London's Hidden Walks: Volumes 1-3

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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.

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. The third of my of my secret London walks is in Greenwich. This southeast London neighborhood is known for its maritime history, famous park, covered market, and Royal Observatory.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. Postman’s Park–this pretty garden to the north of St Paul’s Cathedral is a lovely place to press pause on your day. Its moving Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice is a must-see. Each tile on that wall is devoted to unsung heroes from the Victorian era onwards who died trying to save another. Highlights of this London walk include Richmond Park, charming alleys like Brewers Lane, and great riverside pubs and restaurants. While Leadenhall Market has slowly crept onto an increasing number of people’s radars, it’s still unknown enough to warrant a spot on any list of secret places to visit in London. If you’re up for going on it, you can take a look at my Dulwich walk post for the route, photos, video, and map.

With the exception of Nunhead Cemetery, so far I’ve steered away from the city’s more macabre spots, but Cross Bones Burial Ground is one of the secret places in London that truly fascinates us. Red Cross Garden– it’s not just a pretty Victorian green space with carefully designed formal flowerbeds. This garden was created in 1886 as a play space for local, Southwark kids. Its founder, Octavia Hill (who went on to create the National Trust), wanted to help families in the squalid slums and workhouses. Underneath the behemoth that is Waterloo Station, in the bowels of the maze of arches that crisscross below the ground, you’ll find another of London’s cool spots – Leake Street Tunnel. Culpeper Community Garden – a community garden in every sense, the various plots are tended by locals. It’s such a friendly place to soak up the sun and the community spirit, just a stone’s throw from Angel.On the cusp of Farringdon and Holborn, the pub just so happens to be one of London’s historic drinking holes– there’s been a pub on these grounds since 1546 at least. On the way, you’ll take in the best of Richmond, from the little lanes to the Thames Path. At the end, you’ll have options for continuing your walk in whatever way suits your tastes.

At any given time, you’re all but guaranteed to see at least a few new pieces in the making and there are opportunities aplenty to gawp at the sheer talent displayed by many of these artists. This walk is ideal if you’re into heritage architecture and great food. There are excellent coffee shops along the way, too. That means you can go and enjoy the delicious street food and *cough cough* boozy drinks in the golden main hall in a relatively crowd-free setting – or at least without the hoards that you’d expect elsewhere. There’s also an interesting exhibition on the history of London from its Roman times as Londinium onwards to mooch about in so allow plenty of time to go and discover. Streatham RookeryYou’re probably aware of the British Library. It’s a bit of a Meca for people trying to find a quiet spot to get productive in the city centre, and an iconic place in its own right. Do you know about its reading rooms though? If you want to go on this London walk, you can see the full route, map, and photos on my London literary walk blog post. Shaughan has made two Podcasts based on this walk. Listening to either or both of them will give you an exceptionally good idea of what’s on the menu – what you get on the walk – and how it’s served up, the guiding. Here’s the Hidden London –Podcast 1. And here’s Hidden London – Podcast 2. HIDDEN LONDON TOUR PRACTICALS