Ah, London! A city where history whispers from every corner and modernity dances in the streets. But beyond the iconic Big Ben and the majestic Tower Bridge lies a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Ready to peel back the layers of this magnificent metropolis and uncover its best-kept secrets? Let’s embark on a journey through London’s lesser-known wonders that will make you feel like a true insider.
London’s hidden attractions are as diverse as the city itself. From underground tunnels adorned with vibrant street art to tranquil gardens nestled among the urban jungle, these spots offer a unique perspective on the British capital. They’re the places where history, art, and nature converge, creating experiences that are often overlooked by the typical tourist itinerary.
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
Tucked beneath the rumbling trains of Waterloo Station lies a technicolor wonderland known as the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel. This 300-meter stretch of urban canvas found its fame in 2008 when the enigmatic street artist Banksy transformed it during his “Cans Festival”. Since then, it’s become a mecca for street artists from around the globe. Last time I visited, it coincided with World Zombie Day and wandering through an underground tunnel surround by a few hundred zombies certainly added to the atmosphere.
What makes it special
Imagine a place where the walls are alive, constantly evolving with splashes of color and thought-provoking imagery. That’s the magic of Leake Street. Unlike other parts of the city where street art might land you in hot water, here, it’s not just allowed – it’s celebrated! The tunnel is a living, breathing gallery where artists can freely express themselves, covering existing works and creating new masterpieces daily.
Special tips: Bring your camera, and if you’re feeling inspired, join a workshop to create your own piece of street art!
📍 Address: Leake Street, London, SE1 7NN
🏡 Neighbourhood: Waterloo
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Waterloo – Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines
🚇 Nearest station: Waterloo
🚍 Bus routes: 11, 76,77, 381, C10 & N381
🕘 24 hours a day
🕘 Best times to visit: Afternoons and weekends to catch artists in action
Highgate Cemetery
Step back in time to the Victorian era at Highgate Cemetery. Established in 1839 as part of London’s “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries, Highgate quickly became the fashionable place to be laid to rest. Its Gothic Revival architecture and overgrown paths create an atmosphere that’s both eerie and enchanting.
What makes it special
Highgate Cemetery is more than just a final resting place; it’s an open-air museum of Victorian funerary art. The Egyptian Avenue and the Circle of Lebanon are architectural marvels that transport you to another time. Plus, it’s the eternal home of notable figures like Karl Marx, George Eliot, and Douglas Adams. Oh, and did I mention the ghost stories? The infamous “Highgate Vampire” legend adds a spooky allure for those brave enough to explore.
Special tips: Book a guided tour to access the older West Cemetery and hear fascinating stories about its residents.
📍 Address: Swain’s Lane, London, N6 6PJ
🏡 Neighbourhood: Highgate
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Archway – Northern line
🚍 Bus routes: C11
🕘 March to October: Monday to Sunday 10:00 until 17:00 (last entry at 16:30) – November to February: Monday to Sunday 10:00 until 16:00 (last entry at 15:30)
🕘 Best times to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience
Little Venice
Nestled where Regent’s Canal meets the Grand Union Canal, Little Venice is London’s answer to its Italian namesake. This picturesque area began to take shape in the early 19th century, with the arrival of the canal in 1801 sparking the construction of grand Georgian and Victorian mansions along its banks.
What makes it special
Little Venice is a world away from the hustle and bustle of central London. Instead of gondolas, you’ll find charming narrowboats and houseboats lining the waterways. The area has been home to notable figures like poet Robert Browning and modern celebrities such as Richard Branson. It’s a slice of tranquillity in the heart of the city, where you can wander along the towpaths, enjoy a canal-side coffee, or take a boat trip to Camden Town.
Special tips: Visit during the annual Canal Cavalcade in May for a vibrant waterway festival with decorated barges and live entertainment.
