I’ve been lucky sufficient to go to London many occasions and will probably be heading again once more this autumn. (I lastly will get to see the vacation lights!!) And the identical few locations get touted because the “must-visit” in the event you solely have a day or two in London: Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the London Eye, the British Museum. Nonetheless, there are numerous unbelievable locations to go to in London with simply as a lot historical past and much much less folks to take care of. So, at this time I’m sharing my favorite 5 London hidden gems if you wish to benefit from your time!
My Favorite 5 London Hidden Gems
Whereas all of those websites are fascinating and worthwhile to go to if in case you have a number of time to work with whereas in London, a lot of them are jam-packed with vacationers from the begin to the end of opening hours. And I’ll say, I’ve missed many main issues in museums, cathedral, and websites as a result of there have simply been too. many. folks. (Nothing is extra irritating than figuring out that you simply have been this near seeing one thing however bodily couldn’t.) And along with this, many individuals are simply not snug in large crowds of individuals.
In some circumstances, there’s additionally a major value distinction in tickets- a few of the main points of interest have entry charges of £25 and better, and that provides up shortly when you’re visiting a number of locations in a day. (To not point out your Oyster card and all the pieces else wanted.)
These are usually not hidden gems in that nobody has ever heard of them, however hidden gems in that few folks appear to begin with these sights.
As a substitute of the British Museum… strive the Victoria and Albert Museum
Each of those museums are very, very, very busy. Nonetheless, the British Museum seems like you’re standing shoulder to shoulder to shoulder in just about each room you’ll go to, whereas the V&A has many quieter areas. Understandably, folks wish to see the Rosetta Stone, the Lewis chessmen, and the like, but it surely makes for a particularly crowded British Museum. It’s troublesome to see issues intently (relying on what you have an interest in), and you could permit most of a day if you’re to attend out the crowds.
As I mentioned above, the V&A can be a preferred web site. Nonetheless, as a result of there are such a lot of galleries unfold out over a large quantity of area, you may completely discover some peaceable galleries. The V&A additionally has one thing for everyone- the Cartier exhibition and jewelry galleries cowl vogue historical past whereas the style gallery is closed to 2027 (unhappy face), there’s architectural historical past, effective arts (together with portray, sculpture, carving, silk display screen, and so forth), British historical past, in addition to a number of different international locations and areas (together with Japan, Korea, South Asia). The V&A’s cafes are additionally gorgeous- all three rooms have been designed distinctly from the others, together with one by William Morris.
Be aware: each museums are free to enter however many exhibitions can have paid tickets. There may be a lot to see without spending a dime in each, however if you wish to see the larger exhibitions, I might guide forward and maintain the costs in thoughts.
As a substitute of Leicester Sq.… strive Covent Backyard
Now earlier than you shout at me that Covent Garden additionally has a number of guests (and it does), relying on what you have an interest, Covent Backyard has quite a bit to supply. Leicester Sq. has a number of cinemas, so if you’re enthusiastic about catching a movie, it’s a good spot to be. Nevertheless it’s principally crowds, cinemas, and tourist-type retailers (just like the M&M retailer).
Covent Backyard is a really quick stroll away however has a wealthy historical past courting again to the thirteenth century when the world was Westminster Abbey’s walled gardens. The market has numerous tiny retailers and boutiques, in addition to some greater names (like Ladurée). While you stroll in on the bottom degree, you will note many cubicles/distributors, many with tourist-type issues. I might advocate heading downstairs to the retailers, although.
In case you are in any respect within the ballet, the opera, or the theatre, you can be spoiled for alternative in Covent Backyard. For anybody who’s a fan of the ballet or the opera, the guided tour of the Royal Opera House is a should, along with seeing a manufacturing. (Plus if in case you have time, they’ve a number of bars and restaurants- all with very cool views.) And naturally, you could have the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane- the present theatre was inbuilt 1812, making it a cool 213 years outdated. (As of autumn 2025, Disney’s Hercules is presently on there.)
