10 incredible hidden gems in London

I may be biassed, but London is my favourite city in the world. Each turn of this city reveals a tucked-away alleyway, an ornate little cafe, or a secret garden that only the true explorers find.

Having lived on the outskirts of the city my whole life, I’ve made it my mission to discover all the best hidden gems in London.

In this article, I’ll take you through my favourite secret spots.

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Map of the best hidden gems in London

Use my map below to see whether all of my favourite secret spots in London are located:

1. Leighton House Museum

If there’s one aspect of London that deserves unequivocal admiration, it’s the unparallelled collection of museums.

You can’t visit the capital of England without indulging in its historical treasures, and I have the perfect choice for you: The Leighton House Museum.

Besides the fact that it’s an architectural masterpiece, the museum hosts a diverse collection of paintings, sketches, and sculptures. It’s an absolute must-visit for art aficionados.

Even if you’re not passionate about art, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate how each room in the museum is furnished to reflect a specific historical period.

2. Eel Pie Island

Eel Pie Island is any artist’s heaven, and it’s been that way for decades. The iconic haven hosted some of the most talented artists of their generation, like The Who, Screaming Lord Sutch, and Pink Floyd.

Even The Rolling Stones used to perform regularly on that island in 1963.

Eel Pie is also home to over 20 art studios, from pottery and oil paints to ceramics and sculptures.

Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the island offers a delightful experience with its stunning parks and rich museums.

3. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Baps Mandir is the closest thing you’ll get to an authentic Hindu experience. Everything about the temple aims to reflect the Hindu faith and culture.

You’ll know what I mean once you enter the Maha-Mandap (the Great Hall/Sanctum), with its authentic architecture and spiritual vibes.

If you’re interested in participating in Hindu rituals, I suggest attending the arti ceremony.

It’s a popular ritual of the Hindu faith, where you wave lighted wicks in front of an image of a deity to acknowledge and remember their presence and providence.

4. Highgate Cemetery

I know visiting a cemetery might be the last thing you want to do on a holiday, but this one is worth it. You’ll see stunning architecture with intricate carvings and plenty of greenery.

In fact, when you stand in front of the entrance of the cemetery, you’ll feel like it belongs in a Harry Potter movie.

Although it’s a renowned piece of London’s history, it still hosts bits of other cultures. I love walking down the Egyptian Avenue, an ode to the country’s fascination with Ancient Egypt.

From the cavetto cornice to the colossal obelisks standing on both sides of the entrance, everything about this section celebrates Egyptian architecture. 

5. The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College

The moment you set foot into the Painted Hall, you might think that Michael Angelo painted this room, but it’s actually the work of the great James Thornhill.

It took him 19 years to finish this piece, and I’d argue it was worth every second.

The painting conveys Britain’s history, from its cultural achievements to political changes throughout the years.

Unlike the bustling tourist attractions in London, the Painted Hall remains a hidden gem, free from the pressure of hurried visits. Here, you can linger around the artistry without a rush.

6. The Hunterian Museum

The Hunterian Museum is unlike any other museum you’ve ever been to. It was built to celebrate John Hunter, one of the most influential surgeons of his time.

So, rather than artistic and historical pieces, this establishment is full of Hunter’s unique medical collection.

You’ll find anatomical and pathological specimens, medical instruments, models, sculptures, and more.

You’d be hard-pressed to find another museum with a similar collection of rare animal skeletons.

7. The Pergola and Hill Garden

The Pergola and Hill Gardens are vast, colourful, and effortlessly refreshing.

Besides the greenery and flowers, they include various structures built with an intricate style that complements their aesthetics.

I can’t think of a better place to start your day than the gardens. While they may not offer unique amenities, their stunning natural beauty more than compensates for it.

8. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park

If you’re fascinated by Japanese culture, Kyoto Garden is the perfect destination for you.

Originally, Kyoto built this garden to celebrate its long relationship with Britain. So you know it’s an authentic representation of Japanese aesthetics.

Once you enter this garden, you’ll be met with a small waterfall flowing into a pond. You’ll also see maple trees and stone lanterns. 

On rare occasions, you might see a peacock or two. I was lucky enough to catch sight of one during my last visit!

9. The Postman’s Park

There is another park on this list that you are sure to love: Postman’s Park, nestled deep in the heart of London.

At first glance, it may seem like just another city park, but it holds a unique charm all its own.

It has well-maintained gardens and lengthy pathways that allow you to explore the entire park. What sets this one apart from its counterparts, though, is its sentimental value.

When you dive deeper into the park, you’ll see the Memorial of Heroic Self-Sacrifice. It’s a wall that houses 54 ceramic tablets, each one telling the story of a person who sacrificed his life to save another.

It may not be a fancy statue or a golden monument, but it’s a genuine attempt to memorialise the everlasting power of humanity.

10. St. Dunstan in the East

St. Dunstan’s Gardens have it all – palms, shrubs, climbers, and more – but all great gardens have those. What truly sets St. Dunstan apart is its historical background.

Built in the 12th century, the St. Dunstan Church stood as a safe place of worship and pilgrimage – until the Great Fire of London tore it down.

After 30 years, the church was rebuilt, maintaining its original Gothic steeple. However, it was bombed in the blitz of WWII and its ruins remained untouched for 25 years.

Eventually, though, the City of London Corporations turned the ruins into the beautiful garden you see today. 

Besides its undeniable beauty, the park sits in the centre of the city, making it an excellent spot to see all the breathtaking skyscrapers London has to offer.

Now that you’re acquainted with the top 10 hidden gems in London, you’re armed with a treasure of secret knowledge.

While you might share a few of these with close friends, let’s keep this our little secret, preserving the magic of these undiscovered delights!

Let me know if you have any favourite hidden gems in London in the comments below!