Whenever London is at the centre of discussion for tourism, all we can think about is the bustling Oxford Street, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and all the local phenomena. The capital indeed features multiple memorable regions that are highly valuable for tourism appeal and give exactly what anyone would think of a British cultural centre. Apart from the local markets, architecture, and rich culture, there is something that many people skip, and these are the hidden streets of London.
Many people are unaware of the fact that London streets are also a memorable part of the city that shares incredible English heritage with narrow lanes, cobblestone alleys, and quaint courtyards. These streets offer a rare chance to see the hidden side of London that is more local, less crowded, and, more importantly, authentic to the rich London culture. With these streets, you can enjoy exploring the region more like mediaeval merchants, Georgian craftsmen, Victorian printers, and many more British heritage aspects that have shaped the London that we see today.
With that said, let’s discuss some of the hidden streets in London that will take you back in time and show how London was rebuilt after fires and wars.
Goodwin’s Court
Why Visit?
- Beautiful atmosphere for a street in the city of London.
- The street looks even more beautiful in the evening when the lamps are lit up.
- Easily accessible for day trips from Covent Garden, Soho, and the Theatre District.
This historical landmark always lands first in the list for its unique architecture, cobblestone street, and narrow alley. The street is perfectly sealed in time, which is often overlooked because of the crowded touristy sites that are just around the corner. The moment you step into it, you will be taken back to the Victorian era with all the surrounding architecture.
Harry Potter fans should especially visit this street, as it gives a strong vibe like Diagon Alley. Not just that, but Goodwin Street also gives you a quiet escape from the local rushed and crowded tourism scene, and enjoy the calm atmosphere. You should wait till evening, as the gas street lamps will make the street even more exciting and picture-worthy.
This area is best enjoyed with friends and family, and that is why most visitors travel with car rentals or opt for a minibus company in London to share the cost among all members easily. That is because public transport might not be adjusted to the schedule of your travel, and arranging private transport yourself is more feasible for enjoying Goodwin’s Court comfortably.
St Dunstan-in-the-East & St Dunstan’s Hill
Why Visit?
- A combination of greenery, a mediaeval street, and church ruins.
- It is free to enter for everyone and offers a much more relaxing and quiet exploration.
- This street also has a strong connection to London’s wartime past and was transformed for public tourism.
We all love modern landscape and architecture, but St Dunstan-in-the-East is all about taking you back into the fairy tale and the hauntingly beautiful green street. It is more of a shell architecture of the ruined church that was battered during the Blitz. This area also features St Dunstan’s Hill, which will take you back to history with the narrow lane and surrounding historic buildings.
No need to go anywhere else, as this destination is ideal for spending your day. Although the financial district is pretty busy during the day, the garden is a real treat with all the natural habitat it surrounds. It is just a short walk from the Tower of London, making it a perfect destination to enjoy with your family and friends.
Cloth Fair
Why Visit?
- It is a mediaeval marvel, offering some of the best open street experiences in London.
- The street is easily accessible from the Smithfield Market and the Barbican area.
- It is a perfect spot for history buffs and for those looking to capture the best pictures both during the day and at night.
Just across the Smithfield Market, you can head to the Cloth Fair, which is one of the oldest streets surviving the wars and fires in London. It is more of a residential area than a touristy site, which makes it peaceful and more relaxing. The street is really old, as most of the buildings in this area date back to the 17th century.
Seriously, a walk around the street during the day can make your whole trip experience in London even more worthwhile. There are even timber-framed houses that lean slightly over the street. Not to forget, St Bartholomew the Great is a great addition to your exploration to enjoy with your group of history buff friends.
Bleeding Heart Yard
Why Visit?
- This street has strong associations with literature.
- It is easily accessible from Farringdon and Clerkenwell.
- Best to explore during the evening when the buildings are illuminated.
If you want to see a London street steeped in history and culture, then Bleeding Heart Yard is exactly where you need to be. This small courtyard is behind Farringdon’s busy streets and shares a perfect setting for historic sightseeing and atmosphere. Those interested in literature must visit this street since it has deep roots in Charles Dickens, the Ingoldsby Legends, and many more references to catch.
We strongly recommend visiting the yard during the evening to soak in the eerie yet mesmerising atmosphere that is shaped by the London surroundings. Hatton Garden, Ely Place, and Holborn Circus are also nearby, just in case you are planning to extend your trip.
Final Words
We all get it that the real experience lies in exploring the local architecture. But that is not the only aspect that keeps driving tourism into the London streets. It is also the rich heritage, the peacefulness away from the crowd and cobblestones that are now worn smooth with centuries of footsteps.
You do not need to make a list to see every street and corner in London. Just a few destinations will be enough to give you the true local perspective on how quieter and transformed the city of London is.