📍 Address: Blomfield Rd, London, W9
🏡 Neighbourhood: Little Venice
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Warwick Avenue – Bakerloo line
🚇 Nearest station: Paddington
🚍 Bus routes: 18, 46, N18
🕘 24 hours a day
🕘 Best times to visit: Spring & summer for outdoor cafes and boat trips
God’s Own Junkyard
In the heart of Walthamstow, you’ll find a dazzling collection of neon signs and artwork that could light up the night sky. God’s Own Junkyard is the legacy of Chris Bracey, who spent 37 years creating and collecting neon masterpieces. It’s a psychedelic journey through the history of light art and movie props.
What makes it special
Stepping into God’s Own Junkyard is like entering a neon dreamland. Many of the signs and artworks have graced the sets of major films like “Batman” and “Eyes Wide Shut”. It’s not just a visual feast; it’s a trip through pop culture history. The best part? You can buy or rent these glowing treasures for your own space.
Special tips: Charge your phone – you’ll want to take plenty of photos in this Instagram paradise!
📍 Address: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London E17 9HQ
🏡 Neighbourhood: Walthamstow
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Walthamstow – Victoria line
🚇 Nearest Overground station: Walthamstow – Weaver line
🚍 Bus routes: W12 & W16
🕘 Friday to Sunday 11:00 until 22:00, Sunday 11:00 until 18:00
🕘 Best times to visit: Weekends, when the on-site café, The Rolling Scones, is open
Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace is a time-traveller’s delight, blending medieval grandeur with Art Deco elegance. Originally a medieval royal palace, it was transformed in the 1930s by the wealthy Courtauld family into a stunning example of 20th-century design.
What makes it special
Where else can you find a 15th-century great hall connected to a swanky 1930s mansion? Eltham Palace is a unique fusion of styles, featuring an ultra-modern entrance hall with marquetry and blackbean veneer walls. The gardens are equally impressive, with 19 acres of award-winning landscape that include both formal and medieval-inspired designs. Oh, and did I mention the heated cage built for the Courtaulds’ pet lemur, Mah-Jong?
Special tips: Don’t miss the basement, which served as both a games room and a World War II bomb shelter.
📍 Address: Court Yard, London, SE9 5QE
🏡 Neighbourhood: Eltham
🚇 Nearest station: Eltham & Mottingham
🚍 Bus routes: 126, 161 & 624
🕘 Monday to Sunday 10:00 until 17:00
🕘 Best times to visit: Weekdays to avoid the crowds
🎟️ Save money & avoid queues, buy your Eltham Palace tickets now from GetYourGuide or Tiqets
🤩 Visit Eltham Palace using your London Pass
Wilton’s Music Hall
Hidden down an unassuming alley in the East End, Wilton’s Music Hall holds the title of the world’s oldest surviving grand music hall. Dating back to the 1850s, this venue has lived many lives – from a Victorian music hall to a Methodist mission and, now, a thriving performance space. It’s a personal favourite of mine and a cool place to have a drink in the evening too.
What makes it special
Stepping into Wilton’s is like stepping back in time. The faded grandeur of its interiors tells the story of London’s entertainment history. Once graced by can-can girls and variety acts, today it hosts an eclectic mix of theatre, music, and comedy. The building itself is a star, having appeared in many films and music videos.
Special tips: Arrive early to enjoy a drink in the atmospheric Mahogany Bar.
📍 Address: 1 Graces Alley, London, E1 8JB
🏡 Neighbourhood: Whitechapel
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Aldgate East – District and Hammesmith & City lines
🚈 Nearest DLR station: Tower Gateway
🚇 Nearest station: Fenchurch Street
🚍 Bus routes: 15, 42, 78 & 115
🍹 Tuesday to Friday from 17:30 until 22:30, Saturday from 17:00 until 22:30
🕘 Best times to visit: Evening performances for the full atmospheric experience
The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College
Often dubbed “London’s Sistine Chapel”, the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College is a masterpiece of Baroque art. Created by British artist Sir James Thornhill over 19 years, starting in 1708, it’s a visual feast celebrating Britain’s naval power and royal history.
