23 Best London Hidden Gems And Secret Spots

London is a city steeped in rich history and home to some of the world’s most iconic buildings. But amidst the hustle and bustle of the major attractions, lie London hidden gems to uncover.

Discovering these off-the-beaten-path locations opens up a whole new world of possibilities that will leave you mesmerized. From tucked away bookshops to vibrant street art, fascinating art galleries to quaint coffee shops, these hidden gems are the soul of London. With each turn of the corner, you will find something new to spark your interest and awaken your senses. So, pack comfortable shoes and an adventurous spirit, and get ready to uncover the secrets of London’s hidden gems.

Top Hidden Gems in London

These London secret spots are dotted around the capital, and therefore it’s best to visit these cool places over several days if you have time.

1. Kyoto Garden

One of the most beautiful gems of London, the Kyoto Garden was a gift from the city of Kyoto, Japan in 1991. Spread over 55 acres, this park is a tranquil place with a koi carp pond, stone lanterns and beautiful trees.

The Kyoto Gardens are free to enter and worth visiting at any time of year, especially in Autumn when the foliage is at its finest. They are open from 7.30 am each morning and close 30 minutes before dusk.

Address: Kyoto Garden, Holland Park Avenue, Kensington, London W11 4UA

2. Chelsea Physic Garden

Located just off upmarket Cheyne Walk, you’ll find the historic Chelsea Physic Garden. One of the most charming hidden London gems, it also serves an educational purpose.

It was founded in 1673  in order to train apprentices in the use of medicinal plants. Around 5,000 plants on display, each with their usage clearly explained. There’s a book and gift shop, as well as Tangerine Dream cafe overlooking the lawn.

Address: 66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HS

3. Leighton House Museum

This rather unique building looks impressive enough on the outside but the real surprise is inside Leighton House. Situated in the upmarket Holland Park area, it’s decorated in an opulent Eastern style. The highlight is the Arab Hall’s stunning blue mosaics and gold dome.

It was the home of Lord Leighton and is the only purpose built studio house open to the public in the UK. Construction started in 1865 and continued until 1895, with many embellishments being added throughout the years.

Address: Leighton House Museum, 12 Holland Park Rd, Kensington, London W14 8LZ

4. Camden Passage

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Angel, Camden Passage is one of London’s hidden gems that you shouldn’t miss. There’s a regular street antiques market, as well as several antique shops, independent coffee houses and restaurants.

Etc. has a good selection of gifts, whilst Paul A Young is a mecca for chocolate lovers. The main market days are Wednesday and Saturday, as well as a book market on Thursday and Fridays in Pierrepont Arcade.

Address: 1 Camden Passage, The Angel, London N1 8EA

5. Secret Garden in Regents Park

We could tell you where this place is, but first we’d have to kill you…just joking! This off the beaten path London park is so hidden away that many locals don’t know of its existence.

Nestled inside a discreet gate in the Inner Circle of Regent’s Park, St John’s Lodge Gardens is one of our favourite secret places in London.

Admire the artworks in this beautiful park such as the Grade II listed Goatherd Daughter’s statue or relax on one of the benches with a good book. The imposing private house overlooking this public garden belongs to the Sultan of Brunei.

Address: St John’s Lodge Gardens, London NW1 4NR

6. Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross

Although Kings Cross is hardly a hidden gem, being one of London’s busiest train stations, you might not all be aware of Platform 9¾. The designers of the revamped central London station must be Harry Potter fans.

It’s easy to find next to platforms 9 an 10 and by the queue of muggles waiting to have their photo taken. There’s also a souvenir shop where you can stock up on wizard supplies.

Address: Platform 9¾, Pancras Rd, Kings Cross, London N1 9AP

7. Sir John Soane’s Museum

One of the best hidden gems in London is the former home of Sir John Soane in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. A talented architect, he designed many well known buildings such as the Bank of England and Dulwich Picture Gallery.

He bought and redesigned 3 adjacent Georgian townhouses, establishing the museum during his own lifetime. It is preserved much as he left it, with a myriad of curios from his travels as well as architectural drawings.

Address: Sir John Soane’s Museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn, London WC2A 3BP

8. Inns of Court and Temple Church

This area of London is a whole city within a city, centred around the Royal Courts of Justice. It’s the workplace of London barristers, yet the pretty gardens are open to the public at lunchtimes from Monday to Friday.

