17 Magical Spots To Escape To In London

Off the beaten path.

BuzzFeed / Flickr: garryknight / Flickr: londonlooks

We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to share their favourite secret spot in London. Here’s what they said:

BuzzFeed

1. St James Park

Flickr: garryknight

Closest station: St James Park

Budget: Free entry

"There's this willow tree in St James's park near Buckingham Palace that has a hidden bench underneath it. It's so magical to find a hidden and quiet spot right in the middle of central (and very touristy) London." - cricketb

More information here.

2. Morden Hall Park

Flickr: garryknight

Closest station: Morden

Budget: Free entry

Once a deer park, the rural escape in Morden Hall Park is now a haven for nature and wildlife, and will give you a much-needed breath of fresh air. "So lovely, and feels like you’re not even in London anymore." - Ailbhe Malone

More information here.

3. Chelsea Physic Garden

Flickr: 82479320@N00

Flickr: 82479320@N00

Closest station: Sloane Square

Budget: £10 entry

This preeminent centre for botany is peaceful and informative. "It's worth the trip and the entrance fee!" – Jennifer Domingo on Facebook

More information here.

4. The Parkland Walk

geograph.org.uk

Closest station: Finsbury Park

Budget: Free entry

"The Parkland Walk runs from Finsbury Park, through Crouch End and up to Highgate. It's an abandoned railway line that's become a forest. Look out for the adult sized playground apparatus too!" – lucyk6

More information here.

5. The Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill

Flickr: speedoflife

Closest station: Forest Hill

Budget: Free entry, £3.50 for aquarium access

"Fantastic view across London which rivals that of Greenwich Park." – ashleyh434f1d695

More information here.

6. Nunhead Cemetery

Flickr: afcone

Flickr: matthewblack

Closest station: Nunhead

Budget: Free entry

Don't miss the "the amazing burnt out church in the center of the cemetery and view of London from the top of the reservoir." – jodief4756613e2

More information here.

7. St Ethelburga's Peace Garden

Flickr: kingdavid

Closest station: Bank

Budget: Free entry

BuzzFeed Life recommends escaping the City into tranquil secret garden at St Ethelburga's. With gorgeous flowers and a peaceful environment, the volunteer-tended garden offers a much needed escape from everyday business.

More information here.

8. Angel Canal

Flickr: jdgoring

Closest station: Angel Canal

Budget: Free entry

If you're in the Islington area, escape the hustle and bustle of shops and bars with a stroll along the serene Angel Canal, which offers a unique and lovely view of the city, and hosts a lively annual festival. Recommended by maggiem428f32a00.

More information here.

9. Richmond Park

Flickr: richardfisher

Flickr: londonlooks

Closest station: Richmond

Budget: Free entry

No doubt you'll find your own little corner of Richmond Park, the largest of London's Royal Parks. You'll find plenty of wildlife, seclusion, and peace. Recommended by emilyg47e5692de.

More information here.

BuzzFeed

10. Daunt Books

Flickr: loop_oh

Closest station: Regent's Park

Budget: Free entry

Curling up with a good book in this Edwardian bookshop on Marylebone Road is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of central London. Recommended by heffalump246.

More information here.

11. St Christopher's Place

Facebook: stchristophersplace

Closest station: Bond Street

Budget: Free entry, but put aside a few quid for a coffee at Workshop.

"I love St Christopher's place, hidden through a tiny alley behind Oxford street… Really lovely restaurants and art shops." – Lakesx

More information here.

BuzzFeed

12. B.Y.O.C.

Facebook: 570690806322070

Closest station: Covent Garden

Budget: £25/person for a 2 hour slot

"Hidden under the juice bar in Covent Garden… you bring your own bottle of booze and they turn it into fancy cocktails for you!" – emmac481cc4edc.

Book here.

13. Flat Iron Steakhouse

Facebook: FlatIronSteak

Closest station: Piccadilly Circus

Budget: £5/drink, £10/steak

"Flat Iron Steakhouse, get there early and get a bottle of wine with your mates, have a fresh stuffed donut and then make your way to your table for £10 steak at communal tables." – mollp

More information here.

14. Opium Parlour

Facebook: OpiumChinaTown

Nearest station: Leicester Square

Budget: £12/drink, £6-£20/plate

"Cocktails and dimsum until 3am, yes please." – emmac481cc4edc

Book here.

15. The Cocktail Trading Company

Facebook: TheCocktailTradingCo

Facebook: TheCocktailTradingCo

Closest station: Oxford Circus

Budget: £8-£10/drink

"Dive into this basement speakeasy for a private, jazzy atmosphere and incredibly original drinks. Be sure to order a "欢迎到肯塔基州 {WELCOME TO KENTUCKY, HAVE A NICE DAY}," a cocktail disguised a noodle takeaway." – Chelsey Pippin

More information here.

16. Mr Fogg's

Facebook: mrfogglondon

Closest station: Green Park

Budget: £5-£10/drink, £38/person for Tipsy Tea

The quirky Victorian-themed cocktail bar was inspired by the hero of Jules Vernes' classic novel Around The World In Eight Days and offers "Tipsy Tea" every Friday. Recommended by simis3.

Book here.

17. Espresso Bar Balcony, Tate Modern

Flickr: garryknight

Flickr: duncanh1

Closest station: Southwark

Budget: £1-£5/drink

"The exact spot where I fell in love with London is the balcony at Tate Modern, overlooking the Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Not exactly hidden but it’s simply magical!" – lorenag40d26bd66

Want to be featured in similar BuzzFeed posts? Follow the BuzzFeed Community on Facebook and Twitter.