Off the beaten path in London: 39 charming places to explore

Are you tired of seeing the same London recommendations over and over again? And worse—seeing them peddled as ‘hidden gems’ in London? Me too. I’ve lived in London for 8 years now, and have been avidly searching out its best places off the beaten path for most of that time. From secret gardens to beautiful shops and fascinating small museums, London is so full of wonderful places that I still haven’t seen everything on my list after all these years.

I hope that my compilation will really be what it advertises. These are the best places I’ve found off the beaten path in London—all the magical hidden gems I’ve discovered after years exploring this city.

I’ll organise them by area of the city, from Central to South, East, and West.

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Off the beaten path in Central London

Central London is, of course, well-worn ground. But there are dozens of hidden gems to explore that are off the beaten path for tourists and Instagrammers alike. Here are some of my favourite spots in Central and North London.

1. Camden Passage

Islington

Camden Passage is in fact not in Camden, but is a wonderful street and one of the best places to go in Islington. This small pedestrian street is home to dozens of restaurants and cafes, as well as antique and craft shops and a regular market. Located near Angel Station, Camden Passage is tucked away on the side streets and it took me many visits to the area to actually visit.

Don’t miss:

• Pierrepont Arcade Antique Market — loads of treasures to be found here

• Loop, a wonderful wool shop and haberdashery

• Trampoline Cafe, for its cute yellow shopfront

• Kipferl, an Austrian restaurant

• Jolene Bakery, just a little further down the road

2. St. John’s Lodge Gardens

Regents Park

St. John’s Lodge Gardens is a real-life secret garden, and it’s in the heart of Regents Park. Located across the road from Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, St. John’s is a quiet haven that is perfect for resting awhile. The garden belongs to the elegant white lodge (privately owned) but has been open to the public for quite some time. The gardens are a perfect place to stop while on an autumn walk through Regents Park, with the changing colours creating a cosy atmosphere. I also love visiting in the summer, when the vibrant flower beds are blooming. It’s the perfect place to bring a picnic and rest on the lawn.

3. The Audley Public House

Mayfair

The Audley Public House is a recently redesigned pub in Mayfair with an incredible artistic flair. The vibrant painted ceiling was created by contemporary artist Phyllida Barlow, and is the main attraction to this pub. It’s absolutely striking and makes for an elevated yet casual place to get a drink in Mayfair. I think it’s one of the most beautiful bars in London.

4. Choosing Keeping

Seven Dials

Choosing Keeping may just be the most beautiful stationary shop in the world, and certainly one of the cutest shops in London. Located on a side street off of Seven Dials, the timeless shop has a nostalgic charm and sells high quality stationary and art supplies, many from Japan. The beautiful handprinted papers and fun rolls of stickers are always so tempting for me. It’s the perfect place to find a handmade and unique souvenir from London.

5. Cecil Court

Covent Garden

Cecil Court is a small pedestrian street just off of a main thoroughfare past Leicester Square Station. It took me several years of being very nearby before I finally wandered down this beautiful and timeless London street. Cecil Court is lined with specialist bookshops and print sellers. Storey’s is my favourite, a shop which sells maps but also incredible prints from modern artists — from Matisse to Chagall.

6. Chalcot Square

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is far from a hidden gem, but if you are unaware, it’s one of the best viewpoints in London and perfect to visit on a sunny day in London. Primrose Hill is located at the very top of Regent’s Park, and is so elevated that you can see most of London’s skyline from this vantage point. One of my favourite places off the beaten track in London is Chalcot Square, a residential square in Primrose Hill (also the name for the neighbourhood). Chalcot Square is lined with cute houses in candy colours, and the area surrounding it is one of the best places to see colourful houses in London.

7. Temple and Inner Temple Gardens

The Strand

Temple is a historic area of London reserved for law offices. The quiet streets are the place of work for many of London’s lawyers, and the architecture makes it feel as if one has stepped back in time while exploring the area. It’s open to the public to wander, and has a few gems to visit.

Inner Temple Gardens is like a secret garden within London — it’s a large garden for the law offices, but is open to the public during weekday lunchtimes. The garden is lovingly tended and always has an amazing show of seasonal plants and flowers. I make a point to visit during the school holidays so that I have time for a weekday peek.

8. Lincoln’s Inn

Holborn

Like Temple, Lincoln’s Inn is a society of barristers all located in a historic area. Founded in 1422, the architecture in Lincoln’s Inn has an array of historical styles. It’s a quiet, charming area that is open to have a wander round. The Lincoln’s Inn chapel is a beautiful gothic church serving the community at Lincoln’s Inn.

