You see, the whole of the South Bank area used to be a breeding ground of rather scandalous occupations – whoring, gambling, fighting – it all used to happen on the South Bank. There were brothels aplenty, as well as some of the city’s poorest slums.

Though the likelihood of you accidentally stumbling across this pub are about 0.00001% it’s the fact that it’s so well hidden that makes it one of London’s best kept secrets. If you’re interested in taking this walk, you can find the route, pictures, map, and video on my Richmond walk blog post.The walk here is heavily centred around the preservation of the garden, visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and avoid trampling on the flower beds to protect the species. That sounds pretty epic. Even by London standards where our attitude to old stuff is decidedly lax because there’s just so much of it. And now for something completely different. A street that once was. This is one of the best hidden gems London has to offer because it is buried and concealed. I hope you enjoy playing around with it and that it helps you discover new-to-you areas of the UK capital.

I’ll start my list of east London walks with the one in Spitalfields. This is a popular area for eating, drinking, and shopping. This London walk will lead you from the Holland Park tube station to the houses, green spaces, and mews streets the area is famous for. It’s perfect if you’ve done my Notting Hill walk and want to explore the area next to it.Take a turn along the remains of London’s old city wall. Started by the Romans, the wall was maintained right up to the 18th century. How would you like to have drinks amidst a jungle of palm fronds, flowers and rather delicious baroque decor in a light-filled conservatory? Thought so.

The third of my of my secret London walks is in Greenwich. This southeast London neighborhood is known for its maritime history, famous park, covered market, and Royal Observatory. If you’re interested in this self-guided east London walking tour, take a look at my blog post about Shoreditch walks for the route, photos, video, and map. Turn right along Conyers Road, passing the Streatham Pumping Station. This is a really cool Victorian architectural building. Inner Temple Lane - Another unique survivor of the Great Fire of London, and the City's sole surviving timber-framed Jacobean townhouse. We always grapple with the selfish part of us that doesn’t want to share London secrets like Upstairs at Rules because we thoroughly enjoy having it as our go-to Covent Garden drinking spot… but here we are, selfless as ever, sharing away.This loveliest of secret London walks is perfect if you like to be on the water and take in a variety of sights and neighborhoods as you go. It’s a good alternative to the Thames Path, and a great way to see some local London neighborhoods.