Is London one of the most amazing cities in the world? There is no doubt about it. From monuments and museums to shops, parks, and trendy locals, there is always something for everyone to enjoy.
You can attend tear-jerking laugh-out-loud theatre production in the West End. You can travel back in time by stepping inside old castles and towers , making your way through dark dungeons and regal rooms. Or you can even snoop around the house of one of the most popular detectives in the history of literature. We’re talking of course, about the and only Sherlock Holmes, Elementary, dear Watson.
There are infinite activities and attractions that make London truly special. But, as it’s such a big, frenzied metropolis, it conceals an array of unique hidden gems that inevitably miss out on the love and admiration they deserve.
Fancy discovering our capital’s beautiful ‘secret’ locations? We have listed a number of lesser-known places that you may want to add your London itinerary.
A quiet oasis: St Dunstan in the East
Just a stone’s throw away from Tower Hill and Monument tube stations, St Dunstan in the East is a clam and evocative oasis in the heart of the capital. With an atmospheric fountain within its ruins and luxuriant greenery draping its walls, this ancient church should definitely be on your must-see agenda.
Built in the early 12th century, the building has a troubled and unfortunate history. From the Great Fire of London in 1666 to the World War II Blitz in 1941, the church has been severely damaged over the years. Now, it has become a peaceful garden with stunning vegetation. Why not visit on a gloomy, rainy day? it adds to its fascination and melancholic beauty. Open a clear umbrella and admire its wounded majesty by sitting on a bench or standing in its central nave.
Romantic canals: Little Venice
There is no need to travel abroad to take in some picturesque Italian sights. Close to Warwick Avenue underground station and only a 10-minutes walk from Paddington station, Little Venice s a poetic neighbourhood with a charming waterways and canals.
As you walk amongst vibrant cafes and quirky restaurants, keep your eyes peeled for entertaining puppet shows on boats and enjoy the calmness of the canals. The splendid area is the ideal place for a summer stroll in the sun. Cross its bridges, jump on a boat , and set sail towards London Zoo and Camden Town.
Oriental nature: Kyoto Garden (Holland Park)
Nestled inside Holland Park, a hidden pearl itself, Kyoto Garden is undoubtedly worth a visit. With Japanese maple trees, stones lanterns, tranquil waterfalls, and ponds brimming with koi carps, this oriental-inspired garden gives the park a wonderful, exotic vibe.
Inaugurated in 1991, Kyoto Garden is a present from the city of Kyoto(Japan) to honour the long-lasting friendship between Great Britain and, of course, Japan. Furthermore, it hosts a touching ‘Fukushima Memorial Garden’, which commemorates both British citizen’s solidarity and Japanese people’s gratitude following the natural calamities occurred in 2011.
As for Holland Park, it is a 22-hecture park in West London surrounding the ruins of Holland House, badly damaged n World War II during the infamous 1941 Blitz.
A kaleidoscopic warehouse: God’s Own Junkyard
Do you have a soft spot for Las Vegas and kaleidoscopic lights? Take yourself to Walthamstow, a London hotspot for artists and hipsters, and explore God’s Own Junkyard! Full of neon signs and props, this multicoloured warehouse will make your jaw drop in awe.
Make sure to note down this must-see place on your London bucket list. With blinding, bright objects and figures stacked on the floor and hanging from the ceiling, there are several surprises at every corner. Charge your smartphone and check your storage – you’ll spend hours taking stunning photos.
Very important Pictures: Number 10- Adam Street
Want to have your picture taken in front of the Prime Minister’s famous black door? Want your friends to think that you’ve had important political debates with global leaders in Downing Street? If so, head to Number 10 on Adam Street !
Just a 15-miniute walk from the PM’s guarded home entrance, you can take as many selfies and souvenir photos as you wish. The two front doors may not exactly uncanny, but 10 Adam Street’s main entrance may trick even the most-eagled eyed followers on your social media.
Why are they so similar? Both built in the late 18th century, they just happen to be two coincidental contemporaries.
Chic dining and shopping: Leadenhall Market
A mere five-minute walk from Monument underground station, Leadenhall Market is a 14th century landmark with gorgeous gold and red architecture. Seriously damaged by Great Fire of London in 1666, it was renovated and is now still going strong.
Originally packed with butchers and fishmongers, this market has become a buzzing, trendy place in which to shop, drink and dine. It was also the shooting location for the wizarding pub in Happy Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. If you are a cinema lover, why not stop there on your next trip to the capital?
A cultural treat: Sir John Soane’s Museum
London is rich in fascinating art galleries. In this respect, Sir John Soane’s museum is arguably one of the finest public museums the city has to offer. Once the residence of Sir John Soane, architect of the Bank of England, the building has a wonderful collection of over 20,000 art and antique pieces.
Among them are precious masterpieces by Turner and Canaletto.
Additionally, the museum hosts the spectacular Sarcophagus of Egyptian Pharaoh Seti, who passed away in 1297 BC. If you are on the hunt for a cultural treat, Sir John Soane’s Museum is the place to go!
With parks, landmarks, shops, restaurants, and heap of history, London has it all. We hope this list of hidden pearls will help you plan the perfect day out in one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities.
Sources
https://visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/london-attraction/top-20-hidden-gemshttps://www.londonxlondon.com/hidden-gems-in-london/https://www.standard.co.uk/reveller/attractions/15-secret-places-you-never-knew-existed-in-london-a3727481.htmlhttps://handluggageonly.co.uk/2015/09/03/15-amazing-secret-spots-you-have-to-see-in-london/https://visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/401228-little-venicehttps://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/city-gardens/find-a-garden/st-dunstan-in-the-east-church-gardenhttps://www.atlasobscura.com/places/10-adam-streethttps://www.soane.org/https://www.parkgrandkensington.co.uk/blog/things-to-know-about-kyoto-garden/https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/gods-own-junkyardhttps://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/leadenhall-market