29 hidden and not-so-hidden spots in London

London is my absolute favourite city in the world. I have been there twice now and there is still so much to see and explore. In fact, writing this makes me want to hop on the next train to London. This city has so much to offer, but besides the popular tourist spots, there are multiple hidden spots that deserve just as much attention. Hence why I’ll show you 29 hidden and not-so-hidden spots in London, so that you won’t miss a thing!

There is a map a the bottom of this post!

29 hidden and not-so-hidden spots in London

Take a photo of Big Ben

A visit to London is not complete without a visit to Big Ben, also known as the great clock of Westminster Although many believe the clock tower to be the ‘Big Ben’, it’s actually the Great bell within that’s referred to as Big Ben. When the clock was built in 1958, it was the largest four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world.

If you plan on visiting London soon, I’ve got some great news for you: it is no longer covered in scaffolding! Head to the other side of the river Thames, take the stairs on your left and turn left again for a stunning photo location of the clock tower.

Visit Tower Bridge

Not to be confused with the London Bridge (which doesn’t have towers as the name suggests), is another tourist hotspot in the city. You can cross the bridge without having to pay a single penny, or you could get access to the upper walkways for £14. Entry to the towers, walkways, glass floor and engine rooms is also included in the price and you’ll get to be in the exact same spot Tom Holland once was to film Spiderman: No Way Home.

Tip! At night the bridge is illuminated which gives it a whole other vibe, so if possible, I’d recommend to visit the tower both during the day and during the night.

Relax at St. Dunstan in the East

Okay, but what about the hidden gems of the city? Well. if you’re in need of some tranquillity head to St. Dunstan in the East. St. Dunstan in the East is a public park hidden behind some skyscrapers. In the park, you’ll find the ruins of an Anglican church that was bombed in 1941. Now the ruins are covered in all kinds of greenery adding an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. It’s perfect to escape the chaos of the city!

Visit the Natural History Museum

From animal skeletons to dinosaurs, to meteorites and photo galleries, this museum has got it all! The museum has a collection of 80 million objects, split into 4 different sections, making it one of the largest Natural history museums in the world, and guess what? It’s totally free to visit! Upon entrance, you are greeted by a life-sized skeleton of a whale. The building itself is also pretty impressive making it a delight to visit. You can either take all day to roam around or visit the sections you like if you’re limited on time. Do try to get there early as long queues form rather easily.

Tip! Check the entrance on Cromwell Road if there’s a massive queue at the main entrance. This entrance is often less crowded.

Visit Platform 9 ¾

All Harry Potter fans will know what is meant by platform 9 ¾, but to those that have missed the most iconic movies of all time: platform 9 ¾ is based on JK Rowling’s world of Harry Potter. It’s the platform from where the train departs to Hogwarts. To access the platform one must run through the wall between platforms 9 and 10. Only witches and wizards could get through. In honour of the books, the authorities of King’s Cross station put up a platform 9 ¾ sign and a trolley that disappears into the wall, creating the perfect photo spot for Harry Potter fans. To this day, there are still many fans wanting to take a photo there, so try to get there really early and don’t go during school holidays.

Watch sunset the sunset at Sky Garden or OXO Tower

So far, we’ve explored London on the ground, but there are a couple of possibilities to explore it from the sky. The Sky Garden and OXO Tower are two of the best spots to do so. The Sky Garden is the capital’s highest garden, which included two restaurants, two bars and a rooftop terrace. Visiting the Garden is free, but you need to book up to three weeks in advance due to its popularity.

The public garden is open from:

• Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm
• Sat – Sun: 11am – 9pm
• Bank Holidays: 11am – 9pm

The restaurants and bars close at a later time, but once again it is recommended to book a table in advance. Do check the What’s on page before visiting for ticketed events. There are often DJ’s or live performances, making it the perfect night out.

Happened to be too late for a reservation, but still want to see London’s skyline? Check out the OXO Tower. The OXO Tower is a restaurant, bar and brasserie at 200ft high, providing you with the best and most iconic views of London. Enjoy a fine dining experience in the restaurant, live music in the brasserie, or refreshing cocktails in the bar. You need to make a reservation for the restaurant and the brasserie, but you can walk in if you simply fancy a drink. It is however recommended to call half an hour in advance to check availability.

