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Despite their famous status among locals and tourists, London Bridge and Southwark are central places you can quickly get lost in if you’re the kind of secret places lover I am.
Hence this complete guide about the best hidden gems in London Bridge, Rotherhithe, Bermondsey and Southwark today, filled with many free and fun things to do from the morning to the night!
Since I used to work at Oblix at the Shard, one of the coolest rooftop restaurants in London, I have had plenty of time to explore the area.
Today’s not only about those free museums everyone knows, like the Tate Modern – no, sir.
Actually, since the Tate Modern is absolutely not a hidden gem, it won’t even be featured here.
Instead, you’ll find here hidden cafes, many quirky statues to photograph, and much more – keep reading to discover them all!
24 Quirky Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark
Some of my favorite free things to do in London are actually located in London Bridge.
Just FYI, London Bridge, Rotherhithe and Bermondsey are all located in Southwark – hence my sharing my favorite hidden gems in all these areas today, especially since they’re all closely-knit and within distance to one another.
In my opinion, there’s nothing better than walking along the Thames and standing on the Millenium Bridge to catch a view of the sunset on the water.
Since I’m a full-time blogger, I also often look for new study cafes and places to settle with my laptop for the day – there are many study spots in Southbank and London Bridge for digital nomads and students.
Southbank is also one of the best places to head to if you’d like to enjoy beautiful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as delicious international cuisine.
If you’re living in London on a budget, you’ll also find many different, unusual, and free things to do in London Bridge. You’ll get quite a good view of these today!
The Best Hidden Gems in Southwark
Let’s start with some of the best hidden gems in Southwark as a whole, not only London Bridge.
Further down this guide, I’ll share some of my favorite things to do near the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and London Bridge, but the places you’re about to see are very much worth a visit as well.
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark: Bermondsey Street Cafes & Architecture
Bermondsey Street has a very quaint feel; whoever is looking for cute villages inside London would do well to walk their way there.
Bermondsey Street is lined with coffee shops such as Fcukoffee (a must-visit for politically incorrect lovers!), pho restaurants and delicious Italian restaurants, is a historic street dating back several centuries.
Bermondsey as a whole is one of the prettiest maritime neighborhoods of London, and you can feel that vibe while walking around the area.
If you’d like to have breakfast in London Bridge, picturesque coffee shops are located in Bermondsey Street, tastefully decorated, with fresh croissants and coffee for days.
Take a right on Morocco Street, and you’ll find one of London’s hidden cafes, Morocco Bound, which doubles as a bookshop.
Bookshop cafes are far and few between in London, and when you come across one as tiny and cute as Morocco Bound, make sure you pop by.
Read: The Most Unusual Places in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark: Camarthen Place
Camarthen Place is one of London’s most secret alleys, and one you wouldn’t think of finding when walking around Bermondsey.
Located just a couple of minutes after the start of Bermondsey Street when coming from London Bridge Station, Camarthen Place, like the Bermondsey neighborhood, was first developed a couple of centuries ago.
Keep an eye out, as you might miss it, and with it, the Shared sculpture crafted by Austin Emery.
There are a couple of stone sculptures in the Tyers Estate, which is the name of the estate nestled in Camarthen Place – one of them is the one picture above.
In itself, the entrance of Camarthen Place makes for one of the most secret places in London, a hidden gem you really wouldn’t suspect when you first think of London Bridge.
Read: The Best Free Rooftops in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge and Southwark: White Cube Gallery, Bermondsey
Free art gallery lovers, you might want to pop by the White Cube Gallery on Bermondsey Street, located a few minutes away from Camarthen Place.
A renowned contemporary art gallery, White Cube is a spacious gallery with huge rooms and quite quirky art pieces crafted by leading contemporary artists.
I try to visit regularly as this is, for starters, a free gallery, but also because I love finding all types of unusual museums in London, and White Cube is nothing if not unusual in terms of artwork exhibited there.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in East London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark: Public Art and Statues in Rotherhithe
While it’s one of the most secret neighborhoods in London, Rotherhithe is very much worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in the city’s maritime past.
