10 Hidden Gems in London

When one mentions “hidden gem“, I suppose it is quite relative and even controversial in some cases. A hidden gem to one person is “out there” in the open to the next person and that is ok. These 10 hidden gems in London deserve a shoutout; most especially to give a different perspective to what can be found in the city.

My focus is to highlight gems that might have been right in your face but perhaps, missed. 

They are in the usual places one would visit as a tourist or resident. However, if one is not particularly looking out for it, I bet it would go totally unnoticed. We can all admit that there are so many lush things to see as this city is filled up with gems. So if you are trying to go off the beaten track, where do you go?

1. Kyoto Garden, Kensington

I spent a lot of time around Kensington when I was looking for a venue for my wedding. So imagine my surprise when I found out that Kyoto Garden was a few minutes from the church I got married in. Kyoto Garden is located in Holland Park and modeled after a typical park in Kyoto, Japan. It is a stunning green space with Japanese maple trees and a rock waterfall. It was created in recognition of the Japan Festival held in London in 1992 and has incorporated stone lanterns and tiered waterfalls just like you would see in Japan.

A full review of Kyoto Gardens goes in depth and highlights the wildlife, Fukushima garden and everything else within Kyoto Gardens. It definitely is a cute location for a little wander!

Related Post: Japan in London: Kyoto Gardens Holland Park

2. St Dunstan in the East

Formerly a ruined church in the heart of London city, St-Dunstan-in-the-East is an off the beaten track discovery. Imagine finding such a historic, medieval gem located in St Dunstan’s Hill, just between Tower of London and London Bridge.
The church of St Dunstan was built around 1100 but was badly damaged in 1666 by the Great Fire of London and again in 1941 in the blitz. In 1967, it was turned into a public garden and was opened to public in 1970. Talk about history!

If you’re ever having a mooch around the city of London, I recommend a visit for a picnic, just a walk around or for your pretty medieval-looking pictures.

3. Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings

For a less obvious brunch spot, head to Clerkenwell and bunch at B & H. I actually found this spot when I was looking for brunch spots around Camden. I wanted somewhere that was not Mayfair and did my googles. When I saw a picture of the building, I was surprised that it was indeed a brasserie and brunch spot. So we checked it out and it was actually one of my favourite brunches ever! It was such a brilliant discovery in the most understated location. B & H is very unassuming from outside but once you step in, there is a bar and sitting area. Definitely one I’d recommend if you have not been yet as it made my list of favourite London brunch spots.

Related Posts: 

• The Best Brunch Spots in London
• 5 Rooftop Bars with the best views of London’s skyline

4. Shad Thames

One of my favourite little corners in London, Shad Thames is on my list of 10 hidden gems in London. It is actually a bustling historic area of London and if you are ever looking for “old London”, Shad Thames is where to go. It reminds me of a street one would find in an action period drama; the street where the bad guy disappears into? Yea that’s the one. Shad Thames is located at Tower Bridge’s west end in Bermondsey. In the 19th century, the area housed the largest warehouse complex in London. It is a lush area to wander and if you fancy lunch, Le Pont de la Tour is my recommendation.

Shad Thames has been featured in many movies due to its old school cobbled streets, riverside views and mysterious vibe. Perhaps the most popular is Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001). This pretty street is the scene where Bridget and Daniel share their first kiss. Butler’s Wharf in Shad Thames also featured in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007).

We love a film location, don’t we?

5. Neal’s Yard

Everyone has heard of Covent Garden but not everyone knows where Neal’s Yard is located. In the heart of Covent Garden is a small side street, Seven Dials. Within Seven Dials, the colourful semi hidden courtyard sits sweetly! Neal’s Yard actually used to be a dumpster filled with bins but was renovated into what it is today. There are a lot of cafés, restaurants, bars and shops – all giving you quirky vibes. Some of the popular shops are Neal’s Yard Remedies, Wild Food Café and Neal’s Yard Dairy.

It definitely is one hidden gem I was excited to visit. Mr E and I went on an early summer morning and took some cute photos. Neal’s Yard is one of the most photogenic courtyards London has to offer. So if you are ever in Covent Garden, be sure to check it out.

6. The Peace Pagoda, Battersea Park

Located within Battersea Park, Peace Pagoda would have you believe that you are in Thailand. Maybe Vietnam. Or Bali. Or anywhere but England. It was presented to Londoners in 1984 as a gift and the statues are considered sacred. Today, you will find children running around and people snapping photographs. However it is still not as popular as I would have imagined.

Upon further research, I found out that there is another one in Milton Keynes which was unveiled in 1980. Ok back to London. Battersea Park’s Peace Pagoda is a hidden gem that I absolutely recommend a visit. It is close to Albert Bridge, which is one of the prettiest London bridges!

7. Friary Court in St James’ Palace

First, did you know there was another palace in London that was not Buckingham Palace? I bet you didn’t. I suppose that the fact that St James’ Palace is not open to the public makes it less popular. However, something very important happens within the walls of this palace. When a Monarch dies, the council meets in Friary Court to discuss and declare who takes over. It is on the Proclamation balcony (located just above the court) that the new monarch is announced from.

In more recent times, our little Prince George was christened there. The fact that the public is not allowed in does not mean you cannot wander around for a little peek. Friary Court is a few minutes from Buckingham Place so if you are ever around the area, check it out!

8. Little Venice

Canal boat ride in London? Why not! From Paddington train station, you can find one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, Little Venice. It has the most beautiful row of colourful canal boats moored on its canal. The scenery is quite different from what you would usually expect and find in London.

I went on a canal boat ride last summer and I legit felt like I was in Venice or Amsterdam. It does feel quite surreal and for that, it makes it to my list of 10 hidden gems in London.

Related Post: Discovering London’s Canals with GoBoat London

9. Royal Arcade

Thanks to Christmas, Royal Arcade is no longer as inconspicuous as it used to be. It is located on Old Bond Street in Mayfair and if you are accustomed to shopping in Mayfair, this might not be a hidden gem. However if you are a regular tourist, this is one to look out for. It is not as busy as the Burlington Arcade, which is not too far away but in my opinion, is so much prettier. Royal Arcade’s architecture literally blows my mind; I mean, LOOK AT THAT CEILING!

Royal Arcade might be easy to miss; however, I always tell people to go to Cartier on Old Bond street and it is just a few minutes walk from there.

10. Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola

I thought to include Hampstead Hill Garden and Pergola because when I posted it on my Instagram, a lot of my non-UK friends were confused that we were still chatting about London here lol. Now I’m sure we all know where Hampstead Heath is located. You don’t? Ok, we will come back to this in a different post.

Thanks to Hampstead Heath’s endless greenery, it’s quite an interesting part of London. However, to visit a hidden gem, head to its hill garden and pergola. Now this is what I am talking about. It is the most beautiful garden in London; yup, quote me anywhere. This is one garden that reminds me of Disney fairytale gardens. I recommend a visit in Spring or Autumn and tell me if you did not find it magical!

Other than these 10 hidden gems in London which I have chosen to write about, there are so many more this beautiful city has to over. However, these are the 10 I have managed to visit and “uncover” in the 7 years I have lived in London. As I find more hidden gems, I will highlight them. As much as I love the popular spots, who doesn’t? I find it even more exciting when I visit the not so popular spots. However thanks to Instagram, there might not be any hidden spots left in the next few years. This is not necessarily a bad thing. After all, the world is there to be explored inch by inch, every nook and cranny.

Cheers to wandering and continuous discoveries of many more hidden gems!

Bisous, ‘Bugo!