Looking for free things to do in London? You won’t believe what I stumbled upon during my adventures in the British capital! While millions flock to famous places to visit in London like the Natural History Museum and British Museum without spending a penny, the real treasures lie hidden in plain sight.
Sure, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace steal the spotlight, but let me tell you about the gems I discovered off the tourist trail. These unusual places to visit in London for free will blow your mind. Picture this – a Victorian pumping station that looks grander than any palace you’ve seen, and a magical secret garden tucked away in ancient church ruins. The best part? They’re all completely free London attractions!
My favorite find has to be this incredible museum that takes you through two million years of human history. And just wait until you hear the roar of a T-Rex that won’t cost you a single pound to visit. These aren’t your typical guidebook recommendations – these are the spots that made me fall in love with London’s quirkier side. So if you’re wondering what to do in London for free, read on for some of the best free things to do in London!
Explore the Neon Wonderland at God’s Own Junkyard
Image Source: www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk
I still remember the moment I first stepped into this unassuming East London warehouse. My jaw dropped at the sight of Europe’s largest collection of neon signs and artwork. If you’re looking for fun free things to do in London, this dazzling attraction should be at the top of your list. The story behind this free London attraction started with Dick Bracey, a former Welsh coal miner who began crafting signs back in 1952.
History of God’s Own Junkyard
The tale gets even better. Dick Bracey kicked things off with Electro Signs, making neon displays that lit up circuses and fairgrounds. His son Chris took things to another level in the 1970s – they called him the “Neon Man” for his eye-catching signs in Soho’s entertainment district. Hollywood came calling too, and Chris ended up working his magic on films like Blade Runner, Batman, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Best Photo Spots
You won’t believe the scale of this place – over 1,500 neon pieces creating the most incredible light show you’ve ever seen. I spent hours wandering through the maze-like paths, discovering everything from movie props to vintage fairground signs. While you can snap away on your phone for social media, leave the fancy DSLR at home. My favorite spot? The Rolling Scones Café – perfect for capturing that neon glow while sipping on something warm.
Opening Hours and Location
Looking to visit this unusual place in London for free? Head to Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate in Walthamstow. They’re open:
- Fridays and Saturdays: 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sundays: 11 AM to 6 PM
Here’s a tip from my visit – from Walthamstow Central station, it’s a 15-minute walk. Just look for the random cow sculpture at the entrance, you can’t miss it. Oh, and do check their website before heading out – they sometimes close for private events.
Hunt for Roman Ruins at London Mithraeum
Image Source: London Mithraeum
To be honest, I felt a bit skeptical when someone told me about a Roman temple hiding under a modern office building. But seven meters beneath Bloomberg’s European headquarters, I discovered one of the most fascinating free London attractions – a temple that had Londoners queuing around blocks back in 1954.
London Mithraeum History
The Temple of Mithras has quite the story. Built around AD 240, workers stumbled upon it during post-war rebuilding. You should have seen the excitement – over 400,000 people flocked to see it in just two weeks! The temple belonged to a mysterious all-male cult who worshipped Mithras, holding their secret initiation rituals behind these very walls.
Interactive Experience Details
I wasn’t prepared for how immersive this place would be. First up, you’ll see over 600 Roman artifacts they dug up during excavations. But the real magic happens when you head down to the temple level. The room goes dark, and suddenly structural light beams and theatrical haze bring these ancient ruins to life right before your eyes. Latin chants echo through the space, water sounds ripple around you, and flickering fire effects transport you back to those mysterious ancient ceremonies.
Visiting Tips
Want to check out one of the most unusual places to visit in London for free? They’re open:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM to 5 PM
Here’s what I learned from my visit – book ahead (it’s free but you need a slot), as they run tours every 20 minutes. My top tip? Grab a spot at the front of the platform that juts into the middle of the temple. Trust me, it’s the best view in the house. The whole experience takes about 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore both the artifacts and the temple itself.
Visit the Magnificent Crossness Pumping Station
Image Source: Living London History
You know what blew my mind recently? A sewage pumping station! I know it sounds weird, but trust me – this Grade I Listed beauty in South-East London is more palace than pump house. If you’re looking for things to do in central London that are off the beaten path, this is a must-see.