Located on the south bank of the Thames River, Rotherhithe offers quirky views that include several public art pieces dotted around the area.
The neighborhood was once a significant port – the Mayflower, namely, which carried Pilgrims to North America in 1620, left from Rotherhithe.
As such, when you are done admiring public art, make sure you pay a visit to the memorial to the Pilgrim Fathers too!
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in West London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark: Street Art in Bermondsey
We’ve talked about some really cute cafes in Bermondsey, many of which are located on Bermondsey Street, and if you keep walking away from London Bridge and towards Waterloo Station, you’ll find a few interesting street art pieces.
Shoreditch might be better known for street art, and the whole of East London in general, but I’ve been able to find a few murals and graffiti pieces here and there.
When you walk from London Bridge to Waterloo, you kind of have to pass by Bermondsey Street, so why not enjoy a few of these pieces along the way close to restaurants and residential buildings?
All around London Bridge, you’ll find lots of street art painted on phone cable junctions (pictured above and below) – I’ve seen many around Borough High Street, Bermondsey St and Southwark station.
These make the whole London Bridge area even more interesting than it already is, and add an artistic touch to an otherwise austere historic district.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in South London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark: The Old Operating Theatre Museum
The Old Operating Theatre Museum is one of the oldest surviving operating theatres in Europe, and is located on St Thomas Street.
The operating theatre and its museum are housed in the attic of the St Thomas’ Church, which used to be part of the old St Thomas’ Hospital.
What’s interesting to see there is the collection of historic surgical instruments, and you can witness conditions in which surgical procedures were performed in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Really, simply, one of the most unusual museums in London, which echoes the Hunterian Museum, one of Covent Garden’s best hidden gems.
A visit to both of these museums seems perfect for anyone passionate about medicine and surgery, if you’d like to see London off the beaten path.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in North London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark: Little Dorritt’s Church (St George the Martyr)
St George the Martyr Church is probably one of the most secret churches in London, and with its association with Charles Dickens’ Little Dorrit novel, it makes for a literary and architectural wonder.
Also known at Little Dorrit’s Church, the church is located in Southwark, and dates back to the Victorian era.
Its stained glass windows are especially beautiful, and an interesting highlight of the church is actually its churchyard, which has a handful of very old tombstones in a corner.
Visit the church, take in the soothing atmosphere and don’t forget to pay a visit to the Charles Dickens memorial.
If you’re the kind of person who’s always on the lookout for photography spots, you will be able to snap a shot of St George the Martyr church with The Shard in the background as well.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Mayfair
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark: The George Inn
Located in Borough High Street, you’ll find another one of the best hidden gems in London Bridge: the George Inn, a Grade I-listed building.
As you’ll see throughout this guide, there are many beautiful pubs around London Bridge, and this one is particularly interesting in that it has medieval origins.
The galleried structure of the George Inn makes it an architectural gem in itself, and when you know that it has even been mention in Charles Dickens’ Little Dorrit novel, it becomes even more urgent to pay it a visit.
Not too far, you will find another one of the prettiest pubs in London, which sadly, has shut down but whose exterior can still be enjoyed, the Blue Eyed Maid, on Borough High St as well.
Read: The Most Unique Shops in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark: Cobbled Streets in Rotherhithe
Rotherhithe Village is a crucial part of the Rotherhithe district I’ve told you about earlier on, and it boasts architecture dating back to London’s shipping and trade days.
You’ll find some of the prettiest cobblestone streets of London in Rotherhithe Village, as well as a few significant landmarks.
For instance, St Mary’s Church and its maritime memorials is something you need to see if you’re looking for things to do in Rotherhithe.
The Mayflower Pub, a historic pub associated with the Mayflower which may have been the exact departure point of the ship, is also a beautiful pub to see if you’re interested in village-like architecture.
