A Guide to the Best Hidden Gems in London

London's best hidden gems

If you’re looking to discover some of the best hidden gems in London, this guide is for you!

In this guide I’m sharing where to find London’s best non-touristy spots, including secret gardens, hidden villages & magical alleyways.

How to get to London’s best hidden gems

These amazing hidden gems in London are all easily accessible by tube from Central London. If you’re travelling into London by train, you can find the best train ticket deals by booking your train tickets in advance with Trainline.

The best hidden gems in London

1. Leadenhall Market

the best hidden gems in London
Leadenhall Market, London

Leadenhall Market is a magical Victorian covered market that’s tucked away off side streets, but right in the heart of the city of London. It’s a must visit place if you’re planning a trip to London!

It was originally a meat, poultry and game market, but now is home to dozens of great shops, bars and restaurants.

It also featured in the first Harry Potter film as the entrance to Diagon Alley!

Tip – Leadenhall Market can get quite busy with city workers during the week. If you’re hoping to visit and capture it at it’s quietest, weekend mornings are perfect.

Nearest station to Leadenhall Market – Fenchurch Street Station

2. Holly Village

London's Best Hidden Gems
Holly Village, London

Holly Village is a Victorian neo-gothic gated village in Highgate in North London, that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale.

Nearest tube station to Holly Village – Archway

3. Goodwin’s Court

A guide to London's best hidden gems
Goodwin’s Court, London

Rumoured to be inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, you can find this atmospheric alleyway tucked away near Covent Garden.

Nearest station to Goodwin’s Court – Charing Cross

4. Hampstead Pergola

London's must visit hidden gems
Hampstead Pergola, London

The Hampstead Pergola is a an amazing hidden gem in London’s Hampstead Heath. It’s a beautiful historic walkway, with overgrown vines and flowers and amazing views over Hampstead Heath.

The nearest tube station to Hampstead Pergola – Hampstead Heath

5. Kyoto Garden

A guide to London's best hidden gems
Kyoto Garden, London

Kyoto Garden is a beautiful Japanese style garden in Holland Park in West London. It’s a lovely relaxing garden with calming waterfalls and greenery.

Nearest tube station to Kyoto Garden – Holland Park

6. Cecil Court

The best hidden gems in London
Cecil Court, London

Also known as Bookseller’s Row, Cecil Court is a hidden gem of a street in London.

You can find Cecil Court in London’s West End – near Covent Garden, and this lovely street is filled with interesting independent shops. It’s been described as the ultimate destination for art, antiques, books, culture & curiosities and has the best dark academia/ Harry Potter vibes!

Nearest station to Cecil Court – Charing Cross

7. St Dunstan in the East

The best hidden gems in London
St Dunstan in the East

St Dunstan in the East is a former churchyard that was damaged in the great fire of London in 1666. It’s now a little green oasis in the city centre, and the beautiful church windows still remain.

Nearest tube to St Dunstan in the East – Monument

8. Middle Temple Arch

A guide to London's best hidden gems
Middle Temple Arch, London

Middle Temple Archway is a beautiful historic archway set just off the Victoria Embankment – by the River Thames – leading to Middle Temple Lane.

Nearest tube station to Middle Temple – Embankment

9. St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse

The best hidden gems in London
St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse, London

St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse is an incredible historic gatehouse that leads to London’s oldest parish church – St Bartholomew the Great.

Nearest tube station to St Bartholomew’s Gatehouse – St Paul’s

If you love discovering London’s prettiest places, you’ll probably also enjoy this post on London’s loveliest colourful streets.

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