Through the cobbled lanes of Shoreditch to the rustic landscapes of Hampstead, London has long been a hotbed for intrepid explorers and tourists looking to stray from the beaten track. Guests of accommodation near Paddington Station London know full well the possibilities for their holiday in the heart of the city. Every corner is waiting to be explored and it’s all easy to reach thanks to the city’s extensive rail network.
London has many world renowned tourist attractions, but the crowds, especially during peak seasons, can be overwhelming. For guests of the Park Hotel Paddington London who want a slightly more relaxing holiday than the rush hour madness of Oxford Street and the noise of the South Bank, there are some easily navigable secret spots that will show you a whole new dimension to the city. Below are some of the most magical.
St Dunstan-In-The-East
Located about halfway between London Bridge and the Tower of London, this former church dates back to the 12th century, but was largely destroyed during the London Blitz. That didn’t stop this beautiful church from retaining its place in the city though, now St Dunstan’s-In-The-East has been landscaped and reclaimed as a secret garden in the city of London. Within its ruined walls you’ll find manicured lawns, flowerbeds and ivy along the remaining structures, resulting in a truly tranquil escape from the commuter buzz on St Dunstan’s Hill.
Point Hill
Guests of hotels near Paddington London will no doubt have toyed with a visit to Primrose Hill, even venturing as far out as Greenwich Observatory. Indeed, these royal park offerings boast some of the best free to visit viewpoints of the cityscape. That being said, there are plenty less known ones that can still wow you without the crowds. One such place is Point Hill, which neighbours Greeniwch royal park and provides an arresting view of the Canary Wharf area. The quaint garden square has several benches and a map beside the viewpoint, and is especially magical as the sun sets and the city lights turn on one by one.
The Barbican Conservatory
The Barbican may be a popular arts and culture venue, but very few people know about its adjoining conservatory. The Barbican Conservatory was planted in the early 80s and is home to thousands of plants. For an antidote to the largely concrete Barbican area, this serene walk through greenery should only take about 20 minutes and will re-energise and relax you.
Isabella Plantation
Another must visit for nature lovers, the Isabella Plantation is nestled in the heart of Richmond Park. Easy to miss on a day out in the deer-laden nature reserve and royal park, the Isabella Plantation is a preserved enclosure of marshland that has become the habitat for a large colony of rhododendrons and wildlife and offers a more intimate spot in an otherwise vast swathe of scrub and woodland.
Postman’s Park
Another City of London gem, this is the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll after your breakfast near Paddington London. Postman’s Park is home to the Memorial of Heroic Self-Sacrifice, celebrating Londoners who gave their lives helping others. It is also a peaceful spot for a picnic or a breath of fresh air.
