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Icy Europe > Blog > Travel > Best-Kept Secrets: Explore 15 Hidden Gems of London
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Best-Kept Secrets: Explore 15 Hidden Gems of London

Janhavi Ramesh KowligiAfreen_Midhat
Last updated: July 15, 2024 6:26 am
Janhavi Ramesh Kowligi Afreen_Midhat - Content Editor
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21 Min Read
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If you wonder if there are any hidden gems of London, then let me tell you, there sure are. London is England’s capital and one of the most well-known cities, renowned for its many traits and specialties. This article focuses on bringing all those hidden gems of London to your notice.

Contents
1. Hidden Gems of London1.1. Hampton Court Palace1.2. St Dunstan in the East London1.3. Kyoto Garden1.4. Postman’s Park1.5. Sir John Soane’s Museum1.6. Chelsea Physic Garden1.7. Columbia Road Flower Market1.8. The Vaults1.9. Sky Garden1.10. Royal Exchange1.11. The Painted Hall1.12. Leighton House Museum1.13. Tulip Stairs1.14. Primrose Hill1.15. Ruislip LidoIn The End
hidden gems of london
Photo by Uncoated from Pexels

After reading this article thoroughly, you will surely think of visiting London and exploring all these extraordinary locations mentioned below.

1. Hidden Gems of London

All the cities in this world have some places that are not very crowded and are visited by hardly a few people who are aware of them. London too has many such places about which you might be unaware.

Most of these hidden jewels can be found in well-known areas, such as central London, East London, South London, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, near River Thames, North London, Oxford Street, etc. You may have even passed through those places but didn’t notice.

But if you read this article thoroughly, you might not miss them next time you pass by these places.

1.1. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court, likewise called Hampton Court Palace, is a Tudor castle in the Greater London precinct of Richmond upon River Thames. During the 1520s, the castle was given by Thomas Cardinal Wolsey to Henry VIII (ruled 1509-47), who augmented it as his cherished home.

Hampton Court Palace
Photo by Ollie Craig from Pexels

Trees and bushes are planted all through its roomy grounds, and different structures and wellsprings were additionally added. The nurseries were updated in Dutch style for William III (1689-1702); Christopher Wren’s planner added a wing for William and his significant other, Queen Mary II.

The castle became known for the extravagant events and dinners held for Elizabeth I and the resulting rulers. George II (controlled 1727-60) was the last supreme ruler to possess Hampton Court, and in 1851, Queen Victoria gave the castle to the British government.

The staterooms are available to the general population, and the royal residence and its nurseries, with Bushy Park bordering, are one of London’s hidden gems.

1.2. St Dunstan in the East London

St Dunstan was built in the 12th century and has been rebuilt several times. It is one of the best-hidden gems in London as it is a magnificent church. Sir Christopher Wren designed St Dunstan in the east.

This church, St Dunstan-in-the-East, was partly destroyed during the Blitz in World War II, and the Anglican Church did not rebuild it. A garden beautifully decorates the walls of the church.

It is located in the City of London, and the garden provides a quiet and peaceful spot amidst the bustling city. Visit this hidden gem of London for a blend of history and tranquility.

This church is situated between Tower Bridge and London Bridge. It is hardly a 10-minute walk from Tower Bridge if you want to take a self-guided walking tour. Although it is near the famous London landmarks, St Dunstan In The East is exceptionally peaceful and an escape from the chock-a-block city life.

1.3. Kyoto Garden

Kyoto Garden is a beautiful garden located in Holland Park. Kyoto Garden has been delightfully finished and intended to reflect how Japanese nurseries look.

It is one of the most tranquil and beautiful hidden gems in London and was formally opened in 1991.

The garden can be visited in any season. In summer, you will see the brilliant shades of blossoms and trees. In spring, you will track down a significant assortment of sublime blossoms in full sprout; it’s additionally the season for the famous Japanese cherry bloom.