Victorian Engineering Marvel
The moment I stepped inside, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Built between 1859 and 1865, this place houses four massive beam engines that would make any engineer weak in the knees. Each one has 52-ton flywheels and 47-ton beams – the biggest survivors of their kind anywhere in the world. They even gave them royal names: Victoria, Prince Consort, Albert Edward, and Alexandra. The Prince Consort engine still roars to life on special days, and let me tell you, it’s a sight to behold!
Architecture Highlights
The real showstopper is the Octagon – I still remember gasping when I first saw it. The ironwork looks like delicate lace painted in the most vibrant colors you can imagine. Charles Henry Driver, the genius behind this masterpiece, went all out with the Romanesque style, adding these gorgeous rounded arches above the windows. People call it the “Cathedral on the Marsh,” and when you see the fancy ironwork with Metropolitan Board of Works initials everywhere, you’ll understand why.
Free Tour Information
The Crossness Engines Trust has been looking after this gem since 1987. If you’re planning to visit (which you absolutely should), here’s what I learned:
- Book your tickets ahead on their website
- Pick between regular tours or steaming days (go for steaming if you can!)
- Wear comfy clothes and flat shoes – trust me on this one
Want to bring a group? They’re happy to arrange private tours for schools, universities, and community groups – just drop them a line.
Discover the Secret Garden at St Dunstan in the East
Image Source: Roaming Required
I almost walked right past it. Tucked between the towering glass giants of London’s financial district, this Grade I listed medieval church turned secret garden stopped me in my tracks. If you’re wondering what to do in London for free that’s truly unique, this hidden gem should be on your list.
Garden History
The story of this place reads like a survivor’s tale. Born in the 12th century, St Dunstan in the East has seen more drama than most London landmarks. The Great Fire of 1666 tried to take it down, but Sir Christopher Wren wasn’t having any of that – he rebuilt it with this gorgeous Gothic tower and steeple. Even when German bombs nearly flattened it in 1941, Wren’s tower stood its ground like a stubborn old friend.
Best Times to Visit
Want the garden to yourself? Here’s what I learned the hard way – skip the workday visits unless you fancy sharing your peaceful moment with lunch-breaking bankers. The garden opens daily from 8 AM until dusk. Spring and summer are magical here – climbing plants and evergreen shrubs create this incredible green ceiling above the old walls.
Photography Tips
Let me save you some trial and error with these photo tips:
- First time I came, my photos were way too dark. Bring a tripod – those tall buildings block more light than you’d think
- Golden hour is your friend – either just after sunrise or before sunset. The light does amazing things here
- Try framing your shots through the Gothic arches. The contrast between the old church and modern skyscrapers is mind-blowing
- Get up close with those moss-covered walls and tiny flowers. Some of my best shots are the detail ones
I still can’t believe this otherworldly spot exists in the middle of London’s concrete jungle. When the city gets too much, this medieval-meets-modern sanctuary is my go-to escape.
Experience the Ceremony of the Keys
Image Source: Historic Royal Palaces
You won’t believe what happens at the Tower of London every night at exactly 9:53 PM. I got goosebumps watching this ancient ceremony that’s been running like clockwork for over 700 years. It’s one of the most unique free things to do in London today.
Tower of London Tradition
The story behind this tradition is brilliant. Back in 1340, King Edward III found the Tower’s doors wide open one December night. He wasn’t too happy about that – threw the Constable in prison for being careless and started this nightly lock-up ritual. The ceremony has only missed one night in all these centuries – when a bomb hit the Tower during World War II.
How to Book Free Tickets
Here’s the tricky part – you’ll need to be quick with your booking! Historic Royal Palaces releases tickets at 4 PM on the first working day of each month. It’ll cost you £5 (barely enough for a London coffee!), and you can grab up to six tickets. Pro tip from my experience: plan ahead – April’s tickets pop up in early March.
What to Expect
I still remember every detail of my visit. Everyone gathers at the Tower’s main entrance at 9:30 PM sharp. Then out comes this amazing sight – the Chief Yeoman Warder in his red Watch Coat and Tudor Bonnet, holding a candle lantern and the King’s Keys. A military escort joins in, and they start locking up the fortress. The best part? This centuries-old exchange that gave me chills:
“Halt! Who comes there?” “The Keys.” “Whose Keys?” “King Charles’s Keys.” “Pass King Charles’s Keys. All’s well.”
