Suggest local things or hidden gem Things To Do in LONDON?

[Withlovemegan]

I used to live in London for many years and will be visiting for the day tomorrow.
I’ve explored London a lot over the years.

Can you suggest non touristy off the beaten path places to visit that I may not have already seen?

I like discovering high streets I haven’t been to before, or pretty neighbourhoods to stroll around that may have buzzy things going on or lovely little cafes or markets to have a nibble in.

I’ll be arriving early in the morning and leaving early evening. Thanks Mumsnet

Sorry, I'm keeping the good hidden ones all to myself.

Try the Natural History Museum though.

Postman’s Park is very moving.

Borough market followed by a walk down to Southwark Cathedral and the Thames, past the Golden Hinde towards the National theatre?

Have already done all the above, thank you

This may be too touristy but Hampstead/Highgate- you have the heath, Highgate Cemetery, Keats’ house, you can visit Constable’s grave, lovely streets with nice little cafes etc. it’s probably 2-3 days to do it all properly. I’d suggest a swim in the ponds but not in March unless you’re used to it.

Broadway Market or Stoke Newington High Street? Both lovely to have a wander down and get a coffee and something nice to eat.

The Horniman Museum is good (nearest station Forest Hill). It's not far from Dulwich which is fancy. There's an art gallery in Dulwich but I haven't been there so can't say if it's good.
Dulwich park is nice.

Nunhead Cemetery- really beautiful place for a walk with lots of fancy victorian graves
Florence Nightingale Museum- not been but on my list
The Lookout- free London views from 50 floors up at 8 Bishopsgate
National Army Museum- this one passed me by for ages but was a really good museum and well worth a visit

John Soane museum is wonderful

SE23 local here - agree with previous recommendations for Nunhead Cemtery, the Dulwich Picture Gallery and the Horniman Museum (although WRT the latter, unfortunately the natural history gallery is being revamped and our magnificent walrus is currently away on his holidays being re-taxidermied, leaving you looking at walrus-themed shop displays and street art in the area and wondering why SE23 seems to have such a bizarre fascination with walruses.) Honor Oak Park, Forest Hill and Crofton Park have lots of interesting little indie shops, cafes, and pubs to chill in.

If that’s a little too far afield then, whilst nowadays it’s busier at weekends than it used to be, I’d recommend doing a church walk of the City and visiting all the old hidden churches and their churchyards. In the quieter parts with less footfall it’s lovely.

Brixton?
Brixton Village market is fantastic for a stroll round, Market Row and the main market. Also. Pop Brixton.
Morleys is a great department store
Exhibition at Lambeth Archives https://love.lambeth.gov.uk/ringside-lambeth-astleys-and-the-birth-of-british-circus-exhibition-in-lambeth-archives/
Check out the Bowie mural on the corner of Morleys
The Electric Avenue neon sign
The new architectural award winning theatre (nice comfy resting spot)

Or
Have you been to the Spitalfields / Brick Lane area?

The Wallace Collection is a must.

About the lookout, is it a cafe, you can just turn up?

No cafe, the website is here and they book (free) tickets to go up although I was lucky and got in by just turning up on a quiet day- https://www.8bishopsgate.com/lookout unfortunately it looks like they are temporarily closed so maybe one for next visit.

Horizon 22 is the other one on Bishopsgate but I haven't tried it.

https://museumofbrands.com/

This place is brilliant! Not too expensive and it's like stepping back in time.

https://rooftopfilmclub.com/london/

Also from April, the Rooftop Cinema Club are showing films. I went to one a few years back and it's great fun.

Here are some more ideas....

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/venues/outdoor-spaces/queen-elizabeth-hall-roof-garden/

https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/london-attraction/museum/unusual-london-museums#:~:text=Fan%20Museum.%20Undoubtedly%20one%20of%20London's%20most,the%2011th%20century%20to%20the%20present%20day.

Ooh, also the cable car that goes over the Thames is brilliant too and not too expensive. Fantastic views and a lot of fun.....

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/london-cable-car/

It's very near the 02 arena on the northern Thames side, which is free to wander about..normally bustling and a nice atmosphere.

If you're into churches and/or obscure gardens, some of these are great....

https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/london-england/churches?page=1

I really want to go and visit the newly renovated Battersea Power Station too. 😀 A friend has been and said it's well worth a visit.

Hope you have a great time and let us know how you get on!

@JohnKettleyIsAWeathermanAndSoIsMichaelFish wallace is my favourite, and I love the cafe! Also Chelsea, the gardens around the barracks and the extremely expensive shops nearby.

A short walk from Sloane Square tube is Royal Hospital Road where you'll find the Royal Hospital, National Army Museum, and Chelsea Physic Garden, all on one road almost next door to each other.

https://chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/visit

https://www.nam.ac.uk/

https://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/

How about a walk along Regents Canal? Lots of pretty places to stop and eat/drink....

https://www.ft.com/content/cd5b3d20-8801-40e4-8a1e-e14cf5025c48

Chelsea physic garden

On a Saturday with a bit of sun?
Borough market is just sooo busy these days that it's no longer a nice experience.

Brunch in a Swains Lane cafe then a stroll up Parliament Hill and over to Kenwood is lovely this time of year. Good views etc. Then pop over to Highgate Cemetery on the way back.

Or the new lift at Battersea is good, if a bit pricey.

Any church in the City of London.
The Jewel Tower opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Cafe in the V&A.
The Little Cloister and Dean's Garden in Westminster Abbey.
Lambeth Palace and the Garden Museum next door.

We went to this place last time we were in London, worth a look.
www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/

The Museum of the Order of St John. Fascinating small museum, and enclosed garden.

The Sir John Soanes Museum on Lincoln's Inn. Amazing small museum. I recommend going on a tour. It's free to get in, but you need to pay for a tour.