While most visitors flock to iconic spots like Big Ben and the London Eye, London has much more to offer. From hidden green spaces to quirky museums, these under-the-wrap hidden treasures reveal a quieter, more intimate side of the city that you should surely check out for the full London experience.
In this blog, we will explore some of the most amazing Hidden Gems of London so that there’s more stuff to add to your to-do list next time you choose to visit this lovely city.
⦁ Little Venice
Just a short walk from Paddington, Little Venice is a picturesque canal district and is one of the best tourist places in London. Lined with colourful houseboats, quaint cafes, and waterside pubs, it offers a peaceful escape from the city’s bustling energy. You can take a leisurely stroll along the Regent’s Canal or hop on a canal boat to Camden Market, pass through some beautiful parks and even visit the famous London Zoo along the way. Little Venice is the perfect retreat for those who want some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
⦁ The Seven Noses of Soho
For all art enthusiasts, we bring you a unique art adventure. Scattered throughout the vibrant streets of Soho are The Seven Noses, an eccentric art installation created by artist Rick Buckley to protest CCTV surveillance. Though hundreds were initially placed, only seven remain today. Hidden in plain sight on walls and buildings, finding them has become a playful scavenger hunt for those in the know. Legend says that anyone who finds all seven noses is destined for great fortune—a perfect excuse to wander and explore the lively, eclectic atmosphere of Soho. And you never know, the legend might just even come true for you!
⦁ Leighton House Museum
This is for all the tourists who have a knack for good architecture. Step into the opulent world of Victorian art at Leighton House Museum, the former home of renowned artist Frederic Leighton. Located in Kensington, the museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Its centrepiece is the Arab Hall, a room inspired by Middle Eastern architecture, with stunning golden mosaics, intricate tile work, and a fountain at its heart. The house beautifully blends European and Eastern influences, making it one of London’s most unique museum experiences.
⦁ Postman’s Park
Pay tribute to London’s everyday heroes by visiting the lush green Postman’s Park. Nestled between office buildings and streets in the heart of the City of London, Postman’s Park is a small but deeply moving green space. It’s known for the Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice, a poignant collection of ceramic plaques commemorating ordinary people who died saving others. Each plaque tells a brief but powerful story, offering a quiet moment of reflection in an often busy area near St. Paul’s Cathedral. The park’s peaceful atmosphere is a welcome retreat from the urban hustle and bustle.
⦁ Eel Pie Island
Situated in the Thames near Twickenham, Eel Pie Island dates back years. In the 1960s, the island was a hub for jazz and rock music, hosting legends like The Rolling Stones and The Who at the famous Eel Pie Hotel. Now, it’s a private residential community with a strong artistic presence, home to artists’ studios and galleries. The island is only accessible by a private footbridge and is usually closed to the public, but during rare open days, visitors can explore its lovely charm and artistic treasures. Want to visit? London has many taxi tours that will take you to and from Eel Pie Island in a jiffy!
⦁ The Hunterian Museum
For lovers of the weird and wonderful, the Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of surgery and anatomy. The museum houses a
vast collection of medical specimens, including preserved organs, skeletons, and historical surgical instruments. Many of the items were collected by the famed surgeon John Hunter in the 18th century. The museum is both educational and eerie, allowing visitors to see the marvels—and oddities—of medical science. Pretty cool if you ask us!
⦁ Wilton’s Music Hall
Tucked away in the East End, Wilton’s Music Hall is the world’s oldest surviving music hall, dating back to the 1850s. Walking into this Grade II listed building feels like stepping into another era, with its faded Victorian grandeur and atmospheric interiors. Restored but still maintaining its charmingly worn look, Wilton’s hosts a variety of performances, from plays and concerts to cabaret shows. Even if you don’t catch a show, simply visiting the venue is a fascinating glimpse into London’s theatrical past.
⦁ The Hardy Tree
In the shadow of St. Pancras Old Church lies a curious sight called The Hardy Tree. Surrounded by hundreds of gravestones that encircle its base, the tree owes its eerie arrangement to the writer Thomas Hardy. Before his career as a novelist, Hardy worked as an architect, and one of his tasks was to relocate graves from an overcrowded cemetery. Rather than discard the stones, they were stacked around a tree, which has since grown over and among them, creating a haunting yet serene memorial to London’s past. Do you like ghost stories and want to go on a haunted adventure? Then this site is a must-visit!
⦁ Daunt Books
In the bustling neighbourhood of Marylebone, Daunt Books stands as a sanctuary for book lovers. Housed in a huge building with towering oak shelves, skylights, and galleries, this independent bookshop specialises in travel literature but offers various genres. Its old-world charm makes it more than just a place to buy books—it’s a destination for those who appreciate the quiet elegance of a bygone era. Lose yourself in the stacks, and you might just find your next great literary adventure. To all the book lovers, hurry up!
Wrapping It Up
Exploring these hidden gems reveals a side of London that many never get to see, offering deeper connections to the city’s rich history, culture, and creativity. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a seasoned traveller looking to see more of the city’s wonders, uncovering these secret spots will be a great experience and will inspire you to visit again and again.
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