And at last, along with a number of English Heritage blue plaques across the space (together with one for Margot Fonteyn’s house), there’s St. Paul’s Church, aka the actor’s church. To not be confused with St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church was designed by Inigo Jones within the 1630s and has a fantastically wealthy historical past.
As a substitute of the London Eye… strive Queen’s Home, Greenwich
My cousin properly advised me on my first go to to London that the London Eye is fascinating however it’s a lengthy wait and in the event you don’t know what you’re looking at, a number of it’s misplaced on you. And as somebody who feels that they know London fairly effectively, I utterly agree- sure, it’s cool to see the skyline however if in case you have no concept what you’re really trying it, it’s a number of money and time to have a look at buildings you may’t recognise.
So, if you would like an important view of the London skyline, may I current the Queen’s Home, Greenwich, and Greenwich Park as a complete? The Queen’s Home was additionally designed by Inigo Jones (one in all my favorite architect’s), and is a superb peek into the Stuart dynasty. It’s free to go to, and if you’re a fan of Bridgerton, The Crown, or Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, it is possible for you to to face the place they have been filmed. (The Crown used the Tulip Stairs, you may see them above!) You’re additionally proper subsequent door to the Outdated Royal Naval Faculty, one other attractive and historic constructing.
You’re then capable of head up the hill of Greenwich Park (one in all London’s Royal Parks) to the Royal Observatory. Even in the event you don’t wish to go to the observatory, it offers you among the best views of the Metropolis of London, the Isle of Canine, and the River Thames. Plus, it’s free!
As a substitute of Westminster Abbey… strive Southwark Cathedral
Now, I totally admit as an historian that Westminster Abbey is spectacular and is wealthy with historical past. Nonetheless, as an historian who wasn’t capable of really see Mary, Queen of Scots tomb or a number of others as a result of it being bodily full of vacationers, I don’t know that I might advocate a go to inside to somebody with restricted time. Go to the skin, wander a bit, however you may benefit from your time elsewhere.
If you want to see an historic cathedral, head to Southwark Cathedral throughout the river! Southwark Cathedral has been the location of a church for over a thousand years, and the present cathedral dates again to the thirteenth to fifteenth century. (Nonetheless, the Victorians have been answerable for the nave- they tended to make modifications to cathedrals…) There may be the well-known memorial to Shakespeare, plus the very vibrant tomb of poet John Gower (each are very cool), and there have been royal weddings and royal trials on the cathedral.
Plus, you’ll then end up pretty near The Globe theatre, the place you may catch one in all Shakespeare’s performs. Or you may head to the George Inn, the place Geoffrey Chaucer’s pilgrims departed from in The Canterbury Tales. Southwark typically will get missed however has a really fascinating historical past and could be very walkable. (Plus you will get some very cool views of the Metropolis, particularly St. Paul’s Cathedral!)
As a substitute of the Tower of London… strive the Palace of Westminster
Once more, I do know, I do know- as an historian, how am I not recommending the Tower of London?? In case you are actually enthusiastic about army historical past, it’s a good spot to go to. The White Tower has a large quantity of armour and weaponry on show, and the Fusilier Museum covers the regiment’s historical past. Nonetheless, if army historical past isn’t your factor, there’s considerably much less to do. (The Crown Jewels are in fact very cool, however whether it is busy once you go, you can be seeing them from a transferring sidewalk and you can’t go backwards to spend longer.)
The Palace of Westminster, aka the parliament constructing, can be open for excursions, and it’s typically missed. My cousin took me there on my first day in London and it stays one in all my favorite historic websites. Westminster Corridor survives from the unique eleventh century palace and was used for a lot of functions, together with as a courtroom and a banquet corridor. You’ll in all probability recognise it because the place the place lyings in state happen for royal funerals.
A lot of the present palace dates again to the mid-nineteenth century and in the event you observe British politics in any respect, you’ll recognise a lot of its rooms. My favorite areas have been really the smaller libraries (unsurprising to anybody, I’m certain)!
What are your favorite hidden gems that you’ve found?
Cheers,
The Historian
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