10 Unique Places to Visit in London
London is a city you can visit a hundred times and still discover something new. From colorful streets and independent markets to unexpected sculptures, peaceful riverside walks, and beautiful historic houses, there is so much more to explore than Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
I have been visiting London every year since I was 14, and over all those years, I have spent almost an entire year of my life in this remarkable city. It is one of my favorite places in the world, sharing that special place in my heart with Paris. I cannot entirely explain why these two cities have always fascinated and touched me in such a unique way, but some places simply feel special to you.
For me, London first became a regular destination because of my spiritual journey. England has a rich history of Spiritualism, and London offers an extraordinary range of spiritual communities, churches, demonstrations, and institutions. The Arthur Findlay College, a renowned residential college in Stansted, Essex, offers education and training in Spiritualism, mediumship, and related spiritual practices.
But I am also someone who loves exploring, discovering beautiful details, and finding places that tell a different story about a city. And while I have visited London countless times, I still have not explored every famous attraction. I have admired places such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge only from the outside, leaving plenty of experiences for another visit.
What I love most, however, are often the places that do not immediately make it onto a first-time visitor's itinerary. Here are some of my favorite unique places to visit in London, especially if you enjoy art, architecture, animals, creativity, and discovering a more personal side of the city.
1. Barbican Centre: Discover London's Brutalist Architecture
The Barbican is one of the most fascinating architectural experiences London has to offer. I had the opportunity to visit the Barbican Centre on a relatively recent trip, and learning more about its architecture made the experience even more interesting.
The Barbican Estate was designed by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon in the post-war period, on an area heavily damaged during the Second World War. Its architecture is an outstanding example of Brutalism, a style characterized by monumental forms, geometric shapes, and the expressive use of concrete.
Walking through the Barbican can feel like entering an entirely different world. Raised walkways, massive buildings, hidden gardens, an artificial lake, and interconnected public spaces create something resembling a city within a city. You can easily lose your sense of direction while exploring its different levels, but that is part of the fun.
What makes the Barbican especially interesting is that it is not simply an arts venue. The wider estate combines residential buildings with cultural spaces, including theatres, cinemas, galleries, and a conservatory.
My tip: Allow yourself time to wander without following a strict route. If you enjoy photography, architecture, or unusual urban landscapes, you will find plenty of details worth capturing.
2. Sky Garden: See London from Above
There is something special about seeing a city from above. Streets that seem complicated at ground level suddenly become a fascinating pattern, and familiar landmarks take on a completely different perspective.
Sky Garden combines panoramic views of London with a landscaped indoor garden high above the city. Its greenery, glass architecture, and views across the skyline make it more than just another observation point.
On a clear day, you can admire London's distinctive mixture of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers. The contrast between the city's older architecture and its contemporary skyline is particularly striking from this height.
I love the idea of combining an observation deck with a garden. It creates an environment in which you can take a moment to appreciate the view rather than simply rushing to take a photograph and move on.
My tip: Check the official Sky Garden website and reserve your visit in advance. It's free but availability can change, and popular time slots always fill up quickly!!
3. Kenwood House: Historic Art in a Peaceful Setting
If you are looking for somewhere that feels far removed from the busy streets of central London, Kenwood House is well worth a visit.
Situated on the edge of Hampstead Heath, this beautiful historic house is surrounded by extensive parkland and gardens. It offers a combination of architecture, art, and nature that makes it particularly appealing if you enjoy exploring at a slower pace.
The house was remodeled in the eighteenth century by Scottish architect Robert Adam. Inside, you can discover elegant historic interiors and an impressive collection of paintings known as the Iveagh Bequest.
The collection includes works by celebrated artists such as Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, Thomas Gainsborough, and Joshua Reynolds. Among its highlights are Rembrandt's Self-Portrait with Two Circles and Vermeer's The Guitar Player. The paintings range from portraits and scenes of everyday life to remarkable works from the Dutch and British artistic traditions.
As someone who loves art, I particularly enjoy the way paintings are displayed within the historic rooms. Rather than feeling like a conventional modern gallery, the house allows you to experience the artworks in an elegant domestic setting.
I also associate Kenwood House with the romantic atmosphere of the film Notting Hill, one of my favorites. It is featured in the scene where William watches Anna Scott filming another movie, making this beautiful historic setting even more special to me.
My tip: Combine your visit with a walk across Hampstead Heath. The surrounding landscape offers a wonderful contrast to the energy of central London, and entry to Kenwood House is free, although check the opening arrangements before travelling.