If possible try visiting during sunset or in the evening so that you can see the nighttime skyline!

Have a picnic at Kyoto Japanese Garden

Not a big fan of heights but do fancy a visit to a garden? Head to Kyoto Japanese Garden, located in Holland Park. There is an underground stop right next to it called Holland Park. This park is the perfect escape from the busy city. The Japanese-styled park with mesmerizing waterfalls, a koi carp pond, Japanese maple trees and the occasional peacock was a gift from the city of Kyota to celebrate the friendship between Japan and Great Britain. The gorgeous park opened in 1991 and is free to visit.

Visit Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple

You’re mistaken if you think London only has to offer British culture. A bit further away from the city centre (yet still in tube zone 3), is a stunning Hindu temple; Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as the Neasden Temple because it’s located in Neasden, London. The approximately 70 feet tall temple supposedly is Britain’s first authentic Hindu temple, and Europe’s first Hindu stone temple.

Do check the guidelines before visiting. This is a place of worship so you will have to dress appropriately (covered shoulders, below knee-length leg-wear. Furthermore, photography inside is forbidden, and you need to take your shoes off. Lastly, large bags have to be deposited in the Baggage Cabin in the car park prior to entering the complex.

Entrance is free with the exception of the exhibition ‘Understanding Hinduism’ which has a small fee.

How to get there? There are a couple of tube stations in the area but I’d recommend going to Neasden station or Stonebridge park station. Both are in zone 3.

Take photos at Neal’s Yard

Instagrammers beware! You do not want to miss this colourful street during your London trip! Just like St. Dunstan in the East, Neal’s yard is tucked away behind buildings, making the entrance easy to miss. There’s an entrance on Monmouth Street, next to ‘Fresh’ and ‘Nappa Dori”, and there is one on Short’s Gardens next to a ‘Benefit’ beauty salon.

Neal’s yard used to be a waste area filled with bins that were meant to be demolished, but one day Nicholas Saunders decided to save it by opening up a food store. Everybody thought he’d gone mental but nowadays you can get all sorts of things there: pedicure, massages, pizza, lunch, there are even meeting rooms!

London Eye

The London Eye can pretty much be found on every tourist souvenir item. It’s an indispensable part of the city’s skyline. It’s also pretty expensive (you can get a better view at the Sky Garden or OXO Tower for free) but it’s still worth a visit. I personally love to take a photo from the opposite side of the Thames.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is the most important church in all of England. This is the royal church, where all the coronations, royal weddings, and state funerals are held. The impressive Gothic building is the final resting place for many influential people. Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, and Anne of Cleves to name a few.

Entrance to the Abbey costs £27 or £24 if you are 65+ or a student. The entrance fee includes an audio tour. There are also guided tours you can book.

Hyde Park

Right in the heart of London is Hyde park, one of London’s biggest parks. It used to be a private hunting ground for Henry VII, but it was turned into a public park in 1637. Nowadays many Londoners meet up in the park to chill. Have a look at the rose garden, sit down in the grass or rent a boat on the Serpentine; it is another perfect spot to escape the busy city.

In summer, there are many events, check this website to see what’s happening during your stay. In winter there is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland where part of the park is turned into a Christmas market with a Ferris wheel and an ice rink.

Shop at Camden Market

Camden Market is the most popular market in London, Camden Town to be precise. Camden Market is in fact not one single market but multiple smaller markets that seamlessly blend into one. These six markets form Camden Market:

• Camden Lock Market: Is the original market that started it all in 1974. There are plenty of partially covered stalls that mostly sell art and crafts, but also books, jewellery and second-hand clothes. Got tired of shopping? Take a break at one of the many terraces.
• Stables Market: You guessed it; this market is located in what used to be stables. It is the biggest market and you cannot miss it because of the many horse sculptures. You can find all kinds of stuff in this market that is spread across two levels. Most of the stalls can be found beneath the railway’s arches, thus it’s partially covered which is ideal for rainy days!
• Buck Street Market: This probably is the first market you’ll get to if you go by Underground. This market mostly offers clothes, vintage that is not really vintage and counterfeit products. This is just one of the six markets but it is often seen at ‘the Camden Market’ but now you know it’s only part of it!
• Camden Canal Market: The most charming market of all is the Camden Canal Market. There are multiple food stalls where you can buy freshly baked goods that you can eat alongside the Canal. What makes this so special is the seats: You won’t be sitting on regular seats, instead they have converted scooters into seats. There is a total of about 500 market stalls, so there truly is something for everybody!
• Electric Ballroom: At night, this is the place to party, but during the weekend the two-story building is turned into a market. If you’re looking for peculiar items this is the place to be!
• Inverness Street Market: The smallest market out there which makes it the least interesting one, but definitely check it out if you’ve got some time left!