In fall, brilliant corroded dynamic leaves fall on the gigantic oak and maple trees encompassing the region. In winter, you can track down excellent perspectives over the nurseries; it’s genuinely enchanted whenever canvassed in snow.

Kyoto Garden is open every day and can be visited. This is an excellent location for photography.

1.4. Postman’s Park

Postman’s Park near St Paul’s Cathedral resembles some other green space from an external perspective. This park is located near King Edward Street.

George Frederic Watts proposed the idea for the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice in 1887, and it was unveiled in 1900. The Park is featured in the 2004 film Closer, with Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law, and Clive Owen.

Postman’s Park is very small between London’s vast and important buildings in Central London. It’s one of those hidden gems that is hardly visited by anyone.

1.5. Sir John Soane’s Museum

There are no words to completely describe one of London’s most uncommon hidden gems – Sir John Soane’s Museum. What an exhibition hall!

Sir John Soane's Museum
Screenshot taken from the official site: Sir John Soane’s Museum

Sir John Soane (1753-1837) was a neo-classical architect who used his own home to test a wide range of design thoughts. After his passing, his home turned into a gallery, and it’s said to house more than 45000 craftsmanship protests, all gathered by its extreme proprietor.

From the second you go into the place of Sir John Soane, you’ll be astonished by this insane maze of narrow halls and rooms. Maybe every square inch is being used somehow, and surprisingly, the roofs are covered with figures, artworks, and other beautiful items.

The spaces are limited to the point that you’re not permitted to carry any enormous articles. They will be approached to place your handbag or a little knapsack in a plastic pack to abstain from unintentionally harming something.

Kindly note that photography isn’t permitted inside, yet you can track down decent pictures on the site of the historical center.

Assuming that you are searching for something other than what you expected to do in London, Sir John Soane’s Museum will not frustrate you. Entry to the exhibition hall is free. It’s open day to day from Wednesday to Sunday.

1.6. Chelsea Physic Garden

Located in a secret corner of London between the upscale shopping of the King’s Road and near the Chelsea Embankment and the Albert Bridge across the Thames is the capital’s unique secret garden, the Chelsea Physic Garden.

Tracing back to the late seventeenth century, the Chelsea Physic Garden remains the second oldest botanic garden in the UK (after the nurseries at Oxford University). It has been at the very front in the development of medicinal plants.

Chelsea Physic Garden
Photo by: William Barton from Shutterstock.com

The architecture of the numerous nursery areas, which is home to Britain’s tallest standing olive tree, is truly noteworthy.

The Dicotyledon Order Beds (it was named so because the plants here develop with two seed leaves) and Monocotyledon (one seed leaf) is a demonstration of this with north of 800 coordinated by their gatherings, in the middle of these and the sculpture of Sir Hans Sloane in the peaceful lake rockery.

Different glasshouses are situated in this secret garden, the biggest known as the Tropical Corridor. Ideal for putting away numerous colourful plants from the Atlantic throughout the entire year that would somehow or another not endure the cruel winters.

Additionally, one of the more modest glasshouses has a little show of desert prickly plants. An extraordinary abnormality in London can be found in Chelsea Physic Garden. All these wonderful qualities make Chelsea Physic Garden one of the best hidden gems in London.

An early evening time walking around this quiet desert garden causes you to fail to remember that you are in the core of a significant, boisterous city, with a bistro that gives open-air seating as well; what better method for taking it in leisurely and like this green space in the core of London.

1.7. Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road Flower Market is a true hidden gem in London. Just a brief stroll from the humming Brick Lane (see over), this bustling market is hidden behind a lodging bequest in London’s East End.

Screenshot
Screenshot taken from the official website of Columbia Road Flower Market

The leading information you have that there’s anything to see is a rare enormous pruned plant battling down the road with an individual concealing someplace behind it.

The vast majority of the best blossoms will often sell out very quickly. There are likewise around 60 little free shops, including a few bistros. Include some busking performers, and you have an extraordinary air.