What makes it special
The Painted Hall is quite simply breathtaking. Its 40,000 square feet of decorated surface depict elaborate scenes of British naval triumph and royal succession. The recent restoration has brought the vibrant colours and fine details of Thornhill’s work back to life. It’s not just art; it’s a journey through British history, all while standing in a architectural marvel designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
Special tips: Join a ceiling tour to get up close to the masterpiece via a special observation deck.
📍 Address: Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London, SE10 9NN
🏡 Neighbourhood: Greenwich
🚈 Nearest DLR station: Cutty Sark
🚇 Nearest station: Greenwich
🚍 Bus routes: 15, 42, 78 & 115
🕘 Monday to Sunday 10:00 until 17:00
🕘 Best times to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience
🎟️ Save money & avoid queues, buy your Painted Hall tickets now from Viator, GetYourGuide or Tiqets
🤩 Visit The Painted Hall using your London Pass
Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens
Tucked away in Hampstead Heath, the Pergola and Hill Gardens are a hidden oasis of Edwardian extravagance. Commissioned by Lord Leverhulme in 1905, this raised walkway and its surrounding gardens were built using spoil from the Hampstead Tube extension, transforming a hill into a slice of Mediterranean-inspired paradise.
What makes it special
The Pergola is like something out of a romantic novel – a raised walkway covered in wisteria and climbing plants, offering stunning views over the Heath. Its weathered stone pillars and overgrown greenery create an atmosphere of faded grandeur that’s utterly captivating. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a dreamy photoshoot.
Special tips: Visit on a weekday for a chance to have this magical place almost to yourself.
📍 Address: The Pergola, Inverforth Close, London, NW3 7EX
🏡 Neighbourhood: Hampstead
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Hampstead & Golders Green – Northern line
🚇 Nearest Overground station: Hampstead Heath – Mildmay line
🚍 Bus routes: 210, 268, 310 & 603
🕘 Monday to Sunday 8:30 until 18:00
🕘 Best times to visit: Spring and early summer when the flowers are in bloom
St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden
St. Dunstan in the East is a testament to London’s resilience. Originally built around 1100, the church was damaged in the Great Fire of 1666, rebuilt, and then bombed during the Blitz of 1941. Rather than rebuilding again, the ruins were transformed into a public garden in 1967.
What makes it special
Imagine a secret garden nestled among the skyscrapers of the City, where nature reclaims what man has left behind. That’s St. Dunstan in the East. The church’s skeletal walls and arched windows now frame a tranquil green space, creating a hauntingly beautiful contrast between old and new London. It’s a place of quiet contemplation in the heart of the bustling financial district.
Special tips: Bring a book and find a quiet corner – it’s one of the most peaceful spots in central London.
📍 Address: St Dunstan’s Hill, London, EC3R 5DD
🏡 Neighbourhood: City of London
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Monument – Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines
🚍 Bus routes: 15
🕘 Monday to Sunday 08:00 until 19:00 or dusk, whichever is earlier
🕘 Best times to visit: Weekday lunchtimes to see city workers enjoying this urban oasis
Chelsea Physic Garden
Founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanic garden. It was established to grow medicinal plants and train apprentices in their uses, playing a crucial role in the development of botany and medicine.
What makes it special
Chelsea Physic Garden is a living museum of plants, with over 5,000 species of medicinal, herbal, and edible plants. Its high walls create a unique microclimate, allowing plants that wouldn’t normally survive in London to flourish. It’s not just about history – the garden continues to be at the forefront of plant science and conservation. Plus, it’s home to Europe’s oldest rock garden and London’s oldest pond.
Special tips: Join one of the guided tours to learn fascinating stories about the plants and the garden’s history.
