Secret London Travel Guide
20 Hidden Gems Locals Don't Want You to Know About
While millions flock to Big Ben and the London Eye, the city harbors countless hidden London treasures that most tourists never discover. As a long-time London resident and explorer, I’m pulling back the curtain on the capital’s best-kept secrets. These unusual places in London will transform your visit from ordinary to extraordinary.
Secret Gardens and Green Escapes
1. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Among the most tranquil secret places London has to offer, this Japanese garden remains surprisingly unknown. Tucked away in Holland Park, its koi ponds, waterfalls, and peacocks create a slice of Japan in West London. Visit early morning to have this hidden gem London spot almost to yourself.
2. Crossrail Place Roof Garden
A mix of natural beauty and contemporary flair, the Crossrail Roof Garden is the perfect escape from city life. Step into an urban oasis at the Crossrail Roof Garden in Canary Wharf, where modern architecture meets lush greenery to create a captivating escape. Getting on the roof gives you a great view of the city skyline framed by striking geometric structures.
3. Neal’s Yard
A bohemian courtyard in the middle of Covent Garden filled with colorful facades, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Neal’s Yard is perfect for Instagram-worthy photos and a peaceful escape from the busy city.
4. St. Dunstan in the East
This bombed-out church turned public garden ranks among the most atmospheric hidden London locations. Climbing vines embrace medieval walls, creating a hauntingly beautiful space perfect for peaceful reflection or unique photography.
Underground Mysteries
5. The Mail Rail at Postal Museum
Few tourists know about this remarkable hidden gem London attraction. Ride the underground postal railway that once carried millions of letters beneath the city streets. This narrow-gauge railway offers a unique perspective on London’s communication history.
6. Chislehurst Caves
These ancient caves count among the most unusual places in London’s outskirts. With 22 miles of tunnels, they’ve served as mushroom farms, ammunition storage, and even a underground city during WWII. Guided tours reveal fascinating stories of their varied uses through history.
Picturesque and Tranquil Areas
7. Little Venice
Enjoy canal-side walks, take a boat ride, or relax at a waterside cafe in Little Venice, a picturesque network of canals and waterways away from central London. Best Time to Visit is in Spring or summer, when it is lush and bustling.
Historical and Cultural Hidden Treasures
8. Wilton's Music Hall
The world’s oldest surviving music hall represents one of the most captivating secret places London preserves. This atmospheric venue still hosts performances, allowing visitors to step back into Victorian entertainment history.
9. Dennis Severs' House
Among hidden London’s most immersive experiences, this time capsule house creates the illusion that its 18th-century inhabitants just stepped out. Each room tells a story through sights, sounds, and even smells.
Unusual Dining Spots
10. Attendant Cafe
This former Victorian public toilet now serves some of the best coffee in town. It’s exactly the kind of unusual places in London that make the city special. The original porcelain fixtures remain, creating a quirky atmosphere for your morning caffeine fix.
11. The Victorian Bath House
Hidden gem London venues don’t get more unique than this underground Turkish bath turned cocktail bar. Ornate tiles and gilded walls transport visitors to a more opulent era.
Quirky and Unusual Attractions
12. The Seven Noses of Soho
It’s a quirky urban legend that turns a stroll through Soho into a scavenger hunt. There are seven Noses of Soho sculptural artworks scattered throughout the area that were created by artist Rick Buckley.
Fun Fact: Finding all seven is said to bring good luck to those who find them all!
13. God's Own Junkyard
Neon artist Chris Bracey’s collection creates one of the most photographable secret places London offers. This warehouse of salvaged signs and new artworks dazzles visitors with its technicolor glow.
14. Eel Pie Island
A quirky artists’ enclave on the Thames near Twickenham, Eel Pie Island is a private island with a storied past. This private island occasionally opens up for public tours. Discover the island’s music history and explore studios. Best Time to Visit: At the Open Studios event twice a year.
Secret Shopping Spots
15. Hackney City Farm
While tourists crowd Borough Market, locals know this hidden London treasure offers fresh produce, homemade treats, and the chance to meet farm animals in the city center.
Artistic Secrets
16. Leake Street Tunnel
Known as the “Graffiti Tunnel,” this hidden London canvas constantly evolves as artists create new works. Legal street art means you might catch artists in action during your visit.
17. Postman's Park
This small park houses the moving Watts Memorial, commemorating ordinary people who died saving others. It’s one of the most touching secret places London maintains, often overlooked by passing crowds.
Architectural Gems
18. Fitzrovia Chapel
The Fitzrovia Chapel, a Victorian chapel in the middle of a modern estate, has timeless beauty and rich history, It has stunning neo-Gothic architecture, adorned by huge arches, intricate stonework, and stunning stained glass windows that give it a soft, ethereal glow. Among the best things about the chapel are the elaborately carved altar screen and its octagonal shape, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of renowned architect John Loughborough Pearson. Explore the chapel’s serene ambiance, spiritual atmosphere, and fascinating history.
19. Sanatan Temple, Wembley
You’ll love the architectural marvel of Sanatan Temple in Wembley, with its intricate carvings, ornate domes, and vibrant colors. The fusion of traditional Indian design with modern craftsmanship creates a breathtaking sanctuary of divine beauty that transports you to a sacred realm.
20. Holly Village
Holly Village oozes timeless charm and offers plenty of opportunities for discovery. Located in a picturesque neighbourhood surrounded by lush greenery, this charming neighbourhood has quaint cottages, cobblestone streets, and a serene atmosphere that captivates visitors. Wander the winding paths dotted with vibrant gardens and ancient trees, or visit the eclectic shops, cafes, and galleries in the village square.
London captivates millions of visitors each year with its perfect blend of historical grandeur and modern vitality. It might have a reputation for being expensive, but many of its finest attractions are completely free. The city’s commitment to accessible culture means you can experience world-class art, history, and entertainment without spending a pound.