Hidden Gems in London: Off-the-Beaten-Path Walks and Secret Gardens

If you’ve already ticked off the classics like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, it’s time to see another side of the city. These are my favourite hidden gems in London—peaceful walks, colourful neighbourhoods, and magical gardens you won’t find on every tourist itinerary.

• Regent’s Canal: from Kings Cross to Paddington
• Notting Hill stroll
• The Magical Gardens around the Barbican

Regent’s Canal Walk: From King’s Cross to Paddington

One of my favourite ways to escape London’s busy streets is by walking along Regent’s Canal. Start at Coal Drops Yard, just behind King’s Cross Station, and follow the canal through Camden Market, Regent’s Park, and all the way to Little Venice near Paddington Station.

It’s a varied route with changing atmospheres, street art, and plenty of cafes to stop at along the way. For fun, you could even call it a walk “from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross to the statue of Paddington Bear.”

Notting Hill Stroll

Yes, Notting Hill is well-known, but wandering off the main roads still feels like discovering a hidden village within London. Lose yourself in its colourful streets and soak up the neighbourhood vibe.

Must-sees include:

• Portobello Road (with its famous market)
• St Luke’s Mews
• Lancaster Road
• Colville Terrace
• Elgin Crescent

Along the way, stop by Wild at Heart, a charming florist near Westbourne Grove, and grab a bite at Martina London, a small Italian restaurant inside a boutique clothing and jewellery shop.

Magical Gardens Around the Barbican

The Barbican area is full of surprising green oases that many visitors miss. Here are my favourites:

Christchurch Greyfriars Church Garden

A hidden rose garden near St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Stock Exchange. Best visited in spring and summer when the pergolas are in full bloom.

Charterhouse Square

With six courtyard gardens, the Charterhouse has been an almshouse since 1611. Over its long history it was also a monastery, a Tudor mansion, and a school. Take a guided tour if you have time.

Fun fact: The narrow alley nearby was once called Pissing Alley—today it’s politely renamed Passing Alley.

The Order of St John’s Cloister Garden

This peaceful Clerkenwell garden, just across from the Museum of the Order of St John, is one of my absolute favourites. It’s usually quiet unless booked for private events.

The Barbican

A Brutalist icon and a “city within a city,” the Barbican features schools, a church, a library, a conservatory, and an entire arts centre. You can explore the public spaces and cafés freely, or join a guided tour for an insider look at its architecture.

Tip: Before you leave, head to the tunnel on Golden Lane behind the Barbican Centre to spot two protected graffiti works by Banksy and Basquiat.

Final Thoughts

London is full of hidden corners, secret gardens, and off-the-beaten-path walks. Whether it’s following Regent’s Canal, wandering through colourful Notting Hill, or discovering the quiet gardens around the Barbican, you’ll experience a calmer and more local side of the city.