Hidden Gems in London (You’ve Never Heard Of)

First up on our list of the best hidden gems in London, somewhere hardly anybody bothers to visit but that has helped shape world history. 

We’re talking about Lincoln’s Inn, of course–which, amazingly, isn’t a pub as the name suggests. No, Lincoln’s Inn is one of the “Inns of Court”, or, in plain English, where barristers go when they are called to the bar. 

Tucked away from the city's hustle, this hidden gem boasts stunning architecture and peaceful gardens; and its alumni boasts everyone from Margaret Thatcher (first female Prime Minister of the UK) to Sir Muhammad Ali Jinnah (the 1st Governor General of Pakistan), Chaim Herzog (the 6th President of Israel), and Basedo Panday (the 5th Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago).

If there’s one thing London does well (ridiculously well) it’s parks, and if you’re looking for hidden gems in London in unexpected places, they’re great places to start.

Hidden within Regent’s Park lies Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, a floral haven often missed by the masses. Home to over 12,000 roses, it's a fragrant exhibition of England’s national flower and also somewhere you can literally stop and smell the roses without the usual crowds.

Step inside this cosy watering hole and you might think you've travelled back in time—just without the Victorian smog.

London has no shortage of great pubs with their own unique histories but this is a particular favourite of ours. 

Dating back to 1772, it was once a favourite haunt of Charles Dickens who worked around the corner from the pub at a boot polish factory once upon a time. It was also a popular bare-knuckle fight venue back in the day, so much so that the pub gained the nickname “Bucket of Blood” as a result.

Off the beaten path along the Thames, Pelican Stairs are a set of narrow, weathered steps that whisper tales of maritime London.

As the noose that still swings there will tell you, this obscure spot offers atmospheric river views and a glimpse into the city's macabre past.

Many, many years ago, corpses used to mysteriously wash up on the banks near Pelican Stairs, and the nearby pub, The Devil’s Tavern, had a pretty varied clientele: purported patrons included Samuel Pepys, Dickens (is there any pub he didn’t visit?), James Whistler and JMW Turner.

Hands up if you knew that the world’s oldest dinosaur sculptures live in Crystal Palace Park?

These Victorian-era dinosaur sculptures are as charming as they are inaccurate–the designers didn’t have modern palaeontology to go off of. 

Often overlooked, these hilariously inaccurate beasts offer a quirky stroll through prehistoric imagination and a visit is a bit like a friendly, English Jurassic Park, but with more artistic licence and fewer chase scenes.

Nestled discreetly between Piccadilly and Bond Street, Burlington Arcade is one of the hidden gems in London that even seasoned shoppers might miss. 

If you didn’t know, this elegant 19th-century passage is Britain’s oldest and longest covered shopping street, boasting a glittering array of luxury boutiques beneath its stunning glass roof.

It’s also especially unique because it’s patrolled by the famously dapper Beadles—the oldest and smallest private police force in the world who still uphold a set of rules established during the Regency period.

Now, if you’re a seasoned pub-goer in London then you might already be familiar with this name…but you probably don’t know what lurks beneath it. 

This former Victorian gin palace is said to be haunted by spirits of the non-liquid kind due to the presence of the former prison cells that are still beneath the pub. 

Visit for a pint and stay for the ghost stories that even sceptics find intriguing…

PSST: This pub is included in our London treasure hunt, The City. If you ask nicely, the bar staff might let you take a sneaky peek at the cells…

At first glance, 23 and 24 Leinster Gardens appear to be typical houses.

But if you look a little closer, you’ll see that in reality, they're mere facades hiding a railway vent.

This clever architectural trick is a quirky secret many Londoners pass daily without a clue, both above and below ground. If you’re having trouble spotting them, look for suspiciously blank looking windows…

Tucked away in Holborn, St Etheldreda’s Church is one of London's oldest Catholic churches and dedicated to one of the few Anglo-Saxon female Saints, Etheldreda or Audrey. 

Apart from being an incredible 13th-century gem to experience a slice of medieval history amidst modern skyscrapers, St Etheldreda’s has a fascinating past.

It once served as an Embassy Chapel during the early 17th century for the Spanish Ambassador, and due to the associated history of its Patron Saint, it’s now quite famous for throat blessings.

We’re always telling explorers on our hunts to look up, but to spot this particular hidden gem, you’ve got to look down. 

Peek through the ventilation grilles near the junction of Old Compton Street and Charing Cross Road, and you'll discover the Victorian-era street sign of Little Compton Street preserved in the darkness below.

It might not look like it now, but hidden near London Bridge are the remains of what was once a Medieval mansion and playground.

Winchester Palace, in its heyday, was once a grand residence for bishops that boasted a tennis court, bowling alley, and pleasure gardens. 

These days, many pass by without realising the medieval ruins nestled among modern buildings–but you can spot a slice of this splendid place by looking for what remains of the sun window. 

PSST: This hidden gem is included in our London treasure hunt, All Gone South, along with more spots that reveal medieval Southwark’s sordid secrets…

If you’re looking for hidden gems in London to share on social media, it probably doesn’t get any better than St Dunstan in the East.

Nestled between the Tower of London and Monument, you'll find an incredible hidden gem where nature has reclaimed a bombed-out church. 

Overgrown with vines and greenery, St Dunstan in the East always looks spectacular (although, I love it in its autumn shades best).

I’ve lost count of the number of fellow Londoners I’ve spoken to about Sambourne House who’ve never heard of it, and now you get to join their ranks. 

Once home to Punch illustrator Edward Linley Sambourne, Sambourne House is preserved as it was in 1910–bathtub, bedroom, living room and all.

Step inside to experience Victorian life in astonishing detail, and also to see how early methods of photography revolutionised cartoon artwork.

Ever had a pint in a church with a beer crypt? Nope, didn’t think so.

One of the best hidden gems in London for foodies, Mercato Mayfair hides in plain sight right In the heart of Mayfair.

This deconsecrated church is home to a gourmet food market unknown to many, serving up global cuisines under vaulted ceilings and stained-glass windows.

Who knew you could find a slice of Bangkok nestled in SW19?

Hidden in suburban Wimbledon is the Buddhapadipa Temple, a Thai Buddhist haven that looks identical to those found in the sunnier, warmer climes of Thailand. 

With its ornate architecture and peaceful gardens, it's a secret retreat for those seeking serenity–and an escape without the long haul air fare.

You may have heard of Bunhill Fields before but I can almost guarantee you’ve never taken the time to properly explore it before.

This is the incredible final resting place of some of Britain’s most revered literary greats, including William Blake and Daniel Defoe. 

Apart from notable authors, Bunhill Fields also conceals religious, political, social and plague history, so make sure you allocate enough time for snooping around.

There are a few hidden gems in London that look suspiciously Ancient Egyptian, but this one has always held a particular fascination for me. 

Although the Carreras Cigarette Factory are now ordinary offices, their exterior couldn’t be less typical.

Built in 1928, this remarkable building is a rare example of Egyptian Revival architecture in the city. Adorned with grand columns, colourful hieroglyphics, and guarded by two imposing black cat statues—a nod to the factory's Black Cat cigarette brand–a quick trip to see Carreras Cigarette Factory is worth the detour.