50+ Hidden Gems & Secret Spots in London You’ll Love

Last Updated on 13th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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Where do you escape the crowds in London? How do you see quirky sites without the queues? Well, the good news is that there are plenty of hidden gems, lying around the city and just waiting to be discovered. Here are 50+ secret spots in London you won’t want to miss in this alternative guide to London…

London is so much more than the River Thames and a few tourist snaps. Though you should definitely see the Houses of Parliament and large museums like that of the Natural History Museum, there are plenty of offbeat London attractions you should also visit on any trip to the Big Smoke. Hidden gems are spread around the city, just waiting to be discovered…

From the food you should eat, to places you should visit, this is your total guide to unusual, unique, quirky and offbeat activities in London. From the macabre to the weird, I’ve got you covered!

#1 Temple District, London EC4Y 7BB

This set of passageways, secret alleyways, and churches are located in the very heart of the capital, just minutes away from the embankment of the Thames River.

The history of the secluded courtyard, Temple Church, and the other ancient buildings date back hundreds of years and even has links to the Knights Templar.

This order is even said to have built Temple Church themselves. You can’t go wrong by dedicating an hour or two to wandering the pedestrian-only streets, visiting the Church and snapping pictures of the secret gardens that make up this tiny little spot in central London. Nearby, this free and self-guided walking tour of London will help you explore another side of the city.

#2 St Dunstan-in-the-East, Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD

Once a grand church designed by Sir Christopher Wren (who also designed St Paul’s Cathedral), the church was sadly decimated during the Blitz in WWII.

Today, all that remains of this once grand place of worship is its spire. The rest of the church has been transformed into a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. Set amongst the skyscrapers, few people know about this tranquil spot- even the locals!

#3 Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT

Best visited earlier in the day, so as to avoid the crowds, the beautiful Victorian architecture of Leadenhall Market is worth a visit, if only to see the amazing architecture and beautiful tones of the buildings.

Built on the site of the original Roman heart of ‘Londinium’, today the covered market is home to all kinds of vintage boutiques and independent shops and was even featured in Harry Potter.

The history of trading and market stalls here date back all the way back to the 14th-century, making this one of the oldest markets in the entire city.

For even more history close to Leadenhall Market, another hidden gem of the City of London is that of the Temple of Mithras. Long forgotten, a recent restoration project has seen the Roman remains once again opened up for the public to admire.

#4 Sir John Soane Museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP

Small and quirky, the Sir John Soane’s Museum is situated at Lincoln’s Inn Fields. This house museum was once called ‘home’ by 19th-Century architect and collector, Sir John Soane. Upon his death, he bequeathed the house to the nation.

This museum is all kinds of bizarre, quirky and offbeat. Easily one of my favourite attractions in the city (though I may be biased as I used to volunteer here), the Sir John Soane’s Museum is well worth a visit if you love art, history of anything Classical.

The collections are housed in a 19th Century building which was created to showcase all of the arts and ornaments at their very best. Upon Soane’s death in 1837, he bequeathed the house and the collections housed within it to the Nation, through passing an act of Parliament.

One of the very best things about the museum is that there is a no phone and no photography rule, meaning that you can really spend your time enjoying the exhibits- all without any distraction! For more information on the area, here’s my complete guide to Holborn!

#5 The smallest police station in the UK, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

The smallest police station in England is hidden in plain sight in one of the busiest squares of London. Located on the corner of Trafalgar Square, the police box dates all the way back to the 1920s.

Chiseled out of a repurposed lamp post, it provides secretive views over the entire square. Though it may not be officially recognised, it’s still worth a peek if you’re ever passing the area…

The smallest police station in the UK (if not all of Europe) is located in the very heart of where you’d least expect- Trafalgar Square!

