London, being one of the most popular destinations in the world, has hundreds of interesting attractions.
But if you’re a seasoned traveller, you’ve probably seen most of the places in this busy city.
So where are the hidden gems?
Is London still worth visiting if you’ve been here before?
Or if you’ve never been to London, where can you get a guide on staying away from the typical tourist attractions?
There are plenty of reasons to see the lesser known places, so we asked hundreds of travel bloggers and picked the top hidden gems to visit in London.
1. Spa Terminus
Visited by HomegirlLondon
I love buying organic groceries from Spa Terminus which is near Tower Bridge in London SE16.
Located inside historic railway arches, you will find food producers who sell to the trade during the week.
They open their doors to the public on Saturday mornings only.
You can buy organic fruit, vegetables, artisan cheese, freshly baked bread, biodynamic wine, coffee beans, ice cream and popular businesses like Neal’s Yard Cheese and Monmouth Coffee.
The railway arches are spread over several locations which you need to seek out by following chalk boards with arrows pointing you in the right direction.
Make sure you find Dockley Road Industrial Estate, Discovery Business Park, Apollo Business Park, Spa Business Park and Voyager Business Park.
- Address: Dockley Road Industrial Estate, Dockley Rd, Bermondsey, London SE16 3SF, United Kingdom
- Opening times: Saturday 8:30 am – 2:30 pm but I would go between 8.30am and 12noon to get the best food.
2. Vegan Tour in Shoreditch
Visited by Josh from TravelwithBender.com
Roam the trendy, artistic neighbourhood of Shoreditch sampling some of the best vegan food in London.
Vegan Food Tours operate a small group experience showcasing a range of plant-based foods from donuts to kimchi.
It’s a fun way to get a feel for the local culture, but without harming any animals along the way.
Surprisingly, around half of the participants are not vegans but just curious or travelling with a veggie-loving friend or family member.
So you don’t have to feel any pressure, just relax and enjoy the plethora of flavours.
- Location: Central Shoreditch neighborhood
- Availability: Daily from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
3. Neal’s Yard
Visited by Paris from AgedTraveler.com
This hidden gem of a place is not only unknown to tourists, but also to Londoners themselves.
It is literally a corner that is in the Covent Garden area, quite hidden and reserved, only for those who know where they are going.
A bucolic square is the axis of this sea of streets, where you can find all kinds of shops, in addition to some curious sundials that will leave you hypnotized.
Its colors, its sounds and its people: the best of London in a single place.
If you’re looking for an alternate London, this idyllic spot will captivate you.
You can do a little shopping while taking in the colourful beauty of the neighborhood.
- Location: London Borough of Camden
4. Thames Barrier
Visited by Keri from OurGlobetrotters.com
One of the most crucial pieces of engineering work ever seen in the UK is the Thames Barrier, a flood defence system that spans 520m across the River Thames in Greater London.
The unique design of the Thames Barrier has also led to this becoming a popular and curious tourist attraction in east London – with thanks to a few TV shows including spy drama Spooks and Doctor Who.
You can approach the Thames Barrier from either the water or by land – though public visits inside the barrier are not allowed.
Most Thames river cruises stop in Greenwich, but a longer river cruise will take you all the way to Woolwich Reach in south-east London for a close-up view of the space-age looking structure!
You can also visit the Thames Barrier Information Centre on the southside (near to Woolwich Dockyard Station) or see the structures from the Thames Barrier Park on the north shore, a beautiful 17-acre park with sunken gardens, fountains and children’s playground (Pontoon Dock DLR).
- Address: Eastmoor St, Royal Docks, London SE7 8LX, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Daily 10:30 am – 4 pm
5. Little Venice
Visited by Victoria from AmericanTravelBlogger.com
One of my favorite hidden gems in London is Little Venice.
Located to the west of Edgware Road in Maida Vale, Little Venice is a tranquil area with canals, house boats and waterfront cafes.
It’s always so quiet there that you don’t feel like you’re in London at all!
It’s a great place to take a stroll and just get away from it all.
Location: Small district in London
6. Regent’s Canal
Visited by Chris from AmateurTraveler.com
Years ago I picked up a copy of a guidebook that mentioned a couple of great walks in London and one of these was the walk along the Regent’s Canal.
