It can be easy to get caught up in the relentless sweep of sightseeing in a capital city like London, with so many iconic tourist attractions. However, there is another side to the city, which isn’t so obvious to the general tourist population. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, step off the beaten track and see the authentic parts of London, read on to discover the Hidden Gems of London that we highly recommend paying a visit to.
Highgate Cemetery
Although not most people’s first choice when it comes to a nice place to visit, Highgate Cemetery is an unmissable slice of paradise. This graveyard displays the romantic Victorian attitude to death and its presentation, which created a labyrinth of winding pathways, Egyptian sepulchres, and a wealth of Gothic tombs and buildings. Rows of silent stone angels have borne witness to centuries of ceremonies and many famous people are buried there, including: Karl Marx, George Michael and many more. The greenery is home to lots of native wildlife, making it ideal for nature-lovers. First time visitors can even book a guided tour to learn about the Cemetery’s history and the compelling stories of its residents.
Sir John Soane’s Museum
Discover the extraordinary house and museum of Sir John Soane, one of the greatest English architects, who built and lived in it two centuries ago. The museum has been kept as it was at the time of his death in 1837 and displays his vast collection of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models and paintings. It is now a national centre for the study of architecture and attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year. Open 10am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday, entry to the museum is completely free and you can visit by walking in on the day. For those especially passionate about architecture and history, pay to join a Highlights Tour for a deep dive into the museum’s fascinating story.
Postman’s Park
This scenic park acquired its name due to its popularity as a lunchtime garden with workers from the nearby old General Post Office. It is home to the famous Watts memorial, dedicated to ordinary people who died while saving the lives of others and who might otherwise be forgotten. As one of the largest open spaces in the City of London, visitors like to wander the park or relax on the benches surrounding the seasonal central display. It experienced a surge of interest after the release of the 2004 film Closer since the park was the setting for some of the film’s most memorable scenes, and has remained a beloved haven ever since.
Hunterian Museum
The Hunterian Museum isn’t for those who don’t have a strong stomach–its contents are medical in nature, and to some may seem rather gruesome. However, for those who are interested in the macabre, it is a unique and fascinating place. Located in the Royal College of Surgeons, you can marvel at thousands of anatomical and pathological specimens, alongside instruments, equipment, models, paintings and archive material. Explore the art and science of surgery from ancient to modern times and discover the lesser-known gory side to London’s history. Open 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday, entry is free but booking is recommended.
Kyoto Garden, Holland park
This secret Japanese garden is located in West London’s gorgeous Holland Park. Small but beautifully made, it has become an oasis in the heart of the city, where visitors can snap stunning shots of colourful plants, shrubs and water features and enjoy some peace by the expansive koi pond. The garden is home to not only a serene waterfall but also a flock of majestic peacocks! They are not native to the UK, they only arrived in Britain in the 14th century as gifts symbolizing wealth. Now, a dozen or so live in the area, along with some resident grey herons. Delicate, natural and serene, Kyoto Garden is perfect to visit after our Half-Day Stonehenge Tour, just a 15 minute journey away from our drop off point in South Kensington.
Design Museum
This amazing museum is devoted to contemporary design in every form. From product, industrial and graphic design to fashion and architectural design, they explore every part of the innovative process. In 2018, the museum won the European Museum of the Year Award, and it receives over 600,000 visitors every year. Explore how design influences the way we interact with the world, with thought-provoking displays about everything from high-heels, to Lego, to the 2012 Olympic Torch. Entry to the museum and its permanent collection is free, but pre-booking is recommended for paid limited-time exhibitions.
Explore more of England’s hidden gems!
Thank you for reading our guide to the Hidden Gems of London, and we hope to welcome you to this vibrant city soon. And if you would like to explore more of England’s hidden gems outside of London, check out our amazing Day Tours from London. We look forward to seeing you on tour!
