The 11 Best Hidden Gems in London

Looking for hidden gems in London to enhance your next creative project or to host an event? At Peerspace, we understand! London has something for everyone, including hidden gem spaces that are available to book through our platform. Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals and connects you with incredible spaces in cities across the globe.

Whether you are a true crime lover, traveling with a history buff, or looking for artistic inspiration during your visit — London hosts some amazing and lesser-known spots that you and your travel companions will love! Here are our 11 of the best hidden gems in London for all different types of travelers!

1. The landscape snob: An elegant Mayfair gallery

Mayfair is one of London’s most posh and historic neighborhoods. It’s also home to our first and one of our favorite hidden gems in London — this elegant all-white gallery space. It is a 600-square-foot venue with bright white walls, gray floors, an arched window, and wainscotting. Its open floor plan and charming fireplace make it ideal for all types of events, be it a pop-up shop, a baby shower, a photoshoot, or a dinner party.

Along with the beautiful gallery exterior, you can also visit the rooftop space (pictured above) which provides panoramic views across Central London. Stunning.

2. The true crime lover: Jack the Ripper Tour

If your flight to London consisted of watching Dateline, listening to Crime Junkie, or reading murder mysteries — you’re going to love the Jack The Ripper Tour. Your guide may even be someone you’ve seen before on your favorite true crime show — they are all published authors and internationally recognized as leading experts on the Jack The Ripper case!

3. A little bit of everything: The Old Bank of England

If you are looking for hidden gems in London that everyone in your group will love, then consider The Old Bank of England! For the historian in your group, they’ll love that the pub is in the old Law Court’s branch of the previous Bank of England, which operated from 1888 to 1975.

For your cocktail and selfie-loving friends, they can sit back and relax outside in the suntrap garden. The backdrop of the vintage Routemaster double-decker bus is also great for photos! And for the true-crime fans, wander around the block to find the barbershop owned by Sweeney Todd and the pie shop owned by his mistress Mrs. Lovett.

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4. The plant lover: A private garden room in Hammersmith

Are you on a tropical holiday, or are you simply at one of our favorite hidden gems in London? This Hammersmith Hidden Gem in the City is a private garden room with walls of windows, vaulted ceilings, wooden floors, and tons of lush green plant life. Its design will make you feel like you’re worlds away from the city and instead nestled in an island getaway.

The host provides speakers and a kitchen, and external catering and BYOB are allowed. We think this light-infused space is particularly ideal for retreats, intimate gatherings, and productions alike.

5. The politician: Karl Marx’s Grave

A cemetery may seem like an unlikely place to spend your vacation — but Highgate Cemetery is one of the more interesting hidden gems in London! Here you’ll find the grave of the father of communism, Karl Marx. Ironically, directly across from his grave, is the grave of his ideological opposite, Herbert Spencer.

Other interesting graves to see include artist Patrick Caulfield who designed his own memorial (which spells out the word “dead” in a sleek slab of stone). There’s also the grave of Mary Ann Cross (better known by her pseudonym, George Eliot).

6. The quirky creative: Trinity Buoy Wharf

The Trinity Buoy Wharf is full of fun hidden gems in London! It’s home to London’s only lighthouse, the office/studio complex called “Container City” (made out of recycled shipping containers), and Fat Boys Diner — a traditional 1940’s American diner. A particularly interesting fact about the lighthouse is that it has a listening room for “Longplayer,” a 1,000 year-long piece of music that will run uninterrupted until December 31, 2999!

7. The proud American: 4 St. James Street

If you are traveling from the U.S.A. to London, make sure to stop by 4 St James’s Street — the former home of the Embassy of the Republic of Texas! The Embassy was here from 1836 until 1845 when Texas joined the United States. You’ll know you are in the right place when you see the plaque outside a wine shop that states: “In this building was the legation for the ministers from the Republic of Texas to the Court of St. James 1842-1845.” Fun fact: When the Texan delegation departed the capital, they left a £160 rent bill outstanding!

8. The inspired artist: a chic Hackney warehouse loft

Hidden gems in London don’t get more colorful or eclectic than this chic warehouse loft in Hackney! It’s a 900-square-foot space with huge windows, high ceilings, and an open floor plan. The host has decked out this special space with colorful furnishings, vibrant art, and plenty of fun spaces to sit and gather.

A Peerspace user who booked this chic Hackney loft for an interview shared the following insights in their user review. “Fast response on booking, super straightforward to work with, and the space provided everything it promised. A gorgeously textured environment — we were shooting a super talking head interview but the amount of colour and texture has elevated the look and feel a huge amount. Thanks for making it all so easy!”

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9. The pub game extraordinaire: Flight Club Darts

Looking for a fun night out with a close group of friends? How about booking a room complete with food, drinks … and darts! Flight Club in London offers “social darts” rooms for up to 12 guests. You can book a 90 minute session for £10 per person and order food and drinks to enjoy while you play!

10. The curious adventurer: an eccentric Italian circus

We’re crazy about this eccentric Italian-inspired venue in Holborn. It is a 2,000-square-foot venue that looks like a grand ballroom combined with a disco circus! The hosts describe it as an immersive dining experience, meaning that while you’re here, you not only enjoy delicious Italian meals, but you can also enjoy performances from musicians, DJs, and other entertainers.

11. The joyful wander: The Crystal Maze

If you’re looking for more jam-packed adventures in the city, head to the Crystal Maze! This interactive experience is based on the 90’s TV show and takes you through four fun zones filled with challenges! Once you complete the challenges in the Industrial, Futuristic, Medieval, and Aztec zones, you’ll make it into the Crystal Dome for the final test! Good luck!

Hidden gems in London: conclusion

While London is famous for its myriad attractions, you can visit any of these hidden gems and enjoy a unique side of the city. Looking for a private oasis all your own? Then consider booking any of these Peerspace venues!

Check out our platform to discover hundreds of more options throughout London that are ideal for gathering, working, and of course, exploring.

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