Beyond Big Ben: Uncovering London's Best-Kept Secrets
Everyone knows the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge. But what about the other
London? The one that locals cherish, the one that whispers stories just off the
beaten path? I'm talking about the hidden gems – those unexpected corners that
make you fall head-over-heels for this city.
I've wandered through London countless times, always on the hunt for something new. And let me tell you, this city never disappoints. To help you experience a different side of London, I've compiled a list of my favorite hidden gems, with a few contributions from fellow travel-obsessed bloggers.
Why bother with hidden gems?
Ready to ditch the tourist traps
and explore the real London? Let's go!
A Few of My Favorite London Secrets:
1. Saint Dunstan in the East: Imagine a bombed-out church transformed into a tranquil garden
oasis. That's Saint Dunstan in the East. It's a seriously peaceful escape,
tucked away between the Tower of London and London Bridge. Seriously, take ten
minutes and go.
2. Little Venice: Ditch the crowded streets and hop on a canal boat in Little
Venice. This network of waterways, lined with colorful houseboats, feels a
world away from the city center. Walk the towpath from Paddington to Camden for
a charming afternoon.
3. The Painted Hall: Okay, this one's almost too spectacular to be a hidden gem, but
many tourists still miss it. Located in Greenwich's Old Royal Naval College,
the Painted Hall is a breathtaking Baroque masterpiece. Trust me, it's worth
the trip to Greenwich just to see this.
4. Spitalfields and Brick Lane: Prepare for a sensory overload in Spitalfields and Brick Lane.
This area is a melting pot of cultures, street art, vintage shops, and
incredible food. Grab a salted beef bagel and wander through the vibrant
streets. Don't miss Dark Sugars for the best chocolate in London.
5. Neal's Yard: Tucked away in Covent Garden, Neal's Yard is a burst of color and
tranquility. This tiny courtyard is filled with health food shops, cafes, and a
seriously chill vibe. It's the perfect spot for a quiet coffee break.
6. The Vaults: Hidden beneath Waterloo Station, The Vaults is an underground
world of street art, quirky events, and alternative vibes. Explore the
graffiti-covered Leake Street tunnel and check out the Vaulty Towers pub for a
unique experience.
7. Tulip Stairs: Located in the Queen's House in Greenwich, the Tulip Stairs are a
stunning example of architectural genius. These spiral stairs were the first
centrally unsupported stairs built in England, and they're seriously photogenic.
8. Sky Garden: Free views of London? Yes, please! The Sky Garden, located atop
the "Walkie-Talkie" building, offers panoramic city views, landscaped
gardens, and a rooftop bar. Book your free tickets well in advance – they're in
demand!
9. Sir John Soane's Museum: Prepare to be amazed by this eccentric museum, housed in the
former home of architect Sir John Soane. It's a crazy labyrinth of art,
sculptures, and architectural oddities. Note: no photography allowed inside.
10. Silver Vaults: Hidden beneath Chancery Lane, the Silver Vaults are a treasure
trove of silver artifacts. This underground market is home to over 30 shops
selling everything from silverware to jewelry. It's a unique glimpse into a
world of luxury.
11. The Churchill Arms: This Notting Hill pub is famous for its extravagant floral
displays. The Churchill Arms is a feast for the eyes, with flowers cascading
down its walls. Stop by for a pint and soak up the atmosphere.
12. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town: Secret bars are a thing in London, and The Mayor of Scaredy Cat
Town is one of the coolest. Enter through a hidden fridge in The Breakfast Club
diner for a night of quirky fun. Ask to "see the Mayor" for the
password.
13. Columbia Road Flower Market: Sundays in London are synonymous with Columbia Road Flower
Market. This vibrant market in the East End is a riot of color and fragrance.
Get there early for the best blooms.
