10 Amazing Places in London You Didn’t Know Existed
If you’re reading this, you are likely preparing for a trip to London or maybe trying to rediscover this historic city.
The city of London is a top tourist destination around the world, from its historical story to the famous landmarks and its colorful culture.
But even for those who’ve walked its streets a million times, secrets await.
I thought about my earliest visits to London. I checked off all the big sights — Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace.
Every single trip was filled with the classics, and I loved every second of it.
But on my fifth or sixth visit I began to long for something different, something more unusual.
On an ordinary sunny afternoon when I was aimlessly roaming I found a lovely canal where colorfully painted houseboats and small cafes were lined up.
That serendipitous find was Little Venice, and it forever altered the way I explore cities.
So this article is for you, a fellow gem hunter like me!
It’s for the curious traveler who thinks there’s more to London than what the guidebooks tell them.
And now, for the 10 hidden gems in London you never know existed.
1. Little Venice
Overview
Tucked where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals converge, Little Venice is a scenic tangle of canals in the center of London.
Picture yourself walking beside peaceful canals, filled with vibrant narrowboats, each one with its own personality.
This cute nest is hidden in Maida Vale, a lovely haven in the busy streets of the big city.
Why Visit
Little Venice is the ideal place to see another side of London.
These unique canal boats serve as cozy cafes, quaint bookshops and even floating theaters.
The paths alongside the water are perfect for a casual stroll or boat ride. It’s a great spot to sit back, have a coffee and people watch.
Personal Experience
On one sunny afternoon, I was wandering through Maida Vale, looking for a break from the usual tourist routes.
I rounded a bend and found myself at the serene tableau of Little Venice.
Water lapped gently against boats, conversation murmured from cafes, and colors flashed about.
I wandered for hours before landing at a waterside cafe with a cup of tea and a good book.
In that moment, Little Venice became my hidden corner of London.
2. Eel Pie Island
Overview
Eel Pie Island, hidden away on the River Thames next to Twickenham, is a small, privately owned island with a good deal of history.
In the 1960s, it was a home away from home for musicians and artists, and played host to the likes of The Rolling Stones and The Who.
Today, it continues to provide a home for a thriving community of artists and creatives.
Why Visit
Eel Pie Island’s quirky vibe and artistic heritage also makes it a must-visit for anyone looking for something a little less mainstream.
Artists’ studios and galleries dot the island and are open to the public during special events.
The feel of the community was alive, a unique peek into an angel of London not often experienced.
Personal Experience
It felt like stepping into a secret world when I visited Eel Pie Island. I had been there on one of the island’s rare open weekends.
As I stepped onto the footbridge, I was overwhelmed by the bohemian vibe.
I strolled through studios bursting with eclectic art and conversed with the welcoming artists who work on the island.
The best thing I saw was an unexpected gallery with very bright and interesting pieces.
It was an afternoon of unexpected delights and creative inspiration, one I won’t soon forget.
3. Wilton’s Music Hall
Overview
Wilton’s Music Hall is a jewel in London’s East End, known as one of the oldest surviving music halls in the world.
This historic venue has a long and storied history dating back to the 1850s when it served as a public house, a music hall, a church and even a rag warehouse.
Standing today as a stylishly restored monument to Victorian entertainment, it hosts an array of eclectic shows.
Why Visit
Entering Wilton’s Music Hall is like time travel.
Its well-worn wooden floors, vintage decor and atmospheric lighting are steeped in history.
It’s a place to see everything from cabaret and comedy to theater and live music in an intimate, unconventional setting.
The hall’s eclectic program and its historic charm make it very well worth a visit for anyone interested in carrying a piece of London’s cultural heritage.
Personal Experience
One night, I went to see a vintage cabaret show at Wilton’s Music Hall.
As I entered, I stepped into a time capsule.
The scene was set under soft flickering candle light; a piano played gently in the background.
The artists, as expected were terrific and the intimate vibe felt like a private concert.
We built a profound respect for this historical gem that paved the way for this magical experience.
4. St Dunstan in the East
Overview
Nestled deep in the City of London, St Dunstan in the East is a breathtaking ruin-turned garden.
The church was originally constructed in the 12th century and sustained significant damage from the Great Fire of London and then during the Blitz of World War II.
Instead of fully restoring the church, the remains were turned into a public garden, providing a peaceful oasis in the urban landscape.
