What’s the first thing that occurs to you when you hear “London”? Big Ben? Buckingham Palace? Tower Bridge shining over the Thames on a sunset? These icons are eternally familiar, but for inquisitive minds craving something more, the Secret London Book unleashes a whole new doorway into the city—one replete with secret alleys, mystical gardens, lost pubs, and ancient secrets hidden from the typical tourist’s eye.
In this guide, we’ll take you deep into the Secret London Book, sharing what makes it an essential read for explorers, locals, and adventurers. We’ll also give you some of the city’s most interesting hidden treasures—those not featured on your typical travel apps or city tours. If you’re in the planning stages of your trip or simply looking for special things to do in London, this is the hidden map you never knew you needed.
What Is the Secret London Book?
The Thing is not just a travel guide—it’s a gateway to the past and a guide to the city’s hidden treasures. Composed with a great respect for the city’s history, the book reveals hundreds of secrets, ranging from architectural curiosities and forgotten passageways to secret bars hidden behind unmarked doors.
Unlike generic guidebooks, the Secret London Book doesn’t merely list locations—it tells stories. It spins tales of intrigue, local legend, and quirky facts that bring each place to life. It’s the ideal guide for travelers looking for more than the postcard version of London.\
Why Every London Explorer Needs It
Authentic Discoveries: The book uncovers places even many Londoners have never heard of.
- Escape the Crowds: Avoid the long queues at major landmarks and opt for quiet, atmospheric corners instead.
- Perfect for Return Visitors: If you’ve “seen it all,” this book proves there’s so much more beneath the surface.
- A Collector’s Item: With its elegant design and immersive content, the Secret London Book looks as good on your shelf as it feels in your hand.
Hidden Gems Highlighted in the Secret London Book
Here are just a few of the things you’ll discover when you open the Secret London Book.
1. The Seven Noses of Soho
Spread throughout Soho are seven sculpted noses mounted on random buildings. Commissioned by artist Rick Buckley in the 1990s as a protest against surveillance, these noses have become a part of urban lore—seeing all seven is supposed to be good luck. It’s one of the city’s strangest and most charming scavenger hunts.
2. Eel Pie Island
Hidden away on the Thames in Twickenham, this artist colony is a strange name to go with a strange history. What was once a refuge for rock stars in the 1960s is now a bohemian island that belongs to private members and only occasionally opens for art walks. You will not find this on your run-of-the-mill day tour.
3. St Dunstan in the East
A Blitz-bombed church that was never rebuilt, St Dunstan in the East is now a surreal garden refuge amidst the financial hub. Vines wrap around stone arches and the ruins are a hauntingly lovely place for a moment of quiet contemplation.
4. The Victorian Pet Cemetery in Hyde Park
Hidden behind a gate in Hyde Park is London’s oldest pet cemetery, dating from the 1880s. Tiny headstones etched with love show how much Victorians adored their pets—some even in elaborately decorated coffins.
Things to Do in London—Off the Beaten Path
For visitors who have been inspired by the Secret London Book, here is how to see the city like an insider:
Discover Quirky Museums
Ditch the British Museum crowds and try:
- The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities – A strange and intriguing assemblage of curios.
- The Old Operating Theatre Museum – Europe’s oldest known surgical theatre, complete with vintage medical equipment.
Drink Behind a Bookshelf
London is renowned for its speakeasy-style bars. Try:
- Evans & Peel Detective Agency – A 1920s-themed secret bar you can only gain entry to via a “detective’s office.”
- The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town – Positioned behind a fridge door in a café.
Explore Hidden Passageways
The Secret London Book uncovers dozens of hidden alleyways such as:
- Goodwin’s Court – A 17th-century, narrow street that appears to be plucked straight from a Dickens novel.
- Cecil Court – Dubbed the “Booksellers’ Row,” lined with antique dealers and old bookshops.
A City Layered in Stories
One of London‘s most bewitching delights is the numerous stories hidden below its contemporary guise. You can walk past an unassuming pub that was at one time hiding political revolutionaries, or tramp across the cobblestone stones that originally heard the pats of knights.
The Secret London Book is your window into these deeper levels of significance. You might be a history geek, an architecture buff, or a fan of urban myths – this book has you look at the city not only with your eyes, but with your mind.
Tips for Getting the Best Out of the Secret London Book
- Take it easy: Don’t pack in too many landmarks. Some of the magic is in hanging around.
- Use public transport: Hidden gems are often located between Tube stops or the end of lesser-known bus routes.
- Travel light: Tight alleyways or staircases may be part of some hidden areas.
- Bring a journal: You’ll have to record ideas, sketches, or the names of places you must return to.
Mix with locals: Some of the greatest finds are made by chatting casually in a local pub or café.
FAQ
1. What is the Secret London Book?
The Secret London Book is a handpicked guide that uncovers hidden secrets, overlooked landmarks, and off-the-tourist-map encounters in and around London. It’s perfect for travelers and locals interested in exploring beyond the standard tourist attractions.
2. Who is the Secret London Book for?
This book is ideal for inquisitive travelers, frequent returnees to London, history lovers, photographers, and even locals who want to discover their city anew.
3. Where can I get the Secret London Book?
You can buy the Secret London Book online at major retailers such as Amazon, Waterstones, or via the publisher’s website. Some independent London bookshops also stock it.
4. Is the Secret London Book current?
Most versions of the book are regularly updated. Check the date of publication so you can obtain the most recent version with correct facts and access details.
5. Does the Secret London Book have maps or directions?
Yes, the book contains location details, directions, and guidelines on how to reach each of the secret places. Nevertheless, complementing it with Google Maps or Citymapper is advisable for more convenient navigation.
Conclusion
Whether you live in London or you’re just visiting, this book invites you to slow down, look closer, and let curiosity lead the way. It’s more than a guide—it’s a reminder that adventure still exists, even in the most familiar places.
So next time you’re planning things to do in London, skip the brochure and open a page of the Secret London Book. You’ll find that the real London—the one pulsing quietly beneath the surface—is more magical than you ever imagined.