By 10:05 PM, it’s all over. Oh, and two important things I learned the hard way – leave your camera at home (no photos allowed), and don’t be late. They’re super strict about both.
Walk Through the Magnificent Sky Garden
Image Source: Sky Garden
Looking for the best view in London? Let me tell you about this incredible garden floating above the city. Perched at the top of what locals call the Walkie Talkie building, this sky-high oasis gives you a stunning 360-degree view of London’s skyline. It’s one of the top free things to do in London that offers breathtaking viewpoints.
Sky Garden Features
The clever folks at Gillespies (they’re award-winning landscape architects, by the way) turned this space into something magical. I spent ages wandering around, spotting African Lilies, Red Hot Pokers, and these amazing Bird of Paradise plants. The French Lavender had me closing my eyes and breathing in deeply – almost forgot I was in central London! The garden spreads across three whole floors, with observation decks and this gorgeous open-air terrace where you can watch boats snake along the Thames.
Best Viewing Times
Here’s a secret from my visits – early birds catch the best views here. They’re open from 10 AM to 6 PM weekdays and 11 AM to 9 PM weekends. Want my absolute favorite time to visit? Sunset. There’s something magical about watching the city lights start twinkling below. If you’re here in summer, try sneaking in around 9 PM – it’s usually quieter then.
Booking Process
Right, here’s the tricky bit – you need to plan ahead. New tickets pop up every Monday morning for dates three weeks ahead. They’re pretty strict with timing – you get one hour to soak it all in. If you’re feeling spontaneous, try your luck with walk-in slots Monday through Friday between 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM. Oh, and don’t be late – they’re not kidding about that 10-minute rule!
Explore the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Image Source: Tripadvisor
You know those moments when you stumble upon something so unexpected, it takes your breath away? That’s exactly what happened when I found this slice of Japan hiding in Holland Park. The Kyoto Garden, a gorgeous gift from the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce back in 1991, stopped me in my tracks. It’s one of the most serene free things to do in London this weekend.
Japanese Garden Elements
The garden is pure magic. They’ve used this traditional style called ‘kaiyushiki’ (that’s Japanese for stroll garden), and wait until you see the tiered waterfall at its heart. Stone lanterns peek out between the greenery, and there’s this beautiful marble bridge that gives you the most incredible views. The whole thing flows around this uniquely shaped pond – like a gourd, if you can picture it – and everything just fits together perfectly.
Peaceful Spots
I found my favorite spot on one of the benches overlooking the koi pond. It’s clever how they’ve done it – they’ve borrowed views from the surrounding trees to make the garden feel bigger than it is. The best time to visit? Spring when the cherry blossoms explode into pink clouds, or autumn when the Japanese maples turn fiery red.
Wildlife Spotting
Every visit brings a new surprise. Here’s what I’ve spotted:
- These absolutely fabulous peacocks that own the place like they’re royalty
- A great blue heron that loves preening by the pond (quite the diva!)
- The most colorful koi carp gliding through the tiered pools
- Cheeky rose-ringed parakeets playing hide and seek in the trees
Just remember – leave the picnic basket and furry friends at home. While you could rush through in 20 minutes, why would you? This pocket of peace in busy London deserves your time. Trust me, sitting here watching the koi swim by is better than any meditation app.
Visit the Unusual Grant Museum of Zoology
Image Source: University College London
Let me tell you about the quirkiest museum I’ve ever visited. The Grant Museum is London’s last university zoological museum, and trust me, their collection of 67,000 specimens will blow your mind. Since 1828, when Robert Edmond Grant first opened its doors, this fascinating place has been both a serious research center and a cabinet of curiosities. It’s one of the most unusual places to visit in London for free that will fascinate science lovers.
Unique Collections
The star of the show? One of only seven known skeletons of the quagga – imagine a zebra that went extinct in 1883. I spent hours gawking at Tasmanian tiger specimens and actual dodo bones! But what really got me were these incredibly delicate glass models of marine creatures, so detailed you’d swear they were alive. The whole place feels like stepping back in time, with Victorian display cases that were around during The Great Exhibition of 1851.
