12 Hidden Gems in London You to Visit
London might be known for its iconic sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, but it’s the lesser-known corners that truly capture the city’s magic. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and discover the soul of this beautiful city, these 10 hidden gems will give you just that – from tucked-away mews and secret gardens to quirky cafés and peaceful walking spots. Here’s your guide to exploring London like a local.
Why Is London So Special?
London isn’t just a city – it’s a collection of villages, stories, and cultures woven into one dynamic place. What makes it so special is the contrast you feel around every corner: historic pubs sit next to sleek modern galleries, ancient parks open out behind buzzing high streets, and centuries-old rituals unfold in a city that’s constantly reinventing itself. These are the reasons I fell in love with London on my first solo-trip to the city in 2016 and knew I had to move here.
There’s a rhythm here you won’t find anywhere else. One moment, you’re sipping coffee in a leafy, intimate mews; the next, you’re walking past a Banksy or stumbling into a food market with flavours from around the world. It’s this blend of the familiar and the unexpected that makes London feel endlessly new.
And while the big landmarks draw the crowds, it’s the hidden corners – the secret gardens, cobbled lanes, and stories whispered in quiet museums – that hold the real charm. That’s why the London locals fall in love with this city again and again.
1. St Dunstan in the East – A Secret Garden Among Ruins
Tucked away between London Bridge and the Tower of London, this bombed-out church has been transformed into a fairytale-like garden. Ivy-covered walls and quiet benches make it the perfect lunchtime escape or photo spot. It feels worlds away from the hustle outside.
📍 St Dunstan’s Hill, EC3R 5DD
2. Wilton Way, Hackney – East London’s Quiet Cool
A charming street full of independent shops, a community-run radio station, and possibly one of the best oat flat whites in town at Wilton Way Café. It’s a lovely little detour when exploring Hackney or London Fields.
📍 Wilton Way, E8 1BG
3. Little Venice – London’s Waterside Tranquillity
Just west of Paddington, this peaceful network of canals is lined with colourful narrowboats and leafy paths. Grab a coffee and wander along the towpath towards Camden, or hop on a boat ride with the Puppet Theatre Barge for something different.
📍 Warwick Avenue, W9 2PT
4. The Seven Noses of Soho – A Quirky Treasure Hunt
A whimsical hidden-in-plain-sight adventure: artist Rick Buckley installed sculpted noses around Soho in the 1990s as a protest. Can you find all seven? It’s a fun, free scavenger hunt that turns a regular stroll into a quirky quest.
📍 Start around Dean Street, W1D
5. Eel Pie Island – A Bohemian River Hideaway
This tiny private island on the Thames in Twickenham opens to the public just a few times a year. When it does, you’ll find art studios, quirky homes, and stories of rock’n’roll legends (The Rolling Stones played here!).
📍 Eel Pie Island, Twickenham TW1 3DY
6. Leighton House Museum – Victorian Opulence Meets Middle Eastern Flair
Hidden in plain sight near Holland Park, this former home of artist Frederic Leighton is filled with gold mosaics, Islamic tiles, and domed ceilings. It’s one of the most visually stunning interiors in London—and still relatively unknown.
📍 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ
7. The Hill Garden and Pergola – Hampstead’s Romantic Escape
Perched above Hampstead Heath, this overgrown, slightly faded garden walkway is hauntingly beautiful. Think vines, crumbling pillars, and panoramic views. Come early morning or golden hour for a dreamy wander.
📍 Inverforth Close, NW3 7EX
8. Daunt Books, Marylebone – For Travel Book Lovers
It’s not your average bookshop. Housed in an Edwardian building with oak galleries and skylights, Daunt Books is a gem for anyone with wanderlust. The travel section is sorted by country, which is incredibly inspiring even if you’re not planning a trip.
📍 83 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4QW
9. Postman’s Park – A Tribute to Everyday Heroes
A peaceful spot in the heart of the City, this small park features the touching “Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice”—plaques dedicated to ordinary people who died saving others. A poignant, quiet moment away from the nearby buzz of St Paul’s.
📍 King Edward Street, EC1A 7BT
10. Warren Mews – A Photographer’s Dream
This hidden corner near Fitzrovia is probably one of the most photogenic mews streets in London. With its gorgeous facades, vintage bikes, and flower pots everywhere, it feels like you’ve stepped onto a film set. Blink and you’ll miss it.
📍 Warren Mews, W1T 6AD
11. Word on the Water, Regent’s Canal
A floating bookshop on a barge, bobbing gently on the canal by King’s Cross. Grab a secondhand read, listen to live jazz on the deck, or chat to the friendly crew. It’s community-driven, soulful, and full of charm.
📍 Regent’s Canal Towpath, N1C 4LW
12. God’s Own Junkyard, Walthamstow
A neon wonderland inside an industrial estate. This kaleidoscope of colour features vintage signs, art installations and film props. Pop in for the photos, stay for a slice of cake at the café.
📍 Shernhall St, E17 9HQ
Final Thoughts
London is full of quiet surprises – you just have to know where to look.
There’s something magical about finding places that feel like your own little secret. These spots may not be on the front page of a guidebook, but they capture what makes London so special – its hidden layers, its character, its soul. I hope this list inspires you to explore a different side of London.
Got a favourite London hidden gem I should know about? Leave a comment or send me a message – I love hearing about the places that feel personal to you.
