London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. As Fahim Imam-Sadeque explains, there are many well-known sights and attractions that should be on every traveller’s itinerary.
At the same time, there are a lot of little hidden gems that London has to offer. So if you’re looking for a unique experience when visiting London, here are 13 lesser-known attractions you shouldn’t miss.
1. Clink Prison Museum
Step back to medieval times to see the most notorious prison of the times. The museum is located on the original site of Clink Prison in Bankside. Art and written history are throughout the prison, explaining some of the historical events that happened in the region.
You can easily reach the museum through the London Bridge Rail and Tube station or Uber Boat.
2. Hampstead Heath Ponds
In the northern part of the city, you can be transported into nature with a series of 30 different bodies of water. They’re all adjacent to Hampstead Heath, a grassland and woodland area. The ponds were dug up in the 17th and 18th centuries and served as reservoirs to meet the drinking water demand for the city.
Three of these ponds are natural bathing ponds, during the warmer months, of course.
3. Magnificent Seven
You may not think cemeteries are a fun place to visit, but the Magnificent Seven are genuinely awe-inspiring. Highgate Cemetery in north London is the most famous of the cemeteries due to some of the people buried there, such as Karl Marx, author George Eliot, and poet Christina Rossetti.
There are more than 50,000 graves on this site. The West Cemetery can only be visited on a guided tour.
4. Little Venice
Little Venice, a series of canals lined with trees, winds its way from Warwick Avenue to Hyde Park. You will see plenty of colourful boats, with many that allow people to hop aboard for brunch or Afternoon Tea.
A walk along the entire canal will take roughly an hour, and you’ll feel like you’re transported to Italy.
5. Postal Museum
Visit the Postal Museum to learn about the history of communications and postal service in England for over 500 years. The Mail Rail provides an underground railway that you can visit. It was built at the start of the 20th century and was still in operation until 2003.
6. Primrose Hill
If you’re looking for a great view of the city, head to Primrose Hill. It’s one of six viewpoints of the city that’s protected and is a great place to relax or explore the neighbourhood.
7. Nomadic Community Garden
Street art is the heart of the Nomadic Community Garden. It’s a place for art and community gardens where people can grow food and ultimately get a sense of community.
8. St. Dunstan’s in the East
Another great garden to visit is St. Dunstan’s in the East. Christopher Wren designed it, and it has beautiful Gothic architecture throughout. It’s one of the most peaceful places in the city.
9. The Thames Path
The Thames is certainly not a hidden gem, but you can discover some quiet spots if you traverse the 40-mile path. It would be too long to walk — unless you have multiple days — but you could rent a bike. You could also visit The Prospect of Whitby pub and various public beaches.
10. Kyoto Garden at Holland Park
Kyoto Garden within Holland Park is a great place to meditate and take in nature. Holland Park itself could be considered a hidden gem in London, with plenty of picturesque spots for a picnic lunch or a rest.
11. Eltham Palace
Henry VIII considered this one of his favourite hunting places. After the palace declined through the 1930s, it was revived and today serves as a mansion dedicated to Art Deco. It’s a very unique and historical property to visit in London.
12. Leadenhall Market
London is full of markets, of course, but Leadenhall is not just beautiful; it’s tucked away. So you won’t find as many crowds here, which makes it all the better.
The arcхitecture is truly stunning, as Fahim Imam-Sadeque explains, in many different styles from many different centuries.
13. The Painted Hall
In Greenwich, you can visit the Painted Hall, situated inside The Old Royal Naval College. It’s been restored recently from its original construction in the early 18th century. The entire Painted Hall was painted by hand, with intricate details and awe-inspiring art.
About Fahim Imam-Sadeque
Fahim Imam-Sadeque is a business development professional with proven experience in the asset management industry. He has a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the City University of London and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries. Fahim’s top skills include asset management, hedge funds, investment management, sales, and consultant & client relationship management.
