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London’s Most Secret Alleys, Old Streets & Hidden Passageways

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London’s history is rich; from medieval sites to maritime neighborhoods, there’s so much to explore if you’re a hidden gem lover.

In addition to many artistic hidden gems, there are plenty of secret alleys in London, magical courtyards and old streets very much worth a visit to learn more about the city’s past.

I’ve gathered here all the secret passageways, old and beautiful streets I’ve come to know over the years I’ve spent living in London.

From underground streets to hidden alleyways, you’ll find here many unusual places to add to your bucket list – I’m warning you, if you love beautiful architecture, you’re exactly where you need to be!

London’s Most Secret Alleys, Old Streets & Hidden Passageways

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In this guide, I won’t focus on a specific part of London specifically – from East London to the incredibly impactful City of London, secret alleys and passageways are to be found all around town.

While Roman tunnels and underground streets are being discovered quite regularly, due to the rich Roman history in London, there are few underground alleyways open to the public.

However, from Georgian courtyards to medieval streets, you’ll discover so much today that it (almost) doesn’t matter if we can’t visit the underground London.

Whether you’re a local or visiting London for the first time, I can promise you one thing – you’ll discover many new places today!

Most Secret Passageways in London: St John’s Lane, Clerkenwell

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Photo: A London In Heritance

Let’s start with St John’s Lane, located in the Clerkenwell neighborhood, where a strong Italian population has settled over the years.

In addition its delicious Italian bakeries and cafes, Clerkenwell is also famous for St John’s Gate, one of the best preserved medieval sites in London.

St John’s Gate is a historic building that once served as the entrance to the Priory of the Knights of St John, and boasts the same historic vibe as Temple Church and Inner Temple Gardens.

Read here my guide to the historic Temple area and its hidden gems, from Fountain Court to the secret poetic sundial in Elm Court, photogenic columns facing Temple Church and more.

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Photo: Savills

Its proximity to High Holborn and Chancery Lane makes it one of the most unusual places to visit in London if you don’t want to get too far from Covent Garden and Tottenham Court Road.

Caffè Vergnano, one of my favorite Italian cafes in London, and one of the oldest, is located really close and makes for the perfect spot to have breakfast and coffee before heading to Covent Garden’s hidden gems.

Closeby, too, another one of the most secret alleys in London, and only really known by locals: the incredible Sicilian Avenue, with its Italian gate.

Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Oxford Street

Secret Passageways in London:
St John’s Gate:
St John’s Ln, London EC1M 4BU

Secret Passageways and Alleyways in London: Camden Passage, Islington

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One of the most secret streets in London, Camden Passage is located in Islington, close to Angel Tube station.

The pedestrian passage is filled with antique shops, Italian and French food shops such as Le Coq Épicier, and other really cute coffee shops and bakeries.

Two food spots to try at Camden Passage are Buns from Home, which serves some of the best cinnamon buns in London, and Redemption Roasters.

Redemption Roasters isn’t only one of the best study cafes in North London, far from it.

The striking white basement, filled with sculptures and statues, makes Redemption Roasters one of the most instagrammable cafes in London – and one of the most secret.

With its rich history, its market and its many restaurants, Camden Passage is a perfect place to discover London off the beaten path.

Read here my review of Redemption Roasters, Islington, to discover its secret basement, its atmosphere, and my thoughts about the coffee and cake.

Secret Passageways in London:
Camden Passage

Secret Passageways in London: Falkland Place, Kentish Town

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Falkland Place, a couple of minutes from Kentish Town Tube station, is another one of my favorite secret alleys in London, with beautiful architecture and colorful houses.

You’ll find quite a few colorful streets in Camden and Kentish Town, including Falkland Road and Leverton Street just off Falkland Place, which make North London even more interesting to visit.

I love finding colorful places in London, and Falkland Place is another one of those magical passageways you have to visit at some point.

Not too far, have lunch at Pho Ta for incredible dry beef salad and authentic pho soup – you won’t regret it as it’s one of the most delicious and secret restaurants in North London.

Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane

Secret Passageways in London:
Falkland Place

Hidden Alleyways in London: Tokenhouse Yard, City of London

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Let’s make our way to the City of London next, and pop by Tokenhouse Yard, a tiny courtyard you would definitely miss if you weren’t looking for it.

There are many hidden gems in the City of London, namely Tokenhouse Yard, but also the church ruins of St Dunstan in the East.

