10 Hidden Gems to Visit in London

Location: The junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill

The Monument goes to the very heart of London’s history and character, and yet still remains off the beaten path for many tourists. This is even more surprising when you consider that it’s over 200 ft high and topped with a shining golden urn; though it’s somewhat hidden amongst the buildings that have grown around it. 

The Monument to the Great Fire of London, to give it its full name, was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1671 and completed in 1677. It can be found near London Bridge, located 202 ft away from the spot in Pudding Lane where the Great Fire of 1666 began.

While its history is powerful on its own, climbing all 311 steps brings The Monument to life, offering a rare and unforgettable perspective of London.

2. Dennis Severs’ House

Location: Spitalfields

This unassuming Georgian terraced house in Spitalfields hides one of London’s most arresting and unique museums: Dennis Severs’ House.

Inside, you’ll find rooms completely furnished in various styles from the 18th and 19th centuries, each looking authentically lived in, as if its owner had just popped out a moment earlier.

This carefully created effect is the work of Dennis Sever, who bought the house in 1979 and lived here while he built his amazing collection. His intention was to tell the story of an imagined Huguenot family living here from 1724 onwards through the decades, creating a kind of theatrical set where the narrative is played out in the imagination of the visitors.

Whether you’re a history lover or simply curious, it’s an experience that offers something truly different.

3. Little Venice

Location: North of Paddington

The hidden canals and waterways of Little Venice evoke something of Amsterdam or Venice, offering a very different experience of central London. There are canals running all around London, but this particular stretch can be found just above Hyde Park near Paddington station.

Here the Grand Union and Regent’s canals meet, creating a picturesque neighbourhood with elegant houses, waterside cafes, and charming bridges. As you’d expect, there are also plenty of colourful canal boats lining the waterways, adding to the overall charm and atmosphere.

You can even hop onto one of the canal cruises and take a trip up to Camden Lock Market, taking in London from a different perspective. It’s a peaceful detour well worth adding to your itinerary.

4. The Clink Prison Museum

Location: Southwark

Once one of England’s oldest and most notorious prisons, The Clink gave rise to the very word we now use to describe prison itself. First established in 1144, it stood for over 600 years with a fascinatingly dark history.

The museum occupies the same site today, nestled in a narrow street next to the ruins of Winchester Palace, once the home of the bishops of Winchester who ruled over the prison. Inside, you can learn about the many prisoners detained there and the changes in law and society in London that took place over the centuries.

It’s a compelling glimpse into the city’s past and a must-visit for anyone with an interest in London’s hidden history.

5. The Painted Hall

Location: Greenwich

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is the second creation of Sir Christopher Wren on this list, and inside, there’s a hidden gem that’s been called ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’.

The Painted Hall was created by Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726, the same artist who painted frescoes for St. Paul’s Cathedral, Wren’s most famous work. The entire surface of this grand Baroque hall is hand-painted, from the breathtaking classical scenes on the ceiling to the imposing columns that stand along the walls.

The incredible space has been used for many ceremonial events and occasions over the years, including the lying-in-state of Lord Nelson in 1806. The site of the coffin is marked by a plaque on the floor.

You don’t need to be an art lover to be wowed; you just need to look up and let the Painted Hall speak for itself.

6. Sir John Soane's Museum

Location: Holborn

The incredible Sir John Soane’s Museum is one of London’s most fascinating hidden gems. Once the home of Sir John Soane, a 19th-century architect, the house is now filled with the unique and expansive collection he built during his lifetime, from paintings and sculptures to architectural models, antiquities, and rare drawings.

An Act of Parliament passed during his lifetime ensured his home would be preserved and the treasures protected, creating the museum as we know it today.

Renovations over the years have restored the house’s rooms to their original states and placed many of the artefacts in their proper locations. Due to the restricted space inside, only a limited number of visitors are allowed in at one time, so it’s a good idea to get tickets ahead of time if you don’t want to miss out.

7. Kyoto Garden

Location: South Bank, near Tower Bridge

Once the backbone of Victorian London’s warehouse district, Shad Thames has transformed into a charismatic riverside quarter, where cobbled lanes, iron gangways, and handsome brick buildings tell stories of trade and transformation.

Today, it’s a cultural and culinary treasure trove. Meander under the iron bridges that once carried spices and tea between buildings, and take in the aroma from waterside restaurants and cafes tucked into former warehouses. Views of Tower Bridge are striking at sunset, and the nearby Design Museum adds a contemporary flair to the historic scene.

If you’re after history with a side of great coffee and river views, this is the place.

9. Peace Pagoda

Location: Battersea Park

Towering peacefully on the Thames' south bank, the Battersea Park Peace Pagoda is a striking symbol of calm amidst the city's bustle. Built in 1985 by Japanese Buddhist monks, it holds four golden statues of Buddha and offers sweeping river views from its elevated base.

Though its serenity is undeniable, few Londoners know the story behind it. The Pagoda was part of a post-WWII movement for global peace, and its very presence invites reflection. The surrounding parkland with its lakes, art installations, and hidden pathways makes it a natural complement to the Pagoda’s message.

Whether you're there for quiet contemplation or simply an unusual photo spot, this hidden gem is a remarkable reminder of London’s cultural embrace.