{"id":36361,"date":"2023-02-28T12:19:59","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T12:19:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/?p=36361"},"modified":"2024-08-01T15:28:29","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T14:28:29","slug":"hidden-gems-p3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/destination-guides\/london\/hidden-gems-p3\/","title":{"rendered":"London\u2019s Hidden Gems part 3: The alternative guide to the Big Smoke"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Whether you\u2019re a regular London tourist or you\u2019re visiting for the first time, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do in the city.<\/h2>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">So, allow us to make the task easier. We&#8217;ve rounded up five of London\u2019s hidden gems perfect for all the family!<\/h4>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shoreditchstreetarttours.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Shoreditch Brick Lane Street Art<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36367\" src=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shoreditch-700x466.jpg\" alt=\"Street art in Shoreditch on a busy road\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shoreditch-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shoreditch-250x166.jpg 250w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shoreditch-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shoreditch-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shoreditch-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shoreditch-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shoreditch-480x319.jpg 480w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shoreditch-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shoreditch-960x639.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>For those with an appreciation for street art, Brick Lane in Shoreditch is the place to be. This famous street has been synonymous with graffiti for years and is often considered the best place in the UK to see such fantastic artistry. Why? Local artists constantly visit the vibrant area to add new pieces, which often include paste-ups and stickers.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">It\u2019s such a well-loved street that international artists aspire to make their mark on the iconic London walls. We recommend you take a wander away from Brick Lane, too, as many of the local streets also have plenty of stories to tell. And take lots of photos whilst you\u2019re there \u2013 if you visit again, it\u2019ll likely look completely different!<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">Stay nearby<\/h4>\n<div class=\"sdstaynearby\">\n<div class=\"sdcol2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/hotels\/639\/London-City-hotel?sb=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/media.travelodge.co.uk\/image\/upload\/v1675260555\/ecrm\/hotels-digi\/GB0965.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"sdcol2 sdlast\" style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/hotels\/44\/London-Liverpool-Street-hotel?sb=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/media.travelodge.co.uk\/image\/upload\/v1675260555\/ecrm\/hotels-digi\/GB0755.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=Brick%20Lane&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search deals<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Spitalfields City Farm<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36375\" src=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/city-farm-1-700x466.jpg\" alt=\"Red haired family admiring farm cows\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/city-farm-1-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/city-farm-1-250x166.jpg 250w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/city-farm-1-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/city-farm-1-480x319.jpg 480w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/city-farm-1.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>Want a taste of the countryside in the heart of the city? It\u2019s possible at Spitalfields City Farm! This inner-city haven is home to lots of animals, from ferrets to rabbits, goats, donkeys, and pigs, providing an opportunity for adults and kids to get up close and personal. When it\u2019s time for a sit-down and a cup of tea, look no further than the farm\u2019s very own Tea Hut.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">Inside, you can slurp up a myriad of hot drinks, as well as tuck into locally and ethically sourced menu items. There\u2019s even a farm shop onsite, full to bursting with fresh organic produce, nifty garden supplies, and quirky gifts. To experience a fun-filled day out the entire family will enjoy, Spitalfields City Farm is certainly one of our top picks.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">Stay nearby<\/h4>\n<div class=\"sdstaynearby\">\n<div class=\"sdcol2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/hotels\/571\/London-Bethnal-Green-hotel?sb=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/media.travelodge.co.uk\/image\/upload\/v1675260555\/ecrm\/hotels-digi\/GB0852.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"sdcol2 sdlast\" style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/hotels\/639\/London-City-hotel?sb=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/media.travelodge.co.uk\/image\/upload\/v1675260555\/ecrm\/hotels-digi\/GB0965.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=E1%205AR&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search deals<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beefeaterdistillery.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">Beefeater London Gin Distillery<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36379\" src=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gin-700x466.jpg\" alt=\"Cold gin and tonic drink with limes on a bar\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gin-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gin-250x166.jpg 250w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gin-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gin-480x319.jpg 480w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/gin.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>Fancy a tipple? The Beefeater Gin Distillery in Kennington, London, is where every splash of this famous drink is distilled, before being distributed around the globe. Gin lovers can take a 90-minute tour of the distillery, during which you&#8217;ll discover the history of the world-famous drink. You\u2019ll also experience a guided tasting, learning about the ingredients as you go.