Temple Church dates from the 12th century and is famous as being a church of the Knights Templar. It is one of only five surviving round churches in England and features in Dan Brown’s novel, the Da Vinci Code.

Address: Temple, London EC4Y 7BB

9. Postman’s Park

From the outside, this park located close to St Paul’s Cathedral looks like any other green space. However, approach a little closer and you’ll spot something rather unique…a memorial to brave individuals who lost their lives whilst trying to save others.

One of the best London hidden treasures, the Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice was designed by George Frederic Watts in 1900 so that these courageous deeds would not be forgotten. The park features in the 2004 film, Closer, with Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law and Clive Owen.

Address: King Edward Street, London EC1A 7BT

10. St Dunstan in the East

There are some interesting hidden gems of London in the bustling city centre. This church originally dates from 1100 but was damaged in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and heavily bombed during the Blitz.

Saint Dunstan was the patron saint of English goldsmiths and silversmiths. The church tower and steeple built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1695 survived intact.

The window frames also survived and make an atmospheric backdrop. It’s a popular place with City workers and a great secret London spot for a picnic.

Address: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD

11. Dennis Severs’ House

Imagine stepping back in time to how we lived centuries ago – that’s the experience that you get at Dennis Severs’ House. Located on Folgate Street in Spitalfields, it recreates the life of a fictional Huguenot silk-weaver and their family.

Created by Dennis Severs, who lived here from 1979 to 1999, this Georgian townhouse features several rooms modelled on 18th and 19th century styles.

Mobile phones and photos are not allowed, and if you visit in the evening, it is lit by candlelight. Quite a welcome change in some ways! This is a popular activity for couples in London as it’s so atmospheric.

Address: 18 Folgate Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6BX

12. Museum of the Home

One of East London’s most interesting visitor attractions is the Museum of the Home, formerly the Geffrye Museum. It focuses on the history of the home from 1600 to the present day.

Set in picturesque 18th century almshouses, the museum was extended in 1998 to include a pleasant cafe and additional exhibition space. There’s a charming courtyard at the front, and a lovely series of period gardens to the rear.

Address: Geffrye Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8EA

13. Wilton’s Music Hall

Did you know that the oldest surviving music hall in the world is located in London’s East End? Wilton’s Music Hall is being restored to its former glory by a dedicated team, and regularly hosts theatrical and musical events in its auditorium.

There are several bars which have been deliberately left in a shabby chic style that adds to the ambiance. This quirky London venue is a few minutes away from the Jack the Ripper Museum, which you might also find interesting.

Address: Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, Whitechapel, London E1 8JB

14. Mercato Metropolitano

Not far from bustling Borough Market, you’ll find a spot in London that is of the tourist trail but with an equally tempting selection of food. Mercato Metropolitano is more of a food court than a market, although there’s a Sicilian supermarket attached to it.

There’s a huge array of food stalls from Venezuelan and vegan dishes to Italian favourites like pizza and risotto. The market has ample seating inside and in the 2 courtyards, and regular immersive cinema screenings.

Address: Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR

15. Maltby Street

Another market in London off the beaten path is Maltby Street, open on Saturdays and Sundays. Nestled under railway arches in Bermondsey and a few minutes walk from Tower Bridge, this market is popular with Londoners for its low-key vibe.

Again, this is a place to enjoy street food rather than somewhere to pick up fruit or veg.

Having said that, there are some great food producers and craft brewers in the area like Southwark Brewing Co will quench your thirst. Meanwhile, Lassco is the perfect place to pick up vintage furniture or to relax in the cool cafe.

Address: Maltby Street Market, 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR

16. Barbican Conservatory

The Barbican Conservatory is a London hidden gem. It’s located in the heart of the Barbican Estate, and it’s home to beautiful gardens and a range of different plant species.

The conservatory is open to the public several days of the week from 12 noon. Tickets are free but must currently be booked in advance.

This is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. Barbican Conservatory is also a great place to go if you’re interested in plants and gardening.

There’s a wide variety of different plant species on display, and the conservatory is a great place to learn about horticulture. If you’re looking for something to do in London on a rainy day, Barbican Conservatory is definitely worth checking out.

