London's Hidden Walks: Volumes 1-3

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This loveliest of secret London walks is perfect if you like to be on the water and take in a variety of sights and neighborhoods as you go. It’s a good alternative to the Thames Path, and a great way to see some local London neighborhoods. Perhaps it’s because it’s newer (it only opened at the beginning of 2019), perhaps it’s because people just don’t know about it.

We hope you have even a smidgen as much fun exploring these as we did! There’s so much to see in this city that you can’t help but get a little too excited when you find a new spot you’ve never heard of. Whether you love or loathe The Barbican, London’s biggest cultural centre, really boils down to how you feel about Brutalist architecture. And so, having crossed over one of London's underground rivers - you won't actually know that you've done so, so Richard will ensure that he informs you of the exact moment when you are doing so - we move, seamlessly, into our next hidden enclave of historic London. If you’re interested in taking this walk, you can find the route, pictures, map, and video on my Richmond walk blog post.This walk – though it takes several necessary detours off the towpath – is known as one of the most beautiful stretches of waterway in England.This is not one of the most hidden walks in London; in fact, it’s wildly popular. Best to go early in the morning or later at night to avoid tourists. Let’s get the big stuff out of the way first – yes yes – Leadenhall was used as a filming location for Harry Potter. If you make believe hard enough, you can almost transport yourself to the world of Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone. In fact, the city had such a problem with the clear stuff in the 18th Century that there’s a bonafide period in London’s history known as the Gin Craze (go look it up if you don’t believe us). Once you’re finished in the museums proper, take some time to mooch around the 16 acres of gardens. HighlightsRichmond riverside, Petersham Nurseries, Ham House, Marble Hill, Eel Pie Island, Hampton Court Palace.

It’s ensconced underneath Smithfield Meat Market behind a rather unprepossessing door. Don’t worry, if you think you’ve found the right place, you probably have. Cross Bones Burial Ground HighlightsElegant architecture, The British Library, St Pancras International Station, The British Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum. But what comes next really is a wonderful final section of a tour that is made up of wonderful sections. My self-guided London walk in Islington will lead you through the vibrant Camden Passage Market, into pretty squares, and down side streets full of heritage details. Cross the bridge to the stumpery (yeah, that’s a word apparently). It’s just…a lot of tree stumps. I know.This former royal palace used to be a favourite until Henry VIII decided he liked his one at Greenwich better and it was sold off during the Commonwealth period before falling into disrepair for centuries. This walk will take you to some of the best places to read in London, too, so make sure to bring a book with you when you do it. Follow the railway line by Estreham Road. After the road bends right, turn left through the subway under the railway to Potters Lane. At their apex you’ll discover sweeping views into central London, while the terraced levels contain a series of treasures including a Sound Garden and an Animal Walk filled with living natural history specimens. Garden at 120 While the Queen's Wood cafe may be closed, try to catch a glimpse of their pretty garden. Nunhead Cemetery

The first of my secret London walks is in Hampstead. This is one of my favorite north London neighborhoods, and its village atmosphere makes it a great area for walks. Just remember that if it ever comes down to us being contenders for the last table. St James’s Palace

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING

All this stuff is on sale, so if you find something you like and you’ve got a few quid to spare you can even treat this as a shopping trip. Perhaps there’s a special someone who would really like a piece of some of this precious metal…

Want to find them? Read our handy guide (hint: there’s a map to help you along with the task) Mercato Mayfair

At a Glance

Next on my list of secret London walks is one in Clerkenwell, Smithfield, and Hatton Garden. These local areas not only show off historic London at its best, but are also home to some of the best markets and restaurants in the heart of the city. Walk through Cloudesdale Road, Elmfield Road, and reach Balham High Road. Pass Du Cane Court and continue on Balham Park Road. These are some great residential streets to take in the beautiful homes and charming streets. And, for one last surprise, despite the fact that, over the course of the tour, you'll have made twists and turns that will have completely disorientated you, you'll actually be a mere five minutes walk from the spot at which the tour began. A FASCINATING TOUR IN A GREAT AREA By way of two charity children, that gaze down onto passersby below from an upper storey of a building that was, reputedly, the work of Sir Christopher Wren, the tour moves into its latter stages.