Up in the rafters of an 18th-century church, this unusual museum provides a sobering glimpse into the history of surgery and medicine. In an era before anesthetics, this tiny space saw London’s poorest patients operated on in front of a live audience, by the up-and-coming surgeons of the time. Be prepared to climb up 52 steps through the bell tower, via a narrow spiral staircase.

Specializing in anthropology and natural history, this Victorian museum is best known for its unusual collection of stuffed animals, aquarium, and collection of musical instruments from across the world. Its 16-acre (6.5-hectare) garden is also home to a Butterfly House, Animal Walk, and London’s oldest nature trail, making this a firm favorite for nature lovers, hipsters, and families in the South London suburbs.

This purpose-built studio-house is a sight to behold for any art, interior design, or architecture lover in London. Commissioned by Frederic Leighton and designed by George Aitchison in the late 19th century, this Grade II–listed property exudes the lavishness and luxury of late Victorian aristocracy through its blending of Middle Eastern designs and Classical shapes.

This former home of Sigmund Freud was bequeathed to the public upon the death of his daughter, Anna, in 1982. It was here the psychoanalyst lived out his last years after escaping Nazi Germany, and today the museum features pieces from Freud’s only extensive collection, as well as exhibitions that explore his work and its impact on popular culture.

London’s most southerly gem, Croydon, is all-too-often overlooked as a tourist destination, despite its rich cultural heritage and great travel connections. If you do make it down, don’t miss the Museum of Croydon, a local treasure that charts the history of the borough from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present day.

Founded by Dame Zandra Rhodes in 2003, this creative and quirky museum in Bermondsey is a must-see for any dedicated follower of fashion. The small space hosts a new exhibition every few months, each showcasing a unique aspect of contemporary fashion and textile design, from London countercultural movements to fabrics from around the world. Plus, a regular program of expert talks provide plenty of insider insight into London fashion.

Situated in Lewisham Shopping Centre, this acclaimed museum examines how many millennia of migration has made Britain what it is today. Its curated exhibitions, which feature the work of professional artists and community members alike, immerse visitors in Britain’s diverse migration stories and provide eye-opening insight into what it means to be a Londoner.

Dating back to the early 19th century, this working windmill is a top spot to learn about London’s industrial past and see the flour-making process in action. The interior can only be visited on a guided tour, though the Windmill Gardens are free to wander and bags of flour can be purchased on-site.

Dedicated to all things cinema, this charming Kennington museum has been fighting to keep its doors open for some years. Located in the former Lambeth Workhouse, where one Charlie Chaplin was sent as a little boy, the space has been transformed into an important historical monument, featuring a vast collection of movie memorabilia, props, and machinery that documents the history of film from its emergence to the present day.