Address: Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS

17. Little Venice

This tranquil canal network near Primrose Hill is one of the best places to rest and relax in London. Located at the junction of the Regent’s Canal, the Grand Union Canal and Paddington Basin entrance, it’s home to a variety of independent shops, restaurants and pubs.

You can take a canal ride or enjoy a cup of tea at the Waterside Cafe floating barge.

18. Leadenhall Market

If you’re looking for a unique and atmospheric place to shop in London, Leadenhall Market is definitely worth a visit. This beautiful Victorian-era market is one of the oldest and most architecturally significant markets in the city.

If this covered market looks familiar to you, that’s because several scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were shot here. Harry and Hagrid walked through the market towards Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron pub.

One of the best kept secrets in the financial district, this is a great place to wander around and explore. There are many restaurants, clothing stores and gift shops.

The market is open 24/7 to walk through, although shops and restaurant opening times vary. Admission is free.

Address: Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT

19. Painted Hall

Looking for an interesting and unique attraction to visit in London? Look no further than the Painted Hall. This hidden gem is located in Greenwich and is well worth a visit.

The hall was originally built as the Royal Naval College in Greenwich, and is now home to the Old Royal Naval College Trust. This iconic building was built in the early 18th century and decorated with beautiful murals by Sir James Thornhill, which depict royalty and mythological scenes.

This is one of the most impressive Baroque interiors in Britain. The Painted Hall is open to the public daily from 10am to 5pm.

Address: King William Walk, London SE10 9NN

20. The Queen’s House, Greenwich

Visiting the Queen’s House in Greenwich is a must for those seeking to uncover London’s hidden gems. Set against the backdrop of the Thames, this immaculately-designed house, constructed in the 17th century, exudes sophistication and elegance.

One of its most notable features is the Tulip Stairs, which spirals gracefully upward and is widely regarded as Britain’s first self-supporting spiral staircase. As you ascend this architectural wonder, you’ll be struck by the sense of grandeur and marvel at the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating such a masterpiece.

Without a doubt, the Queen’s House is a treasure trove of wonders that will leave any visitor spellbound.

21. Eltham Palace

Eltham Palace is a historic house located in the London Borough of Greenwich. The original medieval hall at Eltham dates back to the 14th century and was visited by English monarchs such as Edward IV and Henry VIII.

The current palace was built in the 1930s on the site of the old palace. This stunning London attraction is considered to be one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the UK.

Eltham Palace is owned by English Heritage and is open to the public as a heritage site and museum. Visitors can tour the state rooms, gardens, and see the preserved medieval great hall.

22. London Silver Vaults

The London Silver Vaults, also known as the Chancery Lane Silver Vaults, are an underground complex of secure rooms and vaults. They were originally constructed in the late 19th century to serve as a secure storage facility for London’s silver trade.

One of the hidden gems of London, the vaults are home to numerous independent silver dealers, retailers, and collectors. Collectively, they house millions of ounces of silver in the form of tableware, jewelry, antiques, and bullion.

While the vaults themselves are not open to the general public, the public showrooms of the silver dealers are free to visit during business hours to view and purchase silver items.

23. The Old Curiosity Shop

The Old Curiosity Shop is a well-preserved piece of London’s history, the setting of the novel of the same name by Charles Dickens. One of the best secret spots in London, it’s tucked away behind Lincoln’s Inn Fields at 14 Portsmouth Street.

The building dates back to the 17th century and was originally a shop that sold various curiosities and antiques. The building has a distinctive narrow, three-story facade with overhanging upper floors that is characteristic of 17th century London architecture.

Charles Dickens’ novel “The Old Curiosity Shop” was published in 1841 and tells the story of the owner of a curiosity shop and his young granddaughter, Nell. These days, this historic building is a high-end shoe shop.

Final Thoughts on the Best London Hidden Gems

If you’re looking for something a little different during your next trip to London, be sure to check out some of these lesser known places. You won’t be disappointed by London’s hidden gems!

And if you haven’t had a chance to check them out yet, be sure to add them to your list! We’ve got plenty more tips and recommendations for exploring this amazing city, so be sure to read our other London posts.

If you like places that are off the beaten track, be sure to check out our guides to the best hidden gems in Paris, Rome and Venice too.

Thanks for reading and happy travels!

Which of these is your favourite or would you like to visit most? Are there any other London hidden gems that you would add to this list?

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