Installed in an old lampost in the 1920s to keep an eye on protesters, today the station has been converted into a broom cupboard! That being said, you can still peek in the windows while passing on the way to the National Gallery…

#6 St Bartholomew’s the Great, Cloth Fair, London EC1A 7JQ

Of all the secret spots in London on this list, the church of St Bartholomew’s the Great may well be my favourite. Situated in a little-known area, despite being so central, St Bartholomew’s the Great is one of the oldest churches in the city and is home to stained glass windows, beautiful carvings, and even its own set of cloisters.

Dating all the way back to Norman times, the church you see today was founded in 1123. Wander the cloisters (which house a coffee shop- though currently closed until further notice), and see architecture dating back hundreds of years. Nearby, you’ll find hidden London gems such as the Golden Boy of Pye Corner and the Charterhouse.

#7 ‘Roman’ Bath House off the Strand, 5 Strand Ln, London WC2R 1AP

Most likely a ‘fake Roman bath house‘, the Bath House just off of the Strand is a quirky piece of history. Although not much to look at (the term ‘bath’ is a little grand for what is simply a basin created from cement), the bath is still worth a look, if only to learn more about its rich history.

#8 Strand/ Aldwych Station, 171 Strand, London WC2R 1EP

Some secret spots in London are so well hidden that they are rarely in use. They’re so forgotten that hundreds, if not thousands of people pass by each day, without even realising they even exist. The abandoned tube station of Strand/ Aldwych is one of these places.

And it’s just one of many. After all, throughout the city, there are a series of disused and abandoned tube stations. While many of them are all but boarded up, some are still in use as film props or even guided tours. The abandoned tube station of Aldwych has been featured in TV and film productions such as Sherlock, 28 Weeks Later and Mr Selfridge.

#9 Dr Johnson’s House, 17 Gough Square, London EC4A 3DE

Once home to acclaimed writer, Dr Samuel Johnson, this townhouse is an amazing example of late 17th-Century architecture at its finest.Though visiting a museum certainly isn’t one of the most unusual things to do in London, this museum is fairly off the beaten path and rather unique.

Located deep down a secluded little alleyway behind the district of Temple, you’ll find the Grade I building. In fact, it was in one of the rooms in the heart of number 17, Gough Square, that Johnson composed the dictionary in one of its earliest forms.

#10 The Tulip Stairs, Queen’s House, Romney Rd, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF

If you’re wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day, then you might consider heading East of the city and towards Greenwich. This beautiful district of London is home to unusual London attractions such as the Greenwich Observatory, the Cutty Sark Ship, and even the Prime Meridian Time Line (the exact point zero from which all times on Earth are measured).

For those who are searching for cultural attractions, the National Maritime Museum is the largest museum of its kind, while the Queen’s House is all that remains of a once Royal Residence.

Today, it’s free to visit many of these museums and a wander inside the Queen’s House will guarantee the chance to spot the Tulip Stairs, the oldest set of self-supporting spiral stairs in Britain.

#11 The Secrets of Hampton Court Palace

Though King Henry VIII’s Palace is undoubtedly one of the more popular day trips from London, the former Royal Residence has a history dating back well over five hundred years. And thus, hidden gems and secret locations are never too far away when it comes to this small snippet of history.

For example, did you know that the largest and oldest vine in the world can be found in a greenhouse on the palace grounds?

Or that the largely forgotten Queen Anne is the other famous monarch to have resided in Hampton Court? During her reign, Anne added an entire Baroque wing to the chapel! Elsewhere in the Palace, the story of the Midnight Flit deserves to be heard…

#12 Gordon’s Wine Bar

For a drink with friends or a romantic date night, there is no other wine bar in the city I can recommend more than Gordon’s. Easily one of the best-kept secrets of the Embankment area of London, this jewel of a bar is set against the backdrop of historic wine barrel cellars, this drinking establishment sells only one thing: wine.

While the intimate tables inside are former wine barrels, there’s also ample seating outdoors for the warmer summer evenings.

If you’re feeling a little peckish, then there are also cheese and cold cut boards on offer. Otherwise, be sure to arrive earlier on in the evening rather than later as the small space ends to fill up fast!

