If it’s the first time you’ve been here, I’m Francesca and I live in London with my kids. I opened this blog to tell about our London adventures. If you are going to visit London with your family in tow, then I recommend reading my tips in first time in London with kids.
Table of contents
1. St Dunstan-in-the-East
St Dunstan in-the-East
Let’s start the list of the hidden places in London with St Dunstan in-the-East. It is one of my favorite places in London when it comes to taking a breath away from the frenzy of the city (and it is no coincidence that I often include it in my tailor-made itineraries).
Originally built around 1100, the church was badly damaged in 1666 by the great fire of London and then in the 1941 Blitz during the Second World War. Only the ruins of the medieval church remain. They are wrapped in the leaves, trees and roots of this enchanted, silent and peaceful garden, not far from the Tower of London.
In 1967 the City of London decided to transform the remains into a public garden, opened in 1971.
The garden is hidden in an secluded street and surrounded by the modern steel structures typical of the City and is in fact one of the secret gardens of London.
Address: St, Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD
2. Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market
If you love Harry Potter movies you will probably recognise it right away. This is a Victorian covered market that dates back to the 14th century. Worth a visit, if only to see its extraordinary architecture.
It is also a great place to shelter if you are around and it starts raining. You can take advantage of the many independent shops and boutiques that make this one of London’s oldest markets.
Address: Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London EC3V 1LT
If you are passionate about Harry Potter and prefer to take a dedicated tour, look here.
3. Neal’s Yard
Neal’s Yard
I have to be honest. I myself had a hard time finding it the first time! We are located a few steps from Covent Garden and yet not everyone knows this small, colourful and secluded alley.
There are shops, small restaurants to eat and bars where it is nice to sit outside being totally pedestrian and far from traffic.
Really not to be missed!
Address: 15 Neal’s Yard Covent Garden London WC2H 9DP.
4.Maltby street market
Maltby street market
Do you want to see a little known and very particular market?
Maltby Street Market was opened in 2010. It is located not too far from Tower Bridge and you could stretch out there if you are nearby on the weekend. The market is open only during the weekend.
The peculiarity of this market is that it is located next to the viaduct that transported the railway that from London reached Greenwich (completed in 1836) and it is really picturesque to walk and have lunch near these railway arches!
Address: 37 Maltby St, London SE1 3PA
5.Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace
I don’t hide it, we are at home here … This is another little unknown place in London.
The Fulham Palace was the residence of the bishops of London since 704 AD. Admission is free and can be visited in no time.
The Palace is surrounded by a wonderful park and the Drawing Room Cafè, overlooks the more sheltered side of the park. Here we come, when the season permits, to have a picnic.
Do not miss the Tudor gateway – Walled Garden and the Bishop Porteus’ library.
Address: Bishop’s Avenue Fulham London SW6 6EA
6. Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden
Let’s go on with the list of hidden places in London with a garden.
If you love botanical gardens, but don’t have a full day to spend in London’s wonderful Kew Gardens, then Chelsea Physic Garden is for you. We visited it on an Easter where we hunted for eggs.
We are located in one of the most exclusive areas of London, the posh Chelsea, and this secret garden is none other than the oldest botanical garden in London, located a few steps from the River Thames.
Entrance is paid, consider spending at least 2, 3 hours to compensate the entrance fee. The garden also has a small bar.
Address: Curators House, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea, Londra SW3 4HS
7. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Among the little-known places in London, the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir certainly stands out, also known as the Temple of Neasden is a Hindi mandir in the north of London.
And it’s not the only one: in London there are 7 in total! This was completed in 1995 and is regularly frequented by numerous faithful and occasional visitors.
Free entry.
Address: 220-222, Willesden Ln, London NW2 5RG
8. Sicilian Avenue
Sicilian Avenue: credi photo Flickr
I discovered it by accident one evening when I was on my way to Sadler’s Well in Angel. Exit the Holborn station and head towards north, and you will find it.
The area is full of people in the evening, if the weather isn’t bad, stop and have a drink here. In fact, a small pedestrian street starts from here.
9.Feng Shang Princess
This too another hidden area of London. If you want to know more read Self-drive along the canals of London.
The path along the canals is really pleasant and relaxing. It is a path that I absolutely recommend doing.
You will pass in front of this restaurant, which is located in Regent’s Park and which has the great peculiarity of being a large floating red Pagoda, which can only be admired. Honestly, we never ate there, so I can’t recommend it.
Address: Southern Star Cumberland Basin, Prince Albert Rd, London NW1 7SS
10.The Tudor Rose
If you are in Mayfair, head to 44 Blandford St to admire this pseudo-tudor pub, it is not of the time but it is the same nice to see and photograph!
Then head to Coach & Horses, a pub located inside a truly original Tudor building, in Mayfair.
And a few steps away, on Bruton Street, she was born who would one day become Queen Elizabeth II.
Address: 5 Bruton St, Mayfair, London W1J 6PT
11.St. Katharine Docks
St. Katharine Docks is another one of those secret places in London not to be missed.
It is a small marina which is located not far from the Tower bridge, as you can see in this video that I had taken. Then that day from the marina we had continued along the Thames, and the walk is really delicious and recommended!
Some of the places not to be missed here are the Dickens Inn, a hotel restaurant built in an old warehouse made entirely of wood, from the 18th century and which overlooks the marina.
You might be interested in: What to do near the Tower Bridge: St. Katharine Docks
12.Wellcome Collection
Wellcome Collection
This was a real love at first sight.
We came to the Wellcome Collection to see an exhibition, but I was completely unaware of what was hiding on the top floor … A Reading room that is a pleasure for the eyes! Large cushions on which to lie down and read and be contaminated by culture.
Books to read, various places to sit and work. There are even board games … The kids and I designed and read and played guess who!
Ah, I forgot, it’s ALL FREE.
Address: 183 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BE
13.Mercato metropolitano di Mayfair
Mercato metropolitano di Mayfair
I also included the Mayfair Metropolitan Market among the little-known places in London because it does not happen every day to meet a similar one. A deconsecrated church transformed into a street food market. We are located in the heart of Mayfair. Also suitable for families. Prices: around £ 12-15 per plate.
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Address: St. Mark’s Church, N Audley St, Mayfair, London W1K 6ZA
Qui sotto trovate il video:
14.Barbican Conservatory
Barbican Conservatory
Visit London’s second largest conservatory and explore a hidden tropical oasis.
Here you will also find exotic fish and over 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees: the greenhouse is located in the Barbican area of the City. Admission is free, but you need to book: check the website for the dates.
If you are wondering what the first largest greenhouse is, the answer is always him, the Kew Gardens Botanical Garden.
You might be interested in: Kew Gardens
Address: Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
15. Stafford Terrace
Photo credit: www.rbkc.gov.uk
18 Stafford Terrace, is located in the Kensington neighborhood and was the home of the illustrator Linley Sambourne House. The house is now a museum and can be visited, for a total immersion in the Victorian lifestyle and furnishings. You will find precious William Morris wallpapers, perfectly intact rooms with all the accessories of the time!
Address: W8 7BH
If this list didn’t satisfy you and you’re looking for something to do with kids, then try it you might be interested in: 10+ unexpected things to do in London with kids.
With love!
Francesca
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