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When you are visiting London in England, it’s easy to fall into the obvious tourist trap of ticking off the usual top sights. You will know the ones I mean – Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Wembley Stadium, the London Eye, etc.

However, London is a massive city and the lists of things to see and do are endless. I spent a year working in London and still only scratch the surface with it on my visits back.

Here are 8 secret places to visit in London.

The Viaduct Tavern

The Viaduct Tavern is a pub housed inside an old prison. It’s often featured on the Monopoly Pub Crawl and is a perfect place to sip English bitter pints.

Marble Arch

Not everyone is aware that there is actually a large arch at Marble Arch, hence the name. It has become a bit of a photographers favourite and the gardens and parks around it now feature lots of artistic statues.

Greenwich Observatory

Every time you look at a clock or a watch, did you ever stop and think why we have time? Why is it there? To find the answers, head to Greenwich Observatory to see the place where time began.

Camden Lock

Most people think of Camden as the “hippy Camden Town” full of markets and stylish music street but behind all that, you find canals.

Down by Camden Lock is London’s very own Little Venice, which is featured in the best secrets for people moving to London. There are canals that you can tour by boat, and they are hidden off the main streets. In summer months, they are a hive of secret activity.

Abbey Road

You could be forgiven for saying this isn’t that “secret” as the Beatles Abbey Road album has sold over 15 million copies on vinyl, cassette, CD, remaster and digital download.

However, the place where the album was recorded is slightly off the beaten track. Get out at St. John’s Wood train station and make the walk down to Abbey Road and the famous pelican crossing.

Secret Cinema

Book your tickets for this Secret Cinema and you don’t know the film until you arrive! This would make an interesting first date and The Guardian has recommended it.

The New Den

Football is the biggest sport in London and a common myth is regarding tickets to matches selling out or being of extortionate prices. Well, you should head to the fabulous New Den in South Bermondsey in that case!

This is the home of Millwall Football Club who have a massive 20,000 plus all-seater stadium. The fans are lively and the team normally ply their trade in the second and third tiers of the English league. Tickets can cost as little as £10.

The Candlelight Club

Similar to the “Secret Cinema”, except the Candlelight Club is a secret nightclub. In fact it is so secret that the location changes each week and is kept a secret until the day of the event.

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Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, TwitterYouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

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Photo credits: Featured by E01. Camden Lock by garryknight.

    8 Comments

  1. Yes the Tower is hardly a secret place to visit, but the very best “secret” activity my husband and I ever did there was to attend Sunday morning worship in its chapel. It’s an Anglican service of course, and open to the public — but he & I were I think the only nonregulars the morning we visited, many years ago now. It was absolutely breathtaking to imagine that we were sitting in the same chapel where Queen Anne Boleyn said her last prayers. Visitors may enter the Tower free for attending worship, and if you’re judicious with your time you can snap a few tourist-free photos on the way out.

    • Thanks for the tip Kim! I had no idea about that one – I can’t wait to head back and be able to take in a service now!!

  2. I’ve been to the Arch and Abbey Road during one of my past visits. I’ve always meant to visit the Greenwich Observatory. I plan on it next visit. I love to visit places off the beaten track. For an American, visiting Lord’s Cricket grounds was one of them. The Monument was another interesting place to visit, if you don’t mind walking stairs. Or just read the large plaque outside. Last time I was there, my friend and I made our own walking pub crawl and found places to visit off the beaten track. So much more to see than just what is “required”. And usually, more fun and not as crowded.

    • A walking pub crawl to discover off the beaten path attractions is a brilliant idea – such a fab way to explore a city. I totally agree with you that more local attractions like these are much more memorable than those which are spotted across every single tourist map.

      I also enjoy experiencing something with less crowds! Thanks for the tip on Lord’s Cricket grounds – I haven’t been there before so will add it to the list for the next London trip.

      Thanks for reading Jeffrey :)

  3. Oh these are some great tidbits on London :)! Excellent quality pictures also. My favourite spot is Waterstones on Piccadilly Circus. The best bookstore ever!!! Thanks for sharing!

    • Thanks for the tip on Waterstones Silvia – we’re a little addicted to bookstores so will definitely add this to my list for our next UK trip. Excited to discover more secret local spots – thanks for the tip!

  4. Very nice! These seem great places! I am so excited to visit them. Thanks a lot for the great article.

    • Glad the post was helpful Lisa, enjoy your time in London :)

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