Tokenhouse Yard isn’t only what is pictured above, but also one of London’s most secret alleys – walk your way around the area and you’ll find a soothing courtyard with a few benches to rest for a bit.

The City of London is also where you’ll find a few Roman places and Roman-inspired statues, like the incredibly beautiful Tivoli Corner.

Tivoli Corner and Tokenhouse Yard are located close to one another, and for history and architecture lovers, they’re two secret places you’ll love to visit.

Read: The Best Hidden Gems in West London

Secret Passageways in London:
Tokenhouse Yard

Magical Streets in London: Lancaster Road, Notting Hill

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Now, I know we’re talking about hidden passageways and alleys, and Lancaster Road is a more famous type of street.

However, if you’re looking for colorful streets in Notting Hill, Lancaster Road promises and delivers.

A few streets off Lancaster Road are better hidden and range from other colorful streets to beautiful mews, such as St Lukes Mews with its blue and pink houses.

Get a filling breakfast in one of Notting Hill’s cafes, like the beautiful Farm Girl Cafe, or make your way to one of my favorite French bakeries in London, Maison Puget, and walk around the area to discover new hidden gems.

Read: The Best Hidden Gems in South London

Secret Alleys in London:
Lancaster Road

Secret Alleys in London: Narrow Street, Limehouse

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Photo: Poplar London

Limehouse is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in East London, and has a rich maritime history.

I’ve written in my last few London travel guides that I feel ever more closer to London’s maritime neighborhoods, and if you’re the same, pay a visit to Limehouse.

Narrow Street is lined with historic warehouses, and all around, you’ll find restaurants, pubs and cafes to recharge.

At one end of Narrow Street, you’ll find the Limehouse Basin, one of my favorite places in London, a historic dock area where the sun sets beautifully.

Read: The Cutest Bakeries in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Narrow Street

Secret Alleys in London: Throgmorton Street, City of London

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Back to the City of London, let’s discover another one of the prettiest secret alleys: Throgmorton Street.

Very calm, very soothing, Throgmorton Street houses offices, but it wasn’t always the case – its history dates back several centuries.

One of the most notable buildings there is Drapers’ Hall, which entrance is adorned with two huge statues pictured above and is today a venue for hire whose interior looks very much like Roman villas.

The Merchant Taylors’ Hall is another one of the most notable buildings on Throgmorton Street, headquarters of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors.

Keep walking around, maybe towards Liverpool Street and Bishopsgate to find the beautiful Leadenhall Market, one of the prettiest shopping arcades in London.

You can also make your way to Tokenhouse Yard, mentioned earlier in this guide.

Or, why not visit some of London Bridge’s hidden gems, such as the Southwark Cathedral, located on the other side of London Bridge?

Read: The Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf

Secret Alleys in London:
Throgmorton Street

Secret Alleys in London: Hartshorn Alley, EC3I

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You’ll find very little information about Hartshorn Alley, and with good reason – if you’re looking for really secret alleys and passageways in London, this is indeed one of the most secret.

It’s not difficult to access Hartshorn Alley, though, since it’s located between Fenchurch Street and Leadenhall Street, in the City of London.

Is there really anything to do at Hartshorn Alley? Well, if you include admiring the stonework of the walls, yes.

Otherwise, there are many other hidden gems to discover nearby, starting with the Art in the City installations nearby.

Or, since you’re so close to Leadenhall Market, why not try the amazing French pastries at Aux Merveilleux de Fred?

Read: The Best Things to Do in London When It Rains

Secret Passageways in London:
Hartshorn Alley

Secret Alleys in London: Conduit Mews, Paddington

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One of the poshest areas in London, Paddington is filled with beautiful streets and quaint coffee shops.

I used to work near Conduit Mews, another one of the rainbow places in London that will make you want to take out your camera and snap a few shots.

Conduit Mews is a residential area, and like all mews in London, are renowned for their historic beauty stemming from converted stables and carriage houses.

You’re quite close to Hyde Park when visiting Conduit Mews, so you can either choose to find a few more hidden gems in Paddington, or make your way to this gorgeous park.

While Hyde Park is one of the most famous parks in London, you’ll find a few secret gardens inside, including the Rose Garden, at its prettiest during the spring.

