London’s Hidden Gems

10 Free Spots

London, a city brimming with history and culture, is hard to cram in a few day’s visit. You could live here and still not manage to cover the rich history of such an iconic city. Sherlock Holmes, Bridgerton, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Love Actually – we could go on for days trying to list all the globally known movies and TV shows shot and based here, giving you a separate ambitious activity of tracking down the film locations and replicating the scenes. 

Hidden Gems in London

London is also famous for being quite expensive, which is true but it also depends on how you spend your time. A megacity like London has hundreds of activities that are very budget-friendly, from serene gardens and historic cemeteries to architectural marvels and quirky spots.

So without further ado, read along to find some of London’s most delightful hidden gems, many of which are free to visit.

Fitzrovia Chapel

The Fitzrovia Chapel, once part of the Middlesex Hospital, is a stunning example of Italian Gothic Revival architecture. Its opulent interior, adorned with mosaics and stained glass, makes it a hidden jewel for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet, reflective space.

Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Tareq Mooradun

The Fitzrovia Chapel, first on our list of London’s hidden gems, is open to the public most weeks on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between 11.00 and 18.00 and is also open for events and exhibitions, be sure to check out their Instagram page for any upcoming events during your visit. 

Sky Pool

The Sky Pool at Embassy Gardens offers a swimming experience like no other. This transparent pool, suspended between two buildings, provides swimmers with breathtaking views of the city below. While access is limited to residents, it’s worth seeking a glimpse of this architectural marvel or a photo opportunity.

Photo credits: Flickr, Eckersley O’Callaghan

It’s also quite interesting from a sociocultural point of view as during its unveiling in May 2021, the pool was criticised for economic inequalities in London. The Guardian’s architecture critic Oliver Wainwright referred to it as “a fantastical aquarium of captive high net worth individuals for the rest of us to gawp at from far below” — food for thought for the hungry. 

Thin House

Another spot for architecture, (spoiler alert: there will be more) is located in South Kensington. The Thin House is an architectural curiosity known for its incredibly narrow facade. The building is a short 30-minute walk from Safestay London Kensington Holland Park, so pop in for a cool photo opportunity. 

Photo credits:  Instagram, @steven.maddison

The building, which was initially used as studios for artists, is now residential flats just 6ft wide at its narrowest point, growing to 34ft at its widest. Despite its size, the impeccable location jacks up the price of these flats with some being valued at anywhere between £850,000 and well north of £1 million! It’s definitely worth seeing this hidden gem in London.

Kyoto Garden

Speaking of Holland Park – infamous for its celebrity residents such as Sir Richard Branson, the Beckhams, Elton John, Simon Cowell, Jimmy Page, Robbie Williams, and Ed Sheeran – you must remember to have a stroll in the Kyoto Garden for some peace and tranquillity.

Photo credits: Flickr, Ewan Munro

Opened in 1991 as a gift from the city of Kyoto to commemorate the long history of friendly relations between the UK and Japan Kyoto Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden complete with a koi pond, waterfall, and meticulously pruned trees. The garden is open from 7.30 am and closes 30 minutes before dusk each day and of course, it’s free to visit. 

Notting Hill Gift Shop

If you, like many of us, are a fan of the classic rom-com movie Notting Hill with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant you must make a stop at The Travel Bookshop. Fun fact –  At the time the owner did not allow any filming in his store so a replica of the interior of The Travel Bookshop was built as a film set at the studio.

Photo credits: Flickr, Nikos Roussos

Ever since its release in 1999, this bookshop is often surrounded by tourists, but still, it’s a spot you don’t want to miss – you can also grab the iconic totes from there.  

Nunhead Cemetery

Nunhead Cemetery, one of London’s “Magnificent Seven” Victorian cemeteries, is both a historic site and a nature reserve. It’s the least famous and celebrated, thus it’s the least populated by tourists and still has a spooky vibe to it. 

Photo credits: Geograph.org, Peter Trimming

Wander among the overgrown tombstones and majestic trees to soak in the peaceful, eerie beauty of this hidden gem. We also urge you to have a look at the guided tours organised by Friends of Nunhead Cemetery which are entirely free. 

Royal Opera House

More specifically, the view from the terrace of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden with a unique perspective of London. The view offers a spectacular panorama of the city’s skyline, and the terrace itself is a lovely spot for a break during your explorations.

Photo credits: Geograph.org, David Hawgood

Take advantage of fine Summer weather and head on to Level 5 for some drinks at the Piazza restaurant on the roof terrace of the iconic building. The visit can be completely free if you don’t order any drinks so don’t feel obliged to do so. 

Neal’s Yard

While enjoying the views of the iconic and overcrowded Covent Garden you may feel overwhelmed on what to do next. Worry not! Look up Neal’s Yard – a small, colourful courtyard filled with independent cafes, shops, and holistic therapy centres tucked away in Covent Garden. 

Photo credits: Flickr, missmac

Its vibrant facades and bohemian atmosphere make it a perfect spot for relaxing, grabbing a coffee or matcha and people-watching. It’s London’s hidden gem you must visit! 

Yayoi Kusama at Victoria Miro

The Victoria Miro Gallery is a British contemporary art gallery in London, run by Victoria Miro which will host Yayoi Kusama’s fourteenth solo exhibition at the gallery this Autumn. The exhibition will unveil a new Infinity Mirror Room as well as a fresh series of paintings titled Every Day I Pray for Love. 

Photo credits: Flickr, failing_angel

Yayoi, famous for intricate details and vibrant colours, extends her exploration of line and form allowing us to discover new worlds through her mind. The admission is free and it’s open from 25 September – 2 November 2024.

Leake Street Tunnel

Leake Street Tunnel, often referred to as the “Banksy Tunnel,” is a vibrant, ever-changing canvas for street art located beneath the platforms of Waterloo Station. This tunnel, which stretches for about 300 meters, has become an iconic destination for graffiti artists and street art enthusiasts from around the world.

Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons, Ethan Doyle White

The tunnel is a living gallery, with its walls constantly evolving as new artworks are added and old ones are painted over. This dynamic nature means that every visit offers a unique experience, as the tunnel never looks the same twice.

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor eager for unique experiences, these gems will leave you with lasting memories and a richer understanding of London. From the serene beauty of the Kyoto Garden and the historic charm of Nunhead Cemetery to the vibrant artistry of Leake Street Tunnel and the architectural curiosity of the Thin House, these lesser-known spots provide unforgettable experiences away from the usual tourist trails.

If you’re visiting and want to see all of London’s hidden gems we listed, make sure to stay central and stay with Safestay at one of our two London hostels. To make your stay even more exciting enjoy a 15% discount on your first booking. Just sign up for our membership and find the discount code in your exclusive offers.