If you go to London for the primary time, it may be all about ticking off the massive London landmarks. The River Thames, Westminster, Massive Ben, St Paul’s, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Sq.… the listing goes on. And on.
However on a repeat go to – or if you happen to merely prefer to see the choice aspect to a metropolis – you may be extra within the hidden gems of London. These secret locations in London have extra of an undiscovered air, making you’re feeling as if you happen to’ve stumbled upon one thing actually particular.
Such hidden locations in London are precisely what this text is all about. From secret issues to do in London that provides you with an actual thrill to hidden spots in London that you simply didn’t know existed, these are the most effective hidden locations in London that each vacationer doesn’t find out about.
Should you actually prefer to get beneath the pores and skin of a metropolis and dwell like an area, listed here are 37 of the highest hidden issues to do in London. Which would be the finest hidden gems in London for you? Learn on to seek out out!
37 of the most effective hidden gems in London
1. Shad Thames
Closest tube: Tower Hill
The primary of our secret gems in London is actually hidden in plain sight. Shad Thames is definitely the title of a avenue, however this has since been adopted to cowl a wider vary. This zone is a historic, cobblestoned space to the south of the Thames.
You will discover Shad Thames in Bermondsey. The realm is lined with vibrant, riverside bars and eating places. Outdated Victorian warehouses listed here are joined overhead by little walkways, and the entire place is an Instagrammer’s dream.
2. St Dunstans within the East
Closest tube: Monument or Tower Hill
One other of our hidden treasures in London may also be discovered not removed from Tower Hill tube station. St Dunstans within the East was bombed and thus destroyed throughout World Struggle II, however the stays have now been repurposed as a fairly public backyard.
The unique church was by Christopher Wren, who designed St Paul’s Cathedral. Plus over 50 different London church buildings. Draping greenery, a tumbling fountain and enticing picket seating makes this the perfect place for a lunch break within the metropolis.
3. Coal Drops Yard + canal stroll to Camden
Closest tube: King’s Cross or St Pancras
This buying and leisure house near King’s Cross is a type of London hidden sights that’s near main routes. Tucked away by the huge King’s Cross and St Pancras stations, the event has been common since its 2018 opening.
Victorian structure, quirky boutiques and foodie delights mix right here, so there’s one thing to go well with everybody. The transformed warehouses have been used throughout the nineteenth century for coal storage, therefore the title. For Kings Cross hidden gems hid in plain sight, head to Coal Drops Yard.
4. Painted Corridor
Closest tube: Cutty Sark (DLR) or North Greenwich
The most effective secret issues to do in London offers you but another excuse to go to Greenwich whereas within the metropolis. The Painted Corridor may be discovered on the Outdated Royal Naval School, and boasts greater than 40,000 sq. toes of wall and ceiling murals. Attractive arched home windows make the room an much more breathtaking sight.
The Corridor was the work of Sir James Thornhill throughout the early 18th century, and the work embody over 200 figures, similar to royalty and legendary creatures. A two yr renovation challenge accomplished in 2019 signifies that at the moment you may see the corridor at its most interesting.
5. Tulip Stairs
Closest tube: Greenwich or Maze Hill Stations (mainline) or Cutty Sark (DLR)
One other of the cool hidden locations in London may also be present in Greenwich. The Tulip Stairs may be discovered at The Queen’s Home. It’s a spiralling and really photogenic staircase.
The Tulip Stairs are literally embellished with fleur de lys moderately than tulips. This was the UK’s first cantilevered, spiralling staircase, and it has no central supportive column. Like the home itself, the staircase was the brainchild of Inigo Jones, a celebrated British architect of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
6. Greenwich foot tunnel
Closest tube: Island Gardens (DLR)
One more of the hidden secrets and techniques of London is Greenwich Foot Tunnel. This has been open since 1902, and connects Greenwich with Millwall. Maybe surprisingly, about 1.2 million folks use the tunnel yearly.
The tunnel is just for pedestrians, not scooters or bikes. It’s open 24 hours and there are lifts, although these may be liable to intermittent service points.
7. Historic pubs (together with Ye Olde Mitre, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and The Churchill Arms)
Taking a stroll to discover London’s most historic pubs could be a fascinating option to uncover the capital’s previous. Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn is a typical instance, and this picket panelled hostelry dates from 1587. There’s assortment of previous photographs inside too. Alternatively, head to the photogenic and flower-bedecked Churchill Arms in Notting Hill.
