The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog

London’s Top 5 Alternative Attractions

Updated: February 9, 2020 by

London’s Top 5 Alternative Attractions

A majority of tourists that visit London this year will head straight for the typical tourist hot spots such as The London Eye or Buckingham Palace.

Little do they know is that there is so much more to this amazing city than Prince Harry's crown jewels, The River Thames and pigeons.

If you are coming to stay for longer than a few days then why not check out:

London Attractions

  • Skip the Lines and get Free Entrance to most London Attractions with the London CityPASS

Camden Town

Electric Ballroom in Camden

Better known now as once being hometown to one of the UK's most talented singer/songwriters, the late Amy Winehouse. Camden is possibly the most alternative area of London where Goths, Grungers, and Hippies unite.

The high street is lined with tattoo parlors and stores selling anything from platform boots to studded collars.

Camden market is a great place to shop for handmade jewelry and trinkets before taking time to relax with a drink by The Locke, listening to some of the best acoustic buskers in London.

If you enjoy live music there is plenty going on every night of the week, most up and coming bands start their careers playing to the small energetic crowds in Camden's pubs.

Be sure to check out ‘Proud Camden' in the Stables Market, they showcase some great talent and have karaoke rooms for when you've had one too many.

How to get there: Camden Town underground station (Zone 2, Northern Line)

London’s Camden Town Rock History Tour –

This tour is specifically designed for rock fans so you know all the stories, civilized and otherwise, about the past and present of the area.

Neals Yard

london attractions neals yard

Even Londoners miss this quirky little courtyard, hidden away in Covent Garden's back streets. Need a detox? Head to Neal's Yard Remedy shop, they sell organic skin and body care remedies made from natural ingredients.

And don't forget to stop off at the salad and juice bar before you leave. The multi-colored buildings are decorated with hanging baskets and colorful shutters. It's no wonder Monty Python once called it home.

How to get there: Closest underground station Covent Garden (Zone 1, Piccadilly Line)

 

Battersea Park

battersea park

Tourists tend to flock to London's most central parks but they will be missing out on this beautiful utopia by the river located in London's wealthy borough of Wandsworth, West London. Families can rent bikes and “Banana bikes” for the kids to take a tour of the park.

It's also one of the best places in London to get your skates on.

A small section of the park was regenerated last year to resemble an Old English Garden which has been described as “Like walking through a big bouquet” Also be sure to check out the giant Padoga, deer park and mini-zoo.

How to get there: Battersea Park Railway station

Brick Lane & Shoreditch

brick lane

These hipster hangouts are filled with galleries, vintage clothes stores, unusual cafes and some of the best street art you've ever seen.

This is where the cool kids waste the day away in cafes such as 1001, blogging away on their MacBooks, sipping on low-fat lattes.

Pick up a cheap Fixie bike at the Brick Lane Sunday market or shop in Shoreditch's Boxpark — The world first pop-up mall.

A Brick Lane bar crawl is a must. Start at ‘Verge' at the top end and work your way down to ‘Vibe Bar' and ‘Big Chill' in Dray Walk.

If you fancy live music check out the lineup at '93 Feet East' or for a night of raving the back room in ‘Cafe 1001' occasionally stays open all night.

How to get there: Shoreditch overground station (Zone 2, East London line)

St Katherines Dock

london attractions
Camden Lock

Unfortunately, this beautiful dock seems to be overlooked by many London guidebooks. Located next to Tower Bridge, it's hidden away by the buildings that surround it.

The dock is lined with restaurants including the Medieval Banquet where you can step back in time and dine like a King. The fancy boats in the marina make for great photos which will have your friends asking “Where in London was that??”

How to get there: Tower Hill Underground Station (Zone 1, District & Circle line)

Make sure to check out our Local's Guide on Where to Stay in London for some great ideas!

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About Dave And Deb

Dave and Deb are the owners and founders of The Planet D. Since launching in 2008 they have continued to inspire "Adventure in Everyone" and show that you don't have to be an uber athlete or super-rich in order to be an adventurer.

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Comments

  1. Stephen Wrightly says

    Hi,

    Thanks a lot for sharing such an informative post. Last year on the month of December I visited London with my family and I can definitely say London is one of the best places I would love to visit again and again. Thanks a lot again.

    Reply

  2. James says

    Thanks for gathering such great tourist places of London in this article. I visited these attractions on my last visit which was close to Palm Hotel London. I had a great visit there keep posting like this.

    Reply

  6. Devendra kumar arya says

    “great info” London is the great place to travel .one thing is best about London that you will never fell boring in London. because of natural/artificial beauty, bars, famous building attracts the people.

    Reply

  7. London Airports Transfers says

    Battersea Park is one of the best parks in London, A beautiful setting for a walk, great for a run/roller blade/cycle. enjoy the sunshine on one of the hills overlooking the lake. The wide variety of flora and fauna. Great post I have not visited St Katherines Dock will plan in my next tour after August

    Reply

  9. World Trip Dreams says

    I searched on Google about London attractions and I came here. After reading the article I was impressed from this story, especially Battersea Park. However London shining with its beauty and allure, next on my To-Do list for traveling ! 🙂

    Reply

  12. Travel Hub says

    Great experience and great if it’s your first time in London as it has greats views of the rest of London. Expect long queues of up to an hour or longer but it’s definitely worth the wait. Great fun for the family and worth the money payed.

    Reply

  13. Jacqueline La Cumber says

    Battersea Park is a definite ‘must see’ and is in South West London – Wandsworth is where I grew up and this was one of my local parks, which has had a ‘makeover’ in recent years. It’s particularly pretty in the Spring and the Autumn. Some fabulous places to visit in West London, off the beaten track, include Chiswick House and Gardens, Syon House and Gardens and Osterley House and Gardens.

    Reply

  14. suraj says

    I’m planning trip to Europe this summer, and I haven’t decided on location yet. I’ve been considering the UK, but was worried about the expense of traveling within the country.

    Reply

  18. Freya says

    Great tips, I have visited most of the places but somehow I seem to have missed Neals Yard every time. It definitely is on my list now for my next visit, looks absolutely beautiful.

    Reply

  21. Sam says

    As an East Londoner, It’s perhaps no big surprise that I’ve been to all these places, except Battersea Park; west London has always been a big scary unknown to me! Otherwise, Neal’s Yard is definitely my pick of these places, but it is quite pricey!

    Reply

    • Londoner Kate says

      You must goto Battersea park if you get the chance. The Pagoda is a sight to behold!
      West London is the least scary area in London, make sure you explore it!

      Reply

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