As an incredibly creative and historically rich city, London is a global destination for travel and draws millions of visitors each year. Whilst its popularity is understandable, with so many visitors, it can feel overcrowded. For those who have ever found themselves yearning for a quieter experience away from the crowds, without feeling like they’re missing out on the quintessential experiences associated with visiting, London does not disappoint.
From secret views to hidden spots that the crowds may never descend upon, below are some of the best hidden spots in London – fascinating places but with fewer tourists to spoil the experience.
Highgate Cemetery
Highgate is the final resting place for some of the city’s richest, famous and fascinating figures. Almost like a private member’s club for those who have departed, being buried here is very costly. High-profile burials at the cemetery include world-famous singer George Michael, Karl Marx and a wide range of other recognisable names. Aside from its unavoidably Gothic nature, Highgate Cemetery is undoubtedly one of the most interesting but lesser-visited spots in London.
The cemetery is so vast it is split into East and West sides, with both worth visiting. For a fascinating day steeped in history, we recommend starting with a hot drink from the cemetery's coffee stand before touring the West, lunching at one of Highgate's many well-regarded eateries and ending your visit in the East. Additionally, the village of Holly is another Gothic-esque treasure that feels as if it wandered out of the sketches of a Tim Burton production, with its 12 distinct cottages allegedly co-designed by one of England’s most famous authors, Charles Dickens.
Strawberry Hill House
Horace Walpole’s residence is misleadingly titled. Whilst Strawberry Hill House might conjure images of cute country cottages, Walpole’s revival of this mansion strikes a blend of Disney princess castle charm and gothic architecture. This is no ordinary house – but then Horace Walpole was no ordinary man. Walpole was not only the youngest son of England’s first prime minister and a politician in his own right, but he was also widely credited with writing the first gothic novel and dabbling in fairy tales. Walpole’s passions are clear in the design of his abode.
Besides its stunning design, the house showcases lavish interiors, Walpole’s fine art collection, and an array of historical oddities, including King James I’s gloves and the spurs worn by William III at the Battle of the Boyne. This lesser-known attraction, tucked away on the outskirts of West London, really is a hidden gem – and is open to the public.
Omakase at TAKU
Between the streets where visitors to London will find the lush interiors of Annabel's famous members club and the fabulous Ritz Hotel, lies an inconspicuous restaurant that’s a delight for the taste buds. Omakase, typically a multi-course premium Japanese dining experience, means ‘leaving it up to the chef.’ High-end omakase is available in a few other venues in London, but at TAKU, entry is more elusive, lying behind a seemingly inconspicuous locked door that has nothing to set it apart from the rest of the street. A hidden gem, TAKU retains a Michelin star, and its omakase offering comprises 20 small, beautifully presented courses, assembled right before your eyes.
Outside of its number of courses, TAKU is a venue celebrated for other impressive figures. Its head chef was behind the counter of Paris’s first omakase to score a Michelin star. The restaurant also serves only 16 people at any one time, making the experience both premium and intimate. Finally, when following proper sushi etiquette, diners must eat each piece within 10 seconds of it being made to fully appreciate it. Whilst TAKU is hidden, an omakase experience at TAKU is not one you will wish to hide.
The ‘Signature Wine Experience’ at AIRE Spa
AIRE is currently the only establishment in the UK which offers a place for you to bathe in wine. Not only are they purveyors of so-called ‘vinotherapy’, but AIRE is a global high-end spa brand, now also based in Westminster. At the London branch, AIRE offers visitors several underground baths at different temperatures with design features reminiscent of Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilisations in addition to tempting treatments.
The experience, which can be for one person or two at a time, includes a 30-minute soak in the antioxidant properties of the Ribera Del Duero grapes, accompanied by a head massage, a hair treatment, and a fresh glass of the same wine, paired with a delicious selection of cheeses. If that wasn’t enough, the booking also includes a 60-minute full-body grapeseed oil massage. Westminster AIRE truly is the perfect spot to disappear for a few hours.
Viewing Platform At The Great Fire of London Monument
This historic, climbable column symbolising a pivotal moment in the city’s history is a surprising gem hiding in plain sight. Standing at 202 feet, it may be hard to believe that this is one of London’s lesser discussed attractions; however, the monument boasts a hidden view of the city, which is often overlooked but well worth a visit.
This impressive column serves as a permanent reminder of the Great Fire of 1666, one of the most significant events in London’s history, causing widespread destruction and leading to a major remodelling of the city. Designed by one of England’s most acclaimed architects, Sir Christopher Wren, whose work would shape the very fabric of London in the aftermath of the fire. Inside are 311 steps, which visitors must climb to be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city. Here, high above, you too can hide in plain sight.
The Hill Garden & Pergola
There are many famous and beautiful green spaces in London, but for one off the beaten path, the Hill Garden and Pergola is a must-see. Although expansive, the gardens maintain a secret feel, inviting to lose yourself among charming sights. Throughout, you’ll find a long, elegant raised walkway with classic stone columns and wooden beams, overgrown wisteria, tucked-away paths, and seasonal flowers alongside manicured lawns.
The dream of a wealthy soap magnate in the early 1900s, the garden was once attached to a now demolished mansion. Open to the public, it evokes a natural utopia which regularly draws photographers to its timeless romantic scenery. For a hidden gem, Hill Garden offers a magical escape from London’s noise.
