London has loads of places to visit, and if you want to know about some of the more secluded yet interesting areas, then be our guest and go through this article.
London is a city full of history, culture, and attractions that are well-known to visitors from all over the world. However, many hidden gems in London are often overlooked but are just as worth visiting. These gems include unique museums, charming parks, and shops that offer a different perspective on the city.
The Sir John Soane's Museum, Camden Market, and the Little Venice Canal are a few of London's hidden gems that are a must-see. These hidden gems will make your trip to London memorable, whether you're a first-time tourist or a seasoned local.
Must-see locations in London
Millions of travelers rush to London every year to experience its rich history, vibrant culture, and top-notch attractions, making it one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in the world.
There are numerous undiscovered beautiful parks near London, shops, theaters, and many more lesser-known locations in London that are well worth discovering, even though many tourists concentrate on the city's recognizable landmarks and well-known tourist destinations.
The best part is that some attractions are free to visit, while others charge only a reasonable fee. This way, you can enjoy and gather lifetime experience, knowing culture and history while saving money simultaneously.
In this article, we'll look at some of London's most fascinating and distinctive unpopular locations. There is something for everyone to find in this charming city, from secret gardens and hidden tunnels to hidden underground speakeasies. Here are a few of London's best-kept beauties that you must see.
1. The Camden Market
Camden Market is a collection of markets in the Camden Town area of London, England. The markets offer various goods, including clothing, accessories, food, and crafts.
The market is known for its alternative and independent shops and is a popular destination for tourists and locals. Camden Market is open seven days a week and is easily accessible by public transportation.
2. The Sir John Soane's Museum
One of the reasons London still holds a top position as a tourist destination is because of the history it portrays.
Sir John Soane's Museum is a historic house museum in London, England, that was the residence of the architect Sir John Soane. It is located at 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields and was originally built in the late 18th century.
The museum is known for its collection of art and architectural artifacts, including works by Hogarth, Turner, and Canaletto. It also features original architectural features and designs by Soane, including his famous "picture room." The museum is open to the public, but visitors must book a timed slot in advance.
3. The Garden of Remembrance
The Garden of Remembrance is a memorial located in London, England, dedicated to the memory of those who died in the First and Second World Wars.
The park is located in Paddington Green, near Paddington Station, and is a peaceful and serene place to pay respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The park features a large central pond surrounded by trees and foliage. Several monuments and sculptures within the garden include a bronze statue of a soldier, a plaque dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the First World War, and a memorial to the fallen sailors of the Second World War.
4. The Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands is located in the West India Quay area of London, England. It is dedicated to the history and heritage of London's docklands, covering the period from the 16th century to the present day.
The museum features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays that tell the story of the city's docklands, including the people who lived and worked there, the goods that were traded, and the technological innovations that shaped the area.
5. The Garden Museum
The Garden Museum is located in Lambeth, London, and dedicated to the history of gardening and horticulture in England. The museum is housed in the former St. Mary's Church, which was built in the 12th century and was later converted into a museum in 1977.
The museum features a variety of exhibits, including artifacts, paintings, and manuscripts related to gardening and horticulture. Visitors can also explore the museum's garden, which features a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a 17th-century knot garden.
6. Holland Park
Holland Park is a residential area located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea near London, England. It is known for its large park, Holland Park, which features formal gardens, a playground, a Japanese garden, and a cricket pitch.
The area is also home to several notable buildings, including the Holland House, a 17th-century mansion now used as a cultural center, and the Kyoto Garden, a Japanese-style garden gifted to London by the city of Kyoto in 1991.
Holland Park is a popular location for residents and visitors alike, with a mix of elegant townhouses and modern apartments, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
7. The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is located at University College London in London, England. It is named after the British archaeologist William Flinders Petrie, who donated many of the artifacts in the collection.
The museum contains over 80,000 objects, including pottery, tools, jewelry, and other artifacts from ancient Egypt, as well as a library of books and journals on Egyptology. The museum is open to the public, and entry is also free.
8. The Leake Street Tunnel
The Leake Street Tunnel is a 300-meter-long tunnel in London, England. It is located in the Lambeth area and runs beneath Waterloo station. The tunnel was originally built in the 1930s as part of the railway network, but it was abandoned in the 1990s and left unused for several years.
In 2008, the tunnel was transformed into an underground art gallery, with street artists from around the world invited to paint and create artwork on the tunnel's walls.
9. The Sir Christopher Wren's Temple Church
The Sir Christopher Wren's Temple Church is a historic church located in the heart of London, England. It was built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar, a medieval Christian military order. The church was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren, one of the most famous architects of his time.
The church is known for its unique circular design, with a central dome and eight smaller domes surrounding it. It also features intricate stone carvings, including a depiction of the Last Supper on the altar.
10. The Little Venice Canal
Little Venice is a picturesque area located in London's Paddington and Maida Vale neighborhoods. It is known for its charming canals, colorful houseboats, and picturesque bridges. The area is named after the Grand Union Canal, which runs through the neighborhood and is lined with various cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride along the canals, enjoy a picnic by the water, or take a stroll along the towpaths that run alongside the canals. Little Venice is also home to several art galleries and shops, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The area is easily accessible by public transportation, with the nearest underground station being Warwick Avenue.
11. The Sir John Sloane's Museum
The Sir John Soane's Museum is a historic house museum located in London, England. It was the home and studio of the architect Sir John Soane, who lived there from 1792 until he died in 1837. After Soane's death, the museum was established in 1837 and contains many of his possessions and a collection of art and architectural models.
The museum is located in the heart of London, in the Holborn area. It is a Grade I listed building and is considered one of the most important examples of Georgian architecture in the city has been open to the public since 1837 and is visited by thousands of people every year.
12. The Museum of London Archaeology
A truly amazing place for people that love culture and history, the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) is a leading archaeological organization based in London, England. Founded in 1997, MOLA conducts excavations, research, and conservation of archaeological sites throughout the city and surrounding areas.
The organization also operates the Museum of London Archaeology Gallery, which features a wide range of exhibits and artifacts from London's past.
Final thoughts
For anyone wishing to explore the city outside the usual tourist sites, this article might be a fantastic read. Make sure to include some of these unique, distinctive, and lesser-known locations when you visit London next time.
Photo by Giammarco Boscaro on Unsplash
