United Kingdom's city of London is a bustling, world-class metropolitan, attracting millions of tourists every year. Of course, travelers love visiting the iconic landmark of Big Ben or perusing the alleys of marketplaces (specifically, Harry Potter fans love to visit Leadenhall Market!). Many visitors believe that these attractions are worth the visit, despite the hordes of crowds they encounter (after all, many of these attractions became popular for a reason). However, there still exist many landmarks around London that are less crowded and are worth visiting, known as "hidden gems."
Want to see a beautiful oasis in the middle of a bustling city or a museum all about London's ice industry? Check out some of these attractions in the city that are considered "hidden gems." These landmarks may not be as famous as other iconic places in London, but they possess a charm or history that tourists will love!
8 Pollocks Toy Museum
- Address: 1 Scala St, London W1T 2HL
- Cost: £9 (or about 12.23 USD)
The Pollocks Toy Museum is well over 200 years old and was created by toy theater printer and publisher John Kilby Green. Today, the museum is located on Scala Street, which takes up 2 townhouses. The museum features exhibits of vintage toys from all over the world, from tin toys to teddy bears! A gift shop is also attached to the museum, which sells toy theaters and other unique knick-knacks.
7 Museum of Brands
- Address: 111-117 Lancaster Rd, London W11 1QT
- Cost: £9 (or about 12.23 USD)
Consumers of every and all products will love visiting the Museum of Brands on Lancaster Road. Visitors can learn the fascinating history of famous brands and how they've evolved since Victorian times. From childhood candies to household cleaning products, the Museum of Brands is home to over 12,000 items in its collection! Visit the Time Tunnel exhibit and take a 200-year journey about advertising and marketing. After visiting the Museum of Brands, maybe tourists can learn why London street marketing is impressive (and effective)!
6 Hidden London
- Address: Hyde Park Suite, Athenaeum Hotel, 116 Piccadilly, W1J 7BJ (Meeting point, pre-booking required)
- Cost: £80 (or about 109 USD)
History lovers will enjoy a tour by Hidden London. Travelers will be taken down to a defunct tube station, hidden under the streets of London. This station was used as a bunker by Winston Churchill during Second World War! Visitors must pre-book a time slot on the London Transport Museum's website to see the station. The tour lasts for about 90 minutes; afterward, the museum recommends enjoying a light afternoon tea at the
Athenaeum Hotel (the meeting point for the tour)!
5 London Canal Museum
- Address: 12/13 New Wharf Rd, London N1 9RT
- Cost: £5 (or about 6.80 USD)
Quietly sitting behind the famed Kings Cross Station, the London Canal Museum features exhibits about the history of London's canals. Visitors can also learn about the lives of the waterway workers. The museum also houses another fascinating display: Victorian ice! Tourists can learn about the history of the ice industry in London, all within a museum housed in a former ice warehouse built for Carlo Gatti, the famous ice cream maker.
4 Barbican Conservatory
- Address: Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
- Cost: free (reservations required)
The Barbican Conservatory is a peaceful nature retreat woven into the busy streets of London. As one of London's largest greenhouses, the conservatory houses an array of tropical plants (including a coffee plant!), a koi pond, and other exotic fishes under a sky-high glass ceiling. Budget travelers will love that admission to the conservatory is free. However, tickets must be booked in advance on the Barbican Centre website!
3 London Mithraeum
- Address: 12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA
- Cost: free (reservations required)
The London Mithraeum lies only a few blocks away from St. Paul's Cathedral and London's Sky Garden. The London Mithraeum features a reconstruction of the Temple of Mithras, excavated in 1954 by Welsh archaeologist Professor W.F. Grimes. This Bloomberg space also has an array of ancient Roman artifacts on display and a variety of seasonal art exhibits to enjoy. This gem offers free admission, but tickets must be booked well in advance. Tourists who love traveling to see ancient city ruins should visit the London Mithraeum for an archaeological treat!
2 Hogarth's House
- Address: Hogarth Lane, Great West Rd, London W4 2QN
- Cost: free
This historic house was built in the 18th century and belonged to local artist William Hogarth. In Chiswick, tourists can visit the home and appreciate the exhibit featuring Hogarth's artwork, expressing social issues he was passionate about. Situated along Hogarth Lane, the museum is free for all to see and enter.
1 Camley Street Natural Park
- Address: 12 Camley St, London N1C 4PW
- Cost: free
The Camley Street Natural Park is a quiet oasis just a few blocks away from Kings Cross Station. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the park and enjoy the lush grassy habitat. Visitors can even spot some cute critters, from the chirpy reed warbler to the quacking mallards. For an afternoon pick-me-up, the park's cafe serves coffee and other light snacks for parkgoers to enjoy.