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">Then, your host will walk you to the Still House, giving you a sneak peek into exactly where their gin is made. The tour rounds off with a cheeky G&amp;T in the bar, allowing you to relish Beefeater gin in all its glory.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">Stay nearby<\/h4>\n<div class=\"sdstaynearby\">\n<div class=\"sdcol2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/hotels\/576\/London-Vauxhall-hotel?sb=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/media.travelodge.co.uk\/image\/upload\/v1675260555\/ecrm\/hotels-digi\/GB0860.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"sdcol2 sdlast\" style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/hotels\/690\/London-Central-Elephant-and-Castle-hotel?sb=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/media.travelodge.co.uk\/image\/upload\/v1675260555\/ecrm\/hotels-digi\/GB2021.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=SE11%205DE&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search deals<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityoflondon.gov.uk\/things-to-do\/city-gardens\/find-a-garden\/st-dunstan-in-the-east-church-garden\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">The Church of Saint Dunstan-in-the-East<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36380\" src=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/church-garden-700x466.jpg\" alt=\"London hidden gems - the Church of Saint Dunstan-in-the-East garden\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/church-garden-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/church-garden-250x166.jpg 250w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/church-garden-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/church-garden-480x319.jpg 480w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/church-garden.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>If you\u2019re heading to The City, it\u2019s worth checking out The Church of Saint Dunstan-in-the-East. Once a fully functioning church, a WW2 bomb destroyed its beauty, leaving only remains. Although, what\u2019s left is certainly nothing short of incredible.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">As you walk around the ruins, you\u2019ll see stunning window arches nestled amongst a web of leaves and vines. In fact, the area has been transformed into a glorious public garden, inviting visitors to take a pew and digest its history. Consider this secluded spot a peaceful place to escape the herds of city workers.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">Stay nearby<\/h4>\n<div class=\"sdstaynearby\">\n<div class=\"sdcol2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/hotels\/518\/London-Central-Bank-hotel?sb=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/media.travelodge.co.uk\/image\/upload\/v1675260555\/ecrm\/hotels-digi\/GB0793.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"sdcol2 sdlast\" style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/hotels\/391\/London-Central-Tower-Bridge-hotel?sb=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/media.travelodge.co.uk\/image\/upload\/v1675260555\/ecrm\/hotels-digi\/GB0949.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=EC3R%205DD&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search deals<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevaults.london\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" class=\"wpel-icon-right\">The Vaults (Waterloo Vaults)<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-36381\" src=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/underground-theatre-700x466.jpg\" alt=\"Packed crowd looks towards The Vaults stage\" width=\"600\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/underground-theatre-700x466.jpg 700w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/underground-theatre-250x166.jpg 250w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/underground-theatre-120x80.jpg 120w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/underground-theatre-480x319.jpg 480w, https:\/\/travelodgeblog.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/underground-theatre.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>Curious to explore the disused railway arches hidden under Waterloo station? You can \u2013 via an immersive trip to The Vaults, a place where alternative art and theatre are celebrated to inspire others. Dubbed an \u2018unexpected experience\u2019, you\u2019ll never truly know what you\u2019re walking into.<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">But it promises to be undeniably imaginative and insanely fun. You can, however, explore the Leake Street graffiti tunnel instead, an incredible space founded by Banksy to celebrate artists. Whatever you choose to do, a trip to The Vaults is a wonderful opportunity to see Waterloo\u2019s underground railway spring to life!<\/h4>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\">Stay nearby<\/h4>\n<div class=\"sdstaynearby\">\n<div class=\"sdcol2\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/hotels\/421\/London-Central-Waterloo-hotel?sb=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/media.travelodge.co.uk\/image\/upload\/v1675260555\/ecrm\/hotels-digi\/GB0914.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"sdcol2 sdlast\" style=\"padding-bottom: 20px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/hotels\/342\/London-Central-Southwark-hotel?sb=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/media.travelodge.co.uk\/image\/upload\/v1675260555\/ecrm\/hotels-digi\/GB0920.jpg\" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"btn btn-blue wpel-icon-right\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/search\/results?location=SE1%207AD&amp;sb=0\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\">Search deals<span class=\"wpel-icon wpel-image wpel-icon-6\"><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Whether you\u2019re a regular London tourist or you\u2019re visiting for the first time, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do in the city. So, allow us to make the task easier. We&#8217;ve rounded up five of London\u2019s hidden gems perfect for all the family! Shoreditch Brick Lane Street Art For those with an [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":36366,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1211],"tags":[1819],"class_list":["post-36361","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-london","tag-hidden-gems"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36361","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/114"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36361"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36361\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36361"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36361"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}