14. Royal Exchange: Where modern life blends with history. The Royal Exchange is
impressive both from the outside as well as inside. Nowadays it is mostly known
for boutique shopping and fine dining
15. Leadenhall Market: Harry Potter fans, take note! Leadenhall Market served as one of
the entrances to Diagon Alley in the films. Even if you're not a Potterhead,
this ornate Victorian market is worth a visit.
16. Monster Supply Store: This quirky shop in Shoreditch sells "monster supplies"
like "tears of anger" and "impacted earwax." But it's more
than just a store – it's a literacy program for kids.
17. The Postal Museum & Mail Rail: Take a ride on an underground railway tunnel in London! It was
built at the beginning of the 20th century and remained in operation until 2003.
18. Primrose Hill: One of six protected viewpoints in London, from the peak of
Primrose Hill you can see the entire city laid out before you.
19. Greenwich Foot Tunnel: As you walk along the Greenwich riverside, you may notice a small
red brick circular building with a glass dome. It is right next to the imposing
Cutty Sark, so being overshadowed by this impressive structure there is a
chance that you may even miss it.
20. The Dickens Inn: One of my favorite pubs to take visitors in London is The Dickens
Inn. Not only is it a beautiful-looking building, but it is also full of
history.
21. Kayaking under the Tower Bridge: You’ve probably all heard of Tower Bridge and seen lots of
pictures of it, so it is not exactly a secret place in London. But did you know
you can go on an organized kayak tour which goes past the best London landmarks
and the highlight is paddling under Tower Bridge?! Now that is one unique
experience to have in London!
22. Kyoto Garden: If you are looking for a beautiful hidden gem in London, then
head to Kyoto Garden. The gardens are easily accessible from central London.
23. Postman's Park: In the shadow of St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most poignant
parts of central London. Postman’s Park – so called as it was popular with
postal workers from the local central sorting office
24. Battersea Park and Children’s Zoo: Nestled on the southern banks of the Thames, you will find one of
London’s better kept secrets, Battersea Park. With a real community feel to it,
the 200-acre park has been home to many fairs, playgrounds, and attractions
over the years.
25. MI6 Building: A few minutes after Skyfall begins, M is shown driving to her
office building when an explosion rips apart one side of the building forcing
the agency to relocate to an underground bunker. That building is the actual
MI6 headquarters called the SIS Building in Vauxhall, London.
26. Pop Brixton: Pop Brixton is home to some of London’s tastiest food stands,
hipster cocktail bars, pop-up vintage clothing shops, art galleries, quirky
exercise classes and even a co-working space.
27. Short walk through the centuries in the City of
London: The City
of London has a rich history and in just a few steps you can be transported
through the centuries.
28. Alexandra Palace: If you are visiting London and you’ve picked a hotel in the
Northern part near Muswell Hill or Wood Green, then you may enjoy visiting
Alexandra Palace.
29. Hampstead Heath: Hyde, Regent, and Kensington Gardens are perennial favorites for
parks to visit while in London. They are all beautiful, but for a less
manicured bucolic setting, none compare to the wild beauty of the Heath in
Hampstead Village.
30. Kew Gardens – Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is home to the largest and most
diverse collection of living plants, anywhere in the world.
31. Chelsea Physic Garden: Tucked away in a hidden corner of London between the upscale
shopping of the King’s Road and close to the Chelsea Embankment and the Albert
Bridge across the Thames is the capital’s original secret garden.
32. Climb The O2 Arena: The O2 Arena in London was originally built for the millennium
and has become the world’s most popular entertainment venue.
33. Thames Barrier Park: The Thames Barrier is an iconic structure in London, built in the
80s in order to solve the centuries-long problem of flooding in central London.
You can visit the visitor center on the southern side of the river (not too far
from Greenwich), or simply see this impressive movable dam from the Barrier
Park (opposite side of the river). This little park is a real hidden gem in
London!
Your Turn to Explore
This is just a taste of the hidden
gems London has to offer. So, ditch the guidebook, wander off the beaten path,
and discover your own London secrets. And if you find something amazing, be
sure to share it in the comments below!
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