The Regent’s Canal was built in the early 1800s as part of England’s industrialization but these days the canal has brightly painted canal boats that people live in.
Its tow path is now a lovely walking and biking trail in North London.
I recommend you start at Regent’s Park and walk east towards Camden Locks for one of the more scenic parts of the canal.
Camden itself is a great place to end your walk with the colorful Camden Market.
The canal is named for the Prince Regent (George IV) who ruled England in the name of his father the mad king George III during its construction.
Oddly enough, the canal is still part of England’s industrial grid as the country laid giant power cables below it in 1979.
Now the water in the canal acts as a coolant for those cables.
- Start point: Paddington Arm (Grand Union Canal)
- End point: River Thames (Limehouse)
- Length: 14 km
7. Temple of Mithras
Visited by Megan from Mappingmegan.com
Thousands of locals and tourists alike pass by the Bloomberg skyscraper in the City, but few realize that they’re actually right next to an ancient Roman Temple, quite hidden from sight.
Dating back over 1,000 years, the Temple of Mithras is one of the UK’s most significant archaeological sites.
It was discovered by accident in 1954 on a World War II bomb site, and while it was originally taken apart and moved, you can now visit it where it originally stood.
Having been fully restored, it now looks just as it did when it was first discovered, though the experience today has the addition of special lighting and audio to make it more evocative.
Haze, light and the sound of footsteps, chanting and secret whispers will transport you back to London AD 240.
- Address: 12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm. Monday closed.
8. Little Bay in Kilburn
Visited by Vicky from VickyFlipFlopTravels.com
Unique, cosy and absolutely off the beaten track, Little Bay is an amazing modern European restaurant in Kilburn.
I have so many fond memories from here, mainly related to the food.
Little Bay is like no other restaurant in London.
It’s genuinely quirky and quaint, without over trying.
The unusual decor and charmingly haphazard layout adds to the experience.
And the steaks here are just incredible. Give it a go!
- Address: 228 Belsize Rd, Kilburn, London NW6 4BT, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 12 pm – 11 pm; Friday & Saturday 12 pm – 12 am
9. The Kenwood House
Visited by Laura from RoamAndGoLightly.com
The Kenwood House is a lush, treasure trove of art tucked away in a historic manor in Hampstead.
After walking through its peaceful gardens and woodlands, take in its masterpieces – ranging from Rembrandt to Turner, Vermeer and more.
The Kenwood House’s stunning architecture, gorgeous gardens, charming cottages and cozy cafe are reason enough to visit.
You’ll get a slice of the English countryside just a few minutes away from London’s bustling inner city, with the added bonus of taking in some of the most amazing, world-class art.
- Address: Hampstead Ln, Highgate, London NW3 7JR, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Daily 10 am – 4 pm
10. The Churchill Arms
Visited by Elle from ElleCroft.com
Notting Hill Market is one of London’s busiest visitor attractions, but just a few minutes’ walk away is one of the city’s most beautiful pubs: The Churchill Arms.
Visit in spring or summer and the whole exterior will be exploding with bright, colourful flowers, and in winter you’ll find it adorned with countless Christmas trees, all twinkling with festive lights.
It’s beautiful to look at, but it’s also worth stepping inside, too.
The interior is quirky and bursting with Churchill memorabilia hanging from the walls and ceiling.
His grandparents were regulars there in the 1800s
Come here for real ales and surprisingly good Thai food in an unforgettable setting.
- Address: 119 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 7LN, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday 11 am – 11 pm; Thursday to Saturday 11 am – 12 am; Sunday 12 pm – 10:30 pm.
11. The Grand Expedition
Visited by Macca from AnAdventurousWorld.com
For me, Gingerline are the best immersive dining production company in London.
What’s an immersive dining production company I hear you ask?
It’s where you marry food with a theatre production company to create an unforgettable evening.
It’s kinda like going out for dinner when there’s this incredible show going on around you, and sometimes you’re a part of the show too.
I recently went to Gingerline’s latest production The Grand Expedition and it was one of my favourite night’s out in London.
I was just the crazy cacophony, an adventure like no other without having to leave the table.
