London, a city steeped in history and culture, is often synonymous with iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.
While these attractions are undoubtedly must-sees, the city offers a plethora of hidden gems that cater to those seeking a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. Here are some non-touristy things to do in London:
Explore London’s Secret Gardens and Green Spaces
While everyone knows about Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, London is full of smaller, lesser-known green spaces that offer a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. Here are a few hidden gems:
Postman’s Park
Tucked away behind St. Paul’s Cathedral, Postman’s Park is a peaceful spot that many visitors overlook. It’s famous for the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, a touching tribute to ordinary people who lost their lives while saving others. This quiet garden provides a calm atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and relaxation.
Kyoto Garden
Located within Holland Park, the Kyoto Garden is an exquisite Japanese-style garden with waterfalls, koi ponds, and peacocks roaming freely. It’s an oasis of calm that offers a serene environment for reflection, far removed from the tourist-heavy parts of the city.
Visit London’s Quirky Museums
For a different museum experience, step away from the British Museum or Tate Modern and head to some of London’s more unusual and lesser-known museums.
The Hunterian Museum
This museum, housed within the Royal College of Surgeons, displays a fascinating collection of anatomical specimens, surgical tools, and medical oddities. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re interested in the history of medicine and surgery, the Hunterian Museum offers a fascinating, if slightly macabre, insight into the human body.
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
Located in Hackney, the Viktor Wynd Museum is a bizarre and wonderful cabinet of curiosities, filled with strange and eclectic items. From shrunken heads to unusual taxidermy, this museum is a must-visit for anyone with a love for the weird and wonderful.
Discover London’s Hidden Markets
London’s markets are world-renowned, but if you want to avoid the tourist crowds at Borough Market or Camden Lock, there are plenty of less touristy markets to explore.
Maltby Street Market
Nestled in the arches of Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market offers a more local, authentic food market experience. With an array of street food stalls and independent food producers, it’s the perfect place to sample some of London’s finest gourmet offerings, minus the large crowds.
Columbia Road Flower Market
On Sunday mornings, Columbia Road in East London transforms into a vibrant flower market, filled with stunning blooms and plants. While it’s becoming more popular, it still retains a local charm that’s often missing from other markets in the city. Beyond the flowers, the street is lined with independent boutiques and vintage shops.
Explore London’s Street Art Scene
While Shoreditch is often hailed as the epicenter of London’s street art, there are plenty of other areas in the city where you can discover incredible murals and graffiti without the crowds.
Leake Street Arches
Located under Waterloo Station, Leake Street is one of London’s most famous street art destinations, but it’s often overlooked by tourists. Known as the “Banksy Tunnel” (after the anonymous artist held a street art festival here in 2008), the tunnel is constantly changing, as artists from around the world come to add their work to the walls.
Camden’s Backstreets
Although Camden is a tourist hotspot, the backstreets offer some incredible street art that most visitors miss. Wander around the side streets to discover murals, hidden graffiti, and small art installations.
Take a Walk Along Regent’s Canal
For a different perspective of London, take a stroll along the beautiful Regent’s Canal. Stretching from Little Venice in the west to Limehouse in the east, this peaceful canal walk takes you through some of the city’s most charming and tranquil neighborhoods.
Along the way, you’ll pass colorful houseboats, quiet parks, and lesser-known spots like Camley Street Natural Park, a hidden nature reserve near King’s Cross.
If you’re up for a longer walk, start in Paddington Basin and follow the canal all the way to Camden or even further east towards Hackney Wick, where you can stop off for a drink at one of the area’s many riverside pubs.
Explore London’s Literary History
For book lovers, London offers plenty of non-touristy spots connected to famous writers and literary history.
Keats House
Nestled in Hampstead, Keats House is where the famous Romantic poet John Keats once lived. The house has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work, and it’s a quiet, serene place to explore, far from the typical tourist haunts.
Daunt Books
Located in Marylebone, Daunt Books is one of London’s most beautiful bookstores. Housed in a stunning Edwardian building, this bookshop specializes in travel books, but its charming interiors and knowledgeable staff make it a must-visit for any bookworm.
Experience London’s Hidden Pubs
London is known for its historic pubs, but some of the best ones are off the beaten path, offering a more authentic experience than the tourist-filled establishments near Trafalgar Square or Covent Garden.
The Spaniards Inn
Located in Hampstead, the Spaniards Inn is one of London’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1585. It’s full of history and charm, with connections to famous literary figures like Charles Dickens and Lord Byron. Its picturesque location near Hampstead Heath makes it a perfect spot for a post-walk drink.
Ye Olde Mitre
Tucked away in a tiny alleyway near Holborn, Ye Olde Mitre is a hidden gem that feels like stepping back in time.
FAQs
Q: What are some unique experiences I can have in London that are off the beaten path?
A: Here are a few unique experiences you can have in London:
Visit the Freud Museum: This museum is the former home of Sigmund Freud, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of psychoanalysis.
Take a ghost tour of London: There are many ghost tours available in London, and it’s a great way to learn about the city’s spooky history.
Go for a walk through the Barbican Estate: This estate is a modernist complex that is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.
Q: What are some of the best neighborhoods in London to explore?
A: Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in London to explore:
Shoreditch: This trendy neighborhood is home to many art galleries, boutiques, and bars.
Camden Town: This bohemian neighborhood is home to a famous market, as well as many music venues and pubs.
Q: What are some of the best places to go for a drink in London that are off the beaten path?
A: Here are a few of the best places to go for a drink in London that are off the beaten path:
The Blind Pig: This speakeasy-style bar is located in Shoreditch, and it’s a great place to enjoy a cocktail in a hidden atmosphere.
The Princess of Wales: This pub is located in Hackney, and it’s a great place to enjoy a pint of beer in a traditional setting.
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