Today we welcome local guide Nigel in London as he shares his favourite off the beaten track destinations to explore with visitors.
I am a London based tour guide offering a range guiding experiences across the city and beyond. As a former teacher of History, I have a real passion for that subject and most of my tours include stories from London’s remarkable 2000 year-old past. As a guide I love meeting travellers of all ages from around the world and sharing my knowledge and understanding of the culture, history and the humour of Britain.
Five Off the Beaten Track Places to Explore in London
CHARTWELL
Chartwell was the family home of Sir Winston Churchill. This special place is off the beaten track and although set in the depths of the English countryside it is easily accessible, situated only 25 miles from central London. The house itself has been carefully preserved by the National Trust and contains many of Churchill’s possessions, including the largest single collection of his art work to be found anywhere. The gardens are also unique and provide an insight into his home life and his many hobbies that he pursued at different times in his life. Whether you are fascinated by Churchill or simply would like to escape the crowds of London and see some countryside, a trip to Chartwell will provide many happy memories.
THE ROMAN TEMPLE OF MITHRAS
Situated under the impressive 21st century headquarters of Bloomberg, this ancient temple is one of the most surprising ‘off the beaten track’ places to visit in the City of London. On show is a huge selection of Roman artefacts found on the site during the recent excavation and, as part of the visit, there is a short but entertaining audio re-enactment of a typical ceremony conducted during the period. If you are interested in London’s history and want an insight into what lies below the streets of London then this place ticks all those boxes.
THE OLD CHESHIRE CHEESE PUB
This is one of a number of pubs that survived the Great Fire of London in 1666 and is one of of the many inns and pubs that we visit on my London Historic Pubs tour. The dark, mysterious and cosy rooms have stories to tell and many literary figures like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are said to have been ‘regulars’ at this establishment. The main bar is the home to a sadly deceased parrot called Polly. When it died, in 1926, around 200 newspapers across the world wrote obituaries. The beer and food are also excellent!
VICTORIA EMBANKMENT GARDENS
These beautiful gardens are tucked away along the banks of the River Thames providing a haven of peace and quiet just a short distance away from the bustling streets of London’s Theatreland. They were opened in 1865 as reclaimed land and were considered to be the finest thoroughfare in Europe. In addition to the statues and war memorials there are many stories to tell about the reconstruction of this area of the city and the characters and places that we pass as we walk its length from Embankment Tube Station up to the edge of the old City of London.
ALL HALLOWS BY THE TOWER
This remarkable church situated just a stone’s throw from the Tower of London is the oldest church in the City of London and was founded in 675AD. It survived the Great Fire of London but was badly damaged during the Blitz of 1940. This event revealed a Roman archway and in its crypt can be found a huge range of historical artefacts, some of which have American links. This church is full of surprises and if you have an interest In London’s sea trading history there are many references to this around the building. There is also the crows nest from Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship, The Quest. Very few people visit All Hallows and yet it is easy to access and is one of London’s true gems.
Planning to explore London in 2025? You can start a conversation with local guide Nigel to come up with the perfect itinerary for you and your travel companions.