#13 Word on the Water, London’s only ‘book barge’

Floating on a canal close to King’s Cross, Word on the Water is easily one of the quirkiest and most beautiful bookshops in London. Open seven days a week, the permanent position of this boat close to Granary Square is actually a fairly new phenomenon. In times gone by, problems with licensing meant that the boat had to move around on an incredibly regular basis!

#14 Cittie of Yorke

Set along High Holborn, many visitors don’t notice the tiny entryway that leads onto a dark corridor, which then leads into the Cittie of Yorke, a ‘ye olde’ pub in the heart of Zone one.

Though this pub may look ancient, it may well surprise you to know that, while there’s been a pub on site since the 14th-century, the current building was only constructed in the 1920s, using parts of the medieval pub.

Wander in today and you can expect to be greeted by the longest bar in the UK! Serving pints at such a reasonable price you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal in central London, the pub also boasts intimate booths where you can enjoy a date night or catch up with friends.

#15 The Old Curiosity Shop

The oldest shop in continuous operation in central London can be found in the form of The Old Curiosity Shop. Located in the Holborn district of the city, just a stone’s throw away from Lincoln’s Inn Fields, this shop is juxtaposed against the ever-so-modern architecture of LSE University. Now operating as a luxury shoe shop, it’s alleged that the shop was once frequented by Charles Dickens himself.

#16 The Ferryman’s Seat

Close to the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, there’s a particularly unusual piece of flint in an otherwise unremarkable piece of wall.

Wedged into the side of a restaurant, it’s alleged that this is the final ‘Ferryman’s Street‘ and a throwback to a time when the only way to cross the River Thames would have been to pay ferrymen (or ‘wherrymen’ as they were often called) to transport passengers back and forth across the two sides of the water.

#17 Little Venice

If you’re looking for a beautiful and quiet peaceful spot to while away a few hours while in London, I highly recommend visiting Little Venice, a little-known London hidden gem located at the spot where the Grand Union and Regent’s canals meet.

Characterised by its calm waters and many houseboats, the delightful neighbourhood boasts a number of cute cafés and pretty terraced houses (all perfect for snapping photos of so don’t forget your camera). If you want to get a feel for what it’s like to be on the water, then consider booking this Regent’s Canal Waterbus Boat Trip to Camden.

#18 Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

Of all the secret spots in London listed here, the Kyoto Garden is easily one of the most beautiful, no to mention one of the most unique places anywhere in London.

Holland Park itself is 54 acres in size and filled with gardens, trees and a wooded area, making it a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.

One of the hidden gems of the park that you should be sure to check out during your stay in the city is that of the Kyoto Garden. The Garden was installed in the 1990s.

#19 Hampstead Heath Ponds

One of the more unique outdoor activities you can do for free when visiting London during the summer is to head to the Hampstead Heath Ponds.

These bodies of water can be found in the Southern portion of the park and were originally created to serve as reservoirs for the ever-growing population of the city of London in the 17th and 18th-centuries.

Today, the ponds are popular for swimming among visitors and locals alike. Free to visit, you should note that the ponds can be a little chilly to swim in and so be sure to bring a towel and something to wrap up warm in after your dip!

#20 Stay on a boat

While London might not be known for its waterways in the same way in which Amsterdam and Venice are, there’s still several unique accommodation spots dotted around the city.

One of the more off the beaten path places to stay in London is the Sunborn London, which is a boat which operates as a hotel! A 142-metre yacht hotel comprises which boasts 189 lavishly appointed rooms, other amenities include a cocktail lounge on board, and even a spa! Check prices and availability here.

#21 Visit the Hunterian Museum

Located in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, just across from the Sir John Soane Museum, there’s yet another weird and wonderful off the beaten path museum in London. Here you’ll find a history of surgery, as well as human and non-human specimens.

#22 Neal’s Yard

Though somewhat less of a hidden gem than even just a few short years ago, so be sure to visit earlier in the day and mid-week if possible. Neal’s Yard remains, nevertheless, a visit! A short few minutes walk from Covent Garden, you’ll find Neal’s Yard.

