Believe it or not, Ripley’s in Piccadilly Circus has permanently closed

It was a hub for tourists, a six-story curiosity shop where you might encounter all manner of oddities but Ripley's, Believe It or Not! is no more. The mega store announced its permanent closure with a message on its website, saying: ‘After many years at Piccadilly Circus, we are relocating our Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. We want to thank the community and guests who have made our stay here in memorable.’ 

Despite its steep entry price and frankly weird exhibits, the Ripley's store was a Piccadilly Circus staple, which didn't take itself too seriously.  

If you're kicking yourself that you never got to see a portrait of Michelle Obama made out of bottle tops or take a selfie with a chastity belt, the company has said they plan to reopen in another location, although the exact details are vague. 

‘We do not have a reopening date, but we look forward to opening a new attraction in London in the near future,’ they promise. 

Want more weird and wonderful things to do in London? Here’s our pick of the best unusual things to do in the city. 

Or check out our checklist of 101 things you have to do in London.