Explore the Lesser-known Museums in London

Online, July 21, 2010 (Newswire.com) - People who are looking for interesting things to do in London know all about its major museums, which cover all the big issues such as world history and how the planet we live in came into being.

But did you know that London also hosts a number of museums which centre around far smaller and much more specific subjects?

That is not to say that they are any less interesting than their much larger counterparts. Indeed, you may discover that you have a latent interest in a subject that had never crossed your mind before.

The London Fan Museum is one such place, as on the surface it revolves around a seemingly random subject that you wouldn't automatically consider that enthralling.

Yet it is the only museum devoted entirely to fans in the whole world and it now hosts a staggering collection of more than 3,500 different exhibits.

The artefacts on display date from various points throughout the last 900 years or so, so you can easily find out how the fan has evolved throughout the centuries.

You will also get the chance to learn how the humble fan has been used in many different ways during this time, as it has been everything from an advertising tool and a status symbol to a fashion accessory and a ceremonial item.

And with various themed exhibitions taking place throughout the year, you can be sure that a repeat visit to the London Fan Museum will be an entirely different and memorable experience.

Another great little place to check out during your visit to London is Pollock's Toy Museum, which is located near Covent Garden.

It has grown from its humble origins in a single room in the mid-20th century to become a real treat for anyone who wants to discover how previous generations spent their childhoods.

It features a large selection of board games, puppets, dolls, teddy bears and just about everything other kind of toy you can think of.

This London museum is not just an evocation of an English childhood either, as it contains folk toys from around Europe and other parts of the world.

Add to this a stunning selection of doll's houses, china figures and toy theatres, and you have a veritable feast of toys from over the years.

Everyone remembers the toys they played with as a child, regardless of their age.

So Pollock's Toy Museum offers visitors a fascinating opportunity to peek into other people's childhoods in years gone by.

If you fancy something equally quirky but a little bit more edgy, The Cartoon Museum might be just the place for you.

This holds a wide selection of comic strips and books dating back about 200 years, as well as some bitingly satirical political cartoons and caricatures, featuring some very familiar faces.

As a result, you will find it an eye-opening, educational and incredibly funny experience all at the same time.

By preserving these images for posterity, The Cartoon Museum has established itself as a valuable archive of British pop culture and politics.

These are just a small number of the somewhat quirky but undeniably stimulating attractions that London has to offer.

The city is not just all big iconic landmarks and buildings. Even the little structures around the smallest street corners have fascinating tales to tell.

You just need to know where to find them.