One of the many joys of a trip to London is the seemingly endless array of hidden and unusual sights and activities. No matter how often you return, there is always something new to discover. A recent addition to the city’s literary landscape – tantalisingly titled The 500 Hidden Secrets of London – more than lives up to its name. With something for every type of visitor, it is brimming with surprises…
Contents
A Different Side Of London
Author Tom Grieg has lived in London for 20 years. Yet, as he notes in the introduction, “it is impossible even for seasoned Londoners to truly know all aspects of the city…” London is a sprawling metropolis, constantly evolving, with an astonishing variety of places to explore. But the author rises to the challenge with an intriguing and eclectic list of the capital’s secret spots and lesser-known sights.
It’s not all central London: as well as Covent Garden and the City you’ll find lots of entries in the East End and the inner suburbs. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a seasoned traveller looking to get off the beaten path, you are bound to encounter the unusual and the unexpected.
Something For Everyone
The book caters to a wide range of interests. I was immediately drawn to the section headed “50 Places to Discover Historic London”. A few of the entries were familiar, like London Wall (a relic of the Roman city of London), or Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (one of my favourite London pubs). However many were entirely new to me – an Art Deco car park, the world’s first council housing, and a mural commemorating the so-called “Battle of Cable Street”.
But you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this book. It has sections on nightlife, contemporary culture, and things to do with children. There are many choices for those who enjoy shopping – not just fashion, design and bookshops, but also niche outlets such as “Art Materials, Paper and Prints”. And lots of food and drink…
A Book For Inspiration And Planning
500 Hidden Secrets Of London includes 100 different categories, each with five entries. Quite a few focus on eating and drinking – from the 5 Best African Restaurants to the 5 Best Places for Fish and Chips to the 5 Best Pubs for a Riverside Drink. But you’ll also discover museums, architecture and modern art, hidden gardens and places to walk or cycle. There are even ideas for day trips beyond the city…
You could use the book for planning your next visit. Maps at the front group entries by area, making it easy to find something nearby, wherever you are staying. And there are sections on places to sleep – whether stylish, quirky or budget-friendly – and on sports and adventure activities.
Or you can simply enjoy browsing: I particularly liked “35 Random Facts and Useful Details”. It even solved a long-standing mystery for me – I had been puzzling over those labyrinth images in the London Underground for years!
The 500 Hidden Secrets of London, Tom Grieg, Luster Publishing, 2025, 9789460583735
