101 hidden gems in London: secret things to do

Find hidden gems in London this season. Uncover the secret side of the city and discover green spaces and outdoor gems that you haven’t come across before.

1. Wander through the cobbled streets of Greenwich and the wider area – home to hidden gems such as Ranger's House, Eltham Palace and the Thames Barrier.
2. Kew is not just home to famous Kew Gardens. Explore a little-known royal residence during a visit to Kew Palace.
3. Wander around leafy Chiswick and admire the 18th-century architecture of Chiswick House.
4. Go off the beaten track to explore sprawling Epping Forest – one of the loveliest secret places in London.  
5. Marvel at the stunning Buddhist Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park.
6. Or admire the much larger Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon.
7. Go for a dip in one of the city’s lidos.
8. Catch a spectacular lineup of outdoor plays and musicals at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.

Discover London treasures that won’t stay secret for long! From tucked-away art to beautiful buildings, there are so many hidden places in London.

1. Head to Walthamstow in Waltham Forest to explore the William Morris Gallery, or stop off at neontastic God's Own Junkyard.
2. View contemporary artworks from world-famous artists at RISE Gallery in Croydon, before feasting on foodie treats at Boxpark Croydon. 
3. Venture over to Brixton for global cuisine or live music at Pop Brixton, which is built from shipping containers.
4. Take a trip to the riverside town of Kingston upon Thames and pick up goodies from the daily market in the Ancient Market Place. 
5. Visit Twickenham to discover the gothic delights of Horace Walpole's former home, Strawberry Hill House. 
6. Hunt for hidden gems in Bexley, where you'll find Danson House, Hall Place and Lesnes Abbey. 

Explore wonderful pockets of nature scattered across the city. Whether you’re looking for lesser-known gardens hidden in vast green spaces or a terrace with rooftop views, London has something for everyone.

1. Escape from the hustle and bustle of central London at peaceful St Dunstan in the East.
2. Take a walk through one of London’s tranquil cemeteries, including Victorian Nunhead Cemetery in south-east London.
3. Fill your Instagram feed with rooftop views from The Garden at 120. 
4. Come face to face with life-size dinosaur sculptures hidden in Crystal Palace Park.
5. Wander around the gorgeous grounds of 17th-century Ham House and Gardens.
6. Explore the tranquil, little-known Kyoto Garden at Holland Park, itself one of the best secret things to do in London.
7. Discover the hidden gems of Richmond Park: explore Isabella Plantation, admire the views from King Henry’s Mound and look out for more than 600 deer. 
8. Stroll around the secret Garden of Medicinal Plants at Chelsea Physic Garden. 
9. Be moved by plaques honouring those who died saving others at Postman's Park.

Browse historic archives from hidden London museums, including props, objects and artefacts dedicated to world-famous figures.

1. Step inside the home of London’s favourite detective at the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
2. See a giant stuffed walrus and many more curious items at the Horniman Museum and Gardens. 
3. Experience the grand rooms of Apsley House and Wellington Arch across the road both great reminders of the Duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon in 1815.
4. Learn about the incredible work of the lady with the lamp at the Florence Nightingale Museum.
5. The City of London is full of hidden and unusual museums, from The City of London Police Museum to the Museum of Philatelic History.
6. Visit the House of MinaLima to see original artworks and props from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
7. Find out about life in the 18th century with a visit to Dennis Severs' House. 
8. Explore the homes of two of the world's most celebrated musicians at Handel Hendrix House in London. 
9. Delve into the history of 19th-century surgery at the Old Operating Theatre.
10. Head to the Wellcome Collection to find out about the impact of medicine on our lives.
11. Appreciate the work of one of London’s most famous 19th-century novelists at The Charles Dickens Museum.
12. Ask to see the "scentilating" tiny museum at the back of Floris on Jermyn Street.

See musicians hone their craft at hidden venues around the capital. With many famous bands hosting top-secret shows, keep an eye out for one of the most secret things to do in London.

1. Enjoy evening entertainment at the glorious Wilton's Music Hall, the world’s oldest surviving grand music hall.
2. Drop by Village Underground in east London for DJ sets and live music events.
3. Jive to live music in swanky 1950s-inspired surroundings at the Rivoli Ballroom.
4. Listen to smooth tunes at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, which has welcomed legendary jazz artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Getz and Buddy Rich.
5. Make sure to request your favourite tunes at one of The Piano Works' non-stop live music venues in London.
6. Dance along to music from super-talented artists at Bush Hall – become a member to access top-secret shows in London.
7. Head over to The Half Moon Putney whose past performers include the Rolling Stones.
8. Venture below river level to Tower Bridge’s Bascule Chambers for an unforgettable concert, as part of the annual Totally Thames festival.
9. Listen to live music on the streets of London at a top busking spot, including Trafalgar Square, South Bank and Covent Garden.

If you’re a fan of all things boutique, head to these hidden shopping gems for everything from quirky antiques to locally made gifts and vintage clothing.

1. Fall in love with magical Alice in Wonderland-inspired items at Alice Through The Looking Glass.
2. Step into the futuristic Cyberdog for florescent fashions and neon rave accessories.
3. Look for books, toys and merchandise which bring back childhood memories at The Moomin Shop.
4. Browse for books in beautiful Edwardian surroundings at the Marylebone branch of Daunt Books.
5. Pick up unusual supplies, from dragon treats to fang floss, at Hoxton Street Monster Supplies. 
6. Find eclectic shops among elegant arcades tucked away in St James's, including Princes Arcade, Piccadilly Arcade and Burlington Arcade.
7. Search the London Beatles Store for all things rock'n'roll, from vinyl records to cool memorabilia.
8. While away a rainy afternoon at James Smith & Sons, which has sold umbrellas in London since 1830.
9. Shop for tins of tea and more at Twinings, the oldest tea shop in London with more than 300 years of history.
10. Seek out shops in quiet courtyards and backstreets within major shopping hotspots, such as The Yards, Floral Street and St Christopher's Place.

