About this list
20 lesser-known places in London that SquadAbroad travelers have found and saved.
20 places
Lesser-known places SquadAbroad travelers have found, ranked.
Rank 1
Photo by N R on Unsplash Restaurant
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
Set inside a former 19th-century brewery vault in Covent Garden, Hawksmoor Seven Dials is renowned for its thick-cut, dry-aged British steaks cooked over real charcoal. Guests descend into the moody, brick-lined cellar for prime beef, sustainably sourced seafood, and expertly crafted cocktails. It offers a quintessential London steakhouse experience in an intimate, historic subterranean setting.
Rank 2
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Horniman Museum and Gardens
Perched on a hillside in South London, the Horniman Museum is renowned for its eclectic natural history collections, musical instruments, and its famously overstuffed Victorian walrus. Visitors come to explore the subterranean aquarium and stroll through 16 acres of landscaped gardens that offer sweeping views across the London skyline.
Rank 3
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Hyde Park
Spanning 350 acres in central London, Hyde Park is one of the capital's historic Royal Parks, famous for the Serpentine lake and Speakers' Corner. Visitors come to rent pedal boats, stroll down wide tree-lined avenues, or picnic near the Diana Memorial Fountain. It offers an expansive green retreat for outdoor recreation right in the center of the city.
Rank 4
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iFLY Indoor Skydiving
iFLY London simulates the sensation of freefall using a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel, letting visitors experience the mechanics of skydiving without jumping from an aircraft. Inside the transparent flight chamber, guests float on a continuous cushion of controlled air under the direct guidance of certified flight instructors. It offers an accessible, weather-proof thrill for adventurous first-timers as well as experienced flyers practicing bodyflight techniques.
Rank 5
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Kensington Palace
Set within Kensington Gardens, this historic royal residence has been home to British monarchs for centuries, famously including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Visitors come to explore the opulent King's and Queen's State Apartments, view exhibitions on royal history and fashion, and stroll through the manicured Sunken Garden.
Rank 6
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Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site housing the world's most extensive and diverse collection of living plants across 300 acres of landscaped grounds. Visitors can step inside iconic Victorian glasshouses like the Palm House to experience humid tropical rainforests or climb the Treetop Walkway for sweeping canopy views. It is a celebrated destination for botanical research and a peaceful retreat into global nature just outside central London.
Rank 7
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Kiln
Kiln is a bustling Soho eatery celebrated for its rural Thai-inspired dishes cooked directly over glowing wood embers and charcoal. Diners gather around the kinetic counter to watch chefs craft fiery curries, grilled skewers, and clay-pot noodles using British-sourced produce. It offers a fast-paced, immersive dining experience driven by bold regional spice and authentic live-fire technique.
Rank 8
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Kyoto Garden
Tucked inside Holland Park, Kyoto Garden is a traditional Japanese stroll garden gifted by the city of Kyoto in 1991. Visitors come to wander along tiered rock waterfalls, admire koi-filled ponds, and spot resident peacocks beneath vibrant Japanese maples. It offers an exceptionally peaceful retreat, providing a quiet moment of contemplation in the heart of West London.
Rank 9
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London Eye
The London Eye is an iconic cantilevered observation wheel offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. From its capsules, visitors can see famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London, providing a unique and memorable perspective on England's capital.
Rank 10
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Natural History Museum
Housed in a striking Romanesque building in South Kensington, the Natural History Museum preserves more than 80 million specimens documenting billions of years of the natural world. Visitors flock here to walk beneath the colossal blue whale skeleton suspended in Hintze Hall, study world-famous dinosaur fossils, and explore interactive galleries chronicling Earth's geology and biodiversity.
Rank 11
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Old Royal Naval College
Anchoring the Greenwich riverfront, the Old Royal Naval College is celebrated for its twin neoclassical domes designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Visitors come to marvel at the soaring, baroque ceiling of the Painted Hall and wander across grand riverside grounds steeped in British maritime history.
Rank 12
Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash Restaurant
Padella
Situated right by Borough Market, Padella is celebrated for serving exceptional hand-rolled fresh pasta at accessible prices. Diners crowd the lively counter seats to watch chefs toss signature dishes like pici cacio e pepe and rich beef shin ragu in an open kitchen. It is an essential London stop for anyone seeking authentic, unfussy Italian comfort food.
Rank 13
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Richmond Park
Spanning 2,500 acres of ancient woods and open grasslands, Richmond Park is London’s largest Royal Park, famed for its herds of free-roaming red and fallow deer. Visitors come to cycle sweeping trails, explore the secluded woodland paths of the Isabella Plantation, and catch protected long-distance views of St Paul’s Cathedral from King Henry’s Mound.
Rank 14
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Royal Observatory Greenwich
Perched on a hill overlooking Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory is the historic home of British astronomy and the official site of the Prime Meridian. Visitors can straddle the brass line dividing the Earth's eastern and western hemispheres, explore historic timepieces that revolutionized navigation, and take in sweeping views across the River Thames to the London skyline.
Rank 15
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Rules
Established in 1798, Rules holds the title of London’s oldest restaurant, tucked away in the bustling heart of Covent Garden. The dining room charms with plush velvet banquettes, dark wood paneling, and walls lined with historic artwork, setting the stage for classic British fare centered on traditional wild game, savory pies, and rich puddings. Upstairs, guests can unwind with impeccably crafted cocktails in a secluded, old-world lounge.
Rank 16
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Shakespeare's Globe
Set on the south bank of the River Thames, Shakespeare's Globe is a faithful timber-framed reconstruction of the 1599 open-air playhouse where William Shakespeare premiered his most famous works. Visitors come to experience classic and modern plays staged in authentic Elizabethan fashion, either standing in the open yard as 'groundlings' or seated in tiered wooden galleries. Year-round guided tours also offer a rich look into Tudor staging, architecture, and dramatic history.
Rank 17
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Sir John Soane's Museum
Preserved exactly as it was upon the architect's death in 1837, this atmospheric townhouse museum is one of London's most eccentric treasures. Daylight filters through domed skylights onto labyrinthine rooms packed with thousands of classical antiquities, architectural casts, and paintings by Hogarth and Turner. Visitors come to marvel at its ingenious use of space and rare curiosities, including the 3,000-year-old alabaster sarcophagus of Pharaoh Seti I.
Rank 18
Photo: sketch Restaurant
Sketch (The Gallery)
Step into The Gallery at Sketch, London, an iconic dining destination celebrated for its vibrant, art-filled pink interiors designed by India Mahdavi, showcasing unique artwork by David Shrigley. Visitors come to experience an exquisite afternoon tea or sophisticated modern European cuisine within this immersive and visually stunning setting.
Rank 19
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Sky Garden
Perched at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, Sky Garden is a multi-story indoor botanical park offering sweeping 360-degree views across London. Visitors can stroll along terraced pathways lined with Mediterranean and subtropical plants, take in famous landmarks from the open-air deck, or relax at the rooftop bars and cafes. It provides one of the city's premier vantage points, seamlessly blending lush greenery with an expansive skyline vista.
Rank 20
Photo: The Hiwaymann Restaurant
St. John
St. John in London is renowned for pioneering nose-to-tail dining, celebrating forgotten cuts of meat and traditional British ingredients. Diners seeking an authentic, unpretentious fine dining experience with a focus on provenance and robust flavors will find a memorable meal here.
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