📍 Address: 66 Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HS
🏡 Neighbourhood: Chelsea
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Sloane Square – Circle and District lines
🚍 Bus routes: 170
🕘 Monday to Friday 11:00 until 17:00, Sunday 11:00 until 17:00
🕘 Best times to visit: Spring and summer to see the garden in full bloom
🎟️ Save money & avoid queues, buy your Chelsea Physic Garden tickets now
🤩 Visit Chelsea Physic Garden using your London Pass
Postman’s Park
Nestled in the heart of the City, Postman’s Park is a small green space with a big heart. Opened in 1880, it got its name from the postal workers who would lunch there. While the Post Office headquarters are no longer around the corner, it is still a popular lunch spot for office workers and staff at the nearby St Barts Hospital. But it’s not just the tranquil setting that makes this park special – it’s home to the unique Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice.
What makes it special
The Watts Memorial is unlike any other in London. Conceived by Victorian artist George Frederic Watts, it consists of a series of ceramic tiles commemorating ordinary people who lost their lives trying to save others. Each tile tells a poignant story of everyday heroism, from a child who saved his sister from a runaway horse to a doctor who died treating cholera patients. It’s a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage found in ordinary lives.
Special tips: Take time to read each tile on the memorial – the stories are deeply moving and often overlooked by hurried visitors.
📍 Address: King Edward Street, London, EC1A 7BT
🏡 Neighbourhood: City of London
🚇 Nearest Underground station: St Paul’s – Central line
🚍 Bus routes: 4, 56, 76,100 & 133
🕘 Monday to Friday 08:00 until 19:00 or dusk, whichever is earlier
🕘 Best times to visit: Lunchtime on a sunny day to enjoy the park’s peaceful atmosphere
Sir John Soane’s Museum
Sir John Soane’s Museum is the former home of the eccentric neo-classical architect Sir John Soane. Built in the early 19th century, Soane designed the house as both his home and a showcase for his vast collection of art, antiquities, and architectural models.
What makes it special
Stepping into Sir John Soane’s Museum is like entering the mind of a creative genius. Every inch of space is utilised in clever and surprising ways, with hidden doors, folding walls, and skylights creating an ever-changing play of light and shadow. The collection is as eclectic as it is impressive, featuring everything from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to Hogarth paintings. It’s a house of optical illusions, surprises, and artistic treasures.
Special tips: Look out for the special exhibitions that often blend contemporary art with Soane’s historic collection in fascinating ways.
📍 Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP
🏡 Neighbourhood: Holborn
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Holborn – Central line
🚍 Bus routes: 1, 59, 68, 91, 98 & 188
🕘 Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 until 17:00 (last admission 16:15)
🕘 Best times to visit: Look out for the Soane Late tours held throughout the year
Time to go and explore
London’s hidden gems offer a chance to step off the beaten path and discover the city’s quirkier, more intimate side. From the neon wonderland of God’s Own Junkyard to the peaceful ruins of St. Dunstan in the East, these spots reveal London’s multifaceted personality – a city where history and modernity, nature and urban life, art and science all coexist in fascinating ways.
As you explore these lesser-known attractions, you’ll find that London has endless layers waiting to be peeled back. Each hidden gem tells a unique story of the city’s past and present, offering experiences that go beyond the typical tourist checklist.
So, next time you’re in London, why not venture beyond the Tower and the Palace? Seek out these secret spots and create your own off-the-beaten-path adventure. And who knows? You might just discover your own hidden gem along the way. After all, in a city as rich and diverse as London, there’s always something new to uncover.
Happy exploring, fellow urban adventurers! And remember, the best discoveries often happen when you least expect them. So keep your eyes open, your curiosity piqued, and let London surprise you.
I moved to London in 1991 ‘for a couple of years’ in search of a new career. More thirty years later I continue to enjoy being in the city, sometimes seeing it through the eyes of a local and sometimes with eyes of a tour guide as I share places I love with family & friends. From bar food in Borough to Michelin-starred meals in Mayfair and from market stalls in Soho to the shameless extravagance of Selfridges, I love the rich variety London has to offer and sharing that with others.