The dark side of London

London, being a historical gem, hides many stories. While some are noble and resemble fairy-tales, there is a dark and gloomy side of London with just as heavy historical weight. The tales are rather bloody, yet fascinating. Most importantly - the sights are still there to be examined and remembered, so dare to leave the comfort of your room in one of many cheap London hotels and step into the shadows of dark alleyways and allow yourself to be thrown into the world of mystery...

One of the most mysterious stories is definitely the one of Jack the Ripper. Known as the murdered from Whitechapel, the never identified serial killer disappeared as quickly as he emerged, leaving behind five victims and only a couple of questions - who was he and what was his motive? There are ways to get some answers and one of them is definitely the Jack the Ripper guided tour. There are quite a few to choose from, I highly recommend this one, mainly because the guides are all retired British Army or Royal Marine members with over 25 years of history and presenting experience. They will bring you the facts - and their own interpretation of them. What is truly remarkable about Jack the Ripper walking tours is that each and every single one tour guide has a very convincing set of arguments to prove that they know who he really was, it's entirely up to you which version you will chose to believe in?

However the real magic of this story lies in the fact that the sites are still there, some of them barely changed - that also intensifies the experience, as the area became famous as a home to many office buildings and Spitalfields market is a hip and trendy destination. Yet you can still have a pint at The Ten Bells - a pub on the corner of Commercial Street and Fournier Street, a famous local of the murderer (one of the bodies was discovered just a few doors down). Recently refurbished, the Victorian pub offers a slice of history on top of a pint - much needed after all the walking.

Another infamous scary story still alive on the streets of London is the one of Sweeney Todd, the barber of Fleet Street, still claimed by scholars to be an urban legend. Todd had his barber shop on 186 Fleet Street, next to St Dunstan's church. After robbing his victims of valuables, Todd would pull the lever of his barber's chair making the body fall backwards down a revolving a trap in the floor. His partner in crime, Mrs. Lovett, the owner of a nearby pie shop, would help him to get rid of the bodies by using them as a mince for her pies...

If you haven't had enough of scary experiences, probably the best place to go to is The London Dungeon, located just under London Bridge tube station. A family entertainment (even though a bit creepy) will be provided by 3 scary rides and 14 live actor shows - early booking is strongly advised for the approaching Halloween. Alternatively you can combine the ultimate icon of London - the double decker bus - with a slice of thrilling history on the deck of the Ghost Bus Tour. It'll take your family around the main tourist sights (including Westminster Abbey, St Paul's and the Tower of London), but will reveal the dark side of their history... Whichever option you choose, be warned, it will definitely send shivers down your spine!

Magda Wrzeszcz