Famous Jar of Moles
Now, here’s something you don’t see every day – a jar stuffed with 18 preserved moles. The story behind it is brilliant – they used to pack multiple specimens together to save money and make them easier to move around. This jar has become such a celebrity that it gets fan mail from other museum mascots and even does interviews. Yes, you read that right – a jar of moles does interviews!
Educational Programs
The museum isn’t just about staring at specimens (though that’s pretty amazing). They run these fantastic monthly family events about everything from social justice to climate change, where kids can get creative with animal inventions or go fossil hunting. Scientists pop in regularly to study the specimens, and school groups come to learn about:
- Bones and skeletons
- Teeth and diet
- Animal classification
- Evolution and adaptation
You’ll find this treasure trove in the Rockefeller Building at University College London. They’re open Monday through Saturday, 1 PM to 5 PM. Want to bring a group? Just give them a ring, and they’ll sort you out with a morning slot.
Discover Street Art in Leake Street Tunnel
Image Source: Tripadvisor
The first time I ventured beneath Waterloo Station, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was mind-blowing – a 300-meter tunnel that’s become London’s biggest legal graffiti playground. It’s one of the most vibrant free things to do in London today for art lovers.
Graffiti History
You should have seen this place back in 2008! That’s when Banksy (yes, THE Banksy) turned this old Eurostar entrance into something special. He called it the Cans Festival, inviting street artists from all over the world to leave their mark. Some pieces were so good they had to protect them behind plexiglass, like the ones by Blek Le Rat.
Artist Information
Want to try your hand at street art? Here’s what I learned about the rules:
- Keep it respectful – no discriminatory content
- Leave the drinks and drugs at home
- Don’t get precious about your work – it might be painted over
- Stick to the designated areas
I met this brilliant guy, Marc Craig, who’s the artist-in-residence. He runs these amazing workshops for beginners wanting to learn spray-painting. The best part? The artwork changes daily, so every visit brings new surprises.
Photography Tips
Trust me on this one – getting good photos here is tricky. I found daytime works best, especially when artists are working on new pieces. Try positioning yourself to catch that sweet spot where natural light from the entrances meets the artwork. Still struggling with the contrast? Use bracketed shots to balance those bright tunnel openings with the darker bits inside.
Explore the Ruins of St Mary Aldermanbury
Image Source: Bowl Of Chalk
You know what’s incredible about London? Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you stumble upon something extraordinary. Take this peaceful garden at the corner of Aldermanbury and Love Lane – it marks the spot where a church packed its bags and sailed across the ocean. Yes, you read that right! It’s one of the most unusual places to visit in London for free that history buffs will love.
Church History
The story starts way back in 1181, when St Mary Aldermanbury was just a simple two-room church. Talk about a survivor – this place got knocked down by the Great Fire of 1666, rebuilt by the legendary Christopher Wren, only to be hammered again during the 1940 Blitz. But here’s the kicker – in 1966, they shipped the remaining stones to Fulton, Missouri, where they rebuilt it as a memorial to Churchill’s famous ‘Iron Curtain’ speech. I still can’t wrap my head around that one!
Shakespeare Connection
Now, this is where it gets even better. Two of Shakespeare’s buddies, Henry Condell and John Heminge, called this parish home. These guys weren’t just any old actors in the King’s Men company – they lived here and were buried in the churchyard. But their biggest claim to fame? They’re the heroes who gathered and published Shakespeare’s plays in the First Folio of 1623. Without these two, we might have lost some of the greatest stories ever told.
Garden Features
Today, the garden tells its own story through foundation stones that trace where the church once stood. I love how they’ve topped the memorial with Shakespeare’s bust – a perfect tribute to Condell and Heminge’s literary legacy. The modern landscaping blends beautifully with the historical elements. But my favorite bit? The memorial plaque with its etching of the original church – it’s like a passport stamp showing this incredible building’s journey across the Atlantic.
Visit the Postman’s Park Memorials
Image Source: Symbols & Secrets
Just steps away from St. Paul’s Cathedral, I found something that brought tears to my eyes – a memorial wall telling stories of everyday Londoners who gave their lives saving others. These aren’t tales of famous heroes, but ordinary people who did extraordinary things. It’s one of the most touching free things to do in London that will stay with you long after your visit.
