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Once you go to London for the primary time, it could be all about ticking off the massive London landmarks. The River Thames, Westminster, Huge Ben, St Paul’s, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Trafalgar Sq.… the record goes on. And on.
However on a repeat go to – or if you happen to merely prefer to see the choice facet to a metropolis – you could be extra within the hidden gems of London. These secret locations in London have extra of an undiscovered air, making you are 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 will provide you with an actual thrill to hidden spots in London that you simply didn’t know existed, these are one of the best hidden locations in London that each vacationer doesn’t find out about.
For those who actually prefer to get beneath the pores and skin of a metropolis and stay like a neighborhood, listed below are 37 of the highest hidden issues to do in London. Which would be the greatest hidden gems in London for you? Learn on to search out out!
37 of one of the best 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 road, 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 could find Shad Thames in Bermondsey. The world is lined with vibrant, riverside bars and eating places. Previous Victorian warehouses listed below 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 area 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 in style 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 through 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 could be discovered on the Previous 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 through the early 18th century, and the work embrace over 200 figures, corresponding to royalty and legendary creatures. A two 12 months renovation undertaking accomplished in 2019 implies that at this time you possibly can see the corridor at its best.
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 could 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 fairly 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)
Yet 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 could be vulnerable 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 is usually a fascinating solution 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 an excellent assortment of previous pictures inside too. Alternatively, head to the photogenic and flower-bedecked Churchill Arms in Notting Hill.
A few of the greatest excursions of London’s previous pubs embrace:
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 may even take part with the capital’s road artwork scene right here, as graffiti throughout the authorised space is definitely inspired.
Go to Leake Avenue Arches and you may embellish 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 middle of building work in 1954. This massive website 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 possibly can 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 essential 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 function 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 Alternate 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 recognized than Borough Market to the south of the river, Leadenhall is positioned on Gracechurch Avenue within the East Finish. It’s a lightweight and ethereal lined 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 night time lengthy. The most effective East London hidden gems for certain.
12. Cross Bones Burial Floor
Closest tube: London Bridge
When you’ve got a penchant for the gorier facet of life – and loss of life – 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 ladies of the road have been often 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 are actually dwelling to silver jewellers and retailers, so you should buy all types of silverware right here.
Silver gadgets relationship from the seventeenth century to the current day could be bought at London’s Silver Vaults. It’s not solely jewelry on supply – it’s also possible to purchase high-quality cutlery, tableware, collector’s and ornamental gadgets and nice jewelry.
14. Sir John Soane’s Museum
Closest tube: Holborn
Sir John Soane’s is likely one of the capital’s lesser recognized museums, and can be one of many true hidden treasures in London. It’s named for the neo-classical architect whose dwelling it as soon as was, and could 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 could be discovered at 66 Hospital Highway, in considered one of London’s most upmarket neighbourhoods. This out of doors area 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 vegetation to make use of in medicines. Arrange by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, it was previously often known as the Apothecaries’ Backyard. If attainable, 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, Previous Avenue or Shoreditch
Columbia Highway flower market is one for the early risers. You should buy flowers and vegetation a-plenty right here, or just wander at will to take in the sights and smells if buying isn’t sensible when 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 the US 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 dwelling of the US president that’s nonetheless standing – anyplace 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 below are among the many greatest hidden locations in London.
Issues to do on this space embrace visiting the waterside pubs, cafes and eating places. You too can 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 realm affords beautiful 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 could be larger and higher recognized, however Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo is likely one of the greatest 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 affords round 200 acres of play area.
21. POP Brixton
Closest tube: Brixton
One more reason to go 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 road meals, store or attend a particular occasion, this a part of city is all the time buzzing.
22. Sky Backyard
Closest tube: Monument
London’s Sky Backyard is the 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 be suggested.
Whether or not it’s to select up distinctive presents on the store, take pleasure in Italian or nice 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 greatest hidden issues to do in London.