Why Visit
St Dunstan in the East on the other hand is a quiet oasis away from the city’s chaos.
The combination of verdant foliage and weathered granite provides a mesmerizing milieu that invites gentle contemplation or sauntering explorations.
It’s a spot where history and nature coexist in harmony, offering a different perspective on London’s resilience and adaptability.
Personal Experience
I discovered St Dunstan in the East by way of a lunchtime stroll in the City.
The high-rise modern structures point in stark contrast to the silent, ivy-covered grounds.
I strolled through the garden for a peaceful hour, amazed at how nature had transformed the space.
Perched on one of the benches, I meditated on the tenacity of the city and the ability to reside beauty even in the least likely of locations.
It was a moment of tranquillity that remained with me long after I departed.
5. God’s Own Junkyard
Overview
God’s Own Junkyard is a glittering fantasia of neon lights and vintage signs, tucked away in Walthamstow.
This colorful neon art installation is the work of the late Chris Bracey, a notorious artist who made everything from movie sets to Soho sex shops lit up.
The space is filled with an eclectic assortment of neon signs, art pieces and salvaged items, all glittering in the fray of colors.
Why Visit
A visit to God’s Own Junkyard is a journey into a neon dream.
The diversity and creativity of the pieces on display are dizzying and offer plenty of fodder for photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
It is however inspiring and surreal all at once and like nowhere else in London, (except for at least one other London blockchain festival).
Personal Experience
My trip to God’s Own Junkyard was a memorable assault on my senses. I was greeted with a kaleidoscope of colors and lights as soon as I walked through those doors.
I marveled at all the quirky signs and the intricate neon art on the walls for hours.
Each item had a story, and I was fortunate enough to hear some from the cordial staff.
I walked away with a memory card full of colorful images and a newfound appreciation for the neon art form.
6. Leighton House Museum
Overview
Leighton House Museum (Kensington): Another little-known gem is Leighton House Museum in Kensington, which was once home and studio to the Victorian artist Frederic Leighton.
This 19th-century historic house was built to embody Leighton’s artistic vision and passion.
His eclectic taste extends beyond his gallery, and every corner of his home is filled with art, making it a fun place to roam.
Why Visit
A visit to Leighton House Museum is stepping back in time.
The museum features a gorgeous interior, with elaborate mosaics, rich textiles and clever artwork.
Particularly breathtaking is the Arab Hall, with its golden dome and intricate tile work.
Not just a museum, but a journey through the rich world of Victorian art and architecture.
Its rich palette of paintings and sculptures provides a deep dive into the period’s artistic heritage.
Personal Experience
Wandering through Leighton House Museum was like stepping back in time.
Once inside, each room became more impressive than the last and if I had to choose one that stood out and stayed in my mind, it would definitely be the Arab Hall.
Every corner of the space was designed with such care and opulence that it felt like navigating a work of art.
As I moved through the house, I felt as if Frederic Leighton himself was in a welcoming way entertaining his guests and discussing art and culture.
This was an incredibly immersive experience and has left me in no doubt the grandeur of the Victorian age.
7. The Seven Noses of Soho
Overview
One of London’s oddest and most fascinating urban legends is The Seven Noses of Soho.
The noses, sculpted by artist Rick Buckley in 1997 as an artistic protest against the proliferation of CCTV cameras, are strewn throughout the Soho area.
Local lore has it that if you find all seven noses, you’ll be infinitely rich — but the real treasure is the enjoyment and excitement of the search.
Why Visit
If you like your visual inspiration to have a side of solitude, SoHo also offers its own special visual scavenger hunt: the Seven Noses of Soho, which is a great excuse to wander the streets and explore this lively part of London.
It’s sort of a scavenger hunt that leads you through the heart of Soho, forcing you to see details you might have missed otherwise.
Every nose is different, and the excitement of seeing a nose where you least expect it adds a fun new dimension to your discovery.
It’s an ideal activity for those who enjoy a bit of mystery and adventure.
Personal Experience
So, I set out on the Seven Noses trip with feigned excitement and skepticism.
This took place in the summer of 2002 (so a different time), when I was just starting my career as an assistant editor in London, roaming around Soho and looking into alleyways and buildings more closely than I had ever done in my life.
The first nose I discovered was tucked away on Dean Street, and my sense of accomplishment was surprisingly heady.
When I figured out the seventh nose, I felt like an actual detective.