Lincoln’s Inn is very near two wonderful small museums: John Soanes and Hunterian.

9. Victoria Embankment Gardens

Embankment

Embankment Gardens runs along the river near Embankment Station. It was opened in 1865 and has since been known as one of London’s loveliest parks. Along with Whitehall Gardens next door, the gardens have incredible flowerbeds and are at their best in the spring. Thousands of tulips are planted in creative colour combinations each year for a beautiful display. It’s one of my very favourite places to see tulips in London and I’m always amazed that I didn’t know about it sooner.

10. Host Cafe

City of London

Host Cafe may be the most beautiful cafe in London, as it is housed in St Mary Aldemary’s Church in the City. The gothic architecture with its pristine white vaulting and stained glass is a beautiful backdrop for the quiet cafe where it is possible to work for an extra charge.

11. The Rooftop Bar at the Royal Opera House

Covent Garden

The Royal Opera House has a rooftop bar which is open to the public—no need to have a ticket. It looks out over Covent Garden with an amazing view, so it’s surprising that the bar is usually so quiet. It does get busy right before a show or at intermission, but at any other times it’s a lovely secluded place amidst the hubbub of Covent Garden. The drinks are reasonable prices and they have great mocktails for teetotalers like me!

12. Elizabeth Street

Belgravia

Elizabeth Street is a hub for cute shops and charming restaurants with Instagram-worthy facades. This street and the ones around it are not far from Victoria Station or Sloane Square, but are sort of tucked away from main thoroughfares. Highlights such as Peggy Porschen’s iconic pink bakery and Chestnut Bakery’s incredible pastry selection line the street, and the shops often decorate in tandem for holidays such as Halloween or Valentine’s Day. Belgravia in Bloom happens concurrently with Chelsea in Bloom in the last week of May, and has some of the most incredible floral installations of the festival. It’s very cute in the fall as well, and is one of my favourite streets to wander during the autumn months in London.

13. Barbican Conservatory

Barbican

The Barbican is a residential and cultural estate near the City known for its Brutalist architecture. The harsh concrete geometry has a pleasing contrast with lush greenery at the Barbican’s conservatory. Only open select hours, which often change, it’s a wonderful place to pop into while in the area. There are sometimes art exhibitions inside the conservatory, and there is one coming up in Autumn 2023 by Ranjani Shettar. This will allow for more availability to get into the conservatory.

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Off the beaten path in South London

South London is not necessarily my area of expertise, but there are a few wonderful spots there I keep coming back to. There’s so much more of South London I’d like to explore, so keep an eye out.

14. Maltby Street Market

Bermondsey

An alternative to the crowded Borough Market, Maltby Street Market is a Saturday food market a short walk from London Bridge station. Shops and restaurants in the railway arches offer unique wares and independent food stalls pop up on Saturdays. From cheese blanket arepas to confit duck frites, Maltby Street Market offers decadent treats and is on of the best things to do in Bermondsey. Don’t miss St John’s Bakery nearby with incredible doughnuts.

15. Dulwich Picture Gallery

Dulwich Village

The Dulwich Picture Gallery is well-known in artistic circles but is far enough from central London that I think it’s quite far off the beaten path. A small but charming gallery which originated in the 18th century, the gallery has an incredible collection which seems to punch above its weight. From Rembrandt to Rubens and Canaletto to Poussin, the gallery exhibits world-class artwork in its permanent collection and can certainly be considered one of the best small museums in London.

Even better, the temporary exhibitions bring exciting works of art to South London and are some of the best curated shows in London, in my opinion. Recent shows include Berthe Morisot and MK Ciurlionis, and I love seeing lesser-known artists featured in depth.

Dulwich Village itself is a lovely place to have a wander so make sure to enjoy the village vibes while visiting the area.

16. Studio Voltaire

Clapham

Studio Voltaire is a small and quirky gallery space not far from Clapham Common. It shows works by contemporary artists and hosts workshops and events for the community throughout the week. The shop at Studio Voltaire is incredible; it stocks artwork and gifts from artists it represents and other independent brands. The cafe Juliet’s has an outpost here, and its iconic brunch is not to be missed. Make sure to visit the loo while you’re here, as its an art installation in itself with colourful tile designs.

