10 Secret Places to Discover in London

1. STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE

Strawberry Hill House — often called simply Strawberry Hill — is the Gothic Revival villa that was built in Twickenham by Horace Walpole from 1749. It is internationally famous as Britain’s finest example of Georgian Gothic revival architecture. Visiting is quite a theatrical experience with its renaissance glass, gloomy castle-like hall, and grey Gothic staircase leading to the magnificent gallery.

2. DENNIS SEVERS’ HOUSE

Dennis Severs’ House is a time capsule attraction in which visitors are immersed in a unique form of theatre. The ten rooms of this original Huguenot house have been decked out to recreate snapshots of life in Spitalfields between 1724 and 1914. You’re able to book a tour of the house that takes you through the entire house, and it feels as though the inhabitants had deserted the rooms only moments before.

3. BRITAIN’S SMALLEST POLICE STATION

In the southeast corner of Trafalgar Square, unnoticed by most visitors, is what many have called the world’s smallest police station. Made from a hollowed-out lamp post, it was installed in 1926 so policemen could keep a close eye on demonstrators at the popular protest site. Nowadays, it’s used for storage by the council.

4. WILTON’S MUSIC HALL

Experience the world’s oldest and last surviving grand music hall. Pretty amazing, if you ask me! It’s now used as a multi-arts performance space, there are guided tours offering a fascinating insight into the history and heritage of Wilton’s itself, music halls in general and London’s East End.

5. TEA ROOM AT THE V&A MUSEUM

Although the Victoria & Albert museum is quite well known, many people don’t know about their tea room. It’s decked out in incredible Victorian decor that makes it a museum all on it’s own. It’s also the first museum restaurant in the world! Sit back with an English tea after exploring the magical grounds.

6. POSTMAN’S PARK

Postman’s Park gained its name due to its popularity as a lunch spot with workers from the nearby old General Post Office. Now it’s home to the unique Watts memorial, a gallery of glazed tablets commemorating tragic acts of bravery.

7. ST DUNSTAN’S IN THE EAST

The Church of St Dunstan was originally built around 1100 but was severely damaged several times after, which left the City of London deciding to turn it into a public garden, which opened in 1970. You really will feel secluded in this gem of a City Garden.

8. ST. MARTIN’S WINDOW

The East window of St Martin’s church was designed by the Iranian artist Shirazeh Houshiary in collaboration with architect Pip Horne and was unveiled in 2008. The art piece was inspired by the way water reflects and changes images.

9. THE MAYOR OF SCAREDY CAT TOWN

If the name doesn’t entice you enough, perhaps the fact you enter through a fridge door from a restaurant might! Enjoy a cocktail in the tiny, dimly lit basement bar. It’s located beneath the Breakfast Club in Spitalfields

10. SECRET CINEMA

you buy a ticket, you don’t know what the film is, you just turn up where the organisers tell you. Previous locations include chapels, empty schools and underground tunnels!

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