Seek out these cultural treasures and best-kept corners you’ll love London all the more for.

Discover Local in London

To experience the spirit of country life without leaving the city, visit the Allotment Gardens in Kensington Palace Gardens. These communal gardens first came to life during World War I. Their initial purpose was to fight food shortages caused by the war. In the ensuing decades, they’ve transformed into a community organisation that showcases the bounty and variety of British gardens. Volunteers run the Allotment, rotating out seasonal crops and keeping the space vibrant and alive. It’s not all veggies and fruits, though. Beehives are tended to on-site, helping maintain struggling populations while making sure the gardens are pollinated. For those a little more animal-minded, we suggest saying hello to the Allotment’s chickens. The volunteers are there to share their knowledge, so don’t be nervous to ask them for gardening tips and learn more about how this green spot in the heart of the city.

Go green at the Allotment Gardens

When peace and beauty are what you need, head to this gorgeous oasis nestled inside Holland Park in West Kensington. Both Holland Park and Kyoto Garden are veritable hidden gems, but the garden is a sight to behold. Opened in 1991, Kyoto Garden was a gift from the city of Kyoto to the people of London, commemorating the longstanding relationship between Japan and Great Britain. This serene space offers you the chance to escape London’s hustle and breathe deeply, all while surrounded by the simple yet stunning beauty of a traditional Japanese garden. Whether meandering among the waterfalls and koi ponds or seeking a glimpse of one of the garden’s elusive peacocks, you can’t help but take in the relaxation and peace that permeate the site. We recommend stopping by in the hours before dusk to soak in the garden’s golden hour.

Find your zen at Kyoto Garden

Nothing beats a secret garden in the city centre… unless that secret garden finds itself on a rooftop with stellar views. Head by the Southbank Centre Wednesday through Sunday afternoon and make your way to the roof. There, you’ll find a breathtaking garden boasting over 200 native plants and a lush lawn. Owing to its prime location, the garden provides unrivalled views of the London Eye and the Thames. For those feeling a bit peckish or in the need of a revitalising drink, an on-site café and bar serve up homemade pastries and top-tier cocktails. Stroll through the fruit trees and plants, taking in the sights and smells of British nature, all while enjoying the best views, bites and libations that London has to offer. If you feel like paying homage to the garden’s namesake, raise a glass of gin to the former monarch’s memory.

Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden is a view to behold

St-Dunstan-in-the-East Church boasts nearly 1,000 years of history, worship, and hardship. It originally served as a parish church in what is now the City of London. You may find yourself amongst the major sites, but we encourage you to take a detour for this unique experience. While this location is a current-day hotspot for tourists and high-level finance workers alike, it has placed the church front and centre of some of the most devastating events in London’s history. The church was badly damaged in the Great Fire of London and was eventually repaired. Centuries later, nothing could save it from a German bomb during the Blitz. London’s resiliency shines among the ruins, with stunning, haunting gardens that are open to the public. Take a breather from the bustle and reflect on beauty’s emergence in the most unlikely spots.

Reflect on beauty at St-Dunstan-in-the-East-Church

Make your way to verdant Richmond Park for some of London’s best views. What appears at first to be a steep hill, is actually a Bronze Age burial mound with a storied history. Legend has it that on one fateful day King Henry stood atop the mound, peering steadily in the direction of the Tower of London. This was no sightseeing expedition, however. He was awaiting a signal that Anne Boelyn had been executed and that he was free to remarry. And thus, the mound received its name. Whether this tale is true or not, the legendary view is available to non-royals today. Atop the park’s highest point, visitors can peer through a telescope and take in panoramic views of London. And the law prevents buildings from obstructing the sightline, meaning that future generations will be able to share the king’s view, albeit with less deadly consequences.

King Henry’s Mound – it’s not just for royals!

While walking through famous Trafalgar Square, make your way to the southwest corner of the square. What appears to be a normal light fixture is in fact Britain’s smallest (and possibly most well-hidden) police station. Built in 1926, the station was designed Metropolitan Police to keep a watchful eye on possibly troublesome protestors. How, you may ask? A light fixture was hollowed out and narrow slits were installed, giving officers a prime view across the square. Should trouble arise, a phone was installed inside the station with a direct line to Scotland Yard. What’s more, the light fixture itself would blink if a call was made, alerting nearby officers. Don’t worry, you’re not under surveillance. The station is no longer in use and now serves as Britain’s most interesting broom closet.

St Dunstan's in the East Church Garden