17. Garden Museum

Lambeth

The Garden Museum is located in a medieval and Victorian church called St Mary-at-Lambeth, just on the south side of Lambeth Bridge. It is dedicated to British gardening, with exhibits about the history of gardening but also art celebrating the beauty of the natural world. The beautiful interior space is transformed once a year into a wonderland of floristry during the Chelsea Flower Show week, when installations are put on display by a range of florists.

The Garden Museum has one of the best views of London and I think it is one of the best kept secrets in the city. You can walk up many winding stairs to the top of a tower which looks out with a beautiful view over Houses of Parliament. The Garden Museum Cafe is also a serious and wonderful place to eat, and one of the most aesthetic restaurants in London.

18. Bermondsey art galleries

Bermondsey

The area around Bermondsey Street is home to several top notch galleries: the White Cube, Fashion & Textile Museum, and Kristin Hjellegjerde gallery. The White Cube is a top commercial gallery hosting epic large-scale exhibitions for the contemporary artists it represents, from Anselm Keifer to Julie Mehretu. The Fashion & Textile Museum is just down the road with its tropically orange and pink facade, and shows exhibitions of fashion and design through the ages. Kristin Hjellegjerde is one of my favourite small galleries in London and its gallery space is charming and unique with atrium space upstairs. Check out which art exhibitions are on at these galleries for an artsy day out.

19. Queen Elizabeth Rooftop Garden

Southbank

This rooftop garden is a natural oasis amidst the concrete jungle of Southbank Centre. Hidden on a terrace outside the Southbank Centre, the Queen Elizabeth Rooftop Garden is served by a small bar and is a buzzy place to spend a sunny day in London. It took me years to find out about this place despite being in the area many times, and it has such lovely community garden vibes.

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Off the beaten path in South West London

South West London, on the other hand, is my area of expertise. Here are a few tips about hidden gems in the area, but be sure to check out my full guide of things to do in South West London.

20. Ham House

Richmond

I feel like I am always waxing lyrical about Ham House on this blog. It’s one of the best things to do in London but also one of my personal favourite places to visit, full-stop. Ham House is a Stuart era manor house with extensive gardens and an amazing historic interior, making it one of the most interesting stately homes in London. The kitchen garden is one of my happy places, and it has a cheerful National Trust cafe clad in wisteria during the spring months. It’s an easy place to visit while in Richmond, but is far enough off the beaten path that it seems to be populated by locals.

21. Petersham Nurseries

Richmond

Petersham Nurseries is the poshest garden centre in the world as well as home to several incredible eateries. The beautiful shop is full of art and designer goods, while the tearoom and restaurant are housed in greenhouse spaces with stunning greenery framing a romantic scene. It’s about as beautiful as you can imagine, and though expensive, worth a peek into to enjoy the ambiance.

22. Barnes Village

Barnes

Barnes is a place I know and love but is so far off the beaten path that many Londoners I speak to outside of the area have no idea where it is. It’s a quiet residential area, and has been even quieter in recent years due to the Hammersmith Bridge closure (making it a sort of island within London). It’s still easy enough to get there via train to Barnes or Barnes Bridge Stations and it delivers charming village vibes immediately. The High Street is lined with cute shops and every Saturday a farmer’s market pops up near the pond. Once a month, a vintage/antiques market sets up shop around the pond and there are regular events at the arts centre here. Barnes is also home to the Wetlands Centre for those who love wildlife.

23. Kew Palace

Kew Gardens

Everyone knows Kew Gardens, but do you know Kew Palace? It’s a vibrantly red brick palace from the Georgian era which was home to King George III and Queen Charlotte and their family. King George preferred to be here and work the land, and the palace was home to the family during difficult times of his illness. This might be particularly interesting now for Bridgerton fans who loved the Queen Charlotte series. Despite its lack of resemblance to true history, it still makes for a fun visit with the dramatised version in mind. The gardens behind the palace are my favourite, especially in the late spring when the laburnum arch blossoms into vibrant yellow blooms. Magic!

24. Kew Green

Kew

Speaking of Kew Gardens, another underrated London location is Kew Green and is just outside the gates of one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Many houses on Kew Green date back to Georgian times and some members of the Royal Family and aristocracy used to live here. The houses are some of the most beautiful in London (I regularly covet the one with the blue railings) and are even more spectacular when covered in wisteria, which seems to be ubiquitous here in the spring. There’s a few very charming pubs dotted around the Green as well, and you’re likely to catch a cricket match happening on the Green if you visit on a weekend. Perfect London vibes and most definitely off the beaten path.

