15 Hidden Gems In London You Probably Didn't Know About
London, with its chilly weather, ever-present fogs, and gloomy skies, is one of the world’s most visited cities. Rife with architectural grandeur and diverse art and culture, the cosmopolitan city is home to the West End, major museums and galleries, and the most charming collection of riverside pubs in historic quarters.
The image of London instantly conjures the Big Ben, the Sky Garden, Westminster Abbey, or the Tower of London. Yet beyond the touristy sports lies hidden gems you probably didn't know about.
If you’re returning to this beautiful city and want an entirely new experience, here are 15 secret spots for that unique London adventure.
#1. Eel Pie Island
Once home to a hippie commune— and the largest one in the entire United Kingdom— the Eel Pie Island is an isolated island in the River Thames.
It was the site of the 19th-century Eel pie Island Hotel, which held a Rolling Stones Concert. In 1971, the hotel burned down in a mysterious fire.
#2. Neal’s Yard
Hidden inside Covent Garden, this hidden gem is a bustling and lively collection of vibrantly colourful shops that are perfect for Instagram enthusiasts. One of the most famous stores in this quaint side street enclave is Neal's Yard Remedies, which offers a wide range of organic beauty and skincare products.
As you step into this small alley, you'll be greeted with a lovely courtyard that's just waiting to be explored. Take your time wandering around and checking out all the different shops on offer. There are even health-food cafes for those who are looking for something nutritious and delicious to munch on. Neal's Yard is truly a charming spot that's well worth a visit.
#3. The Palm House
If you're interested in exploring endangered and extinct plant species, then The Palm House at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew is a must-visit. This incredible greenhouse is dedicated to growing tropical and subtropical plants, with a particular focus on palms.
One of the most impressive things about The Palm House is its sheer size. This humongous greenhouse was built using wrought iron and is actually the last remaining example of a Victorian glass-and-iron structure in the world. As you walk through its doors, you'll be transported to a lush and vibrant world filled with rare and exotic plants. It's a true marvel of engineering and a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
#4. God’s Own Junkyard
Get dazzled in this psychedelic haven of neon lights, vintage signs, movie props, disco balls, and retro walls. This neon-lit paradise is hidden inside a warehouse in Walthamstow.
This palace of lights also has its cafe, called The Rolling Stones. Also, you can take home the neon signs— for a price. You can search this unique junkyard on Instagram— but there’s no beating seeing it in person.
#5. Chelsea Physic Garden
Just a stone’s throw away from the River Thames is one of the best spots in London— the Chelsea Physic Garden, a fairytale-like garden that covers four acres of land. Sigh as your stress melts away in this former apothecaries’ garden.
Established in the 17th Century, Chelsea Physic Garden is among Britain’s oldest botanical gardens. It also has an alpine garden, which is the oldest in entire Europe, as well as Britain’s largest fruiting olive tree and one of the world’s oldest heated greenhouses.
#6. 18 Stafford Terrace
Tucked away behind the Kensington neighborhood is a museum that caters to your taste for anything Victorian. The once-home of illustrator and cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne boasts of stained-glass windows, sunflower motifs, Chinese porcelain— and the most significant, perhaps, is the William Morris wallpapers.
A typical middle-class Victorian house, the museum will also delight you with its Turkish carpets and dark wood. If you visit in October and November, you can enjoy costume tours, complete with performing actors.
#7. Crystal Palace Park
Looking for a fun day out for the whole family? Look no further than Crystal Palace Park! This amazing prehistoric theme park is perfect for kids and those who are young at heart. As you explore the park, you'll be surrounded by lush vegetation and an incredible collection of dinosaur sculptures that were actually made way back in 1854. That's right - these stone creatures are some of the oldest of their kind!
If you're on the hunt for some prehistoric fun, be sure to keep an eye out for the five hidden dinosaurs that are scattered throughout the park. They're hidden among the trees next to the lake, and they're super cool to see up close.
#8. Crossness Pumping Station
This former sewage pumping station is one of the most important but relatively unknown attractions in London. Your draw will drop at the sight of this architectural wonder.
A 19th-century masterful work in engineering, design, and architecture, Crossness offers thrilling guided tours. There’s a cafe, a film screening, and even a children’s trail.
#9. Morden Hall Park
Once an 18th-century deer park, Morden Hall Park is like a children’s storybook come to life. There are hopping bunnies, romantic stone bridges, and old snuff mills amids glorious greenery.
The Park, which is owned by the National Trust, also offers remarkable sights of old, historic buildings from the 1700s. Inside the snuff mill, you’d be in for a treat— a second-hand bookshop and an art gallery!
#10. Mathematics: The Winton Gallery at the Science Museum
You don’t have to be a Math nerd to enjoy The Winton Gallery. The stories this gallery and museum tells is an astounding example of mathematical genius.
This is the place to learn the fascinating role of math in all aspects— from beauty to war, to garden design, engineering, and even death.
#11. The Ruins of St. Dunstan-in-the-East
For a truly unique and breathtaking sight, be sure to check out the Ruins of St. Dunstan-in-the-East. Tucked away in the heart of London, this incredible spot features a secret garden that's nestled amidst the crumbling ruins of a church that dates back to the Saxon invasion.
Despite its age, the church ruins have managed to survive some truly tumultuous events in London's history, including the Great Fire of 1666 and the Blitz of 1941. Today, the ruins and the enchanting garden that surrounds them are a popular spot for photographers and those seeking a moment of peace and tranquillity in the heart of the city.
#12. Mercato Metropolitano di Mayfair
This visually arresting street food market was once a deconstructed church. It’s also a hip cultural hub and is an ideal destination if you wish to visit a sustainable community market.
Imagine a vaulted crypt basement where you can find charming dining options. Explore the romantic, colorful market for more fresh and artisanal ingredients.
#13. Kyoto Gardens, Holland Park
History buffs and horticulturalists will weep with joy in this London gem. Holland Park, which surrounds the Holland House (a Jacobean mansion), is home to Kyoto Gardens.
The Japanese-style garden features a waterfall that cascades near a bridge, with waters brimming with koi carp. Holland Park itself is a place to behold with its sea of dahlias.
#14. Oxleas Woods, Shooters Hill
Yes, in the city of London you’ll find an ancient forest called the Oxleas Woods. The forest, which is 800 years old, covers 77 hectares.
Enjoy a walk among oak, hornbeam, and silver birch. Enjoy a cup of tea at the cafe at the top of the hill, or climb to the top of the Severndroog Castle to get an awesome view of London.
#15. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Commonly known as the Neasden Temple, the Shri is a stunning Hindi Temple built-in 1995 using traditional materials and methods. It’s the first authentic Hindu temple (mandir) in Britain.
Revel in the temple’s light cream limestone exterior, and the Italian and Indian marble in the exterior. While the mandir is carved from stone, the haveli is constructed from English oak and Burmese teak.