Avoid the Crowds: 10 Quick and Free Hidden Gems of London

November 12, 2025

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Checking off the big list of attractions is a must-do on any trip to London. But what if you’re looking for that little something extra? This feeling of having tasted the “real London”, the one that the locals love?

Many people I speak to during my one-on-one travel consultations want a more authentic experience. And what I do is help them find the meaningful places that are close to the iconic London attractions that they’re already visiting, so that they don’t miss out on anything that might be special to them.

These are not hidden secrets that are hard to discover. These are extraordinary finds which are quick, easy and free to viewperfect for when you’re short on time but have lots of experience.

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Gardens and green spaces

Sometimes the crowds in the city can be large, especially during rush hours. These unexpected green havens offer the perfect moment of quiet reflection without having to leave central London.

St Dunstan to the East

This is easily one of my favorite places in the entire city. Tucked away just a short walk from the busy streets, this place is the hauntingly beautiful ruin of a church that was bombed during the Blitz.

The roof is gone, but the walls remain and nature has taken over to create a serene garden unlike anything else. You will feel transported to a different world.

Near this London attraction: The Tower of London
Why it’s a planner’s dream: It’s a perfect and logical experience to combine with a morning at Tower of Londonwhich is the starting point for a day in your London Bucket List Planner. You’ll find a logical route that connects the Tower to this hidden gem, allowing you to experience a beautiful and unique side of the city without adding extra travel time.

Queen Elizabeth’s Roof Garden

If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with a view, you’ll never guess that this beautiful public garden sits atop a busy performance hall on Southbank. It’s a colorful, vibrant space with a variety of lush plants, a cafe, and some of the best river views in the city.

Near this London attraction: Southbank Center / Tate Modern / London Eye
Why it’s a planner’s dream: This place is a fantastic little-known hideaway from the Southbank crowd. Whether you come from Tate Modern or walking along the river, it’s a great place to stop and recharge.

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Postman’s Park

Postman’s Park is a peaceful green space best known for Watts’ memorial to heroic self-sacrifice. This memorial features plaques that commemorate ordinary people who died saving the lives of others. It’s a beautiful and moving tribute and a truly unique place to visit.

Near this London attraction: Saint Paul Cathedral
Why it’s a planner’s dream: It is a fantastic and moving place which is only a few minutes walk from Saint Paul Cathedral. It offers a moment of reflection and a different type of historical experience.

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Kyoto Garden at Holland Park

Nestled in elegant Holland Park, Kyoto Garden is a surprising slice of Japan. With its multi-tiered waterfalls, serene koi pond and wandering peacocks, it’s the perfect place to find tranquility away from the noise of the city.

Near this London attraction: Natural History Museum / V&A Museum
Why it’s a planner’s dream: A perfect and peaceful stop after a busy morning exploring the Natural History Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum.

History and cinema

Beyond the typical history books and landmarks, London has countless stories and cinematic moments hidden in plain sight.

Leadenhall Market

If you are a Harry Potter fan and don’t have time to go to the Warner Bros Studio Tour, this is the place for you. Leadenhall Market served as an iconic filming location for the exterior of Diagon Alley. The Victorian architecture and stunning glass roof make it an enriching sight even if you’re not a fan. It doesn’t take long to get through it and it’s a total “wow” moment.

Near this London attraction: The Tower of London
Why it’s a planner’s dream: Leadenhall Market is a logical experience to pair with a morning at Tower of London and is an option featured in one of the London Bucket List Planner itineraries.

Sir John Soane Museum

It is the most unique museum in London. It is the former home of architect Sir John Soane. And he filled it to the brim with works of art, antiques and architectural fragments. It’s a beautifully cluttered and atmospheric space that feels like a treasure hunt.

Near this London attraction: British Museum
Why it’s a planner’s dream: It’s a great stop if you’re exploring the British Museum or Covent Garden.

Hotels

If you haven’t yet booked your hotel for your trip to London, here’s an interactive map to help you get started! It is based on the most central location in the city.

Gourmet discoveries and hidden lessons

These are places that delight both your taste buds and your film.

Mayfair Market

Hidden in a beautiful deconsecrated church, this bustling food market is a sanctuary for street food, wine and craft beer from around the world. Although this may seem a bit sacrilegious to some, it is a feast for the eyes! There are also people in the evening. Another insider tip is that there is a bar in the crypt which is also very cool. So it’s also like a hidden gem within a hidden gem!

Near this London attraction: Buckingham Palace
Why it’s a planner’s dream: Mercato Mayfair is a logical stop to combine with a visit to Buckingham Palacewhich is another starting point for a day in the London Bucket List Planner.

Neal’s Yard and Kingly Court

These colorful classes are a must-see for anyone who loves vibrant photo spots. Neal’s Yard is a small but charming courtyard with a rainbow of painted buildings. Kingly Court offers a three-story outdoor dining space with unique restaurants and a lively atmosphere. I have a TikTok video of it that has over 1.2 million views, so you know it’s a fan favorite! As an insider tip, this is one you’ll want to visit early in the day as it’s very popular with Londoners.

Near this London attraction: Shops on Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus
Why it’s a planner’s dream: These are perfect stops to add to a day of shopping Regent Street or before a matinee show in the west end.

Free Things to Do in London Walk around Neal's Yard in Covent Garden

Little Venice

No need to go to Italy to see canals! Little Venice is a quiet and picturesque area of London, where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet. You can stroll along the towpath, admire the colorful barges and have a coffee in a waterside cafe.

Near this London attraction: Notting Hill
Why it’s a planner’s dream: It’s a logical experience to pair with a morning exploring Notting Hill. It’s the perfect place to relax and have a coffee after the bustling crowds of Portobello Road Market.

Kynance Mews

One of London’s most famous streets, Kynance Mews is a true photogenic gem. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, this street is especially beautiful when decorated with flowers in the spring or fall leaves in the fall.

Near this London attraction: Natural History Museum / V&A Museum
Why it’s a planner’s dream: It’s a little detour through Natural History Museumallowing you to experience a unique part of London’s architecture and history.

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Quick reference table

Hidden gem of London	Attraction near London
St Dunstan to the East	The Tower of London
Queen Elizabeth’s Roof Garden	Southbank Center / Tate Modern
Postman’s Park	Saint Paul Cathedral
Kyoto Garden	Natural History Museum / V&A Museum
Leadenhall Market	The Tower of London
Sir John Soane Museum	British Museum
Mayfair Market	Buckingham Palace
Court of Neal and royal court	Covent Garden/Regent Street
Little Venice	Notting Hill
Kynance Mews	Natural History Museum / V&A Museum

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Final Thoughts

These hidden London gems are just a small sample of the authentic and meaningful experiences you can add to a short trip to London. They are designed to make your trip more personal and memorable. And I hope they inspire you to look beyond the typical tourist trail!

If you liked this guide, you will love it London Bucket List Planner. It simplifies planning by providing you with predefined itineraries based on your travel interests. For example, you can choose from a gourmet itinerary, a luxury itinerary, a mother-daughter travel itinerary and much more!

You can also check out my London restaurant guide, grouped by neighborhoods, cuisines and lists of the best. And for even more value, don’t miss my digital download bundles.

What hidden gem do you add first to your London itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!

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