Skip the Crowds: 10 Fast & Free London Hidden Gems
Ticking off the big bucket list attractions is a must-do for any London trip. But what if you’re looking for that little something extra? That feeling like you got a taste of the “real London,” the one locals love?
A lot of people I talk to in my one-to-one trip consultations want a more authentic experience. And what I do is help them find those meaningful spots that are near the iconic London attractions they’re already visiting, so they don’t miss anything that could be special to them.
These aren’t hidden secrets that are a trek to get to. They’re the off-the-popular-path finds that are fast, easy and free to see, perfect for when you’re short on time but big on experience.
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Gardens and Green Spaces
Sometimes, the city’s crowds can be a lot, especially during peak travel times. These unexpected green havens offer a perfect moment of quiet reflection without having to leave central London.
St Dunstan in the East
This is easily one of my favourite spots in the entire city. Tucked away just a few steps from busy streets, this place is the hauntingly beautiful ruin of a church that was bombed during the Blitz.
The roof is gone, but the walls remain, and nature has taken over to create a serene garden that is unlike anything else. You’ll feel transported to a different world.
- Near this London Attraction: The Tower of London
- Why It’s a Planner’s Dream: This is a perfect, logical experience to pair with a morning at the Tower of London, which is the starting point for a day in your London Bucket List Planner. You’ll find a logical itinerary that connects the Tower to this hidden gem, allowing you to see a beautiful, unique side of the city without adding extra travel time.
Queen Elizabeth Rooftop Garden
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with a view, you’d never guess this beautiful public garden is on top of a busy performance venue on the Southbank. It’s a colourful, vibrant space with a lush variety of plants, a cafe and some of the best river views in the city.
- Near this London Attraction: Southbank Centre / Tate Modern / The London Eye
- Why It’s a Planner’s Dream: This spot is a fantastic little-known retreat from the crowds of the Southbank. Whether you’re coming from the Tate Modern or walking along the river, it’s a great place to stop and recharge.
Postman’s Park
Postman’s Park is a peaceful green space that is best known for the Watts’ Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice. This memorial features plaques that commemorate ordinary people who died while saving the lives of others. It’s a beautiful and moving tribute and a truly unique place to visit.
- Near this London Attraction: St Paul’s Cathedral
- Why It’s a Planner’s Dream: This is a fantastic and moving spot that is only a few minutes’ walk from St Paul’s Cathedral. It provides a moment of reflection and a different kind of historical experience.
London Bucket List Travel Planner
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Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Tucked within the elegant Holland Park, Kyoto Garden is a surprising slice of Japan. With its tiered waterfalls, serene koi pond, and wandering peacocks, it’s a perfect spot to find tranquility away from the city’s noise.
- Near this London Attraction: Natural History Museum / V&A Museum
- Why It’s a Planner’s Dream: A perfect, peaceful stop after a busy morning exploring the Natural History Museum or the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Historical and Film
Beyond the history books and the typical landmarks, London has countless stories and cinematic moments hidden in plain sight.
Leadenhall Market
If you’re a Harry Potter fan and don’t have time to get to the Warner Bros Studio Tour, this is the place for you. Leadenhall Market served as the iconic filming location for the exterior of Diagon Alley. The Victorian architecture and stunning glass roof make it a rewarding sight even if you aren’t a fan. It doesn’t take long to walk through and is a total “wow” moment.
- Near this London Attraction: The Tower of London
- Why It’s a Planner’s Dream: Leadenhall Market is a great logical experience to pair with a morning at the Tower of London and is a featured option in one of the itineraries from the London Bucket List Planner.
Sir John Soane’s Museum
This is London’s most wonderfully peculiar museum. It’s the former home of the architect Sir John Soane. And he packed it to the brim with art, antiquities and architectural fragments. It’s a beautifully cluttered and atmospheric space that feels like a treasure hunt.
- Near this London Attraction: British Museum
- Why It’s a Planner’s Dream: This is a great stop if you are exploring the British Museum or Covent Garden.
Hotels
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
Foodie Finds & Hidden Courtyards
These are the places that are a treat for both your tastebuds and your camera roll.
Mercato Mayfair
Hidden within a beautiful deconsecrated church, this vibrant food market is a sanctuary of global street food, wine and craft beer. While it might feel a little sacrilegious to some, it’s a feast for the eyes! It’s also buzzing in the evening. Another insider’s tip is that there’s a crypt bar that’s very cool too. So- it’s like a hidden gem within a hidden gem too!
- Near this London Attraction: Buckingham Palace
- Why It’s a Planner’s Dream: Mercato Mayfair is a logical stop to pair with a visit to Buckingham Palace, which is another starting point for a day in the London Bucket List Planner.
Neal’s Yard and Kingly Court
These colourful courtyards are a must-see for anyone who loves vibrant photo spots. Neal’s Yard is a small but charming courtyard with a rainbow of painted buildings. Kingly Court offers a three-story open-air dining space with unique restaurants and a buzzing atmosphere. I have a TikTok video of this last one that has over 1.2 million views, so you know it’s a fan favourite! As an insider’s tip, this is one you’ll want to visit early in the day since it’s quite popular with Londoners.
- Near this London Attraction: Regent Street shopping and Piccadilly Circus
- Why It’s a Planner’s Dream: These are perfect stops to add to a shopping day on Regent Street or before a matinee show in the West End.
Little Venice
You don’t have to go to Italy to see canals! Little Venice is a tranquil, picturesque area in London where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet. You can walk along the towpath, admire the colourful houseboats and enjoy a coffee at a waterside cafe.
- Near this London Attraction: Notting Hill
- Why It’s a Planner’s Dream: This is a logical experience to pair with spending a morning exploring Notting Hill. It’s the perfect place to relax and get a coffee after the busy crowds of Portobello Road Market.
Kynance Mews
One of London’s most famous mews streets, Kynance Mews is a true photogenic gem. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, this street is particularly beautiful when decorated with flowers in the spring or autumn leaves in the fall.
- Near this London Attraction: Natural History Museum / V&A Museum
- Why It’s a Planner’s Dream: It’s a short detour from the Natural History Museum, allowing you to experience a unique part of London’s architecture and history.
Quick Reference Table
| London Hidden Gem | Nearby London Attraction |
|---|---|
| St Dunstan in the East | The Tower of London |
| Queen Elizabeth Rooftop Garden | Southbank Centre / Tate Modern |
| Postman’s Park | St Paul’s Cathedral |
| Kyoto Garden | Natural History Museum / V&A Museum |
| Leadenhall Market | The Tower of London |
| Sir John Soane’s Museum | British Museum |
| Mercato Mayfair | Buckingham Palace |
| Neal’s Yard & Kingly Court | Covent Garden / Regent Street |
| Little Venice | Notting Hill |
| Kynance Mews | Natural History Museum / V&A Museum |
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Final Thoughts
These London hidden gems are just a small sample of the authentic, meaningful experiences you can add to a short London trip. They are designed to make your travel more personal and memorable. And I hope they inspire you to look beyond the typical tourist path!
If you loved this guide, you’re going to love the London Bucket List Planner. It takes the work out of planning by giving you pre-made itineraries based on your travel interests. For example, you can choose from a foodie itinerary, luxury itinerary, mother-daughter trip itinerary and more!
You can also check out my London restaurant guide, which is grouped by neighbourhoods, cuisines and best-of lists. And for even more value, don’t miss out on my digital download bundles.
Which hidden gem are you adding to your London itinerary first? Let me know in the comments below!
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