A number of the finest excursions of London’s previous pubs embody:
8. Leake Avenue Arches
Closest tube: Waterloo
The most effective stored secrets and techniques of London is Leake Avenue Arches. It is a subterranean artwork gallery hid beneath Waterloo station. You possibly can even take part with the capital’s avenue artwork scene right here, as graffiti throughout the authorised space is definitely inspired.
Go to Leake Avenue Arches and you may adorn the tunnel partitions, eat, store, drink and play on the number of venues discovered right here.
9. Temple of Mithraeum
Closest tube: Financial institution
The Roman temple of Mithras was found in the midst of building work in 1954. This massive web site was then excavated, and visiting takes you again to London because it was in AD 240.
The unique spoil has now been recreated, so you may think about the way it was used again then. PLus how the secretive Roman cult of Mithras met on this exact spot in Wallbrook, Metropolis of London. Of all of the hidden London gems, this is likely one of the most necessary archeological finds ever.
10. Metropolis of London dragons
Closest tube: Financial institution
Additionally within the metropolis’s monetary district are the Metropolis of London dragons. These silver dragons with purple accents characteristic the cross of St George, the coat of arms of town and references to St Paul and the story of St George and the Dragon.
The dragons mark town boundaries, and there are 14 in whole dotted across the space. A pair of the unique Coal Trade statues are positioned on Victoria Embankment, and these hidden London secrets and techniques have been Grade II listed since 1972.
11. Leadenhall Market
Closest tube: Monument
Although lesser identified than Borough Market to the south of the river, Leadenhall is positioned on Gracechurch Avenue within the East Finish. It’s a light-weight and ethereal coated market providing distinctive boutiques, foodie haunts and extra.
This enticing market dates again to the 1300s, and was used for filming some Harry Potter film scenes. It’s a cool place to eat, drink and store, and you may drop in 24/7 because it’s open all day and evening lengthy. The most effective East London hidden gems for certain.
12. Cross Bones Burial Floor
Closest tube: London Bridge
You probably have a penchant for the gorier aspect of life – and demise – then head for Cross Bones in Southwark. That is the ultimate resting place for as much as 15,000 paupers who labored on this lawless neighbourhood as prostitutes – and among the many hidden gems of south London.
On the time, these girls of the road have been generally known as “Winchester Geese”. The burial floor closed in 1853, and now acts merely as a memorial to a grittier London lifestyle.
13. The Silver Vaults
Closest tube: Chancery Lane
The Silver Vaults are a big subterranean market beneath Chancery Lane. These vaults at the moment are residence to silver jewellers and retailers, so you should buy all types of silverware right here.
Silver objects courting from the seventeenth century to the current day may be bought at London’s Silver Vaults. It’s not solely jewelry on supply – you too can purchase fine quality cutlery, tableware, collector’s and ornamental objects and positive jewelry.
14. Sir John Soane’s Museum
Closest tube: Holborn
Sir John Soane’s is likely one of the capital’s lesser identified museums, and can also be one of many true hidden treasures in London. It’s named for the neo-classical architect whose residence it as soon as was, and may be discovered at Lincoln’s Inn Fields in Holborn.
This London museum is all concerning the eccentric, the colorful and the bizarre. The objects housed right here cowl many centuries of artwork and design.
15. Chelsea Physic Backyard
Closest tube: Sloane Sq.
The doorway to Chelsea Physic Backyard may be discovered at 66 Hospital Highway, in one in all London’s most upmarket neighbourhoods. This outside house is a really nice place to be, particularly on a sunny summer season’s day.
The backyard was established in 1673 for the aim of rising crops to make use of in medicines. Arrange by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, it was previously generally known as the Apothecaries’ Backyard. If doable, that is a type of London hidden sights to save lots of for good climate.
16. Columbia Highway Flower Market
Closest tube: Hoxton (mainline) or Bethnal Inexperienced, Liverpool Avenue, Outdated Avenue or Shoreditch
Columbia Highway flower market is one for the early risers. You should buy flowers and crops a-plenty right here, or just wander at will to take in the sights and smells if buying isn’t sensible whilst you’re travelling.
Visiting this flower market offers you a real perception into East Finish life, full with eccentric characters, native banter and good-natured bartering.
17. Benjamin Franklin Home
Closest tube: Charing Cross or Embankment
Benjamin Franklin Home is devoted to Benjamin Franklin, a former president and one of many Founding Fathers of america of America. The Georgian terraced home dates from round 1730, and Franklin labored and lived right here for greater than 15 years.
This place is particular because it’s the one former residence of the US president that’s nonetheless standing – wherever on earth.
