London’s hidden gems are like precious jewels, revealing enchantment in the city’s lesser-known corners. And believe it or not, these places are a testament to the fact that there is always more to discover, even in a well-known city.
In any case, we’ll show you what we mean today. Let’s uncover the hidden gems that make London a city where adventure never ceases to appear!
Kyoto Garden
–Media from holland_park
Location: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 73613003
Kyoto Garden is nestled within lush Holland Park, right in the heart of London town. It’s a serene spot, inspired by the traditional Japanese gardens found in Kyoto (hence the name).
You’ve got all the classic Japanese elements in there, from the tranquil ponds with koi fish swimming about to the elegant stone lanterns and cherry blossom trees. It’s a slice of Japan right here in our city!
And here’s a fun fact for you: this little gem was a gift from the city of Kyoto to celebrate the Japan Festival in 1992.
The Churchill Arms
–Media from churchillarmsw8
Location: 119 Kensington Church St, London W8 7LN, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7727 4242
The Churchill Arms dates back to the 18th century. Not only does this establishment captivate with its external charm, but its interior also serves as a sanctuary dedicated to Churchill, adorned with memorabilia that pays homage to the great man himself.
But wait, it gets better! The grub they serve is fantastic. A gastronomic adventure fit for a foodie explorer, with – believe it or not – great Thai cuisine to tickle your taste buds.
God’s Own Junkyard
–Media from godsownjunkyard
Location: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, London E17 9HQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8521 8066
God’s Own Junkyard is a shrine to neon art, a mecca for all things illuminated and extraordinary. It’s like stepping into an electric dreamscape, where every flicker and buzz tells a story of creativity and passion.
The bloke behind this wonderland is Chris Bracey, a proper legend in the neon sign world. His family’s been crafting these glowing masterpieces for donkey’s years.
From vintage signs to quirky creations, you’ll find it all in this psychedelic wonderland.
But here’s the cherry on top, this ain’t just a gallery. Nah, you can buy these neon gems and take a piece of this electric wonderland home!
Leadenhall Market
–Media from leadenhallmarket
Location: Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7606 3030
Leadenhall Market is a Grade II listed building, which means it’s got some serious historical charm.
Here, you can find all sorts of goodies, from fresh produce to boutique fashion, and even some quirky little trinkets. It’s a feast for the eyes, and the tummy too!
Oh, and you may recognise the market when you clap eyes on it, by the way. It’s been used as a filming location for the likes of “Harry Potter” and “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”. So, if you’re a fan of magic and movie history, this place will cast a spell on you!
Hampstead Pergola
–Media from lou.loxley
Location: The Pergola, Inverforth Cl, London NW3 7EX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7332 3322
This beaut of a pergola was built in the early 20th century by a wealthy fellow named Lord Leverhulme. He fancied himself a little hideaway, a place to escape the daily grind.
And boy, did he hit the jackpot with this one!It’s a jaw-dropping structure, with elegant columns and enchanting archways, fit for a lord or lady.
But wait, there’s more! Hampstead Pergola offers a stunning view of London’s skyline, a panorama to make your heart skip a beat.
From the Shard to St. Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll be treated to a sight that’ll make you say, “Blimey, I’m lucky to be a Londoner!”
Wilton’s Music Hall
–Media from wiltonsmusichall
Location: 1 Graces Alley, London E1 8JB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7702 2789
Wilton’s Music Hall has been standing tall since 1859, making it the oldest surviving music hall in the whole world. That’s right, it’s been entertaining folks for over a century and a half.
This place has seen it all, from music and theatre performances to boxing matches and even a spot of Victorian vaudeville.
It’s like stepping into a time machine, where you can feel the echoes of the past bouncing off the crumbling walls. It’s got that authentic, vintage vibe that you won’t find in your fancy-pants West End theatres.
John Soane’s Museum
–Media from soanemuseum
Location: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7405 2107
Picture this: you’re strolling through the bustling streets of London, dodging tourists and their selfie sticks like a pro.
And just when you least expect it, you stumble upon this unassuming townhouse. Looks like any old place from the outside, right? Well, think again, my friend, ’cause what lies inside will blow your bloomin’ mind.
John Soane, the architectural genius behind this joint, was a bit of a hoarder, but in the best possible way. He filled every nook and cranny of this place with treasures and curiosities from all corners of the globe.
From ancient Egyptian artefacts to jaw-dropping architectural models, this museum is like a treasure trove on steroids!
Gordon’s Wine Bar
–Media from gordonswinebar
Location: 47 Villiers St, London WC2N 6NE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7930 1408
Gordon’s Wine Bar has been pouring drinks for over 100 years, making it one of the oldest wine bars in London town.
