From concealed gardens to secret beaches: Hidden gems in London to visit when lockdown lifts
One of the best things about London is that there is always something new to discover.
Tourists make a beeline for the obvious gems - the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the delights of West End - while seasoned Londoners have their favourite cafes, they know the parks inside out and they all have a favourite beer garden too.
But, even for the lifelong Londoners, this city holds plenty of secrets just waiting to be discovered.
Did you know that you can get to a beach on the tube? Yep, Ruslip Lido is just past Uxbridge on the Piccadilly line. Or what about London’s smallest square, Pickering Place? This sits beyond an oak-lined tunnel in St. James.
It’s likely, during non-pandemic times, that you walk past these places often without a clue it’s there.
With the government giving the green light to start meeting our pals outside a bit more as part of its roadmap to easing lockdown, there’s been no better time to explore London’s best-kept secrets.
While some you may need to wait until lockdown lifts completely (this is currently scheduled for June 21, but is subject to changing), others you can go looking for right this minute.
Why not go on a big walk through the capital and tick off a few while you’re at it? On your way you can see church ruins that were destroyed in World War II, discover the vaults of Waterloo and end up in a concealed garden in the West End.
For those who live in Hampstead or Highgate, there’s a gothic village to discover and a hidden part of Hampstead Heath.
Where will you go first? Read on to see our guide to London’s hidden spaces.
ShutterstockOne Tree Hill, Honor Oak
While most go north for views of London’s skyline, some of the best vantage points are south of the river. Case in point: One Tree Hill. Wedged between Southwark and Lewisham, the higher you go the better the views.
Getty ImagesRuislip Lido, Hillingdon
The only beach you can reach on London’s tube network - get the Piccadilly line to Uxbridge and it’s a short bus from there.
ShutterstockThe Rookery Gardens, Streatham
Tucked away in South London, the Rookery Gardens is Streatham’s best-kept secret. It’s located at the top of Streatham Common hill, just around the corner from the cafe.
ShutterstockSaint Dunstan in the East Church Garden, City of London
Plonked half way between London Bridge and the Tower of london, Saint Dunstan was largely destroyed in WWII, but its overgrown ruins now make for a beautiful, and peaceful, lunch spot.
@thephoenixgardenPhoenix Gardens, Covent Garden
You’ll probably recognise this spot from the Emilia Clarke festive film, Last Christmas. It’s a community garden hidden away just behind the Covent Garden Odeon cinema.
Maltby St Market, Bermondsey
Hidden under 19th-century railway arches in Bermondsey, Maltby St Market is one of London’s top foodie hubs. Expect everything from stuffed brownies to international cuisine and seasonal produce.
ShutterstockThe London Peace Pagoda, Battersea Park
Sitting pretty in Battersea Park, The London Peace Pagoda - a striking Buddhist temple - was a gift to Londoners by the Venerable Nichidatsu Fuji in 1984.
Getty ImagesNunhead Cemetery, Nunhead
One of London’s ‘magnificent seven’ cemeteries, but the most overlooked, it’s a pretty spot that opened in 1840 and it’s now the second largest Victorian cemetery in London.
ShutterstockPhone Booth Book Exchange, Lewisham
London’s smallest library, the Phone Booth Book Exchange in Lewisham is - as its name suggests - set in an old red phone booth. It’s as charming as you can imagine and stands near the corner of Loampit Hill and Tyrwhitt Road.
ShutterstockHolly Village, Highgate
While most visitors are preoccupied with nearby Highgate Cemetery, Holly Village is a glorious neo-gothic spot that’s steeped in history.
ShutterstockChelsea Physic Garden, Chelsea
One of London’s prettiest, but least known-about gardens, the Chelsea Physic Garden used to be known as the Apothecaries' Garden as it was established in 1673 to grow plants used for medicines.
ShutterstockHampstead Pergola, Hampstead
While most Hampstead Heath visitors make a beeline for the ladie's pond or Parliament Hill, those in the know go for a wander through this pergola and terrace instead.
Getty ImagesPickering Place, St. James
London’s smallest square is, rightfully, tucked away behind buildings off St. James's Street making it quite tricky to find. To access it, you’ll need to follow the oak-panelled tunnel next to Berry Brothers & Rudd - look out for the Republic of Texas Plaque.
ShutterstockRoyal Arcade, Mayfair
London’s oldest shopping arcade is located on Mayfair’s Old Bond Street. Now Grade II-listed, it was completed in 1880 and its Victorian architecture makes it an extremely aesthetically pleasing spot.
The Vaults, Waterloo
A maze of graffitied railway tunnels just next to Waterloo Station with a series of bars and event areas to visit too.
