If we say London, what are the first 3 things that come to mind? What? Did we hear Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye? Pffft! Let’s try being more creative than that, shall we?
Sure, London’s tourist attractions are well-known worldwide, but why limit ourselves to those? If we truly want to experience the city, we need details about its quirky, obscure, and unexplored wonders.
YES, we need to get acquainted with the city’s secret personality because that’s where all the mystery and charm is. Let’s take the road less travelled, for once.
So does the headline “Hidden Gems London” speak to you? To us, these enigmatic places tell London’s story even better.
14 Hidden Gems London That Will Take Your Breath Away
Find out if the city’s untold story fascinates you. If it doesn’t, at least you’ll learn something new.
1. St Dunstan In The East Church Garden
The original church was built in 1100 with periodic modifications, reparations, and additions. However, the Second World War brought the final destruction to this beautiful masterpiece, after which the ruins were turned into a garden.
This grade I listed building is pure heaven as you can sit on one of the benches inside and contemplate the trees and vines covering its walls. It’s splendid to see nature now and then and notice how the environment gets the upper hand if allowed.
2. Cabmen’s Shelter
You won’t make much of Cabmen’s Shelter when you first notice the phenomenon. It’s a small green coloured shed on one side of the road and contains a kitchen.
Its original purpose was supporting Victorian cab drivers who couldn’t leave work sites for shelter or food.
Now, you too can grab a bite after touring for several hours from one of the 13 surviving today. Although, they won’t let you enter. That’s strictly reserved for cabbies!
3. Little Venice
Have you ever wished to be in two places at once? What if we told you that it’s possible? Little Venice in West London reminds us more of Amsterdam in Holland than Venice in Italy. That doesn’t matter, though.
This picturesque location at the crossing of Regent’s Canal and Grand Union Canal boasts cafes, pubs, and boats.
Take a pleasant walk along the Southbank and after, sit at The Warwick Castle, a 19th century pub, to eat delicious fish and chips.
Then head over to the Prince Alfred pub to notice the discrimination in the Victorian times. The snob screens that separated the working from the middle class in pubs still exist there!
If you’re into paddleboarding, we encourage you to try it here. However, take care! Don’t fall because we don’t trust the water quality.
4. Spectacular Views
London offers some great views if you know where to look from. Here are our top two picks:
The Royal Ballet And Opera Rooftop
The Royal Ballet and Opera’s Piazza doesn’t just come with delightful cuisine and drinks, it’s rooftop offers a startling view of the energetic Covent Garden.
It’s always a good breather to relax at a higher altitude and observe the hustle and bustle of the city down below.
Primrose Hill
Nothing can beat Primrose Hill in North London when getting panoramic views of he city. Located next to Regent’s Park, this elevation is 63 meters above sea level and has low trees to give unobstructed skyline views.
The best time to visit is sunrise or sunset when the sky is magical. You’ll find Shakespeare’s Tree on the hill slope originally planted in 1864 for the author’s 300th birthday and replaced in 1964.
Sky Garden
The highest garden in London, in Central London, is a public space offering all-encompassing skyline views, observation desks for a more comprehensive experience, an open-air terrace, and rich gardens.
Though access is free, book in advance on their site to get spots.
But, would it even be an interesting visit if you don’t eat and drink there? Sky Garden’s bars and restaurants will appeal to all taste buds.
The Fenchurch Restaurant, led by Kerth Gumbs, cooks sumptuous Caribbean-inspired meals accompanying an award-winning selection of wines and cocktails.
5. Underground Marvels
While touring sites above ground, don’t forget about the sensational ones down below. They’re impressive and provide historical awareness to increase your knowledge about the city.
Disused Underground Stations
London has 272 functional Tube Stations and 40 unused and closed ones. Many were shelters and offices during World War 2.
Down Street hosted a War Cabinet meeting and Brompton Road is used by the Ministry of Defence. Still others have interesting tales to tell and you can tour these abandoned mysteries with professional tour guides.
The Postal Museum
The Postal Museum is another underground sensation you cannot miss, and the best attraction there is Mail Rail.
The small train isn’t a claustrophobic’s paradise because it was conceived to carry mail. However, the informational ride, lasting about 15 minutes, with an audio-visual show along the way, acquaints you with the city’s postal service.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel, in East London, has existed since 1902, but the original purpose was different. The tunnel connected residents and a 15-person workforce to the London docks and shipyards north of the Thames no matter the weather.
People continue using it and recent refurbishment works haven’t impacted its historical vibe.
6. Attendant In Fitzrovia
Attendant is more than just a coffee shop, it’s a fusion of art and talent in every sip. But that’s not what’s most appealing about the cafe in Fitzrovia. The location was a former Victorian men’s loo! Did we hear a “YUCK”?
Don’t worry, the original Doulton & Co porcelain urinals aren’t in use anymore, phew! But you can see them.
Attendant serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch until 4 pm on a first-come, first-served basis.
7. Pub Theaters
If you want world-class entertainment in a more intimate setting, look no further than pub theaters around London, which usually have 40 to 60 seats. They’ll be worth every penny and a quirky way to see a production.