It’s even housed in a subterranean cavern, where the walls are adorned with all sorts of quirky memorabilia, giving it a certain vintage charm that’ll transport you straight back to the old times.
Of course, the real allure of Gordon’s lies in its extensive selection of vino. They’ve got bottles upon bottles from all corners of the globe, ready to entice your taste buds with their exquisite flavours.
Dennis Severs’ House
–Media from dennissevershouse
Location: 18 Folgate St, London E1 6BX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7247 4013
Dennis Severs’ House is not your usual run-of-the-mill museum. No, no, it’s a downright immersive experience.
Once you step inside, you’re whisked away to the 18th century. Each room is decked out with period furniture, flickering candlelight, and a sense of atmospheric magic that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Dickens novel.
Oh, keep in mind that there are no plaques or signs to tell you what you’re looking at. Nope, it’s up to you to piece together the story. It’s like being part of a mystery, mate, and it’s all up to your imagination to fill in the gaps.
Cahoots
–Media from cahootslondon
Location: 13 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7352 6200
Cahoots is a quirky, 1940s-themed underground speakeasy that’ll whisk you away to a bygone era. It’s like stepping into a time machine, right back to the days of swing dancing and ration books.
The place is decked out as an old-fashioned Tube station, complete with vintage train carriages transformed into cosy nooks for you to chill and enjoy your tipple.
But the real magic of Cahoots lies in the cocktails. They’ve got a cracking selection of concoctions, all with names as cheeky as they come. From the classic Bramble to the quirky Beet-It, you’re in for a taste sensation that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Daunt Books
–Media from dauntbooks
Location: 84 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7224 2295
Daunt Books is housed in a stunning Edwardian building with big ol’ windows that let in just the right amount of sunlight – just enough to make you feel all cosy-like.
As for the books, here’s a juicy fact for ya: Daunt Books was one of the first bookshops to organise books by country, rather than genre.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Paris or want to immerse yourself in the wonders of Japan, just head to the corresponding section and let your imagination run wild.
Ye Olde Mitre
–Media from yeoldemitreholborn
Location: 1 Ely Ct, Ely Pl, London EC1N 6SJ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7405 4751
This old pub has been standing tall since 1546, way before Big Ben was even a twinkle in the royal eye.
Now, here’s the real kicker: this place is so hidden, you’d think it was playing hide and seek with Sherlock Holmes himself. You gotta navigate those narrow streets, wind your way through like a seasoned cabbie, and boom!
It’s worth it because of the liquid gold they serve. From traditional ales to crisp ciders, they’ve got a brew to suit every taste. And if you’re feeling peckish, their hearty pub grub will make your taste buds sing like Adele at a karaoke night.
Leighton House Museum
–Media from christiesinc
Location: 12 Holland Park Rd, London W14 8LZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7361 3783
Leighton House Museum is a real stunner, a Victorian treasure chest packed to the brim with artistic wonders. It was once the home of Sir Frederic Leighton, the famous painter.
Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of art, with Leighton’s masterpieces adorning the walls like a royal portrait gallery.
But here’s where it gets even more special. The highlight of this joint is the jaw-dropping Arab Hall. Imagine stepping into Aladdin’s cave, except instead of a blue genie, you’ll find a stunning Moorish-inspired courtyard filled with colourful tiles and intricate details.
The Coal Shed
–Media from thecoalshed
Location: One Tower Bridge, Potters Fields, London SE1 2QR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3384 7272
The Coal Shed knows a thing or two about meaty delights. They’ve got cuts of beef that’ll make your mouth water like you’ve been starving for days.
And let’s not forget their chops. Juicy, succulent, and cooked to perfection, they’re a symphony of flavours that’ll have you singing like a bloke in the shower.
They also have style for days if you need some shots for your Instagram feed. Think exposed brick walls, industrial chic vibes, and an atmosphere so trendy it’ll make even the hippest hipster do a double-take.
The Hunterian Museum
–Media from hunterianmuseum
Location: The Royal College of Surgeons of England 38, 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7405 3474
The Hunterian Museum is a treasure chest of medical curiosities that’ll make your jaw drop.
Inside those hallowed halls, you’ll find a mind-boggling collection of anatomical specimens, bones, and all sorts of body bits preserved in jars like a Londoner’s pickled cucumbers.
Now, it’s not all guts and gore. The place is steeped in medical history. It’s named after John Hunter, a legendary surgeon from back in the day who was as skilled with a scalpel as a Cockney lad is with a pint.
And let’s not forget the sheer weirdness that awaits you. They’ve got things like skulls with horns, deformed skeletons, and even the bones of a giant Irishman!