25. Ham Common

Ham

I would have never discovered Ham Common had I not driven through it to get to Ham House one day. It’s another residential area in South West London, lined with charming houses, which all seem to be on the same page when it comes to wisteria! I couldn’t believe the range of beautiful purple displays when I visited on a spring day, and now its one of my favourite places to go on wisteria walks in London. There’s two excellent bakeries nearby: Swiss Bread & Bakery Cafe and Hansel & Pretzel German Delicatessen. Why is Ham the place for Germanic bakeries? Not sure, but I will take it.

26. Marianne North Gallery

Kew Gardens

Another wonderful gem that is off the beaten path in Kew Gardens in the Marianne North Gallery. The gallery is filled from top to toe with botanical paintings by Marianne North, a 19th century explorer and artist. The charming small gallery is a wonder, and it is difficult to fathom that she created all this in her lifetime. Pop in during a visit to Kew Gardens, you won’t regret it.

27. York House Gardens and Orleans House Gallery

Twickenham

York House Gardens in Twickenham is a charming riverside garden walk, which is home to what I colloquially call the ‘Twickenham Ladies’. I’m referring to a grandiose fountain sculpture of water nymphs, and the real name is even better than my moniker. They’re literally called the Naked Ladies and are Grade II listed. It’s a charming and funny relic from the late 19th century.

Just down the path is Orleans House Gallery, a small but charming gallery with a beautiful octagonal room that’s fun to have a peek into. The gallery often has fun activities on for children.

The entire riverside area of Twickenham is underrated. Charming houses, riverside pubs and pedestrianised streets lined with shops make it a wonderful place for a day out off the beaten path. Eel Pie Island is home to artists and opens a couple times a year, so even better if you can time a visit with that special opportunity.

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Off the beaten path in East London

I often get annoyed that everything cool to do in London is all the way out East and feels virtually impossible to reach from where I am in SW. Seemingly all the best bakeries and restaurants are at home in East London—I feel like I need to have a weekend away there just to try and tick some more off the list. Here’s a few hidden gems I have managed to discover out that way. For a full guide to East London (including wonderful places that are decidedly on the beaten path, like Columbia Road), see my guide for a day out in East London.

28. Towpath Cafe

Haggerston

Towpath Cafe is a Platonic ideal of the waterside, seasonal, rustic eatery. Not that that is really a thing—but in other words Towpath Cafe is perfect. It’s open between April - October and is right on the canalside not far from Haggerston Station. The menu changes daily and is bright, fresh and seasonal. Dishes come out on mis-matched, homely plates and sit beautifully on the deep green tables (an excellent place to photograph your food). It’s undoubtedly one of the most aesthetic restaurants in London. Dishes I’ve loved here include pork meatballs and polenta, peaches and mozzerella, incredible soft serve, and the best vanilla panna cotta I’ve ever had. The great thing about Towpath is that it has no online presence, and although it is popular and busy, it doesn’t feel Instagram-y.

29. Museum of the Home

Hoxton

The Museum of the Home chronicles domestic life in London from the 16th century to the present. The galleries explore the meaning of home for East Londoners and explores important objects within the community. The best part is the rooms through time, which show decor and lifestyle of different eras of history through various living rooms. The museum is free to enter and is such a friendly and inviting space. The garden is lovely and the building is historic itself. A must for any interior design lovers.

30. Dennis Severs’ House

Spitalfields

Another excellent museum is Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields. This house was bought by Dennis Severs, an American artist, in the 1970s and he transformed it into a historical recreation of a Huguenot family in the 18th century. Although it is not a factual house museum, he created the essence of the time period with artistry. The house is truly quirky and tells the story of the imaginary family through their objects, as well as through background sounds. Visits to the house are normally in silence, and can be done by candlelight, creating a further magical feel. It’s one of the most fascinating small museums in London—I’ve never experienced anything like it. Don’t miss it during Christmastime in London.

31. Townhouse

Spitalfields

This wonderful shop also draws on the history of Spitalfields with its historic building evoking the 18th century. The shop sells antiques and homewares, plus a selection of excellent books. The basement cafe is historic and sells classic cakes and tea. There’s a tiny outdoor space to enjoy said treats. Townhouse feels authentically old London in the best way—it encapsulates this area well. This makes it one of the most beautiful shops in London, in my opinion.