The best part is that many of the plays performed here had gained so much influence that the West End, off-Broadway, and other countries welcomed them with open arms. Our top recommendations are:
Finborough Theatre
Artistic director Neil McPherson founded the multi-award-winning theatre in 1980 to showcase inventive, original, and imaginative musical theatre and plays. Their highlight is the display of 19th and 20th-century neglected art.
Etcetera Theatre
This award-winning theatre was founded in 1986 and has since produced and supported exciting and creative theatre, cabaret, musical performances, and comedy.
Etcetera is also a proud host of theatre festivals such as the London Horror Festival, the Black Box Festival, and the Camden Fringe and provides a strong artistic community for professionals and amateurs alike.
8. Wilton’s Grand Music Hall
This fantastic and oldest music hall and theatre is a Grade II listed building presenting more than 80 productions and 300 performances yearly.
Watch a show here for a rustic vibe and unique entertainment you wouldn’t forget.
Choose from their amazing pizzas and snacks when hungry or thirsty. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, speak to the staff so they can inform you accordingly.
9. Kew Palace And Gardens
Step aside Buckingham Palace, we’ve got a new allure in town! The cozy palace belonged to George III and Queen Charlotte.
It resembles more a grand house than a palace and was a refuge for British royalty from the otherwise arduous existence surrounded by ceremonies and official gatherings.
Kew Botanic Gardens are another amazing site to behold. The UNESCO World Heritage site features:
- The Natural Area, which, as the name suggests, is an untamed, wild parcel of land with tall grass, trees, and wildflowers.
- The Temperate House with threatened and rare plants from around the world.
- The Pinetum, where you’ll be surrounded by large conifers.
10. Battersea Park
Battersea Park is a 200-acre facility with many attractions and things to do, such as the Battersea Park Zoo, play areas like Go Ape, a riverside promenade, lush trees, ecological sites, boating, and cycling.
Out of these, the zoo is a favourite amongst families. It provides a great educational and interactive experience for kids to see exotic, endangered, and familiar wildlife.
11. Crossbones Graveyard
Crossbones Graveyard isn’t like other cemeteries. This was a post-medieval burial site for an estimated 15,000 paupers.
The largely forgotten site is protected and its history is promoted since 1996. Standing up for such a site is a symbol of resistance and the respect given to the outcasts buried here shows how times have changed for the better.
When there, you’ll get a feel for how humans create petty differences and lock people within identity boxes. It provides a subject to debate or take home to ponder over.
12. Cecil Court
The famous Cecil Court came into existence in the late 17th century and is known for art, books, antiques, culture, and all the quirkiness you can find in London. But, it’s a heaven for bookworms. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of book shops.
For instance, Goldsboro Books sells first edition, signed fiction and non-fiction books and numerous authors visit weekly for book signings. You can participate at one of their events to meet some.
But that’s not all. Cecil Court was also home to Mozart and his family for some time who is thought to have composed his first symphony there.
13. Banksy Street Art
Banksy is perhaps one of London’s best street graffiti artists, possibly because, even though he’s gotten his hands dirty and got down to creating some of the best and inspired creations, nobody knows who he is!
The last time he made more art was in August 2024, so don’t miss getting cool selfies next to some of his masterpieces while there.
14. Epping Forest
The ancient forest is a large natural space stretching more than 6,000 acres from Manor Park to the North of Epping. The woodlands, freshwater ponds, and grasslands are home to birds, insects, wildlife like fungi and wood-boring beetles, and 55,000 old trees.
While exploring, you can partake in different and interesting activities like cycling, dog walking, fishing in one of the 25 different fishing ponds, horse riding, walking and running, or playing golf and football.
Along the way, make sure you see these three sites:
Ambresbury Banks
This is one of the two Iron Age earthworks located in the forest thought to have been constructed around 500 BC. Ponder over this ancient structure and transport yourself to a distant past where things were much different from how they are now.
You can’t horse ride or cycle here, though, which is obvious considering the two sports can ruin the site.
Blackweir Hill
Blackweir Hill, located near Loughton, is a woodland area with multiple ponds, including the famous Blackweir Pond, also known as Lost Pond. Come here for a calm and peaceful time in nature and admire the spot’s scenic beauty.
Epping Long Green
If you’re in the mood for a long walk or a cozy time with your dog, consider coming to Epping Long Green. The ancient path seems never-ending, so be ready for a long contemplative stroll. You’ll likely see wildlife like deer and dragonflies, so be on the lookout.
15. Gordon’s Wine Bar
Gordon’s Wine Bar, near Covent Garden, has served its customers since 1890 and is owned by Wendy Gordon and her family. The venue’s classic aura and antique ambiance transports you to another time, and its splendid food and drinks make your mouth water each time.
Choose from yummy cheeses, charcuterie and vegetables. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available for those following these diets.
Sit inside for a more cozy feel or choose the year-round accommodating outdoors. There are no reservations, so be early to get a table.
Believe it or not, this isn’t an exhaustive list because there’s more to London than meets the eye! Our guides know the city inside out, so talk to us if you need more insight. Our experience will equip you with important knowledge so you can make the most of your journey!