Read: The Prettiest Mews in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark: Cross Bones Graveyard
A historic burial ground located in Redcross Way in Southwark, Cross Bones graveyard is a historic place which used to be associated with the burial of prostitutes, paupers and marginals during medieval times.
Today, Cross Bones Graveyard has been turned into a memorial garden and can be visited – you cannot miss it as the Memorial Gates are decorated with flowers and ribbons you can spot from meters away.
The graveyard close in 1853, but a plaque still commemorates the outcasts buried at Cross Bones, making it a beautiful yet creepy place to visit in London for all kinds of history lovers.
Read: The Poshest Areas in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Roupell Street, One of London’s Oldest Streets
Some of the best hidden gems in London Bridge are all the very historic streets which can be found from Borough High Street to Bermondsey and Waterloo.
Roupell Street is one of them, a well-preserved street with beautiful Victorian-era houses and Georgian architecture.
Roupell Street is one of London’s most famous filming locations, and you’ll find there really low buildings with striking architecture, as well as cobblestone pavement in areas nearby.
You’ll also find one of the cutest bakeries of London nearby, Konditor, with excellent cakes and pastries of all kinds.
Read: The Prettiest Streets in London
The Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Close to Tower Bridge
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, Southbank
One of the best hidden gems in London Bridge, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden is located on the roof of the Southbank Centre.
It provides completely free views of London and the Thames River, and when it’s sunny and warm out, the Roof Garden is a great place to hang out with friends.
The Southbank Centre in itself hosts plenty of live performances and events throughout the year, which adds to the cultural importance of the Southbank area.
Read: The Prettiest Neighborhoods in London
Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Winchester Palace Medieval Ruins
When you leave London Bridge Station and make your way to Borough Market, walk a couple of minutes more and you’ll reach Winchester Palace, one of London’s best preserved medieval sites.
Originally built in the 12th century as the London residence for the Bishops of Winchester, Winchester Palace was once known for its fame and grandeur.
Today, the surviving remnants, including the rose window and part of the Great Hall, can still be enjoyed for free.
You can’t enter the grounds, as the ruins of Winchester Palace are protected, but you can still get very close and feel that medieval atmosphere.
Go back on your steps for about thirty seconds, and you’ll also see the Golden Hinde II ship – another one of my favorite hidden gems in London Bridge.
Read: The Prettiest Palaces and Castles in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Golden Hinde II Ship
The Golden Hinde II ship faces one of my favorite Caffè Nero in London, spacious, with a beautiful wooden architecture and comfortable sofas – good to know whether you want to laptop-work or relax.
The ship is a full-scale replica of the Golden Hind, flagship of famous English explorer Sir Francis Drake which originally traveled the world between 1577 and 1580 – one of the most significant voyages at the time.
The Golden Hinde II ship was built in Devon, England using traditional methods and materials to resemble the appearance and structure of a 16th-century galleon, and launched in 1973.
You really cannot miss the ship when walking from Borough Market to Southbank – and you can also book tickets for tours that include actors and more information about sea life!
Read: The Best Colorful Lattes in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Shipwrights Arms Pub
London is not lacking when it comes to beautiful pubs, and another one of my favorite hidden gems in London Bridge is actually located on Tooley Street, about fifty seconds away from the entrance of the train station.
Called the Shipwrights Arms, the pub, with its bright blue exterior, was built in 1884 and is now a Grade 2 listed building.
If I may, whoever would love to taste some of the best fish and chips in London would do well to visit the Shipwrights Arms.
You’ll be able to enjoy there some true-blue pub grub, but I have to say my favorite thing about the pub is its absolutely gorgeous exterior.
Once you’re done admiring the sculptures on the outside of the Shipwrights Arms, cross the road, and you’ll be able to see two more secret statues – only if you look up, though.
Read: The Best Things to Do in London When It Rains
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Stephan Balkenhol ‘Couple’ Statues, More London
Indeed, perched high up on More London, the street that takes us from London Bridge Station to Tower Bridge, we can see two different statues crafted by German sculptor Stephan Balkenhol.