23. Eltham Palace
Closest tube: Mottingham (mainline)
Eltham Palace and Gardens occupies a website of just about 20 acres exterior central London. Hidden gems close to London don’t come a lot better than this artwork deco delight. You may attain it by travelling to Mottingham station, which is a ten-minute stroll from the palace.
The palace has a different and fascinating historical past. It’s been a royal residence throughout Tudor occasions, a mediaeval palace and residential to a pair of offbeat millionaires, the Courtaulds. Highlights embrace the mediaeval nice corridor, a number of interval costumes, rose and rock gardens and the glasshouse cafe.
24. Alexandra Palace
Closest tube: Alexandra Palace (mainline) or Wooden Inexperienced
Fondly often 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 all the time 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 out of doors fashion 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 possibility of recognizing peacocks strutting round, tiered waterfalls and naturally vibrant Japanese acer or maple timber?
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 possibly can pattern so many Indian eating places in a single stretch. The world can be firmly planted on London’s road artwork scene.
Include a completely 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
For those who’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 blinding spot in East London full of road artwork and sculptures.
The gardens have been based for rising contemporary meals, and there are many pop up cafes right here the place you possibly can 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 stay right here within the flats above the stunning outlets and eateries.
29. The Royal Alternate
Closest tube: Financial institution or Cannon Avenue
The sixteenth century, Grade I listed Royal Alternate is one other of town’s architectural and cultural secrets and techniques. Like different hidden gems in central London, it will be straightforward to overlook. However if you happen to’re within the Metropolis of London space, do drop in!
Right here you possibly can look forward to finding a variety of interesting locations to eat, drink and dine, together with The Fortnum’s Bar and Restaurant. This comes from the distinguished Piccadilly retailer of the identical title.
30. SIS Constructing
Closest tube: Vauxhall
Skyfall is likely one of the most iconic James Bond motion pictures. For those who’re a fan of the franchise, you can’t miss the SIS constructing in London, aka the MI6 HQ in Skyfall.
Although a copy was constructed at Pinewood Studios, you possibly can see the unique if you happen to head to the Vauxhall space. You could find 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 sudden and greatest secret issues to do in London, how about hopping onto the Publish Workplace Railway? This underground, slim gauge railway was used to switch mail between sorting places of work, and is driverless.
The Postal Museum and Mail Rail are throughout the road from each other, so it’s also possible to pop in there to be taught extra. As for the prepare service, it was suspended in 2003 for financial causes, however a journey on it’s now included within the Postal Museum’s ticket value.
32. Postman’s Park
Closest tube: St Paul’s
For those who’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 Common Publish Workplace shut by.
The Watts memorial, relationship from 1900, may also be discovered right here. This contains a wall of memorial plaques devoted to bizarre 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 affords over 300 hectares of inexperienced area between Hampstead and Highgate.
Although the traditional heath is simply 4 miles from the centre of town, it feels a lot additional away. With woodland, meadows and 18 ponds, there’s all the time 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 suits the invoice. That is additionally a beautiful area by which to flee town. The sights of the gardens embrace 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 stay jazz on Sundays.
35. The Musical Museum
Closest tube: South Ealing
Situated close to Kew Bridge in Brentford, The Musical Museum is likely one of the hidden gems within the Ealing space. It’s dwelling to a tremendous assortment of musical devices. Within the live performance corridor, you possibly can 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 occasions per day.
36. Clapham South Deep Stage Shelter
Closest tube: Clapham South
Clapham South Deep Stage 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 an interesting place to go to, although restricted to over-14s solely. Excursions could be booked by way of the London Transport Museum.
37. The Photographer’s Gallery
Closest tube: Oxford Circus
And eventually, this record attracts to an in depth with one of many hidden gems of Soho. It’s fairly arduous to imagine that The Photographers’ Gallery was the very first devoted images 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’s additionally a restaurant and bookshop on website.
Which hidden gems in London will you go to?
We hope this record 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 just a little exterior town, there are many interesting indoor and out of doors 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 all the time worthwhile. It’s certain to provide you a lot of pictures and reminiscences to share along with your envious family and friends again dwelling, too!
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