Thinking about taking a trip to London? It’s easy to get sucked into the wonders of traditional tourist attractions.
But there are so many lesser-known points of interest with equal amounts of beauty and entertainment. We’re sharing five of London’s hidden gems that can’t be missed on your next city break.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
If we’re talking about hidden gems, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel certainly deserves a mention. Built in 1902, this 370-metre, pin-straight walkway lies beneath the waters of the famous River Thames and takes you from Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs.
Back then, it was one of the city’s most incredible engineering accomplishments – and many would say it still is. In fact, it’s a fascinating place to soak up some of the capital’s history. The cylindrical walls, which were once lined with bright white tiles, suffered extensive damage during WW2. Steel and concrete were used to repair the landmark, ensuring locals and tourists can appreciate this hidden masterpiece for many years to come!
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The Tulip Stairs
While you’re in Greenwich, a trip to the Queen’s House is a must if you’re a lover of history and architecture. This historical gem is part of the Royal Museums Greenwich and was formerly a royal residence. Inside, you can see the famous Tulip Stairs, which are an original feature of the mansion.
This was the first self-supporting spiral staircase in Britain, making it an architectural masterpiece back in the day. With bright blue steel tulips beautifully designed to support the handrail, every inch is rife with intricate detail. Whether visiting alone or with the entire family, there’s so much more to do at the Queen’s House, helping you make the most of your visit.
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Little Venice
If you’re feeling slightly overwhelmed by the clamour of the capital, a trip to Little Venice is a dreamy escape amidst the hustle and bustle. Just a short distance from Paddington Station, this calming oasis feels a million miles away from busy London.
With a pretty canal and lots of green spaces, it’s the ideal place for a walk with the family. And thanks to the myriad of quaint shops and cafés, you can sit back and fully immerse in this inner-city escape whilst watching picturesque narrow boats glide by. Why not book a boat trip? It’s one of the most popular ways to take in the beauty of Little Venice!
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SAW: The Experience
Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to push your fears and adrenaline to the limit? SAW: The Experience is a live escape room based on the Saw franchise, and is designed to test your mind and your morals. The first challenge is deciding which path to tackle: the spiral route or the jigsaw route. In a team of six, you must complete a series of physically and mentally demanding tasks in each room before moving onto the next.
Those who are successful can then enter The Traproom to celebrate with a drink from the bar. If one thing’s for sure, this exhilarating experience isn’t for the faint-hearted!
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Monopoly Lifesized
Everyone loves a good board game. So, gather your friends and family to tackle the planet’s favourite board game at Monopoly Lifesized in the heart of London. This fantastic experience features a choice of four 15m x 15m boards, including a luxury board and a classic board.
Inside the game, you’ll have to complete a series of immersive challenges to win properties – that could be anything from staging a heist to solving a murder mystery. You’ve got just 80- minutes on the clock to claim victory against your loved ones. There’s simply no better way to get your entire clan together.
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