Oh, and the food was delicious too.
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in London then this is it!
- Address: Tottenham Hale, London N17 9LZ, United Kingdom
- Show Duration: 3 hours
12. The Ruins of Saint Dunstan in the East
Visited by Kit from TheKittchen.com
The Ruins of Saint Dunstan in the East is a hidden gem worth seeking out in London.
This medieval church in the City of London crumbed into ruins during the Second World War and today the grounds are a public garden.
The remaining walls are covered with ivy; it’s hauntingly beautiful.
Why is it worth visiting? I loved how serene this space is.
Even though it’s right in the center of London, it was perfectly quiet and had just a few visitors.
It’s especially lovely in the fall when the ivy turns shades of yellow and orange.
This is a must-see destination for photographers.
- Address: St Dunstan’s Hill, Billingsgate, London EC3R 5DD, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Daily 8 am – 4 pm
13. Hampstead Heath
Visited by Chelsea from thePortableWife.com
Despite covering nearly 800 acres, Hampstead Heath remains a London hidden gem for visitors and locals alike.
Sprawling across northern London, this massive green space is filled with walking trails, forests, and outdoor bathing pools.
If you’re overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city, Hampstead Heath is the perfect retreat.
The park is gorgeous year round, with wildflower fields blooming in spring, and forests turning yellow and gold in autumn.
Before you leave, be sure to walk up Parliament Hill for lovely views over central London.
- Closest Station: Hampstead Heath Rail Station
14. Leadenhall Market (Harry Potter’s Diagnon Alley)
Visited by Charlie & Lauren from WanderersAndWarriors.com
Leadenhall Market, which first appears in the film Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, is where Diagon Alley was transformed.
The place that gave Harry his first look into the world of wizardry.
A popular thing for any tourist to do in London, is to hunt out Harry Potter filming locations around the capital.
So for us it was a no brainer to visit this famous spot and take some photos.
The covered market in London, is home to high end fashion brands and cosy restaurants scattered among the cobblestones.
It’s a perfect place to visit in the evening and take in the ambience of the old streets of London.
Plus it’s just a 10 minute walk from the Tower Of London.
Another popular Harry Potter spot is of course Platform 9 3/4, which is located at King’s Cross Station.
- Address: Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London EC3V 1LT, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Daily 24/7
15. Persephone Books
Visited by Ruth from RomeByTheHour.com
Persephone Books is a small publisher that focuses on uncovering and bringing to life previously neglected works written by (mostly) women in the 20th century.
The thoughtful, curated collection on display at the storefront is enough to reduce any book-lover to a panic over the idea of choosing just one volume to bring home.
Chat it up with an employee who will undoubtedly be happy to assist you in your search for the perfect volume to bring home as a souvenir.
- Address: 59 Lamb’s Conduit St, Holborn, London WC1N 3NB, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10 am – 6 pm; Saturday 11 am – 5pm; Sunday 12 – 4 pm
16. Elan Cafe
Visited by Emily from TheEmilyEdition.com
Elan Cafe is one of my favorite spots in London for the beautiful decor, a delicious menu and a whole lot of pink – it’s truly an Instagrammer’s DREAM!
Grab a slice of cake, a piece of avocado toast and a ruby latte and enjoy it while you relax in floral heaven.
From the entrance, which was lined with flowers, to the inside of the shop, I was in awe.
There are a few different locations in London, so depending on which part of town you’re in, make sure you stop at one of them!
17. God’s Own Junkyard
Visited by Agness from Etramping.com
I’ve visited the capital of England a few times now, and while there’s so much to see and do in London, the main attractions can be overloaded with tourists.
That’s why discovering a little gem like God’s Own Junkyard is one of the many reasons I love traveling.
Walk in here and you’ll be hit by a wall of color, blinded by hundreds of blazing neon signs, in a hippy, trippy, psychedelic art gallery that’s strangely located in an otherwise nondescript corner in the northeast of the city.
The history of how it came to be is wonderful, and you can purchase one of the electric works of art if you’ve got the money (they’re very expensive)!
Make sure you visit this memorable place soon – because it’s so bright it won’t be a hidden gem forever!