Memorial History
The story behind this place is fascinating. Back in 1887, an artist named George Frederic Watts had this beautiful idea to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. It took until 1900 for his dream to become real, starting with just four ceramic tiles that cost £3 5s each. With help from artist William De Morgan, the memorial grew into what we see today – 54 tablets remembering 62 incredible people.
Notable Stories
Every time I visit, I discover a new story that stays with me. The tales span three centuries, from Sarah Smith, a pantomime artist in 1863, right up to Leigh Pitt in 2007. The one that really got to me was Alice Ayres, who ran back into a burning building to save three children. Her bravery actually inspired Watts to create this whole memorial. The youngest hero was just eight years old – little Henry Bristow – while the oldest, Daniel Pemberton, was sixty-one.
Location Details
You’ll find this treasure in Postman’s Park, which opened its gates in 1880 on what used to be St Botolph’s Aldersgate churchyard. Look for the wooden shelter (they call it a loggia) designed by Ernest George – that’s where you’ll find these beautiful ceramic plaques arranged in three neat rows. Want to visit? Here’s when they’re open:
- Monday to Saturday: 9 AM to 4:45 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 4:45 PM
The Royal Doulton tiles with their fancy lettering tell these stories in such a beautiful way. Trust me, once you start reading these tales, you won’t want to leave.
Hunt for Seven Noses of Soho
Image Source: Londonist
To be honest, I felt a bit silly the first time I went nose-hunting in London. Yes, you heard that right – actual noses sticking out of walls! These plaster schnozzles peek out from central London’s historic buildings, creating what might be the quirkiest treasure hunt I’ve ever done. It’s one of the most unusual free things to do in London that will have you looking at the city in a whole new way.
Art Installation Story
Here’s the brilliant bit – back in 1997, this artist Rick Buckley got fed up with all the CCTV cameras popping up around London. Taking inspiration from these artsy rebels called the Situationists, he made 35 casts of his own nose. Then, under the cover of darkness (like some nose ninja), he stuck them all over the place – even on fancy buildings like the National Gallery and Tate Britain.
Nose Locations
Sadly, only seven of these nosey fellows have survived. You really have to keep your eyes peeled – they’re painted to match the walls they’re stuck to. I spent ages hunting them down around Admiralty Arch, Dean Street, and Endell Street in Covent Garden.
Urban Legends
The best part? For 14 years before Buckley came clean in 2011, people came up with the most fantastic stories about these noses. My favorite is the one about finding all seven noses bringing you endless wealth. And wait till you hear about the Admiralty Arch nose – some reckon it was poking fun at Napoleon, while others swear it’s a spare for Admiral Lord Nelson’s statue in Trafalgar Square. What started as a protest against surveillance turned into this amazing urban treasure hunt through London’s winding streets.
Explore the Barbican Conservatory
Image Source: Barbican
You know what’s surreal? Finding a tropical rainforest inside a concrete fortress! Tucked away in London’s iconic Brutalist Barbican, I discovered the city’s second-largest conservatory, and it blew my mind. It’s one of the most unexpected free things to do in London this weekend that nature lovers will adore.
Tropical Paradise Details
The clever folks at Chamberlin, Powell and Bon wrapped this green wonderland around the Barbican Theater’s fly tower. Picture this – 23,000 square feet of steel and glass sheltering more than 1,600 cubic meters of hand-mixed soil. The best part? Three gorgeous pools where Japanese and American koi swim alongside these ghostly-looking carp, and there’s even a special pool where terrapins live their best life.
Plant Species
I lost count trying to name all the plants – apparently there’s about 1,500 different species! Tree ferns tower over you like prehistoric giants, date palms reach for the glass ceiling, and I couldn’t stop staring at these Swiss cheese plants with their crazy holes. They’ve even got coffee shrubs and ginger plants growing in here. The main glasshouse stays cozy at 11°C, though the arid house gets a bit chilly in winter at 8°C. My favorite find? This weird-looking pachycaul nettle from Madagascar and – believe it or not – an actual peyote cactus.
Opening Times
Want to visit this hidden jungle? Here’s when you can:
- Friday: 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 12 PM to 7 PM
Here’s a pro tip – book your free tickets in advance when they release new slots each month. If you’re feeling spontaneous, try your luck with same-day tickets at 9:30 AM. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy, book their afternoon tea on selected Sundays. Trust me, sipping tea surrounded by tropical plants is something else.