The search not only yielded the discovery of the noses but also taken me to many off the beaten corners and fascinating places in the area that I hadn’t noticed before.
It was an adventure that made an ordinary day, special.
8. Highgate Cemetery
Overview
Highgate Cemetery, in North London, is one of the city’s most atmospheric and historically significant graveyards.
Opened in 1839, it is the burial ground of many luminary figures, among them Karl Marx, George Eliot and Douglas Adams.
The cemetery is separated into two sections: the East Cemetery, which is open to the public, and the West Cemetery, which may only be visited on guided tour.
Why Visit
Highgate Cemetery: A Historic and Scenic Cemetery
The hauntingly beautiful architecture of the tombs and mausoleums in the Victorian Gothic style juxtaposed against the wild foliage, gives it an eerie yet magnificent ambiance.
It’s a place to think about the lives of those resting there and enjoy some peaceful surroundings.
The West Cemetery guided tours are especially informative and significant as there are deep insights into the history and significance of the site.
Personal Experience
Going to Highgate Cemetery made for a very introspective experience.
As I wander amongst the gravestones I feel a connection to the past.
The ivy-clad tombs and tall trees made a tranquil beauty of the place.
I sat near Karl Marx’s grave, reflecting on his impact on history.
One highlight was the guided tour of the West Cemetery, which revealed stories of the people who were buried there and there was also architectural marvels.
9. The Hunterian Museum
Overview
Among the capital’s most splendid museums is the Hunterian Museum, which is located inside the Royal College of Surgeons.
It holds a vast collection of medical specimens, surgical instruments and historical curiosities collected by the 18th-century surgeon John Hunter.
The collection of the museum ranges from preserved human organs to the skeleton of the “Irish Giant,” Charles Byrne, providing an interesting insight into the history of medicine and surgery.”
Why Visit
The Hunterian Museum is a museum for anyone who love the human body and the history of medicine.
Its exhibits of medical oddities and historical surgical implements are as educational as they are fascinating.
Overview of medical evolutionThe museum offers an insightful overview of successive phases of development within medical science including those that may now be deemed unusual.
It’s a space that lets you indulge your curiosity and teaches you all about the human body in an educational yet fascinating manner.
Personal Experience
The Hunterian Museum — An eye-opener via a visit.
As I walked through the halls lined with glass cases, I found myself fascinated but also a little alarmed by the range of specimens on exhibit.
The organs had been preserved, the models of human anatomy and historical artifacts told a story of scientific discovery and human curiosity.
One exhibit which piqued my interest was the skeleton of Charles Byrne.
To see it up close was awe-inspiring and humbling.
I found the blend of education, curiosity and lively display to be an extremely memorable visit, one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve come across in my excursions to museums.
10. Kyoto Garden
Overview
In accordance with classical Japanese design techniques, the garden includes a tranquil lake, formal bridges and manicured shrubs and trees.
The long friendship between Japan and Great Britain. It was a gift from the city of Kyoto.
Why Visit
The Kyoto Garden is a peaceful, beautiful retreat from the bustle of the city.
Koi-filled ponds and cascading waterfalls create a tranquil atmosphere that beckons visitors to relax and contemplate.
Both the garden’s careful design and its lush greenery make it a lovely spot to pass the time on a stroll or in quiet reflection.
It’s an understated beauty, a little slice of Japanese refinement in London.
Personal Experience
Finding the Kyoto Garden was like discovering a secret haven.
I discovered it on a trip to Holland Park and fell in love with its simply gorgeous peace.
The water gently pouring into the sparkling pond, the shimmering colors of the koi, and the smart landscaping gave a sense of peace and contemplation.
I had a peaceful afternoon wandering the garden and felt a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It is a moment of utmost peace that I take with me whenever I think of London.
Conclusion: 10 Amazing Places in London You Didn’t Know Were There
So there you have it: ten underrated treasures in London, just waiting to be discovered.
From the canals of Little Venice to the downright spooky Highgate Cemetery, these quirky locations will provide an alternative view of the city.
All offer unique experiences that take you off the beaten track.
Next time you’re in London, I challenge you to get off the beaten path and find these hidden gems for yourself.”
Now, whether you’re a newcomer to London or a regular, these secret nuggets will bring a whole new level of adventure and amazement to your travels.
For me, this is the joy of travel: these moments of discovery, of the unexpected hidden in the familiar.
These hidden gems are just a taste of the endless charms that London has to offer.
