London, the sprawling metropolis on the Thames, is a city that never fails to surprise. While Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London steal the spotlight, there’s a whole other side to the British capital that often goes unnoticed. Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths lie hidden gardens, quirky museums, and forgotten historical gems that reveal London’s true character. In this article, we’ll uncover ten under-appreciated things about London that deserve your attention. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time Londoner, these lesser-known attractions offer a fresh perspective on this iconic city. So grab your Oyster card, and let’s explore the secret side of London that most guidebooks miss!
The Postman’s Park: A Hidden Oasis of Heroism
Ever felt like you needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the City? Tucked away near St. Paul’s Cathedral is a little slice of tranquility with a powerful punch – Postman’s Park. But it’s not just any park, folks. This place houses the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, a wall of ceramic tiles commemorating ordinary people who died saving others. It’s like a real-life version of those heartwarming news stories, frozen in time.
Picture this: you’re sitting on a bench, surrounded by lush greenery, reading about Alice Ayres, who saved three children from a burning house in 1885 before succumbing to her injuries. It’s a sobering yet inspiring experience that’ll make you ponder the extraordinary courage of everyday people. Plus, it’s a great spot for a quiet lunch break if you’re in the area.
The Magnificent Seven: London’s Victorian Cemeteries
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. “Cemeteries? Really?” But hear me out! London’s “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries, built in the 19th century, are like open-air museums of Victorian art and social history. Highgate Cemetery is the most famous (Karl Marx is buried there), but the others – Brompton, Kensal Green, West Norwood, Abney Park, Nunhead, and Tower Hamlets – are equally fascinating and far less crowded.
These places are a Gothic novelist’s dream come true. Think elaborate stone angels, ivy-covered tombstones, and mausoleums that look like mini-cathedrals. They’re peaceful, eerily beautiful, and full of stories. Who knows, you might even spot a famous name or two on the gravestones. It’s like a historical scavenger hunt!
The Thames Path: London’s Riverside Superhighway
Sure, everyone knows the Thames, but have you ever considered walking its entire length through London? The Thames Path is a long-distance walking route that follows the river, and the section through London is a gem hiding in plain sight.
Starting from Hampton Court in the west to the Thames Barrier in the east, this path takes you on a journey through London’s history. You’ll pass by famous landmarks, sure, but also discover quirky riverside pubs, secret gardens, and industrial relics. It’s like a highlight reel of London, all strung together by the serpentine Thames. Plus, it’s free and you can do it in sections. Weekend plans, sorted!
Wilton’s Music Hall: The World’s Oldest Surviving Grand Music Hall
Nestled in the East End is a true time capsule – Wilton’s Music Hall. From the outside, it looks like it might fall down if you sneeze too hard. But step inside, and you’re transported to the heyday of Victorian music halls.
Built in the 1850s, Wilton’s has seen it all – from can-can dancers to Methodist preachers, from ration distribution center to rave venue. Today, it hosts an eclectic mix of theatre, music, and comedy. The peeling paint and visible age only add to its charm. It’s like watching a show inside a beautiful, crumbling wedding cake. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sipping a gin and tonic in the mahogany bar before catching a show in this atmospheric wonder.
The London Mithraeum: A Slice of Roman London
Did you know there’s a Roman temple right in the heart of the City? The London Mithraeum, dedicated to the mysterious god Mithras, was discovered during post-war rebuilding in 1954. Today, it’s been restored and relocated to its original location, seven meters below modern street level.
The best part? It’s free to visit! You descend through layers of London’s history, ending up in a misty, atmospheric space where you can see the temple remains. It’s not huge, but the audiovisual experience really brings the place to life. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back 1,800 years into Roman Londinium. History buffs, this one’s for you!
Little Venice: London’s Canal District
Forget Amsterdam or Venice – London has its own network of picturesque canals. Little Venice, where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet, is a tranquil neighborhood that feels miles away from the city center, despite being a stone’s throw from Paddington.
Take a stroll along the towpath, admire the colorful narrowboats, or hop on a canal boat tour. There are waterside cafes, quirky bookshops on boats, and even a puppet theatre barge. It’s like a little slice of countryside in the heart of the city. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon when you want to pretend you’re not in a bustling metropolis.
The Hunterian Museum: Not for the Faint-Hearted
Fair warning: this one’s not for everyone. The Hunterian Museum, part of the Royal College of Surgeons, houses one of the oldest collections of anatomical, pathological, and zoological specimens in the UK. It’s fascinating, educational, and just a little bit gross.
From skeletal preparations to preserved organs, from historical surgical instruments to specimens collected by Charles Darwin, this place is a treasure trove for the scientifically curious. It’s like a real-life version of those biology textbook illustrations, only way cooler (and slightly more disturbing). If you’ve ever wanted to see the skeleton of the 7’7″ ‘Irish Giant’ Charles Byrne or William Cheselden’s 1733 work ‘Osteographia’ (a groundbreaking atlas of the bones), this is your spot.
Leake Street Tunnel: London’s Graffiti HQ
Under the rumbling trains of Waterloo station lies a colorful surprise – the Leake Street Tunnel, also known as the Banksy Tunnel. This is London’s largest legal graffiti wall, a constantly evolving canvas of street art.
The tunnel came to fame when Banksy held the Cans Festival here in 2008, inviting street artists from around the world to leave their mark. Today, it’s a riot of color, with new artworks appearing almost daily. It’s like walking through a living, breathing art gallery – only with more spray paint fumes. Grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafes and spend some time watching the artists at work. Who knows, you might witness the creation of the next iconic piece of London street art!
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities: London’s Weirdest Collection
Fancy seeing a two-headed lamb, some dodo bones, or objects supposedly belonging to serial killers? The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History in Hackney is the place for you. It’s part art gallery, part natural history museum, and part freak show.
This tiny museum is crammed floor to ceiling with the strangest collection of objects you’re ever likely to see. It’s like if Wes Anderson designed a museum while on a acid trip. From occult paintings to celebrity nail clippings, from erotic art to taxidermied creatures, this place is a celebration of the weird and wonderful. Plus, there’s a cocktail bar in the basement. Because why not?
Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens: A Faded Fairytale
Last but not least, let’s head to Hampstead for one of London’s most romantic hidden gems. The Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens were originally built by a wealthy philanthropist as part of his mansion gardens. Today, they’re open to the public and offer an enchanting escape from the city.
Picture raised walkways covered in vines, overgrown pillars, and hidden benches perfect for a quiet moment. It’s like stumbling into a secret garden from a fairytale, especially beautiful in late spring when the flowers are in bloom. Despite being free and open to the public, it’s often surprisingly empty. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, a contemplative walk, or even a budget-friendly date. Just don’t tell too many people about it, okay?
And there you have it – 10 under-appreciated things about London that deserve way more love. From hidden historical gems to quirky museums, from peaceful green spaces to vibrant street art, these spots show a side of London that many visitors (and even locals) miss. So next time you’re in the Big Smoke, why not skip the London Eye queue and check out one of these instead? You might just discover your new favorite corner of the city. Happy exploring!
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.