5 Hidden Treasures in and around London
London’s an obvious place for you to have an enjoyably lengthy stay — and you could probably reel off a long list of many of the UK capital’s best-known attractions in just seconds. However, you don’t have to limit your London itinerary to such landmarks as Buckingham Palace, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern.
That’s because London is resplendent in hidden gems — many of which are mercifully easy to reach when you know where you are meant to be looking. So, without further ado, here are some examples…
Eltham Palace
If you are a history buff eager to visit a London site with a link to Henry VIII, you could well have St James’s Palace topping your list of must-sees. A lesser-known place with a connection to this Tudor king, however, is Eltham Palace — which, today, combines elements of a medieval palace and an Art Deco mansion.
That’s because, though Henry VIII enjoyed hunting on this site, it was turned into a glamorous home by millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in the 1930s.
Lewisham’s phone box library
Lewisham is one of south London’s most underrated boroughs — even if it was recently named the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022, as Visit London notes. Only adding to Lewisham’s appeal is, on the corner of Tyrwhitt Road, a phone box that has been turned into a miniature library.
It’s free and simple to use; just turn up, take a book from one of the shelves and leave a book behind for another visitor to hopefully clap their eyes on when visiting this little oasis.
An abandoned Tube station
Which one? Yes, there’s certainly more than one abandoned station of the London Underground network — and checking out one of these stops could provide you with a somewhat spooky insight.
No, you probably won’t spot any actual ghosts lurking around the station — but you could learn more about how the London Underground operates behind the scenes. You could even go on a virtual tour!
Postman’s Park
If you are already set to visit St Paul’s Cathedral during your London stay, you could — before or after looking around that particular building — stop by Postman’s Park, as it is just a short walk away.
It’s a suitably quiet place for sombre reflection — as, beneath a tiled roof, Postman’s Park hosts just over 50 ceramic plaques each commemorating an ordinary person who died in an attempt to save others. You could easily be moved to tears when reading the accompanying descriptions of these heroes’ actions.
Red Cross Garden
Time Out records that, back in 1887, this particular piece of land was surrounded by factories, workhouses and slum dwellings. However, while the setting now looks very different, the garden itself remains with its original Victorian design.
If you are looking for a base from which you would easily be able to travel to various other gorgeous green spaces of London, how about a hotel in the city? Its comprehensive range of public transport options make getting around London relatively simple.
I have always wanted to visit London! Thanks for sharing!