Discover London’s Hidden Gems: Underrated Attractions for the Curious Traveler
Big Ben. Buckingham Palace. The Tower of London. The Tower Bridge.
These are all classic sites to see in the city of London, but if you’re looking for places off the beaten path, hidden gems, and secret corners, you’ve come to the right place.
Riverdale Travel, the premier travel agency in Minnesota, has put together a list of some underrated places in London for the curious looking for something unexpected. Get on your walking shoes and head out to experience some of London’s hidden gems.
St. Dunstan-in-the-East
Nestled halfway between the Tower of London and the London Bridge, St. Dunstan-in-the-East is one of the most beautiful old ruins in London. The church was built in 1100, but it was largely destroyed during the Blitz of 1941 during World War II. Instead of rebuilding the church, the city turned it into a public garden. Vines climb through the Gothic stone window frames, and trees grow through the nave. Be sure to visit during the weekend when the “City” workers are home, as it will be quieter and more serene.
The Leadenhall Market
While famous as the filming location for Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter movie, Leadenhall Market has been a center of commerce since the 14th century. The architecture of Leadenhall Market is stunning, with bright red and green ornate ceilings and cobblestone floors. It sits directly on top of what was the center of Roman London (Londinium).
While there, check out the plaque for “Old Tom,” a legendary goose from the 1800s who escaped slaughter and lived in the market for 30 years. He is also commemorated in one of the pubs that line the street.
Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace in North London served as the first home of the BBC’s television service, launching the world’s first regular high-definition public broadcast in 1939. It was the primary production center for television, and later, the news, until the mid-1950s.
The draw for tourists looking for off-the-beaten-path locations is two-fold. Alexandra Palace is a beautiful building with stunning architecture and offers panoramic views of London. Make sure you visit on a clear day so you can see the main center of London from the viewing areas.
Barbican Conservatory
The Barbican Conservatory is the place for plant lovers. It is a hidden, 23,000 square foot tropical oasis that sits atop the Barbican Centre’s theatre in London. As the city’s second-largest conservatory, it houses over 1,500 species of plants, trees, and fish.
Some highlights to see here include tropical plants, palm trees, banana plants, orchids, and cacti. For those looking for more of a thrill, be sure to check out the pachuca nettle, which is a native plant of Madagascar. It is known for its intense sting and is one of the most dangerous plants housed in the conservatory.
Cecil Street
If you love books, particularly old books, check out Cecil Street. This historic alley in London’s West End is famous as “Bookseller’s Row,” home to a cluster of antique bookshops, art dealers, and curiosity stores. It is rumored to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter books.
Cecil Street is near major London landmarks like Charing Cross Road, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden, so it’s easy to take a quick detour to browse old books. The shop owners have deep knowledge of their wares, making them fascinating conversationalists.
Book Your London Adventure with Riverdale Travel
Whether you’re hunting for the hidden ruins of St. Dunstan or looking for classic tourist sites, Riverdale Travel is your premier partner for the ultimate London adventure. Our expert travel consultants don't just book flights; we curate personalized itineraries that reflect your unique travel style—taking the guesswork out of the Tube, the currency, and the culture.
From exclusive hotel perks to insider "hidden gem" recommendations, we handle every detail so you can focus on making memories in one of the world's most iconic cities.
Give us a call today at 763-323-3665 or book a consultation online!