London: The Old Operating Theatre Museum And Herb Garret

Step 1: What's the big secret?

Tucked away in St. Thomas' Street near London Bridge, accessible only by an ancient, narrow spiral staircase, is a hidden attic full of gruesome medical antiquities and historical remedies. The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret is a fascinating insight into the history of medicine, and an enlightening journey through time into a world of excruciating operations and now-dubious medical procedures.

Step 2: What's on offer?

Situated in the attic of St. Thomas' Church, the original home of St. Thomas' hospital, the 18th Century Herb Garret was originally used by the local apothecary to store and cure herbs used to treat patients. Nowadays the Herb Garret is home to this fascinating museum.

The beguiling smell of the apothecary's herbs still lingers as visitors are invited to touch and experience some of the more aromatic exhibits.

Displays of grisly-looking surgical instruments chart the painful progression of medical technology, while original specimens allow visitors an insight into early research in human anatomy. Favourite exhibits also include the blood-letting tools, widely used in times past to slice patients' skin in the belief that illness could be caused by the patient having too much blood.

Make your way through to the Old Operating Theatre, where operations would have been conducted under the watchful gaze of medical students. Without the benefits of antiseptic or anaesthetic, operations were largely limited to amputations and the removal of bladder stones – with five or six doctors required to hold the screaming patient to the table. This unique theatre is now the only remaining wooden operating theatre in Europe.

Round off your visit with a rummage through the museum's shop. Stocked with an eclectic mix of medical-themed souvenirs, out-of-print books and unexpected treasures, this Aladdin's cave has something for everyone.

Most Saturdays, The Old Operating Theatre Museum hosts a Victorian Surgery demonstration at 2pm. Knowledgeable staff talk volunteers through the process of a Victorian-style operation, conjuring up the kind of atmosphere that would have existed when the theatre was in use.

The Museum occasionally hosts other events and demonstrations, such as the popular Live Leechings, where visitors can watch members of staff undergo one of the world's oldest medical procedures. Visit their website at www.thegarret.org.uk to sign up to their mailing list and receive details of forthcoming events.

Step 3: Where is it?

The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret can be found at 9a St. Thomas' Street in central London. Borough is the nearest tube station. It's open every day from 10.30am until 5pm. Entry is charged at £5.25 for an adult, £4.25 for concessions and £3 for children under 16. Family tickets are also available at £12.95. Visit the website for more information on ticket prices.