Shopping isn’t all you can do at Camden Market. Here are some more activities worth mentioning:

Babylon Park

Visiting with kids? Head to Babylon Park which is a space-themed indoor amusement park with a rollercoaster, bumper carts, a drop tower, and much more. Entrance is free, you pay for what you want to do. The Arcade & rides range from £1 – £6. So if you’re not too keen on the rides you won’t need to pay anything!

Tomb Raider the Live Experience

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be Lara Croft? Well, you no longer have to wonder! At Tomb Raider the Live Experience you get to help Lara Croft in an interactive, immersive experience-meets-escape room. You’re going to escape a sinking ship, explore the jungles of Costa Rica, discover an ancient tomb and battle a secret order in this attraction.

The experience lasts 75 minutes to 2 hours and it’s played in teams of 8. You will be paired with others if your group is smaller than 8 persons.

Check the website to see the prices since they vary between dates and time slots.

Plonk mini-golf

Who doesn’t love a game of indoor mini-golf? Plonk mini-golf is a 9-hole indoor crazy golf course with a whalebone half pipe, a giant loop, an appearance of Ursula the 2m tall octopus, and way more! It’s guaranteed a fun day out with the whole family.

It costs £13.00 during peak hours, but if you go before 5 PM on weekdays you’ll only have to pay £9.90. Kids can get a reduced ticket.

Head to Chinatown

This one is for the foodies. Around the corner of Leicester Square is Chinatown: red lantern-lined streets filled with a variety of restaurants, food stalls, and shops. I’m sure the delightful food aromas wafting in the air will make you drool. And good news! The food is not even that expensive over here! So either come to get a meal before heading to any of the theatres in Leicester Square, or get one of the delicious goods at a bakery, there is plenty to choose from!

Roam around Notting Hill

Notting Hill is a district in west London which is a pleasure to roam around. The district is mostly known for its pastel-coloured victorian buildings, and it truly deserves the title ‘one of London’s prettiest districts’. Get off at the Notting Hill Gate or the Bayswater underground stop. The latter is a lot less busy and it’s on the edge of the district so the exploring can start immediately. Head to Portobello Road Market for vintage, art and food stalls. Who knows what bargains you will find! Go to Lancaster road for a view of the most photographed pastel buildings, but don’t be afraid to simply wander around, there is plenty to discover! If you go during spring the district will be even more dazzling due to all the blooming Magnolia and blossom trees.

Shop at Oxford Street

Did you leave enough room in your suitcase? Oxford Street is the most famous shopping street in all of London. The street, which is over 2,4 kilometres long, houses all the well-known retail chains like H&M, Primark, Zara, Topshop, Debenhams, and so much more! Most of the shops are considered ‘flagship stores’ which basically means that they’re considered the most important and that they’re usually a lot bigger than others stores in the chain.

Buckingham Palace

The 775-room palace is the residence of the British sovereign. Try to get there well in advance if you want to be guaranteed of a good spot to watch the change of the guards which occurs at 11:00 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and daily in the summer. Check the British Army website for a detailed schedule.

For £30.00 you can enter the Palace in summer and see some of the 775 rooms. A multimedia guide is included in the price.

It should be common knowledge by now, but be aware of your surroundings when watching the change of guards. The guards will literally push you aside if you’re in the way. Or they will scream at you, or both. Don’t bother them in doing their jobs.

Go vintage shopping in Brick Lane

Shoreditch was once known as the poorest area of East London, and as the place where Jack the Ripper murdered women, but nowadays it’s a funky hipster hotspot. Especially Brick Lane is the place to be if you’re in favour of some vintage shopping. Take your time to rummage for a unique find in one of the many vintage shops.