1.8. The Vaults

The Vaults, at times also called Waterloo Vaults, are covered up underground passages profound under the famous Waterloo Station in Central London. A beautiful spot conceals a more significant number of insider facts than you’d suspect right away.

Screenshot
Screenshot taken from the official website of The Vaults

Situated at Leake Street at the posterior of Waterloo station, the Vaults can be found inside a beautiful spray painting burrow. It is such a hidden gem that you should not miss visiting.

If you love road craftsmanship and various particular things, you should not miss this mysterious place in London. It’s a steadily changing sight, and when we visited, there were numerous artisans painting and repainting the dividers and the roofs of the whole passage.

This passage, situated on Leake Street, is available to the general population, and you can visit it anytime. Waterloo Vaults is a spot for shows, theatre exhibitions, parties, and substantially more.

1.9. Sky Garden

Sky Garden’s accessible and great perspectives on London are one of the precious London pearls. It is a public space with finished gardens, perception decks, and an outdoor patio situated at the highest point of 20 Fenchurch Street, the structure known as The Walkie-Talkie.

sky garden
Photo by How TO from Pexels

Sky Garden may be an unexpected, yet one of the most invaluable hidden gems in London not known to most London guests; however, it’s as yet an extremely famous spot, with local people and travelers the same.

The elevated perspectives of London are perfect. Sky Garden is an excellent spot for supper, or you can snatch a beverage at the roof bar.

Likewise, there is a greenhouse that you can investigate while you take in the perspectives on the city. Whenever you peer through the windows, there are helpful decals with the names of the significant structures that should be visible from here.

1.10. Royal Exchange

If you like spots where present-day life mixes with history, don’t miss the Royal Exchange in London. Found in 1566 as London’s in front of the rest of the competition for exchanging stocks, this famous structure has a long history.

It’s one of the spots where the new ruler’s rule is reported to the general population.

Royal Exchange
Photo by: QQ7 from Shutterstock

The Royal Exchange building was destroyed by fire twice, once in 1666 and again in 1838, and was in disrepair in 1982, with the glass roof in danger of collapse.

Found near notable attractions such as the Bank of England and St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Exchange is outstanding both from an external perspective and inside. It is generally known for store shopping and high-end food, with the upper floors being utilized as workplaces.

Consolidate your visit to the Royal Exchange with that of the nearby Leadenhall Market and numerous other unexpected yet invaluable hidden gems in the Spitalfields region.

1.11. The Painted Hall

Painted Hall is one of London’s hidden gems or secret locations.  The Painted Hall, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, has recently been restored to its former splendor.

It was the company’s tenth and most successful renovation to date. At first glance, it will make you feel amazed.

Painted hall
Photo by: IR Stone from Shutterstock

Painted by James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726, this spectacular ceremonial dining room is an absolute masterpiece of English Baroque art. The entire hall, covering over 4000 sq. meters, is painted by hand.

The power and prestige of Britain are displayed to the rest of the world through this incredible piece of art. Even today, it looks imposing and extremely beautiful.

1.12. Leighton House Museum

This somewhat novel structure looks impressive enough outwardly, yet the genuine astonishment is inside Leighton House Museum. Arranged in the upmarket Holland Park region, it’s improved in a lavish Eastern style. The feature is the Arab Hall’s staggering blue mosaics and gold vault.

Leighton House museum
Photo by TK Kurikawa from Shutterstock

Leighton House Museum was the home of Lord Leighton and is the main reason the constructed studio house is open to general society in the UK. The development began in 1864 and saw various additions until the months before Leighton’s death in 1896, with numerous embellishments being added over time.

1.13. Tulip Stairs

The Tulip Stairs are presumably the most tastefully satisfying of London’s relative multitude of unlikely treasures referenced in this article.

Situated inside the seventeenth-century Queen’s House in Greenwich, the general flight of stairs is viewed as one of the most excellent twisting flights of stairs.

What makes the Tulip Staircase interesting is that these are the primary halfway unsupported steps worked in England.

