London is a city of endless possibilities, with iconic landmarks at every turn. But beyond the familiar sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace lies a different London, one filled with secret gardens, quirky museums, and historic pubs that most tourists never discover. Join us as we explore the hidden corners of this magnificent city and uncover the local treasures that make London truly special.
Secret Gardens and Green Spaces
While Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens attract millions of visitors each year, London is home to dozens of lesser-known green spaces that offer tranquility amid the urban bustle.
Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Tucked away in Holland Park in Kensington, the Kyoto Garden is a Japanese-style landscape garden donated by the city of Kyoto in 1991. With its tiered waterfall, stone lanterns, and koi carp pond, this peaceful oasis feels worlds away from central London. Visit in spring for spectacular cherry blossoms or autumn for vibrant maple foliage.
Postman's Park
Hidden between King Edward Street and St. Martin's Le Grand near St. Paul's Cathedral, Postman's Park is home to the touching Watts Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice. This unique memorial features ceramic plaques commemorating ordinary people who lost their lives while trying to save others. The park itself, once a popular lunch spot for postal workers from the nearby General Post Office, provides a quiet retreat in the heart of the city.
The Garden at 120
One of London's newest rooftop gardens, The Garden at 120 opened in 2019 atop 120 Fenchurch Street. Unlike other sky-high spots like The Shard or Sky Garden, this 15th-floor terrace is completely free to visit with no booking required. The 360-degree views of the city skyline include close-up vistas of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and the modern skyscrapers of the City of London.
Insider Tip
Visit The Garden at 120 on weekdays before 10am or after 5pm to avoid the lunchtime crowds and enjoy the space almost to yourself.
Unusual Museums and Cultural Spots
Beyond the British Museum and National Gallery lie fascinating specialist museums that showcase London's eccentric side.
Sir John Soane's Museum
The former home of eccentric architect Sir John Soane is a treasure trove of curiosities in Lincoln's Inn Fields. Soane designed his house as both a home and a museum, filling it with architectural models, paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The basement's candlelit tour reveals the sarcophagus of Egyptian pharaoh Seti I, while movable walls display Hogarth's paintings in an innovative space-saving display.
Dennis Severs' House
Step back in time at Dennis Severs' House in Spitalfields, where American artist Dennis Severs created a unique "still-life drama" in a Georgian townhouse. Each room is arranged as if the fictional Jervis family—18th-century Huguenot silk weavers—had just stepped out moments before. With flickering candles, half-eaten meals, and period sounds and smells, this immersive experience engages all your senses as you move silently through the centuries.
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
In Hackney, The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History defies categorization. This tiny, dimly lit cabinet of curiosities contains everything from shrunken heads and two-headed kittens to works by artists like Leonora Carrington and Austin Osman Spare. The basement houses even stranger objects, accessible via a spiral staircase. The space doubles as a cocktail bar, allowing visitors to sip absinthe while contemplating the eclectic collection.
Historic Pubs and Hidden Drinking Spots
London's historic pubs are living museums, many dating back centuries and each with fascinating stories to tell.
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street has been serving patrons for over 350 years. Its dark, atmospheric interior includes multiple levels connected by narrow staircases and passages. Literary giants like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle were regular patrons, and the pub appears in Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities." Don't miss the vaulted cellars, which date back to a 13th-century monastery that once occupied the site.
The Mayflower
In Rotherhithe, The Mayflower claims to be the oldest pub on the Thames, dating from 1550. Named after the famous ship that departed from nearby in 1620, the pub has authentic maritime character with an outdoor deck that hangs over the river at high tide. Inside, low beams, dark wood, and a working fireplace create a cozy atmosphere. Look for the US and UK stamps on display—The Mayflower is the only pub in the UK licensed to sell stamps, as American visitors can pay their respects to their pilgrim ancestors here.
Evans & Peel Detective Agency
For something completely different, enter the world of prohibition-era speakeasies at Evans & Peel Detective Agency in Earl's Court. To gain entry, you'll need to "make an appointment with the detective" online, then present your "case" to the stern-faced detective at the door. If you're convincing enough, a bookcase will swing open to reveal a dimly lit 1920s-style bar serving creative cocktails in teacups and other disguised vessels.
Insider Tip
When visiting Evans & Peel, prepare a simple "case" for the detective in advance—it's part of the experience and helps maintain the speakeasy atmosphere.
Hidden Neighborhoods Worth Exploring
Away from the well-trodden tourist paths lie vibrant neighborhoods that showcase London's diverse cultural fabric.
Little Venice
Where Regent's Canal meets the Grand Union Canal in Maida Vale, Little Venice offers a peaceful waterside atmosphere with colorful narrowboats, waterside cafes, and elegant Regency houses. Take a canal boat trip to Camden Lock, explore the quirky Puppet Theatre Barge (a floating puppet theater), or simply enjoy a coffee at one of the canalside cafes while watching the boats drift by.
Maltby Street Market
While Borough Market draws the crowds, nearby Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey offers a more intimate food market experience. Open on weekends, the market sets up under the railway arches with vendors selling everything from freshly baked bread and artisanal cheeses to creative street food and craft spirits. The industrial setting adds to its character—arrive early to avoid the lines at popular stalls.
Eel Pie Island
In the middle of the Thames in Twickenham lies Eel Pie Island, accessible only by footbridge and home to around 120 residents. Once famous for its hotel that hosted performances by The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Pink Floyd in the 1960s, today the island is a bohemian artist community. Twice a year, the island's artists open their studios to the public, offering a rare glimpse into this creative enclave and the chance to purchase unique artwork.
Unique Walking Routes
Exploring on foot reveals London's layered history and hidden connections that even many locals don't know about.
The Seven Noses of Soho
In 1997, artist Rick Buckley installed about 35 plaster casts of his nose on buildings around London as a protest against CCTV surveillance. Only seven remain today, mostly in Soho. Hunting for these small protrusions on building facades makes for an unusual treasure hunt through central London. Legend has it that finding all seven noses brings infinite wealth!
Parkland Walk
Follow the route of an abandoned railway line on the Parkland Walk, London's longest linear nature reserve stretching from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. This 4.5-mile green corridor passes through disused platforms, underneath old railway bridges, and through unexpected woodland, offering views of the city skyline. Look out for the spriggan (a type of woodland sprite) sculpture emerging from a brick arch in Crouch End—a delightful surprise for observant walkers.
Bermondsey Beer Mile
Craft beer enthusiasts should head to the Bermondsey Beer Mile, where a collection of microbreweries housed in railway arches open their taprooms to the public on Saturday afternoons. Start at Maltby Street Market and work your way along the trail, sampling unique brews directly from the source at places like Kernel, Brew By Numbers, and Anspach & Hobday.
Planning Your Off-the-Beaten-Path London Adventure
To make the most of London's hidden treasures:
- Choose a neighborhood focus: Rather than trying to see everything, pick one or two areas to explore in depth each day.
- Travel like a local: Use the London Underground and buses to get around, but don't miss the chance to explore on foot or by bike using the Santander Cycles scheme.
- Check opening times: Many smaller attractions have limited opening hours or are only open on specific days.
- Look up: London's architecture reveals surprises above street level, from medieval carvings to modern roof gardens.
- Look down: Watch for markers in the pavement indicating historical sites, unusual manhole covers, and other ground-level curiosities.
London reveals its secrets slowly to those willing to venture beyond the guidebook highlights. By exploring these hidden gems, you'll discover a more intimate side of the city and create memories that go far beyond the typical tourist experience.
What hidden corners of London have you discovered? Share your own secret finds in the comments below!