Tucked away on a little side street in the very middle of the Seven Dials district of London, Neal’s Yard is a colourful little square. An oasis of calm, it’s filled with ethical shops and eateries.

#23 Shop for wares at Portobello Road Market

Notting Hill is one of the prettiest districts London has to offer. It’ also here that you’ll find Portobello Road Market, the largest antiques market in the world. Each weekend, over 1000 sellers set up their stalls to tout their wares to tourists and locals alike. For even more inspiration, check out our guide to Portobello Road Market.

#24 Walk down Kynance Mews

If there’s one thing you must do while you’re in London, it’s that you should visit a mews. Spread throughout London, you’ll find a smattering of small alleyways collectively known as the ‘mews streets‘ of London.

Once used to house horses, they’re a throwback to a time when the city ran on horsepower. Today, they’re an oasis of calm, away from the bustle of busy city life. One of the prettiest Mews is that of Kynance Mews.

#25 Visit Barnes Cemetery

A short tube ride away from Zone 1, you’ll come across the lovely, little village of Barnes. Just outside of central London, you could easily be an entire world away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Nestled in the very middle of a green space in this sleepy area, you’ll find Barnes Cemetery.

#26 Sip Some Tea at Twinings Tea Shop

The British are known for their love of tea… So it should come as no surprise that one of the most unusual offbeat London locations on this list is that of Twinings Tea Shop. What’s more is that the Flagship Twinings tea shop is in an oh-so-historic building that’s worth snapping a photo of when outside!

#27 Eat at Camden Market

Camden is best known for its alternative scene, hip boutiques, and market. The area is filled with bars, clubs, and is popular with the large student population that London’s home to (I used to live here myself while I was a student). One of the best off the beaten path London activities to enjoy during the weekend is to head to Camden Market for yummy eats!

#28 The Painted Hall

Of all the hidden gems of London listed here, one of the most beautiful places to visit is the Painted Hall, which is located in the Old Royal Naval College. Painted in the 18th century by Sir James Thornhill, the hall is thought to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.

#29 Search for Street Art in Shoreditch

Shoreditch is known for its street art. All around the district of East London there are murals from full-sized paintings to little hidden gems. If you want to discover even more about the history of Shoreditch, then consider taking a walking tour like this one.

#30 Visit 221b Baker Street

No, Sherlock Holmes never existed but you can follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes in London today. It may not surprise you, but 221b Baker Street didn’t exist when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was writing about the detective in the late 19th-Century.

The address 221b Baker Street was only created in 1932 when the Abbey Bank moved its premises further up the street and street numbers were added to Baker Street. Today there is a museum in what is now 221b Baker Street.

#31 See the The Hardy Tree

A strange set of gravestones, placed there by the writer Thomas Hardy himself. Located in the cemetery of St Pancras Old Church, with the church itself thought to be one of the oldest places of Christian worship in England, the tombstones were moved to a circular pattern around an ash tree when they had to be moved during an expansion of St. Pancras. Please note that, sadly, following a storm in December 2022, the tree at the centre of the gravestones fell down.

#32 Stroll Through Morden Hall Park

An oasis of calm in the outskirts of the city, Morden Hall Park is one of the most serene spots in London.

#33 Buy Flowers at Columbia Road Flower Market

Want to know where local Londoners buy their flowers? Look no further. If you’re looking for something to do come Sunday brunch time, then you need look no further. Columbia Road Flower market has it all: budget friendly, chic, hip and pretty.

Columbia Road Flower Market is only held on Sundays (although some shops are open on other days of the week). The flower market runs between 8 AM and mid afternoon (depending on how quickly everything sells/ weather etc.)

#34 Buy a Book at Hurlingham Books

Second-hand bookstores are dotted throughout London. They may be a dime a dozen, but one of my absolute favourites is that of Hurlingham Books. It’s the kind of old-fashioned quirky bookstore that’s becoming harder and harder to find.

