London is full of amazing places to see, delicious foods to eat, and quirky spots to discover, and while all of the obvious places are a must-see, some of London's more exciting 'treasures' are not as well-known as you might expect.
The most surprising thing about this garden, aside from its beautiful Gothic architecture and the fact that it was designed by Christopher Wren, is how central it is.
It truly is one of London's best-kept secrets, as well as an ideal location for photography and filming among the current secret keepers.
We have no idea who came up with this idea, but this station was built to allow police to monitor protests in Trafalgar Square.
Of course, it is no longer actively used as a police station, but it is an interesting sight to see when walking around Trafalgar Square.
Where is it? Trafalgar Square
There are 7 noses created by artist Rick Buckley scattered around Soho, which should make for an interesting sight and an impressive 'treasure hunt' list when in London.
Where is it? Soho.
This station, also known as Aldwych station, is no longer in use but is an important part of London's history (for example, it was used to protect artwork from museums in London during the war) and, while it is currently closed, you may be able to arrange a tour if you contact the station London Transport Museum to find out more about it.
Where is it? Temple.
There are so many reasons to visit St Martin-in-the-Fields, especially so the free concerts held in the afternoons but when you’re around, have a look for St Martin’s Window which is a unique window into an already impressive building.
Where is it? Trafalgar Square.
Long story short, this is the very same company that built the bell, Big Ben and the Liberty Bell in the US (see picture, above) which is an iconic symbol of American independence.
The most impressive aspect of this is that it is the UK's oldest manufacturing company, having been in operation for nearly 500 years – and you can also buy a bell here, which is guaranteed to be one of the most exciting/historic souvenirs you can get in London (you can buy it online off their official website). here or pop into the store when in London)
Where is it? Trafalgar Whitechapel.
This stunning garden is definitely a visual sight when you’re in London. If you find yourself here, do try to hear for King Henry’s Mound where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of St Paul Cathedral.
Where is it? Richmond Park.
Similar to the seven noses, these were created by another artist, Tim Fishlock and can be found on Floral Street in Covent Garden.
Where is it? Covent Garden.
The bell does not have a pleasant history. It was used for centuries to mark the execution of offenders at Newgate prison (which is no longer in existence today). The bell is also known as the Newgate execution bell and is kept in a glass case in the nave of St Sepulchre-without-Newgate church.
Where is it? Holborn Viaduct.
And no, not referring to the Game of Thrones character here, John Snow is a Doctor who traced the 1854 cholera outbreak in London to this very tap. He is one of the founding fathers of Epidemiology and his work spurred a major change to the water systems in London.
It seems almost ironic that a tap that was actually at the centre of spreading this disease should be named after him but hey ho.
Where is it? Broadwick Street (Behind Oxford Street).
The main reason this is a good find in London is because it bears a striking resemblance to No. 10 Downing Street, the home of the British Prime Minister. Get a picture here and you can pretend (at least on Facebook and in your mind) that you had a private audience with the Prime Minister.
(The real number 10 Downing Street, below)
Where is it? The Strand.
At least one rooftop bar in London is a must-see. Even if it isn't for the drinks or a cool place to hang out with your friends, it is worth visiting for the incredible view of London it provides – especially at sunset. The South Bank Centre's rooftop garden bar is unquestionably one of London's must-see attractions.
Where is it? The South Bank.
This is only available to UK residents, but the good news is that it is free! You can basically climb to the very top of Big Ben and see the actual bell that rings every hour on the hour throughout London.
It's a unique sight to see, and even better, you can stay up there on the hour and hear (and watch) the bell ring. Don't worry, earplugs will be provided for this. To see this (and to watch Prime Minister's Question Time), contact your local MP's office.
Where is it? Westminster.
This is one of the secret spots that’s the furthest out of Central London but it’s not often you can say you’ve gotten to explore a cave in London so you should definitely check it out.
Also, this is a venue where artists such as The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin have played in so it’s got lots more reason than just its cave appeal.
Where is it? Chislehurst.
Cockney rhyming slang is almost a language and an art form in and of itself, and in keeping with East London's Cockney tradition, you can find a tiny handful of cash machines where you can select 'Cockney' as your language of fun and watch the fun ensue as you try to decide whether you've just chosen to give all your money away or just done a simple balance check!
By the way – you can’t actually give all your money away using a cash machine.
Where is it? Commercial Road & Roman Road (and a few other locations) in East London.
This wonderful post was originally posted on- Handluggageonly.