- Address: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, Walthamstow, E17 9HQ
- Opening Hours: Only open Friday through Sunday – but check their website for up-to-date hours.
18. Postman’s Park
Visited by Lydia from Lydiascapes.com
Finding things with meaning when I travel is important to me.
Taking time away from the bustle of the world, reflecting, and trying to be mindful.
When I stumbled upon Postman’s Park on a busy day in London it was a real joy.
A public garden that opened in 1880, one wall is decorated with beautiful memorial plaques to ordinary people who gave their lives trying to protect others.
The earliest is from 1900, while the latest plaque is as recently as 2009.
The stories are tragic, but at the same time so inspiring.
It’s an oasis of calm in this non-stop city, a wonderful place to find a little bit of sanctuary, and a fitting testament to these selfless heroes.
It’ll make you want to be a better person.
- Address: King Edward St, London EC1A 7BT
- Opening Hours: 8 am -4 pm daily
19. Polly the Parrot at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub
Visited by Cez from Atuktuk.com
A stuffed, dead parrot might not be everyone’s idea of a “hidden gem” but since I like a good ale in a centuries-old English tavern, I had to see this for myself.
Polly (how original) was an African Grey parrot that lived in the taproom of the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub – a dark, wooden-beamed watering hole popular with the likes of Charles Dickens and Mark Twain.
He was apparently a rather abusive bird, who became world-famous because he would squawk obscenities to customers he didn’t like.
The naughty bird once fainted after imitating the popping of over 400 champagne corks at the end of WWI.
The pub is a historic hidden gem in its own right, but don’t miss saying hello to Polly who still sits overlooking (and probably judging) the patrons of the taproom bar.
- Address: 145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU
- Opening Hours: 12-11 PM daily. Closed Sunday.
20. Kyoto Gardens, Holland Park
Visited by Ioana from Zenbabytravel.com
One of the most beautiful London gardens, perfect to meditate, chill and soak in the nature are Kyoto gardens.
You will find peacocks, squirrels wandering around, a tranquil tiered waterfall, a serene pond full of beautiful koi carp, stone lanterns, and Japanese maple trees.
A gift from the city of Kyoto to commemorate the long friendship between Japan and Great Britain, they remain magic when trees are blooming in spring, with autumn foliage or vibrant greens in the summer.
For further cultural treats in this gorgeous royal hood, head to Zenbabytravel guide for Kensington and Chelsea.
- Address: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, Kensington, London W11 4UA, United Kingdom
21. Sherlock Holmes Pub
Visited by Dave from JoneAroundTheWorld.com
London is such a great city full of hidden gems that many people miss out on!
My favorite London hidden gem is The Sherlock Holmes pub.
A fellow backpacker directed me to this epic pub during a trip to London.
It’s tucked away just behind Trafalgar Square in the centre of London, and part of it recreates the vibe of Sherlock and Watson’s London apartment on Baker St!
Many people believe the location (which was a hotel in Arthur Conan Doyle’s days) was the inspiration for many of his classic stories.
Whether that’s true or not, it’s a memorable place for a pint and a plate of fish and chips!
- Address: 10 Northumberland St, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DB, United Kingdom
- Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 12pm-11pm; Friday & Saturday 12pm-12am
22. Sky Garden
Visited by Melanie from BrbTravelBlog.com
Who doesn’t love the views from above of a great city?
The Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London and its free access!
You will need to book tickets in advance as there is a limited number of tickets available.
There are also some walk-in tickets but these might be more difficult to find.
Located at 20 Fenchurch Street, the Sky garden sits on the 43rd floor of the “Walkie Talkie” building.
You can enjoy the panoramic views of the city with views on the Thames, London Eye, St Pauls Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The Shard and Canary Wharf, among others.
The gardens are three storeys of lush landscaped gardens with South African and Mediterranean plants.
Inside, you can admire the views from the 3 restaurants and bars, or you can choose to just wander around.
I would suggest booking your ticket for the sunset hours so you can enjoy the day, night and of course the magnificent colours of the sunset.
Thanks to all our travel bloggers who contributed to the list of hidden gems in London.
We hope this gives you more inspiration to explore this incredible city.
If you know about other hidden gems, let us know!
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