18. Little Venice
Closest tube: Warwick Avenue
Little Venice is the place London’s waterways meet – Regent’s Canal, the Grand Union Canal and the Paddington Basin entrance. The ensuing triangular formed physique of water is the guts of Little Venice. It’s a peaceable, well-heeled a part of city, and the canals listed here are among the many finest hidden locations in London.
Issues to do on this space embody visiting the waterside pubs, cafes and eating places. You may as well enterprise to London Zoo and Regent’s Park, or take a wander or waterbus boat journey to Camden City.
19. Primrose Hill
Closest tube: Chalk Farm
Primrose Hill is a pleasing a part of London favoured by celebrities – and native canine walkers. Additionally near Regent’s Canal and Camden City, the world provides pretty houses and unparalleled views from the highest.
Chalk Farm tube station is beneath 10 minutes’ stroll from the well-known hill and metropolis viewpoint.
20. Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo
Closest tube: Sloane Sq.
London Zoo may be greater and higher identified, however Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo is likely one of the finest hidden spots in London. Set south of the river inside Battersea Park, it has a variety of smaller creatures to see plus a enjoyable interactive journey playground.
If you wish to discover hidden gems for household holidays in London, head right here. In addition to the zoo, the park itself provides round 200 acres of play house.
21. POP Brixton
Closest tube: Brixton
Another excuse to move south of the Thames is to go to POP Brixton. Brightly embellished transport containers await at this place, one of many hidden gems of south London.
The containers are full of enjoyable locations to eat, store and drink. Whether or not to pattern avenue meals, store or attend a particular occasion, this a part of city is at all times buzzing.
22. Sky Backyard
Closest tube: Monument
London’s Sky Backyard is the very best backyard in the entire of the UK. It’s free to enter, however you do have to e-book a ticket on-line, as much as three weeks previous to your go to. There are a number of bars and eating places right here, and reserving for these can also be suggested.
Whether or not it’s to select up distinctive items on the store, take pleasure in Italian or positive eating at one of many eating places, sip a late-night drink on the bar or just gaze on the magnificent views, dropping into the Sky Backyard is likely one of the finest hidden issues to do in London.
23. Eltham Palace
Closest tube: Mottingham (mainline)
Eltham Palace and Gardens occupies a web site of just about 20 acres outdoors central London. Hidden gems close to London don’t come a lot better than this artwork deco delight. You possibly can attain it by travelling to Mottingham station, which is a ten-minute stroll from the palace.
The palace has a various and attention-grabbing historical past. It’s been a royal residence throughout Tudor instances, a mediaeval palace and residential to a pair of offbeat millionaires, the Courtaulds. Highlights embody the mediaeval nice corridor, a choice of interval costumes, rose and rock gardens and the glasshouse cafe.
24. Alexandra Palace
Closest tube: Alexandra Palace (mainline) or Wooden Inexperienced
Fondly generally known as Ally Pally, Alexandra Palace is likely one of the locals’ north London hidden gems to find out about. The Grade II listed constructing is used as a venue for all types of leisure, from sports activities to musical and theatrical performances.
There’s at all times one thing happening, from an enormous title live performance or winter ice skating to theatre excursions and DJ units.
25. Kyoto Backyard
Closest tube: Holland Park
Kyoto Backyard is an oasis of oriental outside type in Holland Park, near Kensington and Notting Hill. The backyard was truly gifted to the UK capital by town of Kyoto in Japan, and has been open since 1991.
Which different London secret locations to go to include koi carp stocked ponds, the prospect of recognizing peacocks strutting round, tiered waterfalls and naturally vibrant Japanese acer or maple bushes?
26. Brick Lane
Closest tube: Aldgate East
Hidden meals gems in London don’t come any finer than Brick Lane. There are few locations on earth the place you may pattern so many Indian eating places in a single stretch. The realm can also be firmly planted on London’s avenue artwork scene.
Include a totally charged digital camera, a watch for wall murals and an empty stomach, and also you’ll be in heaven in Brick Lane.
27. Nomadic Neighborhood Gardens
Closest tube: Aldgate East
Should you’re within the Brick Lane space, don’t miss one of many Shoreditch hidden gems on this a part of city. It’s the Nomadic Neighborhood Gardens, a stunning spot in East London crammed with avenue artwork and sculptures.
The gardens have been based for rising contemporary meals, and there are many pop up cafes right here the place you may decide up a espresso.
28. Neal’s Yard
Closest tube: Covent Backyard
If it’s Covent Backyard hidden gems you need to uncover, then head for Neal’s Yard. Only a stone’s throw from the tube station, this charming neighbourhood is awash with color and character.
