster, desperately conducting the country’s strategy while German bombers flew overhead. The Cabinet War Rooms museum has preserved this historic spot without altering it: virtually everything has been left just as it was, so visitors can get an uncommonly realistic glimpse into what the experience must have been like for those men. There’s a phone that was exclusively used for Churchill’s phone calls to FDR, the U.S. President at the time, and an exhibit on Churchill’s life to peruse.

Hackney City Farm

If you fancy a traditional English breakfast, or if you’re vacationing with the kids, you’ll love Hackney City farm, which oddly enough, is in the city. Check out the pigs, cows and goats, and dine on said animals in the café. There’s a petting zoo as well, and best of all, other than the cafe, it’s all free. The farm is a great escape for those who need a break from the bustle of the city, and you’ll find many locals here taking advantage of what feels like a transplanted piece of countryside.