4. Canary Wharf: Modern Art, Architecture, and Unexpected Details
Canary Wharf is often associated with office towers and London's financial district. However, it has developed into much more than a place to work, with restaurants, shops, public spaces, and cultural attractions adding to its appeal.
I particularly enjoy discovering the public art installations around the area. Among the works that caught my attention are sculptures made using materials recovered from the ocean and a traffic-light sculpture that inspired a personal reflection.
The traffic light sculpture reminds me that we should not wait for someone else to give us permission to pursue our dreams. Sometimes, we keep waiting for the perfect moment, the right circumstances, or a green light from the outside world.
But what if you do not need to wait?
If there is something meaningful you want to create, a place you want to visit, or a dream you have been putting aside, perhaps this is your reminder to take the first step. You do not need to have the entire journey figured out before you begin.
That is one of the things I love about exploring art. A sculpture can be beautiful in its own right, but it can also invite you to look at your own life differently.
My tip: Explore Canary Wharf on foot and keep your eyes open for the public artworks scattered around its buildings, plazas, and waterfront.
5. Richmond: A Riverside Escape That Feels Like Another World
Richmond is one of those places that can make you forget you are still in Greater London.
Arriving by boat is a particularly lovely way to experience it. As you approach, you can admire the riverside setting before stepping ashore and exploring the streets, independent shops, historic pubs, and beautiful views along the Thames.
I love the atmosphere around Richmond Terrace, where you may encounter musicians performing live and people enjoying the riverside. There is something wonderfully relaxed about spending time here, watching the boats and taking in the surroundings without feeling that you need to rush to the next attraction.
And if you continue exploring beyond the busiest streets, you can discover leafy lanes and glimpses of cattle that make the surroundings feel almost like a scene from a Jane Austen novel.
It is remarkable how quickly London's atmosphere can change. One moment, you are surrounded by busy streets and modern buildings; the next, you feel as though you have escaped to the English countryside.
Richmond is also a wonderful destination for anyone who enjoys walking. The Thames Path offers opportunities to explore the riverbanks, while Richmond Park provides an even greater sense of space and nature.
My tip: Consider arriving by river boat if the service. Give yourself time to explore beyond the immediate waterfront, and check the route before setting out if you want to include Richmond Park.
6. Kingston upon Thames: A Historic Market Town Feel
Kingston upon Thames is another destination that can surprise visitors who associate London primarily with crowded streets and famous landmarks.
Its historic market square, riverside location, and distinctive local character make it feel different from many of the city's better-known central districts.
One of the things I enjoy about Kingston is discovering unusual public sculptures. The playful sculpture of falling telephone boxes is particularly memorable, adding a touch of humor to the surroundings.
Kingston also has a long history as a market town, and its historic center is a lovely place to wander around, browse independent shops, and enjoy the atmosphere.
For me, places like Kingston show why London is so rewarding to explore repeatedly. The city is not one single experience. It is a collection of neighborhoods, each with its own personality and rhythm.
My tip: Visit the market square and explore the surrounding streets before heading toward the Thames. You can easily combine a little shopping with a riverside walk.
7. Savile Row and the Streets Around Burlington Arcade: A Treat for Fashion Lovers
As a fashion designer, I cannot visit London without appreciating its fashion history.
Savile Row is internationally famous for its bespoke tailoring. For generations, its tailors have created meticulously crafted suits for distinguished clients, including members of the royal family, politicians, and actors. The street represents a tradition of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and garments made to fit the individual rather than the other way around.
What fascinates me is the relationship between this heritage and the wider creative character of London. The city can celebrate traditional tailoring in one street while embracing experimental designers, colorful fashion, and independent creativity elsewhere.
Nearby Burlington Arcade, which opened in 1819, offers a very different but equally distinctive shopping experience. This elegant covered shopping arcade is lined with specialist boutiques and has retained much of its historic atmosphere. Its traditional beadles, dressed in distinctive uniforms, help preserve its unique character.
There is also an important piece of music history nearby. At 3 Savile Row, The Beatles recorded music associated with Let It Be and performed their famous rooftop concert on January 30, 1969. It was their final public performance as a group.
My tip: If you love fashion, look beyond the shop windows. Notice the architecture, the craftsmanship, and the contrast between historic tailoring and modern design. London is a wonderful city for anyone who appreciates clothing as a form of creative expression.
8. Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House: Two Places for Beautiful Views
Covent Garden is one of London's most enjoyable areas for wandering, with its historic market buildings, street performers, independent shops, and lively atmosphere.
It is particularly lovely if you enjoy watching people, discovering small details, and letting a walk unfold naturally rather than following a rigid sightseeing schedule.