But that’s not all you can do in Brick Lane. You’ll quickly notice that not a singular wall is spared from street art. You can even book a guided tour past the best artworks.

For the best experience, try to go on a Sunday when Brick Lane is its liveliest.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is London’s biggest cathedral, designed by Christopher Wren who got inspiration from the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It is a stunning building, inside and out, and therefore it is definitely worth a visit.

Interesting is the Whispering Gallery, a circular walkway in the dome. An acoustic error has become a true tourist attraction. If you whisper something along the walls, it can be heard at a distance of 34 meters given there’s not too much background noise. You have to whisper it though, otherwise, it doesn’t work.

Want to take a photo of the exterior? Get the perfect shot from Peter’s hill (especially the glass building creates a gorgeous reflection shot) or the Millenium Bridge.

Watch the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall

In the mood for some more British traditions? Head to Whitehall for the changing of guards ceremony at the parade ground. The change happens at 11 am on all days except for Sunday, then you’ll have to be there at 10 am. The change usually lasts about half an hour.

Once again! Make sure that you’re not standing in the way, and if you happen to take a picture with one of the horses be aware that they can bite and under no circumstance touch the reins!

Visit Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a lively neighbourhood in West End. Over here you can find a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. Covent Garden is mostly known for its Covent Garden Market. Many years ago the famous glass building in Covent Garden used to be a fruit market. Nowadays you can buy far more than just fruit there. The Covent Garden Market is located at an Italian-styled piazza. Have a cup of coffee there, explore all the little nooks for Instagrammable places and then head inside the market for some shopping. Done shopping? Head to the Royal Opera House for an Opera show or just to gawk at the exterior. You can easily spend a full day in Covent Garden!

Go on a free walking tour

Free walking tours are booming; you can find one in every city, London included. So what exactly is a free walking tour and is it really free? The short answer is now, but it is a lot cheaper. The part that is free is the booking part, meaning you can cancel it anytime without having lost money. The tour itself is basically a ‘pay-what-you-please-tour’, that is done by a local guide who is passionate about their city. There simply isn’t a fixed price, some pay between 5 to 15 pounds, others 20 or 50 pounds. It’s completely up to you.

So what free walking tours does London have to offer? A quick Google search provides you with an immense list. For example London Central Walking Tour, Street Art & Graffiti Tour, Jack the Ripper Tour and a Harry Potter Tour. But these are just (non-sponsored, hey!) examples. There are many more tours out there!

Take a photo at Abbey Road

This is not a hidden spot for fans of the Beatles. Those wanting to recreate the famous album cover need to head over to St. John’s Wood, northwest London, which is where the zebra crossing is located. To get there take the Jubilee line and get off at St. John’s wood tube station.

Do keep in mind that this still is an ordinary street with traffic. So don’t take too long and be wary of your surroundings. Londoners can get a bit impatient. Best is to avoid rush hour.

Right next to the Beatles crosswalk is the Abbey Road studios where the Beatles, among many other celebrities, have recorded their albums. There is no studio tour, but there is a souvenir shop and you can leave a message on its graffiti wall.

Let your family know when you plan on visiting the crosswalk. There is a live webcam pointed at the famous crossing. Don’t forget to wave to the camera!

Have a drink at Cahoots

London is filled with a variety of cocktail bars, each providing its own unique experience. If you;re into history, Cahoots is surely going to pique your attention. Cahoots is a 1940’s themed bar in Soho with three distinct spaces:

• The Underground: themed after a disused underground station in post-war London. The entrance is at Kingly Court (NOT Kingly Street!) There is a life-sized vintage tube carriage inside and every Saturday afternoon you can participate in Black Market Knees-Up a secret experience ending in a 1940s pub-style quiz.
• The Ticket Hall: get your black market liquor in the Ticket Hall which is themed after an abandoned ticket station. This is perfect if you’d rather stay outdoors or get a takeaway. There is an extended outdoor seating area.
• Signal Station: the Signal Station is located right underneath the Ticket Hall. This speakeasy-styled bar is for those who crave a nighttime cocktail. Every weekend the Signal Station comes alive with the sound of live music and every Saturday afternoon you can get involved in a blend of puzzle-solving and cocktail-making challenge called Bootlegger Breakout.

