Hidden Gems in London: 10 Unusual Places to Visit

London is famous for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums and historic attractions. But beyond Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London, there's another side of the capital waiting to be discovered.

From ancient Roman temples hidden beneath busy streets to extraordinary private collections and secret gardens, London is full of unexpected places that even regular visitors may have overlooked.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to explore somewhere new, here are ten of our favourite hidden gems in London.

Deep beneath the streets of the City of London lies one of the capital's most extraordinary archaeological discoveries.

The London Mithraeum is a reconstructed Roman temple dedicated to Mithras, a mysterious deity worshipped by some members of the Roman Empire. Dating back approximately 1,800 years, the temple was discovered during excavations in 1954.

Today, visitors can descend underground to experience the temple through an atmospheric combination of lighting, sound and immersive displays.

Where: Bloomberg SPACE, City of London
Why visit: A fascinating glimpse into Roman London, hidden beneath the modern city.
Website: londonmithraeum.com

Tucked away in Lincoln's Inn Fields, Sir John Soane's Museum is one of London's most remarkable historic homes.

Once the residence of the celebrated architect, the house is packed with paintings, sculptures, antiquities and architectural curiosities. Every room reveals something unexpected, from ingenious use of natural light to extraordinary collections arranged across multiple levels.

Unlike a conventional museum, it feels as though you've stepped directly into the private world of an eccentric and passionate collector.

Where: Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn
Why visit: Extraordinary interiors and collections unlike anywhere else in London.
Website: soane.org

The Thames Tunnel was one of Victorian London's greatest engineering achievements, becoming the first tunnel constructed beneath a navigable river.
Today, the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe tells the remarkable story of Marc and Isambard Kingdom Brunel and their ambitious engineering project.

Visitors can discover the history of the tunnel and its construction, including the extraordinary challenges faced by the engineers working beneath the Thames.

Where: Rotherhithe, South East London
Why visit: An unusual piece of London's industrial history and engineering heritage.
Website: thebrunelmuseum.com

Just a short walk from Kensington High Street, Leighton House is one of London's most beautiful and unexpected historic interiors.

Built as the home and studio of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton, the house combines artistic grandeur with extraordinary architectural detail.

Its centrepiece is the spectacular Arab Hall, with intricate tiles, golden mosaics and a magnificent domed ceiling. The surrounding rooms offer a fascinating insight into the life and tastes of one of Britain's leading nineteenth-century artists.

Where: Holland Park, Kensington
Why visit: One of London's most breathtaking historic interiors.
Website: rbkc.gov.uk/museums

Just moments from Trafalgar Square stands the only surviving former home of Benjamin Franklin.

Franklin lived at 36 Craven Street for nearly sixteen years during his time in London, before American independence.

Today, the beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse offers visitors an opportunity to discover his life in Britain and the important political, scientific and cultural connections between London and America.

For American visitors in particular, it's a fascinating and often overlooked historical stop.

Where: Craven Street, near Trafalgar Square
Why visit: A unique connection between London and American history.
Website: benjaminfranklinhouse.org

Hidden behind the elegant streets of Marylebone, the Wallace Collection is one of London's finest art museums.

Housed in the magnificent Hertford House, its galleries contain an extraordinary collection of paintings, furniture, porcelain and armour.

Highlights include works by artists such as Fragonard, Rembrandt and Canaletto, displayed within richly decorated historic rooms.

Despite its exceptional collection, the museum offers a more intimate experience than many of London's larger galleries.

Where: Manchester Square, Marylebone
Why visit: Beautiful interiors, outstanding art and free admission to the permanent collection.
Website: wallacecollection.org

Established in 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden is one of London's oldest botanical gardens.

Originally created for the study of medicinal plants, it now houses an extraordinary collection of plants from around the world.

Sheltered by historic walls and tucked away close to the Thames, the garden offers a peaceful retreat from the surrounding city.

It's a particularly lovely discovery for visitors exploring Chelsea and the nearby King's Road.

Where: Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea
Why visit: Centuries of botanical history in a beautiful and tranquil setting.
Website: chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Located within the Royal College of Surgeons in Lincoln's Inn Fields, the Hunterian Museum explores the history of surgery and medical discovery.
Its extraordinary collections include anatomical specimens, historic surgical instruments and displays illustrating the development of modern medicine.

Named after eighteenth-century surgeon John Hunter, the museum offers a fascinating, sometimes unsettling insight into the history of medical science.

Where: Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn
Why visit: An unusual and thought-provoking museum for curious visitors.
Website: museum.rcseng.ac.uk

Eltham Palace is one of London's most surprising architectural treasures.

Once a medieval royal residence, the site was transformed in the 1930s by wealthy socialites Stephen and Virginia Courtauld, who created a spectacular Art Deco home alongside the surviving medieval Great Hall.

Today, visitors can explore glamorous interiors, beautiful gardens and centuries of contrasting architectural history.

Where: Eltham, South East London
Why visit: A remarkable combination of medieval grandeur and 1930s luxury.
Website: english-heritage.org.uk

Few visitors realise that London once had its own underground railway dedicated entirely to transporting mail.

The Postal Museum tells the story of Britain's postal service, including the fascinating Mail Rail network that operated beneath London's streets.

Visitors can discover the history of the system and take a ride through sections of the original underground tunnels.

It's an unusual and entertaining experience for anyone interested in London's hidden infrastructure.

Where: Clerkenwell, Central London
Why visit: The rare opportunity to experience a little-known underground railway.
Website: postalmuseum.org

One of the pleasures of visiting London is discovering the character of its different neighbourhoods. From the elegant streets of Kensington and Chelsea to the independent shops and restaurants of Marylebone, each area offers something different.

Choosing the right accommodation can make exploring the city even more enjoyable, particularly for families, groups or visitors planning an extended stay.

At Home From Home, we offer a carefully selected collection of London short-stay rentals, including spacious family houses and beautifully appointed vacation apartments in some of the capital's most desirable residential neighbourhoods.

Whether you're looking for a short-term furnished rental in London, a family holiday home or a comfortable base for a longer visit, our team can help you find somewhere that feels like home.