I’ve already told you about this couple of wooden statues in other guides about London’s hidden gems, and I can never get enough of them.
While you will be able to spot the female sculpture pretty easily, you have to look a bit more to see the male sculpture, hidden between the trees in front of the Hilton hotel.
Fun fact, the first time I saw the Stephan Balkenhol statues, I did not realize there was one depicting a man as well, and only found out about it a couple of years after moving to London.
Read: Why The Leicester Square Sculpture Trail Should Be on Your Bucket List
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Hot Chocolate at Coffee Academy
When times are colder in London, one of my favorite things to do is to pop by Coffee Academy for a cup of hot chocolate.
I’m very difficult when it comes to hot chocolate, as I don’t really enjoy a very chocolate-loaded beverage and would rather drink it a bit more diluted with milk.
In any case, a visit to Coffee Academy, which is one of the only really hidden cafes in London Bridge, makes for a perfect moment, especially if you’re having a romantic date.
Coffee Academy is part of the concept and gift shop Brand Academy, a store in which you’ll find many independent brands, from candles to Harry Potter gifts.
Whenever I have to buy a birthday or Christmas gift, Brand Academy is always one of my first choices as everything they carry is simply outstanding – that’s also where you can buy some of my favorite soft toys, the Jellycat plushies.
Coffee Academy also carries the incredible Crosstown Doughnuts – if you remember, I told you about places to buy deliciously fluffy doughnuts in London a few times, and the brand I always go back to is Crosstown Doughnuts.
Read: Why Are There Colorful Streets in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Southwark Cathedral near Borough Market
Southwark Cathedral is a place you absolutely have to visit if you’re looking for hidden gems in Southwark – its location a couple of minutes away from Borough Market makes it really easy to access.
When going from Borough Market to the Winchester Palace ruins, instead of taking a left to Southbank, take a right and you’ll find Southwark Cathedral.
Officially known as the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie, Southwark Cathedral has a history dating back to the 12th century.
There are few really well-preserved medieval sites in London, and this one, phew.
The Georgian architecture at Southwark Cathedral is one of the most striking you’ll see in London.
From the vaults to the tombs and the sculptures, everything about it makes it one of the most beautiful churches in London, temples and basilicas included.
If you are one to visit secret gardens as soon as you get the chance, don’t miss out on the churchyard, which features a William Shakespeare statue, called the William Shakespeare’s Memorial.
Believed to have worshipped in the church, Shakespeare has a few art pieces and monuments to his name in town.
If you’re interested, check out all the Shakespeare places in London when you get the chance, starting with New Inn Yard in Shoreditch.
Read: The Most Magical Alice in Wonderland Places in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: A Wild Life for Wildlife, London Bridge Trail
Gillie and Marc are two artists who see their environmentally-striking sculptures exhibited in various parts of London pretty often.
The Wild Table of Life, which used to be exhibited in Paternoster Square and now adorns Paddington, is one example you might have seen on social media.
The chimpanzee trail in London Bridge has now been replaced with A Wild Life for Wildlife around London Bridge, which various sculptures representing elephants, rhinos, and giraffes, amongst other animals.
Rabbitwoman and Dogman, two recurring sculptures by Gillie and Marc, are obviously of the party.
Something interesting to note is that the Rise Up Rhino sculpture, which can be found at More Place, used to be at Westfield White City, in West London, and has been moved for the exhibition.
Read: The Prettiest Maximalist Restaurants in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Pretty Shad Thames
One of the oldest streets in London, Shad Thames was once part of London’s docklands and used to be lined by warehouses used to store tea, coffee and spices.
All around Shad Thames, today, while we’ve not lost the cobbled streets vibe, businesses established have more to do with fashion, design and food than with maritime history.
Out of the many secret alleys and passageways London still features to this day, I think Shad Thames is my favorite – it might very well be one of the most unusual, explaining why I feel attracted to this place.
