A little different from the norm,
if it’s not your first visitYou may have visited London time and again, you might even live in London, or like me, worked up in the ‘smoke’ for many years.
However, what I adore about this bustling metropolis, is that I’m always filled with a sense of adventure when we visit.
The ancient city of London has so many secrets, I just feel the urge to explore more of the unusual and sometimes quirky spots around England’s multi-cultural capital.
Gary and I are off to revisit London in a few weeks, and my list of districts to discover and to search out those lesser-known facts and blue plaques is ever-growing.
![The Pin image for our post - 'Curious places to visit in London'](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Curious-places-to-visit-in-London-Pin6.jpg)
The Curious List
![2 brass statues of soldiers standing aside of a sandstone monument to the fallen from the City of London in front of the neoclassical styling of The Royal Exchange](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-London-Troops-Memorial-in-front-of-the-Royal-Exchange-Curious-and-quirky-London-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-V5.jpg)
This is now the hub of London’s financial district and referred to by the locals as ‘The City’. Some may question that the financial centre is now Canary Wharf, but, I’m old-school, and I’m having none of that.
Just to throw a spanner in the works, The City is also colloquially known as the ‘Square Mile’. Which as you may guess and covers an area of around one square mile, this small region of London is bursting with history and facts.
![The Guildhall in the centre of the City of London. This medieval town hall dates for the middle of the 15th century but has been restored a number of times due to damage through fire and war.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-Guildhall-City-of-London-curious-and-quirky-london-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-V5.jpg)
Keep an eye out for those little differences when you wander into the city.
Not only do the street signs and the cast iron bollards alter.
![The pewter coloured dragon with bright red tongue holding shield displaying the coat of arms of Saint George signifies the entrance to the City of London.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-V5.jpg)
![A black and white portrait shot of the Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square, of him dressed in a heavy overcoat.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Statue-to-Winston-Churchill-in-Parliament-Square-curious-and-quirky-london-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-V5.jpg)
Follow the River Thames west, and you’ll come to London’s second city, and that’s the City of Westminster.
Here you’ll find all that is Regal about London along with some of London’s beautiful parks and the haunts of many a politician and aristocrat.
Some Londoners may call themselves cockneys; however, it is believed, that to be a true cockney, you must be born within earshot of the chiming of the Bow Bells.
The Bow Bells are located in the heart of the ancient city, in St Mary-Le-Bow church along Cheapside.
![The Bell tower of St Mary-le-bow in the heart of the City of London, home to the famous bow bells. If you are born within earshot of these bells you can consider yourself a true cockney.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-bell-tower-of-St-Mary-le-Bow-curious-and-quirky-london-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-V5.jpg)
If you've yet to discover London and its ancient history, then let's start planning. I find these DK Eyewitness Travel Guides invaluable. They're extremely informative, easy to follow, and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more of those fascinating sites.
You can now grab a recently revised copy of this guidebook, so you won't miss a thing.
![A bright green shuttered entrance to the warehouse in Smithfield in the City of London. This warehouse is used to store meat for a catering firm](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Catering-Meats-Smithfield-Smithfield-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-discover-london-explore-london-V5.jpg)
![A large classically styled stone wall featuring 2 arched windows filled with black wrought iron railings. Clearly visible in the stonework are bullet marks that date from a Zeppelin raid in the 1st World War](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Scars-from-the-Great-War-Smithfield-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-discover-london-explore-london-V5.jpg)
Where to stay in London
If you want to stay in the heart of the financial district then why not choose the Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s (formerly Grange St. Paul’s), as we did? A short hop from the magnificent cathedral.
There are plenty of other choices, why not check out Booking.com for something that suits your requirements?
![Looking into the bustling Spitalfields arts market that occupies an area where a market has been held for over 350 years. The stalls are covered by glass roof these days things have become a little more artisan.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Spitalfields-Market-curious-and-quirky-london-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-V5.jpg)
We have a little book on our shelves that we sometimes delve into when we're about to hit an area of London.
Packed full of historical facts, and broken down into the different regions of London, it's a great resource to help you see what's hidden in plain sight.