Discover more hidden shopping gems in London for cool specialist boutiques and off-the-high-street brands.

Looking for a fun day out with a twist? Hear some of the capital’s best kept secrets with guided tours of hidden London attractions.

1. Head out on a puzzle-filled urban adventure with CityDays solving a series of clues to uncover the city's best-kept secrets.
2. Venture beneath the streets of London to explore abandoned Tube stations on Hidden Underground Tours.
3. Scare yourself silly during a ride through London with The Ghost Bus Tours.
4. See a completely different side of the city one toilet at a time during a London Loo Tour.
5. Be dazzled by views of the capital from above on a London Helicopter Tour – one of the most unique secret London things to do.
6. Discover the chilling story of London’s most notorious serial killer with Jack the Ripper Ghost Walks and stop off at his favourite drinking spot, The Ten Bells.
7. Take a tour of the Royal Hospital Chelsea with a resident Chelsea Pensioner.

Go off the beaten track and find the coolest and quirkiest bars in London. You may even need to offer the secret password!

1. Check out one of the city's cool themed bars; options include Cahoots, Alcotraz, The Bootlegger and Moonshine Saloon. 
2. Jump into a giant ball pit and sip on delicious cocktails at Ballie Ballerson. 
3. Ask to see the Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town to gain access to this secret bar in London.
4. Help solve the latest case at the mysterious Evans and Peel Detective Agency.
5. Take a bottle of spirit along to BYOC, where the talented bartenders will design your perfect cocktail.
6. Step back in time to the glamorous 1920s at the Luggage Room in Mayfair.  
7. Soak up the summer sun with sensational secret things to do in London and enjoy a drink in Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden at Southbank Centre.
8. Sample incredible cocktails at the Czech-inspired Lounge Bohemia (this top-secret London bar is by appointment only).
9. Sip cocktails by flickering candlelight at the award-winning Nightjar.
10. Find bars hidden within venues across London, such as the Punch Room at London Edition, Swans Bar at Maison Assouline and Treehouse Hotel London's The Nest.
11. Embrace the weird and wonderful at one of London’s quirky bars, or head to a fabulous rooftop bar in London, such as on John Lewis Oxford Street's rooftop and Queen of Hoxton.

Experience secret places to eat in London from hidden-away restaurants to alternative afternoon teas and extravagant eateries.

1. Tuck into an alternative afternoon tea in London.
2. Step through a secret entrance in Bubbledogs to take a seat at the Michelin-starred Kitchen Table.
3. Be plunged into darkness during an unforgettable three-course meal at Dans Le Noir.
4. Indulge in mouthwatering desserts at top-secret London spot, Basement Sate.
5. Look out for Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Parlour, hidden behind a green door in London’s Chinatown. 
6. Mingle with other in-the-know locals over street food at Seven Dials Market, Mercato Mayfair or Market Hall West End.
7. Or head to foodie hotspots around London Bridge, where Maltby Street Market, Flat Iron Square and Vinegar Yard await.
8. Find everything from tapas to tagines on Heddon Street – a foodie paradise hidden just a few steps from the bustling Regent Street.
9. Tuck into tea and cake surrounded by feline friends at Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium.  
10. Take a shopping pit stop at the hidden-away Bond Street Kitchen in Fenwick on Bond Street.
11. Head to glamorous Brunswick House Cafe, which is hidden away in a Georgian mansion.
12. Don't spoil the secret at Rochelle Canteen. Locate a hidden door in a garden wall and dine in the converted bike shed of an old Shoreditch school.

Discover secret places in London that don’t appear on traditional tourist itineraries. Many of them are even free to visit.

1. Spend an afternoon exploring London's cool musical heritage.
2. Take in London’s spectacular sights from the river while kayaking down the Thames.
3. Look out for London’s quirky street art. See if you can spot the Seven Noses of Soho or the hidden ears in Covent Garden.
4. Or have a go at street art yourself during regular events and workshops at Insta-famous Leake Street Arches.
5. Head outdoors to find secret places in London and explore some of London's most peaceful places.
6. Uncover the abundant history of Roman London, including the remains of the capital’s little-known Roman wall, the London Mithraeum Bloomberg Space and London's Roman Amphitheatre.
7. See if you can spot the smallest police station in London at Trafalgar Square.
8. Check into one of London's cool and quirky hotels.

The capital isn’t short of fun things to do around the city. Keep an eye out for secret events happening at these exciting venues.

1. Peer inside iconic buildings and private homes rarely opened to the public during Open House London.
2. Watch your favourite flicks underneath the stars at Rooftop Film Club.
3. Lose yourself in the immersive world of Secret Cinema.
4. Tantalise your taste buds during a top-secret dining experience with Gingerline.
5. Enjoy an evening of cheap entertainment at one of London's little-known pub theatres.
6. Chuckle along to hilarious stand-up shows at the Top Secret Comedy Club.  
7. Step into the 1920s for a prohibition-themed party in a secret location with The Candlelight Club.
8. Follow an exciting trail of artworks during all-night festival, Art Night.
9. Stop by a church to hear the beautiful sounds of a Choral Evensong service.

If you’re looking for even more secret things to do in London, make sure to check out the best of London’s hidden gems or discover some of the capital’s quirkiest attractions.