Books are stacked from floor to ceiling; all vintage, many rare. Second-hand copies of books comprising of all genres lie next to rare finds and vintage binds. In fact, although there are often book readings and various events, spaces are always limited due to most of the space being taken up by the books themselves!

#35 See Jeremy Bentham’s Body

Right in the middle of UCL, a prestigious university in central London, you’ll find the body of Jeremy Bentham. The university’s philosophical founder’s body sits in a widely used corridor at the very heart of the university…

Well, in a will made shortly before Bentham’s death, he stipulated that Jeremy Bentham’s body be made into an auto-icon of himself (i.e.a self-image using body parts that would be dressed and sat as if he were still alive).

In 2013, Jeremy Bentham’s body was wheeled into a UCL board meeting to be seated alongside his living university colleagues. He was listed as ‘present but not voting’. Today, he sits locked safely away in his own cupboard. The locks are in use as a result of numerous student pranks involving his body.

#36 Take a Day trip to Richmond

A charming town on the fringes of London, Richmond is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. As well as a sprawling park where you can go for long walks, there’s also the ruins of Richmond Palace to discover, as well as the historic Ham House to visit.

#37 Check out the Benjamin Franklin House

Benjamin Franklin’s only residence in London is the Benjamin Franklin House, which is now a small house museum which can be visited for a small fee.

#38 See the Horniman Museum and Gardens

A little oasis outside of central London, Horniman Museum and Gardens are best-visited in the spring when everything looks its best.

#39 Visit the Wallace Collection

Ornate, golden and full of vintage antiques, the Walle Collection is free to visit.

#40 Check out the Toy Museum

Not far from Covent Garden, the oldest toy museum in London is Pollock’s Toy Museum.

#41 Rent a boat at Serpentine Lake

Spend the afternoon in the sun while renting a boat on Serpentine Lake.

#42 Go up the Monument to the Great Fire of London

Go up the Monument to the Great Fire of London. Just outside of Monument Tube station, you’ll find the Monument to the Great Fire of London, which provides great views of the Big Smoke at a low cost.

The monument was built to both commemorate the fire and celebrate the rebuilding of London. The chief architects were Christopher Wren (also architect of St Paul’s Cathedral) and Robert Hooke (also architect of Montagu house). 

Built between 1671 and 1777, the monument stands at 202 feet tall. If you don’t know much London history, then the Great Fire of London took place in 1666 and you can learn even more should you opt to visit the Monument.

#43 Take a day trip to Bletchley Park

Code breakers in WWII were situated here and today visitors can learn about WWII history by heading to Bletchley Park.

#44 Witness the Execution Docks

Witness first-hand the history of London by heading to the Execution Docks.

#45 Step into Westminster Cathedral

Most people have heard of Westminster Abbey, but few know about Westminster Cathedral. Situated in the heart of London, those who are interested in history must visit Westminster Cathedral.

#46 Ride on the Postal Train

One of the more unique experiences to have in London is to ride on the Postal Train.

#47 Stroll through Chelsea Physic Garden

Of all the unusual things to do in London, perhaps this is the least expected. Smell sweet herbs and flowers at the Chelsea Physic Garden.

#48 Shop at Daunt Books

Step right back in time and visit Daunt Books. Located in leafy Marylebone, you could easily get lost for hours in the Edwardian built store. Opened in the 1990s, Daunt Books is a chain of bookshops dotted around central London.

The brainchild of former banker, James Daunt, the first flagship store opened at 83 Marylebone High Street. You’ll also see William Morris printed wallpaper and row upon row of oak, wooden bookshelves. Set over two floors, many believe that this may well have been the first custom-built bookstore in the world.

#49 Visit John Snow’s Cholera Pump

Thought to be the cause of the cholera outbreak in 1854, today John Snow’s Cholera Pump can still be visited by the public.

#50 Relax in Postman’s Park

Skip the busier parks, and head to Postman’s Park for a serene and relaxing experience.

Map of the best hidden gems of London

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