One of my favorite perspectives is looking down over Covent Garden from the balcony of the Royal Opera House. From above, you can take in the lively market square and admire the beautiful architecture, with glimpses of London's skyline in the distance, including The Shard and the London Eye on a clear day.
It is a lovely reminder that sometimes the best way to experience a city is simply to pause and look at it from a different angle.
My tip: Take your time exploring the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden, and look out for opportunities to enjoy the view from above. Check visitor access in advance, as access to the balcony can depend on opening hours and events.
9. Fortnum & Mason: A Department Store That Feels Like Another Era
Fortnum & Mason is certainly not an undiscovered secret, but I still think it deserves a place on this list.
Founded in 1707, this historic Piccadilly department store is known for its luxury food, teas, hampers, and beautifully presented products. Walking through its floors can feel like stepping into a different era, where shopping is as much about atmosphere and presentation as it is about buying something.
I love places that make everyday objects feel special. The colors, displays, packaging, and attention to detail all contribute to an experience that feels different from visiting an ordinary shop.
As a designer, I find this kind of environment inspiring. It reminds me that creativity is not limited to clothing or artwork. It can be found in the way products are presented, how a space makes you feel, and the small details that turn an everyday experience into a memorable one.
You do not need to buy anything to appreciate the design and atmosphere. Sometimes, simply observing how a place communicates its identity can be an enjoyable experience in itself.
My tip: Take your time exploring the displays and the different floors. I always love to start at the top floor and make my way down. If you enjoy design, packaging, or beautiful objects, you may find inspiration in the details you would otherwise walk past.
10. Vauxhall City Farm: A Little Piece of the Countryside in London
As someone who loves animals, I think London's city farms are a wonderful reminder that nature and animals can be part of urban life.
Vauxhall City Farm is a small community farm in central London where visitors can encounter farm animals and learn more about animal care and the natural world. It is a particularly lovely destination if you want a break from the usual sightseeing itinerary.
The farm is in Vauxhall, close to public transport and within reach of several interesting places for a walk. You can explore the surrounding neighborhood and continue toward the Thames for riverside views.
The nearby Battersea Park, across the river, is home to the London Peace Pagoda, a striking Buddhist monument surrounded by greenery. Albert Bridge is another beautiful landmark in the wider riverside area, particularly appealing if you enjoy photographing historic bridges.
I also have a personal connection to this part of London because it is close to the Spiritualist Association of Great Britain (SAGB), where I have previously given public mediumship demonstrations.
For me, this area brings together several things I love about London: animals, peaceful outdoor spaces, beautiful architecture, and opportunities to connect with people through spirituality.
My tip: Plan a few hours for a relaxed day around Vauxhall and the Thames. Check the schedule for the SAGB and maybe we can meet there during a public demonstration.
Why London Keeps Bringing Me Back
After so many visits, my heart belongs to London because it offers so many different ways to experience the world.
You can spend a morning exploring Brutalist architecture, an afternoon admiring historic paintings, and an evening walking beside the Thames. You can discover independent markets, meet people from different backgrounds, find peaceful green spaces, or explore the city's long-standing spiritual communities.
And you do not have to limit yourself to the places that appear on every tourist map.
Some of my favorite experiences have come from wandering through neighborhoods such as Hackney, Ealing, and Richmond, visiting places that are not always included in a short city break, and allowing curiosity to guide me. Every visit reveals another detail, another story, or another place I want to return to.
London also continues to evolve. In the IMD Smart City Index 2026, which assessed 148 cities worldwide, London ranked fourth, behind Zurich, Oslo, and Geneva. The ranking considers residents' perceptions of infrastructure and technology, alongside areas such as mobility, health and safety, activities, opportunities, and governance. It is an interesting reminder that a city's appeal is about more than its famous landmarks. It is also about how people experience everyday life there.
Ultimately, I think that is what makes a city memorable. It is not simply the number of attractions you visit, but the experiences, ideas, and feelings you take home with you.
Whether you are visiting London for the first time or returning for the twentieth, leave some space in your itinerary for the unexpected. Follow a beautiful street, stop to look at an unusual sculpture, explore a neighborhood you have never heard of, or take a different route along the river.
You never know what you might discover.
Take a Little Piece of London Home With You
London has inspired me in so many ways, including my work as a fashion and textile designer. The city's architecture, colorful streets, creative energy, and distinctive character continue to influence the way I see the world.
If you love London as much as I do, you can explore my London-inspired designs at Anke Wonder. Discover colorful clothing, accessories, and other products created to bring a little creativity and individuality into your everyday life.
My designs are made for people who want to express themselves, celebrate the places they love, and feel comfortable being fully themselves.