Visit the Pet Cemetery in Hyde Park
Image Source: The Royal Parks
Hidden behind the iron railings of Victoria Gate lies one of London’s most touching secrets – a Victorian pet cemetery that tells tales of love between Londoners and their furry friends. Every time I visit, the tiny headstones break my heart a little. It’s one of the most poignant free things to do in London that animal lovers shouldn’t miss.
Cemetery History
The whole thing started by accident, really. Back in 1881, this kind-hearted gatekeeper Mr. Winbridge at Victoria Lodge let someone bury their Maltese terrier, Cherry. That one simple act of kindness caught on with London’s wealthy pet owners. Things got really posh when Prince, a Yorkshire terrier belonging to the Duke of Cambridge’s wife, had a tragic run-in with a carriage. After that, this little garden became THE place for London’s elite to remember their beloved pets.
Notable Graves
You won’t believe what I found here – over 1,000 tiny headstones, each with its own story to tell. It’s not just cats and dogs either – three monkeys and several birds call this place their forever home. Some of the epitaphs really get to you, like this one that reads “Balu, Son of Fritz – poisoned by a cruel Swiss”. All the gravestones match in size and shape, but the messages on them? Pure love between pets and their humans.
Access Information
Here’s the tricky bit – you can’t just wander in whenever you fancy. The Royal Parks runs guided tours for £10 per person, but only on certain dates. You’ll find this hidden treasure in Victoria Lodge’s garden, this gorgeous mid-19th-century building near Hyde Park’s Victoria Gate. Trust me, it’s worth booking a tour – there’s no better way to understand how the Victorians felt about their four-legged family members.
Discover the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs
Image Source: Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs
The first time I saw them, I nearly dropped my coffee! There, lounging by serene lakes in Crystal Palace Park’s southern section, were life-sized prehistoric beasts. These aren’t your typical park statues – they’re one of London’s most jaw-dropping free attractions. If you’re wondering what to do in London for free that’s truly unique, this is it!
Victorian Dinosaur Models
Let me tell you about Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, the absolute genius who crafted these beauties between 1853 and 1855. Working with Sir Richard Owen (quite the clever chap), he created 30 palaeontological statues and five geological displays. Here’s the funny bit – only four of these massive beasts are actually proper dinosaurs: two Iguanodons, one Megalosaurus, and one Hylaeosaurus. The whole gang’s arranged like a prehistoric timeline, from oldest to newest.
Historical Significance
You know what’s brilliant? These sculptures were the world’s first crack at showing extinct animals in their full-sized glory, based just on fossil remains. Even Queen Victoria and Prince Albert couldn’t resist popping by multiple times to have a gander. The models are so special they got Grade I listed status in 2007 – proper posh for prehistoric pets! They’re now considered crucial pieces in scientific history.
Walking Route
Want to visit my scaly friends? Head to the park’s south section, near the Penge entrance and Information Center. The paths are step-free, though I learned the hard way they get a bit mucky when it rains. Grab an audio tour if you can – it’s brilliant for understanding what you’re looking at, plus there are helpful signs all around the lakes. If you’re bringing the little ones (and you should!), pack some binoculars. Trust me, watching their faces light up when they spot these beasts up close is priceless.
Conclusion
You know what amazes me most about London? Just when you think you’ve seen it all, this incredible city proves you wrong. I started this journey hunting for free things to do in London, but I found so much more – stories that gave me goosebumps, places that left me speechless, and secrets hiding in plain sight.
Sure, you could stick to the tourist spots like the Natural History Museum or Tate Modern, but trust me – the real magic happens when you venture off that well-worn path. I still can’t believe I watched a 700-year-old ceremony at the Tower of London, discovered a Victorian pet cemetery that brought tears to my eyes, and found dinosaurs lounging by a lake in Crystal Palace.
From the neon wonderland of God’s Own Junkyard to the mysterious underground temple of Mithras, each place tells its own fascinating tale. Some made me laugh (like hunting for plaster noses across Soho), others left me in awe (that pumping station is grander than any palace!), but each one showed me a different side of London.
So here’s my advice – grab your comfiest shoes, charge up your phone (you’ll want photos!), and go exploring. These hidden corners of London are waiting for you, and the best part? They won’t cost you a penny. Who knows? You might just fall in love with London all over again, just like I did.
