Summer is coming. You’ve booked your trip to London, but you want to do something more interesting than the standard London Eye, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square? I have you covered. These are the top ten non-tourist hotspots in London. Best of all, most of these are free to visit.
Otherwise known as the Shri Swaminaryan Mandir, this magnificent Hindu temple was created by esteemed Hindu leader Pramukh Swanu Maharaj. He was a philanthropist who was world-famous for his charity work.
There is no greater symbol of London’s rich multi-culturalism than Neasden Temple. Yes, it is out of the way, and not the easiest to reach, but it is well worth the trek. It’s free to attend. You just need to leave your bag with the baggage claim and you can’t wear your shoes indoors.
Plus, if you’re a fan of authentic Indian food, there is a nearby Indian café and supermarket. This majestic temple is definitely one of London’s hidden gems.
You may have already heard of this spectacular viewing tower, but that is no reason to dismiss it. If you don’t fancy paying £30-£40 for a half-hour ride on the London Eye, why not go to this viewing deck instead?
For one, it’s 100% cheaper. Yes, you heard that correctly. It’s absolutely free. You just need to book a ticket in advance. It is also a great date-spot. Sam and I went here early on in our relationship, and it remains one of our most memorable dates.
Located in the heart of London’s financial district, the Sky Garden offers an amazing 360-degree view of London. And you can even have a drink or something to eat in their bar and restaurant. They’re not free though.
When you think of museums in London, what comes to mind? The Natural History? The Science Museum? V&A? Imperial War Museum? The British Museum. I doubt that the Sir John Soane’s museum, tucked away in Holborn, comes to mind. But it is well worth a look. Plus, like many of other London’s museums, it’s free. You just need to leave your bag by the door.
Sir John Soane was an architect, best known for designing the Bank of England. His museum contains his collections through his life from classic literature to famous paintings and, even, a sarcophagus. I’m not going to lie. It’s weird. And a bit creepy. Especially the crypt, but it’s well worth a look for yourself.
Axe-throwing
Here with your partner? Fancy a date different than a dinner and a movie? Why not try axe-throwing? I’ve done it with Sam in Aldgate and Vauxhall and it’s great fun. Plus, it’s much harder than it looks. It’s a great novelty experience. Definitely not like anything we’ve done before or since. It’s something we always recommend to other couples. No, it isn’t free, but it’s well worth the £25-£50. It’s also great if you’re here with your friends.
Immersive art exhibitions are all the rage now. And this exhibition in Canary Wharf is well worth the visit. For £25, you can spend as long as you like in the exhibition’s three multi-sensory experiences that surround you with AI art. The rooms are dark with padded seats to help provide complete immersion. Plus, there’s an infinity room! And infinity rooms are so cool.
I found the experience incredibly relaxing. Granted, you can’t spend the whole day here, but why not combine this with the nearby crossrail rooftop garden or having something to eat in the nearby food court.
This is something for your inner-creative. Leake Street takes art and graffiti to the next level. Located only five minutes from the London Eye, you can take in some amazing street art. Plus, it is completely free to attend.
You won’t be able to spend the whole day here, so why not go to the nearby board game cafe or get a drink in the dive bar. Leake Street also offers graffiti workshops for you to unlock your inner artist. If you go on the weekend, you can get lunch at the South Bank food market. I recommend the cannoli.
Calling all animal lovers out there. Mudchute Farm is for you. Sam is one such animal-lover and this farm is one of her favourite places on earth. She likes it more than me!
Just across the river from Greenwich, this petting zoo has sheep, llamas, donkeys, pigs, chickens, ducks and rabbits among many other animals. And, you guessed it, it’s absolutely free. You can even pet some of the animals, but don’t feed them. Human food isn’t good for them. And remember to wash your hands afterwards.
If there was an award for London’s most random place, it would be this treasure trove of neon-light signs. It is a true experience that you have to see for yourself to believe.
Located in Walthamstow, East London, it is off the beaten track, but it’s also completely unforgettable. It isn’t big; you’ll go round it in fifteen minutes, but it does have a small café, or you could go round the boutique shops in Walthamstow village. And, yes, it’s free. Definitely something to post about on your social media!
This museum has one of the nation’s best collections of painting, sculpture, furniture and weapons. It is the true epitome of wealth, opulence and splendour. You’ll find it fifteen minutes from Tottenham Court Road, so it’s a great diversion from the hustle-and-bustle of Central London. Plus, it is free as well.
You wouldn’t think that a bombed-out church near Tower Bridge would be anything special, but there is something atmospheric about St Dunstan’s in the East.
Perhaps it’s how it’s been partly reclaimed by nature or its rich history or how it’s hidden away from the noise of London. There is no booking required. Definitely one to be added to your list.
The next time you come to London, just remember there is so much more than the usual touristy areas. London is a city full of hidden gems. These are just ten of them. There are many more.
James Linton Writing 
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