Step back in time and enjoy your night out, but don’t forget to book in advance. This is free, but you do need to pay a fee if you cancel within 24 hours or if you don’t show up.

Meander through a photographer’s heaven: Kynance Mews

Located in west Kensington is a picturesque mews street, filled with blooming wisteria, cobbled stones and stone archways. A mews is a row or courtyard of stables and carriage houses with living quarters above them indicated by the stone archways. They were often built in desirable residential areas, to cater for the horses, coachmen and stable servants of prosperous residents.

Over in Kynance Mews, you can easily imagine yourself in a rural English village. It is a charming neighbourhood that is often forgotten by tourists although Instagrammers and photographers seem to have discovered it, thus try to get there early if you want the place for yourself.

Don’t forget to bring your camera, but above all, don’t forget that this is actually a residential area. There are people living there, so be mindful of homeowners (especially if you plan on visiting early in the morning) and refrain from going directly onto their property.

Gawk at Leadenhall Market

You might wonder: another market? Yes, another market, but like all others, this one too has a completely distinct look that cannot be missed. You see, Leadenhall Market is covered with a Victorian roof and that alone is worth a visit. The roof is designed by sir Horace Jones who also designed the Tower Bridge.

But that is not all, Leadenhall Market is one of the Harry Potter filming locations. The cobbled street is actually Diagon Alley and the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron is situated there as well, although muggle reality is a lot more boring: it’s actually an optician.

Don’t want to explain to your travel companions that this is another Harry Potter sight? Just tell them that you’re going shopping, There are plenty of independent stores, restaurants and bars to choose from!

Visit God’s Own Junkyard; a neon museum

Looking for a unique London experience? One that not many tourists are aware of? Visit God’s Own Junkyard, this is a free neon sign museum. The owner Chris Bracey has spent 37 years collecting and creating new & used neon signs, old movie props, neon art, fairground & circus lighting and much more. It is an amazing place to see. Unfortunately, prostate cancer claimed Chris way too soon, but his legacy lives on in God’s Own Junkyard.

Inside, there is a cafe as well so you could definitely spend a couple of hours in there!

Getting there: take the train to Walthamstow Central station. From there it’s a 14-minute walk.

Note: it is not allowed to bring in a DSLR or camera, but you’re allowed to take photos with your phone.

Go on a day trip to Oxford

London is my favourite city but Oxford comes in at a close second. The University city which is known for its magnificent architecture that dates back multiple centuries is only an hour’s ride away by train. Explore the cobbled streets, the botanical gardens, the canals, libraries, gothic spires and the domed theatres. Oxford is there to please all: literary lovers can visit the lamppost and ‘Narnia door’ which is said to have inspired C.S. Lewis, architecture lovers can gawk at the Radcliffe Camera (and about 10 other stunning buildings), Harry Potter fans can follow a walking tour past all filming locations (for example, the Bodleian Library), and dark academia fans should visit Christ Church to live their dreams.

There is so much to see and do in Oxford, try to book a free walking tour to get the most out of your visit especially if you’ve only got a day.

Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter at Warner Bros Studios tour.

About 1 hour away from central London is the Warner Bros Studios where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Harry Potter. The approximately 3 and half hour long tour takes you past sets of Diagon Alley, The Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest, authentic props and original costumes. You’ll get a complete insight into the making of the magical movies.

Intricate sets are alternated with interactive sections; make your own Howler, fly on a broom, watch an invisibility cloak demonstration, or harvest your own Mandrake.

There is a free activity passport that provides you with a Golden Snitch scavenger hunt, puzzles, knowledge quizzes and stories about the filming. Make sure to grab one of those!

How to get there? Either take the train from Euston to Watford Junction from there you can hop on the roundtrip shuttle service for 3 pounds which will bring you to the studios in 15 minutes or you could book an entrance ticket including transfer from London from £94.

The entrance fee starts at £51.50 for an adult.

Map

I hope this list of 29 hidden and not-so-hidden spots in London has helped you in any way. Have you ever been to any of these places? Or do you think this list misses something? Please let me know in the comments <3

Love,

Sharon