Available in Kindle & Hardback editions, it's an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves London.
![The flower beds iÉn Postman's park in the City of London in front of the memorial for heroic sacrifice.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Postmans-Park-A-hidden-gem-places-near-st-pauls-station-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-V5.jpg)
This little park is home to the Watts Memorial, which is a memorial dedicated to Heroic Self-Sacrifice and was founded by George Frederick Watts.
Watts fought to have a place of remembrance created, to ensure that the lives of ordinary people would not go unforgotten. Under the roofed terrace, take your time to stop and read the glazed Royal Doulton plaques, commemorating multiple acts of heroic bravery, often involving children.
![Plaques in the Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice detailing those who gave their lives to save others.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-Memorial-to-Heroic-Self-Sacrifice-curious-and-quirky-london-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-V5.jpg)
![Overlooking Tower Hill Memorial Gardens towards the memorial colonnade to the fallen from World War One with the Tower of London in the background.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-tower-from-Trinity-park-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-discover-london-explore-london-V5.jpg)
![A sandstone statue of a naval officer, wrapped up warmly against harsh conditions, looking into the distance. In the background is Trinity house, a neo-classical designed piece of architecture on the edge of Tower Hill Memorial Gardens](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/A-Naval-sentry-at-Tower-Hill-Memorials-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-discover-london-explore-london-V5.jpg)
![Standing inside the Tower Hill memorial arch looking out to the Church of all Hallows by the tower. The columns are filled with plaques of the names of the fallen from World War One.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Inside-the-WWI-Tower-Hill-Memorial-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-discover-london-explore-london-V5.jpg)
Our Tip!
![The Saint Katharine Docks in London, next to Tower Hill, with small, luxury, private boats moored in front of a historic warehouse building.](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/St-Katharine-Docks-in-London-movies-in-london-hidden-london.-films-in-london-discover-london-explore-london-V5.jpg)
![A sailing barge moored in front of the Dickens Inn at St Katharine docks](https://www.ourworldforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-Dickens-Inn-in-St-Katharine-Docks-curious-and-quirky-london-hidden-london-walking-tours-of-london-what-to-see-london-V5.jpg)
Let us know
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I’ve not been to Postman’s Park so will definitely hunt it out on our next visit. Thanks for the tip! #farawayfiles
Oh it’s definitely worth it, it’s only a small park; however, the memorial is extremely interesting, Which are your favourite parks in London?
I’ve been to a few of the places on this list, love exploring the City of London with its mix of old and new. Katharine’s dock was such a surprise to me a few years ago
I think that’s also what I love about the City of London, the you wander by something ultra modern and then turn a corner and your looking at centuries of history.
Yes, St Katharine Dock is often a little unexpected, it’s full of life in the summer.
Wow, some great ideas here! I visit London pretty often – my husband’s family live there – so I will be making some notes from this list. Thanks! #FarawayFiles
Thanks very much there are just so many unusual places and tales about London. I have done another London article to follow on from this one, that I’m posting next week. So hopefully there will be a few more things to add to your list.
Where is your favourite place to visit in London?
I walked past St-Mary-Le-Bow just yesterday. Wish I’d read this first! A friend told me just recently that Spitalfields has scrubbed up really well – you’ve reminded me to revisit. I always love discovering the lesser-known places in a city and this post is a real gem. Thanks so much for sharing on #farawayfiles
Well that’s a coincidence, were the bells chiming?
Thanks Clare, I really enjoy visiting each little district of London, they so often blend from one to another; however, there is always an interesting tale to be found.
Yes, Spitalfields was really a pleasant surprise.
I did not know that about the Bow Bells and Cockneys! Say, have you ever used a cockney cash machine? We’re there in a few weeks too and I’m determined to find one! Have a lovely trip! #farawayflies
I’ve never heard of a cockney cash machine, I’m going to have to take a look now. Drop us a line if you do find one, I’d love to know what you thought of it.
I love quirky and off the beaten track finds. I’ve lived in London but know there’s still so much I have to uncover. Great read! #FarawayFiles
I know what you mean, I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface, it’s an incredible city for concealing so many bizarre and unusual tales.