Quirky, impartial companies make this enticing space what it’s, and don’t miss the unique Neal’s Yard Cures retailer. It additionally has a residential really feel, as folks truly dwell right here within the flats above the stunning retailers and eateries.
29. The Royal Trade
Closest tube: Financial institution or Cannon Avenue
The sixteenth century, Grade I listed Royal Trade is one other of town’s architectural and cultural secrets and techniques. Like different hidden gems in central London, it might be simple to overlook. However if you happen to’re within the Metropolis of London space, do drop in!
Right here you may anticipate finding a variety of interesting locations to eat, drink and dine, together with The Fortnum’s Bar and Restaurant. This comes from the celebrated Piccadilly retailer of the identical title.
30. SIS Constructing
Closest tube: Vauxhall
Skyfall is likely one of the most iconic James Bond films. Should you’re a fan of the franchise, you can’t miss the SIS constructing in London, aka the MI6 HQ in Skyfall.
Although a replica was constructed at Pinewood Studios, you may see the unique if you happen to head to the Vauxhall space. You will discover it at 85 Albert Embankment, and it’s the real-life HQ of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service.
31. The Postal Museum and Mail Rail
Closest tube: Chancery Lane
For essentially the most surprising and finest secret issues to do in London, how about hopping onto the Put up Workplace Railway? This underground, slim gauge railway was used to switch mail between sorting workplaces, and is driverless.
The Postal Museum and Mail Rail are throughout the road from each other, so you too can pop in there to be taught extra. As for the practice service, it was suspended in 2003 for financial causes, however a experience on it’s now included within the Postal Museum’s ticket value.
32. Postman’s Park
Closest tube: St Paul’s
Should you’re within the neighborhood of the Metropolis of London or St Paul’s Cathedral, don’t miss Postman’s Park. It’s so referred to as because it was used at lunchtime by employees from the previous Basic Put up Workplace shut by.
The Watts memorial, courting from 1900, may also be discovered right here. This includes a wall of memorial plaques devoted to atypical individuals who tragically misplaced their very own lives whereas attempting to save lots of the lives of others.
33. Hampstead Heath
Closest tube: Hampstead
Hampstead Heath is each well-known and notorious. The park is the place British pop star George Michael was as soon as caught cruising. It additionally provides over 300 hectares of inexperienced house between Hampstead and Highgate.
Although the traditional heath is barely 4 miles from the centre of town, it feels a lot additional away. With woodland, meadows and 18 ponds, there’s at all times a quiet nook right here to name your very personal.
34. Canbury Gardens
Closest tube: Kingston (mainline)
For hidden gems in Kingston upon Thames, Canbury Gardens matches the invoice. That is additionally a stunning house wherein to flee town. The sights of the gardens embody tennis courts, a children’ play park, a bandstand and The Boaters Inn pub.
The pub is a gem in itself, with a riverside place, a microbrewery and dwell jazz on Sundays.
35. The Musical Museum
Closest tube: South Ealing
Positioned close to Kew Bridge in Brentford, The Musical Museum is likely one of the hidden gems within the Ealing space. It’s residence to an incredible assortment of musical devices. Within the live performance corridor, you may see the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ.
Additionally discovered at The Musical Museum are interactive shows sharing how music is made and recorded. Excursions happen right here a number of instances per day.
36. Clapham South Deep Degree Shelter
Closest tube: Clapham South
Clapham South Deep Degree Shelter was used throughout World Struggle II, and is positioned greater than 10 storeys beneath the floor of town. Greater than a mile of underground passages connects the shelters.
It’s a captivating place to go to, although restricted to over-14s solely. Excursions may be booked through the London Transport Museum.
37. The Photographer’s Gallery
Closest tube: Oxford Circus
And eventually, this listing attracts to an in depth with one of many hidden gems of Soho. It’s moderately onerous to imagine that The Photographers’ Gallery was the very first devoted pictures gallery within the UK, however so it’s. It opened in 1971.
This gallery options works by native and worldwide photographers, unfold over six flooring. There may be additionally a restaurant and bookshop on web site.
Which hidden gems in London will you go to?
We hope this listing of hidden locations in London to see has impressed your journey itinerary. From hidden gems in Covent Backyard, proper within the thick of issues, to unknown locations to go to in London which can be positioned slightly outdoors town, there are many interesting indoor and outside areas so as to add to your hit-list.
Whether or not you’re within the space anyway or need to make a day of it, a go to to any of those tremendous cool secrets and techniques of London is at all times worthwhile. It’s certain to offer you plenty of photos and recollections to share along with your envious family and friends again residence, too!
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