3 Best Sights in Clerkenwell, London

At this charming pedestrianized thoroughfare, trendy clothing boutiques, jewelers, beauty salons, gift shops, and even a tattoo parlor all jostle for space with Exmouth Market's excellent cafés and restaurants, many of which offer outdoor seating. At its southern end is the 19th-century Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer, the only Italian basilica–style church in London. There's also a vibrant food market on weekdays serving gourmet street food. Look out for the brilliantly named barber shop, Barber Streisand.

This fascinating museum tells the story of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, from the order's 11th-century Crusader origins in Jerusalem to its present-day incarnation as the St. John Ambulance service. The museum is spread across two adjacent sites: the arched St. John's Gatehouse, which dates back to 1504, and the Priory Church with its atmospheric Norman crypt. An excellent interactive display explores the order's past, both as a military force and a religious institution that cared for sick pilgrims, and the eclectic variety of objects on display reflects that colorful history: from antique medicinal jars and medical equipment to a bronze cannon given by Henry VIII before he dissolved the order altogether. It's free of charge to visit the museum galleries and garden, but if you want to experience the historic rooms, the church, and the crypt, then you'll need to prebook your place on a guided tour.

This family-friendly museum is an interactive ride through the history of the Royal Mail. From learning about the history of the Penny Black (and having a go at designing your own stamp) to attempting to sort mail while being tossed around in a mock-up of an early 20th-century mail-sorting train carriage, there's a lot to see and do here. The highlight is a 15-minute trip on the Mail Rail, the little-known underground train system under the capital which was used exclusively for letters and parcels from 1927 to 2003. Just be warned that a seat on the snug Mail Rail trains is not for the claustrophobic. Book online for the cheapest prices.