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Off the beaten path in West London

The land of Hyde Park, Harrods, and Notting Hill. There’s a lot on the beaten path here. But what about hidden gems in West London? If you venture slightly further afield, the area is full of historic homes, beautiful gardens and charming walks.

32. Osterley Park

Osterley

Osterley Park is a National Trust site not far from Osterley Station on the Piccadilly Line, and is one of my favourite stately homes in England because of its wonderful interior design. Redesigned by Robert Adam in the 18th century, the dazzling interiors are characteristic of his style with their ornate plasterwork and pastel colours. The Etruscan Room is especially wonderful with its classical motifs and more restrained style. Osterley Park is pure eye candy, and feels like a day out of London.

33. Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery

Ealing

This small gallery is attached to a manor house designed and lived in by John Soane (of the wonderful Soane’s Museum in Holborn). Located in Ealing, it was a countryside residence for Soane. The neoclassical proportions are elegant, but made more interesting by art exhibitions which happen both in the gallery and in the house. Rana Begum’s installations were on display a few years ago, and were such a fun contrast with the historic architecture. The gallery presents art exhibitions by very famous contemporary artists so there is always something interesting to see here.

34. Chiswick Mall

Chiswick to Hammersmith

Chiswick House and Gardens is a pretty well-known spot, but the stretch of riverside between it and Hammersmith Bridge is one of the most picturesque in London. I love walking Chiswick Mall in every season. In March the mall is brightened by pink magnolia trees, and the incredible size of some of the trees makes it the best place to see magnolias in London, in my opinion. Autumn is just as pretty, with ivy-clad houses changing colour and the charming Mari Deli’s little green car overflowing with harvest produce. This is one of the best autumn walks in London.

35. Fulham Palace Gardens

Fulham

Fulham Palace used to be a residence of Bishops of the Church of England, and now is a free museum and walled garden open to the public. The garden is charming; loads of flowers and produce grow here and are even sold at a nostalgic farm stand. One of London’s largest and oldest wisteria plants flowers here, and the garden is also home to several cute palace cats. The palace itself is also interesting to visit, I especially liked the chapel and library. I come here a lot on sunny days throughout the seasons and it brightens my day to see what’s blooming.

36. Strand-on-the-Green

Chiswick

Strand-on-the-Green is one of my favourite places to take a London walk. This residential area is located right on the banks of the River Thames and the historic houses have perfect London charm. The riverside walk is dotted with cute pubs to stop and have a rest. It’s a lovely place to spend a sunny morning in London and is so picturesque. It’s just across the river from Kew Green and Kew Gardens, so is a great place to stop by while on the way there.

37. Syon Park

Isleworth

Syon Park is a grand stately home that was designed in part by Robert Adam (like Osterley Park). The opulent interiors are spectacular, and I especially love the small circular pink rooms that are hidden at the edges of the grand hall. Syon Park also has an amazing glasshouse in the garden, which is an iconic sight and a popular wedding venue. It’s out of the way, so truly off the beaten path, but a great place for history and heritage lovers.

38. Hurlingham Books

Fulham

I’m not sure why I love Hurlingham Books so much, but I always make a point of passing it just for a glimpse while in the area. The shop is impressively full of books with stacks of them obscuring every window. I suppose it’s the perfect example of British eccentricity. There’s good bargains here, although browsing is not the easiest with so many options. For bookshop lovers, this is a must-see.

39. Leighton House Museum

Holland Park

Last but certainly not least is the stunning Leighton House Museum. This jewel-box house was home to Frederick Lord Leighton, President of the Royal Academy for a time in the 19th century. His eccentric home and studio has been preserved as one of the best and most quirky house museums in London. He created an Arab Hall in his entranceway, covered in glittering tiles and evoking his idea of the Orient. My favourite space is the silk room, walls covered in chartreuse silk wallpaper and beautiful Aesthetic paintings by Alma-Tadema and the like. Leighton House never gets old, and it now has a new cafe to enable you to stay awhile.

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Enjoying London off the beaten path

There are many wonderful and well-known places in London worth seeing, but the true magic comes when venturing off the beaten path to the authentic places that feel like a real discovery. After 8 years in London, I still discover new hidden gems all the time, which is why I love this city so much. It’s true that it’s impossible to be bored here, as long as one has the energy to get out and explore. How lucky we are to spend time in this special city.

Let me know your favourite London hidden gems below—I’d love to hear about some new places!

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