The blue-created iron railing has blossomed in it, and for quite a while, they were portrayed as tulips, which additionally gave the name to the Tulip Staircase. It is presently accepted that the roses are lilies, the regal blossoms of France, and were utilized in praise of Henrietta Maria of France.

She assumed responsibility for finishing the development of the Queen’s House after the death of the past sovereign. The entry to the Queen’s House is for nothing, so assuming you are visiting Greenwich and have a couple of extra minutes, don’t miss this hidden gem of London when you visit the city.

1.14. Primrose Hill

Make a beeline for Primrose Hill for the best perspectives on London and an idiosyncratic neighborhood to investigate.

One of six safeguarded perspectives in London, from the pinnacle of Primrose Hill, you can see the whole city spread out before you. At the point when it is clear, it is not difficult to recognize milestones like the London Eye, The Shard, and BT Tower somewhere out there.

Take an excursion to Primrose Hill on a bright day and join Londoners appreciating one of their beloved areas, popular for its brilliant houses and occupant famous people. At the point when you have wrapped up respecting the perspectives, meander down the slope until you arrive at the Regent’s Canal.

From there, it’s just a short stroll around the waterway to the clamouring markets and hidden bars of Camden town.

1.15. Ruislip Lido

Ruislip Lido, technically not a beach, is a vast lake (in fact, a supply) towards the north London suburb of Ruislip in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

It makes an awe-inspiring stroll: a small-scale rail line, a bar, an oceanside, a few outing regions, a kids’ jungle gym, and a bistro. It is, in the mid-year, an extremely famous spot to go.

Ruislip Lido
Photo by: Pav-Pro Photography Ltd from Shutterstock

There is no confirmation charge at Ruislip Lido except for a charge to ride on the railroad and leave your vehicle (except if you have a “Hillingdon First” card). The vehicle leaving at Ruislip Lido (and the vehicle leaving nearby overall) can be confounding. Look at our Ruislip Lido Car Park segment, assuming you intend to head to the Lido.

Vehicles habitually move tickets or are towed away. We also recommend elective stopping choices, assuming you think they are complete. Utilize the menu at the top of each page to observe your strategy for getting around this vast site.

What we know as Ruislip Lido began life in 1811 as Ruislip Reservoir. It worked as a feeder for the Grand Junction Canal, later, in 1933, turned into the Grand Union Canal (Company), and accordingly, our closest channel being known by the name it has today.

The region chosen was at first a shallow valley flanked by Park Wood toward the south and a now non-existent villa of Park Herne toward the “north”, where the last option was annihilated to clear a path for the supply as it was fabricated.

In The End

You all might have heard about famous places like Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, The British Museum, the Natural History Museum, Westminster Abbey, London Zoo, and many more. But these were all the hidden gems in London that only a handful of people knew about. So, this is a list of all the unusual things that you can do in London.

Apart from the places mentioned above, there are so many hidden gems in London such as Leadenhall market (covered market), Eltham Palace (former royal palace), which is a blend of medieval culture and art deco mansion, National Maritime Museum, St Martin, Little Venice, Stephen wright’s house, Regent’s Park, Big Ben Bell Tower, London Transport Museum, Covent Garden, and many more.

Visit London’s hidden gems to experience London’s best and most uncrowded places.

Last Updated on July 15, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty

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Janhavi Ramesh Kowligi
By Janhavi Ramesh Kowligi

Finance enthusiast who wants to explore the world - Janhavi R. Kowligi is a freelance editor and content provider pursuing a bachelor's in commerce. With two years of diverse experience in content writing, she focuses on ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the content of various categories like health, travel, food and much more. She likes to interact with people of diverse backgrounds and bring out the best in them.

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  • Bachelor’s in Commerce, Pune University
  • Specialization in Banking and Finance

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  • All India School Certificate Examination with Skill Course 402-Information Technology
Afreen_Midhat
By Afreen_Midhat
Content Editor
Hi, I am Midhat Afreen. I am a graduate in English and am currently persuing a post graduation in English from the University of Calcutta. I have a passion for content writing and story telling.
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