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Host to millions of tourists each day, London is the third most-visited city in the world. The United Kingdom’s capital city is home to some of the most iconic global tourist attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye. For those who love to shop, eat, and drink, options in the city are endless. And if you’re looking to skip the crowds and see what hidden treasures London has to offer, there are plenty of options too. Read this alternative London travel guide to discover some of the best unconventional ways to get the most out of your visit to this great city.
Table of Contents
By Foot
London is a big city, so getting around can be an adventure in itself. London’s Underground system is well-known for good reason, but you’ll want to stay above-= ground as much as possible for a more captivating experience. Walking gives you total freedom to get off the beaten path and find your way around the city.
Photo credit: @jennylijic
London is home to many walking paths. Want to check out some of London’s better known sights? The Jubilee Walkway is a great way to explore sites like the Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern, and Tower Bridge.Along the way, you can also check out the ruins of a medieval church, Saint Dunstan in the East, for a truly historic experience. Originally built in the 11th-12th centuries, the ruins of the church now house a peaceful garden with benches and fountains.
If you’re after a more rural experience, you’ll certainly enjoy the Lea Valley walk, which takes you on a riverside journey through London’s industrial path. You can even visit the ancient parish town of Waltham Abbey, where the first known church was built in 610 A.D. by the King of the East Saxons.
The Lea Valley Walk follows the River Lea and the Lee Navigation south towards Limehouse Basin, where it reaches the Thames. Along the route and in the surrounding area, visitors can explore places such as Tottenham Marshes, Myddleton House, and the historic Royal Gunpowder Mills near Waltham Abbey. The latter operates on selected days and for special events, so check the official visitor information before planning a visit. Canary Wharf and Bow Creek Ecological Park can be explored separately in the wider Docklands area, but they are not part of the main Lea Valley Walk.
Other musts on foot are the historic areas of Spitalfields and Brick Lane — now home to plenty of trendy shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Shopahilcs can get their fix at Spitalfields Market where you can shop to your heart’s desire.
Spitalfields has always been a place that showcases London’s diversity, and this dates back to the market’s origins in the 17th century. Today, that history can be seen in the colourful and varied sights of the area — a Huguenot church, a Jewish synagogue, a Methodist chapel, and a Muslim Mosque sit amidst the thriving new shops, restaurants, and markets.
Don’t overlook the chance to explore nearby Brick Lane and indulge in a famous Brick Lane bagel. Art lovers will want to check out the street’s graffiti display, which features work by many well-known graffiti artists, including Banksy! True crime fans may recognize the area as being Jack the Ripper’s haunting (or hunting) grounds, and Jack the Ripper tours are available.
By Wheel
If walking just isn’t quick enough for you, another way to explore is via bicycle. There are many bicycle rental shops in London, or you can get a Santander Cycles membership. For a different view of London, you can explore parts of the Regent’s Canal, which connects Limehouse Basin in the east with Paddington in the west. From the canal, you can make a detour towards Victoria Park, Broadway Market, and London Fields. However, the towpaths are shared with pedestrians and can be narrow or busy, so cycle slowly, give way to people on foot, and follow any local restrictions.
The route takes you along the canal and through three East London parks: Mile End, Victoria, and London Fields. You can end the journey in Broadway Market, home to many great eating and drinking spots.
Nature lovers can explore the historic Chelsea Physic Garden, located near the Thames in Chelsea. Founded in 1673, it is London’s oldest botanic garden and contains more than 4,500 medicinal, edible, and useful plants. The garden has paid admission and specific opening days, so check the official website before visiting.
For those who love the macabre, there’s no better place than London to satisfy that spooky urge. From London Bridge, you can follow Southwark street to the Cross Bones Graveyard. A pauper’s burial ground, the graveyard shut in 1853 and is the final resting place for an estimated 15,000 people.
The burial ground served as inspiration for John Constable’s collection The Southwark Mysteries — poems, plays, and lore — that was performed in the Globe and the Cathedral. This same route will also guide you to the Hunterian Museum, run by the Royal College of Surgeons. It houses the anatomy and pathology collections of eighteenth-century surgeon and anatomist John Hunter and, while fascinating, is not for the squeamish.
If you need a palate cleanser after all that, you can park your bike at Drury Lane and walk to Neal’s Yard, a photogenic, brightly coloured corridor of quirky shops, cafes, and bars.
Seasoned cyclists may be intrigued about conquering the Big Ben to Richmond Park loop. Featuring many steep climbs, this challenging 38-kilometer loop is not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. You’ll be rewarded not only with a sense of accomplishment, but with the beautiful sights of Richmond Park — you may even spot some deer!
By Water
Photo credit: Back of beyond UK
You can also get on the water for a truly unique experience. There are many canoe and kayak tours you can book that will take you along the Thames, giving you a view of central London — and a bit of a work-out while you’re at it.
Guided kayak trips on the tidal Thames can offer a memorable view of central London, passing landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Globe Theatre, and the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. However, the river has strong tidal currents and busy commercial traffic, and not every route is suitable for beginners. Choose an established operator offering supervised trips appropriate for your experience, and follow their instructions regarding tides, safety equipment, and weather conditions. The exact route and landmarks depend on the tour.
A kayak or canoe trip along the Thames is perfect for those who want to see the sights of central London, while having a bit of an adventure along the way. If kayaking or canoeing isn’t your thing and you’d rather sit back and relax, there are many riverboat tours and cruises along the Thames as well.
Take a Breather
Photo credit: @thesorientado
It’s easy to get swept up in all London has to offer — sightseeing can be tiring! Take a rest in one of London’s many green spaces. While some are quite busy, there are lots of “secret gardens” tucked away, so you can get away from the hustle and bustle.
Hampstead Heath is a must-visit. For a more tranquil experience, you can check out the Pergola. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century by Lord Leverhulme as a setting for his extravagant garden parties. Today, the area is empty and elegantly run down, featuring beautiful gardens and an elevated walkway that’s perfect for exploring and photographing. In the evening, you might even spot some bats, which roost among the abandoned buildings.
London is a big city and whether you’re traveling by foot, bicycle, boat, or underground, you’ll want to make sure you’re properly prepared. If you can’t check into your accommodation yet — or have already checked out — using a luggage storage service like BagsAway will allow you to travel light, and maximize your time. London Luggage Storage offers a directory of luggage storage in London, so you can find the most convenient location and free yourself up to explore.
For the adventurous traveler, London is full of interesting and exciting options, brimming with history and culture. Happy travels!
Take a look at this video for more impressions from London:
Check some travel books about London:
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Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.
So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.
And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.
Enjoy!
Krasen and Ying Ying
Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually. So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration. And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality. Enjoy!
