My, oh my, how things change as we age, eh? It used to be the case that the #AP4L and I never wanted to go the same place twice. Because it meant forgoing a whole new place, right? But yes. I’m starting to learn the benefits of repeat visits and, dare I say… slow travel. I’ve never been a slow traveler. (And I don’t think I’ll actually ever be one. I just said I can see the benefits, okay? Calm down.) At any rate, I’d been to London countless times as a kid and, now that I’ve seen the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace twenty times, I get to go see all the actually cool stuff London has to offer. That’s right: “9 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things To Do In London.” Enjoy, friends!
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Unique Things to Do in London
No one will deny that Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, or the Tower Bridge are iconic London landmarks; seeing them in person is an essential experience. However, discovering hidden gems in a city enriches your adventure in ways you never imagined. Trust me, they’re worth exploring.
Here are some of my favorites.
Leake Street Arches
Ah, Leake Street Arches. So. Cool. Basically, the gritty archways under the Underground turned into an extraordinary art space. Complete with restaurants and a performance theater called The Vaults. The Arches are free and open to the public 24/7.
You’ll immediately see someone creating amazing street art if you’re lucky. You can even learn how to graffiti yourself through the free workshops on Thursday evenings.
They’re located on the South Bank, just a little ways from the London Eye and across the river from the Churchill War Rooms, Trafalgar Square, and Covent Garden if you’re interested in those London sights.
Saint Dunstan of the East
Oh, Saint Dunstan, you steal my heart. This little public garden sanctuary is right between the Tower of London and London Bridge. And it couldn’t be a more quiet and beautiful respite right in the heart of London.
It’s actually an 1100s-era church ruined by The Blitz in World War II, but even before that, it had survived the London Fire of 1666. It’s the perfect spot to read a good book or bring a picnic. And don’t forget to bring your camera because the architecture is *chef’s kiss*. A gorgeous steeple – apparently in the Sir Christopher Wren style for you history nerds – was added around the turn of the 18th century.
Brick Lane
Brick Lane. Of all the famous streets in London, Brick Lane is the coolest of the cool, in my humble opinion. Partly because it’s the old stomping grounds of Jack the Ripper, and it has businesses like the Cereal Killer Cafe and Jack the Clipper. (They literally offer entire Jack the Ripper walking tours in London.)
A favorite East End “haunt” in the Spitalfields, there’s endless stuff to do there. Tour the street art, visit the funky shops, and get some street food at the market. It’s a Bangladeshi neighborhood, so get some legit Bangladeshi food (I vote for curry!) and hit up the brewery. What’s not to love?
Postman’s Park
Awe, Postman’s Park. What a cute little place. And it’s nestled right behind St. Paul’s Cathedral. An unassuming park squished between some buildings commemorates those who died while saving the lives of others. Just your average people.
Another small space tucked away and hidden from the downtown hustle and bustle. Stroll through if you have a few extra minutes in your day and want to escape all the tourists. The Tate Modern, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the British Museum are relatively close, so you could dip into Postman’s Park while on a loop of these more common sightseeing stops.
Camden Town
Punk. Rock. Yep, it’s Camden Town. Camden Town is a bit of a hike from Central, but you could easily spend an afternoon there. (We did.) Tons of gaudy stores with crazy, decked-out storefronts and one of the most Instagrammable spots in London.
Further down the road, you’ll find a whole indoor and outdoor marketplace you can get lost in. There are a bazillion restaurant options, a canal lock, and… another brewery, of course. Pay your tributes to the bronze Amy Winehouse statue while you’re there.
Camden Town is relatively close to Kings Cross Station, so you could also get your Harry Potter fix in, too.
Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is definitely further afield, but it is a good place to take a break and go for a wander. It’s the burial place of Karl Marx, who actually has two graves—the original and the… “revitalized” one? (It’s a monument.)
At any rate, loads of famous people are buried there, and it’s a great photography spot. There’s only a small entrance fee to help maintain the grounds.
Borough Market
Okay, so I can’t say that Borough Market is the most off-the-beaten-path item on this list, but it’s definitely the coolest of the London street markets we visited. And it’s on the South Bank, so it’s probably less frequented by people like you and I. (You know… tourists.)
Just behind The Shard, the hustle and bustle and colors and smells will surely energize you. If the cheese samples haven’t already. I say this is must see in London.
Chinatown
Yes. London has a Chinatown. It gets a little lost between Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and the National Gallery, but it’s 1000% worth a stop. Enjoy admiring the intricate entrance gate and photographing the thousands of lanterns crisscrossing the streets. And, of course, eating super legit Chinese food.
Little Venice
Not only does London have a Chinatown, it has a Little Venice! It’s not the most kick-ass stop on the list, but it is interesting. People actually live on all these little houseboats lining the canal. If you’re in the area, I’d recommend stopping by. The neighborhood is gorgeous, and it’s… just a nice Instagrammable spot. (You know you want your pic for The Gram. No judgment. I do, too.)
Actually Cool Things To Do In London
London’s usual sights are absolute must-dos. I’m not arguing there. But these are the kinds of places that are the heart and soul of a city. They’re not historic, somber spots that you pay your respects to just because you’re there. Next time you’re in London, if you can get some of these in, definitely do. It’ll add so much to your experience. I promise you.
Don’t forget to check out our full UK road trip itinerary while you’re here. Because we really are still power tourists at heart. Can’t help ourselves, sorry.
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