With a history that can be traced back almost 2,000 years to the Romans, it’s fair to say that London has more than a few well-kept secrets up its sleeve. But where can you discover the UK capital’s most secretive corners?
London is a city that’s full of winding streets and concrete labyrinths full of wonders waiting to be discovered.
Taking a stroll through the capital today, you can discover some of London’s most impressive landmarks, viewpoints, and architecture resting off the beaten path commonly trodden by tourists.
The city’s medieval streets can be perfect to experience on foot, and London walking tours can take you directly into the heart of some of the capital’s most eye-catching secretive corners.
Whether you’re looking for echoes of London’s Medieval past, or are set on discovering a leafy oasis amid the city’s urban landscapes, there’s something for everyone waiting to be found on a visit to the UK capital today.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of London’s most secretive sights that can be added to your itinerary to make your visit truly unforgettable:
- Kyoto Garden
Nestled in Holland Park to the west of the city is one of London’s most beautiful secret locations. The Kyoto Garden is a charming oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of one of Europe’s busiest cities.
Gifted to the United Kingdom by Japan’s cultural capital Kyoto, the garden has the serenity of a rural Japanese paradise and boasts a stunning water feature that adds to its charm.
Holland Park is 54 acres and is filled with plenty of gardens and woodland alike, making the beauty spot perfect for visitors who want to get away from the business of the city.
- The Vaults
If your tastes are a little more subterranean, taking a tour of The Vaults, or Waterloo Vaults depending on your preference, can be a great way to get up close and personal with London’s vibrant street art scene.
The Vaults are a series of hidden underground tunnels underneath Waterloo Station in the heart of the city. While this can conjure a sense of darkness and squalor, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more vibrant, safe, and illuminating experience in London.
If you have a taste for street art and the unconventional, then The Vaults can be the perfect inclusion for your London itinerary where you can really get to grips with the soul of the city’s counterculture.
The beauty of The Vaults is that it’s an ever-changing canvas, where local artists are painting and repainting the walls and ceilings of the main tunnel, which is located on Leake Street in Waterloo.
- Little Venice
While locals are often proud of London’s charming waterways, many tourists are blissfully unaware that the city boasts some beautiful canal networks and houseboat restaurants that are the perfect backdrop for an afternoon stroll.
Located near Paddington Station, Little Venice is a network of canals featuring a series of waterfront cafes and houseboats that can help transport your mind away from the busy city surrounds.
Whether you’re seeking a canal cruise or even paddleboarding, Little Venice has something for everyone’s sense of adventure.
- St Dunstan in the East
Just a stone’s throw from London Bridge is one of the city’s best secret beauty spots. Even in the midst of London’s bustling city district, the peaceful surroundings of St Dunstan in the East can overpower your senses and force you to stop and admire the scenery.
Bombed during the Blitz in 1941, the ruins of the church of St Dunstan in the East have been overtaken by nature, creating eye-catching views of hollowed-out church walls draped in greenery and sunshine.
Named after St Dunstan, a 10th Century monk who managed to survive run-ins with leprosy, black magic, and an alleged encounter with the Devil, it’s perhaps fitting that we can still admire the beauty of St Dunstan in the East despite the damage caused by World War II and The Great Fire of London in 1666.
- Highgate Cemetery
Located near Hampstead Heath, Highgate Cemetary is one of the world’s most famous resting places for some of the most well-known names to have ever lived.
Brimming with Victorian architecture, Highgate Cemetary is the perfect place for quiet contemplation with plenty of greenery, wildlife, and heartwarming memorials taking center stage.
Well-known as the resting place for singer George Michael, Karl Marx, Douglas Adams, and Mary Ann Evans (better known as George Eliot), a trip to Highgate Cemetery will certainly put you in the company of individuals with a story to tell.
Uncovering London’s Secrets
Whether you’re looking for tranquility, vibrancy, or just places off the beaten path that boasts plenty of character, London is undoubtedly a city for everyone to enjoy.
The beauty of London is that, whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, you can make a fresh discovery on every street corner and revel in the weird and wonderful history of one of Europe’s most charming cities.
Just remember to keep your eyes peeled, the secret serenity of London is lurking everywhere you look.