Still, if you’re looking for free things to do near London Bridge, a visit to Shad Thames brings you straight back into history, and Butler’s Wharf nearby is a great place to have breakfast or lunch.
Read: The Best Italian Restaurants in London Bridge
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Hay’s Galleria
Hay’s Galleria is a historic riverside building very easily accessible from London Bridge Station – it’s located about 3 minutes on foot from the station, and hides some of the best hidden gems in London Bridge.
Its history dates back to the 19th century, when Hay’s Galleria was used as a wharf and warehousing complex to handle and store goods such as tea.
The glass and steel roof alone make Hay’s Galleria a beautiful place, and it turns into one of London’s most colorful places during spring and summer, when it is adorned with benches and flowers.
If you’re looking for good cafes to have brunch in London Bridge, pop by Cafe Piazza – I have been quite a few times, and can only very warmly recommend the grilled banana bread with a cup of marshmallow hot chocolate.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Vinegar Yard
Vinegar Yard, at this point, feels more like a hipster destination than a hidden gem, but this vintage and street food market is still a must-visit when you’re around London Bridge.
Especially because most of London’s vintage shops are located near Shoreditch and Brick Lane, if you don’t include vintage pieces you can find in places like Chelsea’s charity shops.
Vinegar Yard is located between London Bridge Station and Bermondsey Street, and what will probably catch your eye as you get closer is the Stories from the Wasteland installation.
Giant red ants topping an abandoned train carriage are a fine addition to Vinegar Yard, which otherwise offers international cuisine, including some incredible Neapolitan pizza at Bad Boy Pizza Society.
Walk around Vinegar Yard, and you’ll find an Amy Winehouse street art piece, which are otherwise rather found around Camden Town.
Read: The Best Charity Shops in London
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Druid Street Market
One of the most secret markets in London, Druid Street Market is located in Bermondsey, on Druid Street, and renowned for its local and artisanal producers and international street food vendors.
Operating on Saturdays, the market is surrounded by incredible historic architecture which, to me, makes it even more interesting than the food.
And you know I love finding all kinds of bakeries and cheap eats in London, so that says a lot about the vibe you feel when walking around Druid Street.
Even if you’re not planning to buy food, Druid Street Market is a cute place to visit, especially since it’s located really close to Potters Field Park and Tower Bridge.
You’re actually not too far from Waterloo either when visiting the market, so make sure you check out all of Waterloo’s hidden gems as well!
Read: The Most Aesthetic Restaurants in London With Statues
Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge: Street Art at London Bridge, The Shard & Blackfriars
While you’ll find much more street art in Brick Lane and Shoreditch, there are quite a few artworks to be found around London Bridge Station, The Shard and Blackfriars.
The main entrance of The Shard can be accessed by St Thomas Street, but you can see the other side of the beautiful building from London Bridge St, which also hosts London Bridge Bus station.
And there, you’ll find pretty murals as well as the ‘WE’ installation unveiled in 2021 at the bottom of The Shard.
Designed by famous Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, the art piece impacts us in two times with a sitting man (pictured above) and a suspended, mirroring sculpture.
At Blackfriars station, you’ll also find another one of my favorite hidden gems in London Bridge, Jimmy C’s cityscape of London, in front of which many tourists take pictures on a daily basis.
Read: Camden Passage, London’s Best Hidden Gem
24 Quirky Hidden Gems in London Bridge & Southwark
There you have them, all the best hidden gems in London Bridge, Bermondsey, Rotherhithe and Southwark as a whole!
Obviously, this is a starting guide and you might find other really fun things to do in Southwark if you keep walking around.
The Rotherhithe neighborhood is one I feel ever so closer to these days, as I feel more and more interested in London’s maritime neighborhoods.
From Shad Thames to Bermondsey Street, though, you can feel a bit of that medieval slash maritime lifestyle, which makes London an even more enticing city to visit!
And if you’d like to discover more about London’s hidden gems, keep reading:
Until next time!
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The Working Line
Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.