Read: Where to Have Lunch in London With £5

Secret Alleys in London:
Conduit Mews

Secret Alleys in London: Hare Court

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When you’re visiting Temple Church off Fleet Street, make your way to Inner Temple Gardens and exit on the other side.

You’ll see Hare Court there, in an area known to be home to the Inns of Court, professional associations for barristers.

Secret courtyards are located all around Hare Court, with columns, fountains, benches, and vibrant greenery that make it a great spot to visit to have a romantic date.

Since Temple Church in itself is a medieval site, a visit in the area is necessary to learn more about the Knights Templar.

When you’re done, keep walking down Fleet Street and The Strand, and you’ll find Somerset House, with yet another type of striking palace architecture and a really posh atmosphere.

Read: The Prettiest Christmas Shop Windows in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Hare Court

Secret Streets in London: Denbigh Terrace, Notting Hill

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Denbigh Terrace, located just off Portobello Road, might not be a secret street, but when you don’t expect to see a completely colorful street when coming from Notting Hill Gate, it’s a really nice sight to enjoy.

The residential street is probably one of the most famous photo spots in London, crowded with influencers as soon as the sun comes out.

The succession of pink, yellow, grey and blue houses makes it a beautiful stop to have on your bucket list when on your way to all the quaint Portobello Road shops.

You’ll find a hidden food gem all the way down Portobello Road – walk for about 10/15 minutes, and you’ll find Lisboa Patisserie, an authentic Portuguese bakery with incredible pastel de nata and bolo de arroz.

Read: The Best Shopping Centers in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Denbigh Terrace

Secret Alleys in London: Ely Court

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Photo: IanVisits

Located close to Fleet St and Holborn, Ely Court is one of the smallest secret alleys in London, and one of its highlights is the Ye Old Mitre pub.

I love finding beautiful pubs in London, from the Shipwrights Arms in London Bridge to the Churchill Arms in Kensington, but Ye Old Mitre is yet on another level, since it was built in 1546.

Associated with the Bishop of Ely, Ely Court is quaint, calm, and a very unusual place to visit on a romantic date or a solo trip.

Read: The Best Things to Do in Soho

Secret Alleys in London:
Ely Court

Secret Alleys in London: Shad Thames, Southbank

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Photo: TripAdvisor

Shad Thames is very much reminiscing of London’s maritime past, and is in my opinion one of the prettiest historic streets in London.

You’ll find many old streets around London Bridge, Bermondsey and Southwark that can definitely take you an entire day to visit.

However, start with Shad Thames, one of the secret alleys you can come across when walking to your right when facing Tower Bridge from Southbank.

Historic warehouses are still well and dandy at Shad Thames, providing the area with a very peculiar atmosphere to be enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate during cold days.

Read: Where to See Autumn Colors in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Shad Thames

Beautiful Underground Streets in London: Little Compton Street

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Photo: CityDays

One of Soho’s hidden gems, Little Compton Street is one of the only underground streets that can be admired in Central London – however, you can only enjoy it from above.

Indeed, you’ll have to kneel down and peep through a metal grille in the middle of Charing Cross Road to be able to catch a glimpse of Little Compton Street.

The Soho neighborhood is filled with things to do, whether you’re on a budget or not.

Maybe start with breakfast in Soho at Elan Cafe or Cafe de Nata, then make your way to the vibrant Chinatown streets.

Have lunch in Chinatown or grab a snack at Chinese Tapas House or Chinatown Bakery, and discover other secret alleys around Leicester Square.

There’s so much to do in Central London – but start with Little Compton Street, and maybe a visit to TK Maxx on Charing Cross Road for discounted candles, makeup and designer clothes!

Read: The Best Colorful Lattes in London

Underground Streets in London:
Little Compton Street

Secret Passageways and Alleyways in London: Reece Mews & Kendrick Mews

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Now, in terms of secret alleys and courtyards, I don’t think we can top Reece Mews and Kendrick Mews, in South Kensington.

These are two of London’s prettiest mews, and can be accessed quite easily from South Kensington station – walk down Old Brompton Rd, and they’re located somewhere on the right.

The beautiful ski mural is a permanent artwork that has been adorning the entrance of the mews for years now, and always well-preserved.

You’ll find lots of hidden gems in South Kensington, nearby – from Macellaio, a favorite of mine for delicious Italian food, to Hummingbird Bakery and their incredible cupcakes.

Dopamineland, a very colorful immersive experience that promises to make you happier, at least for a bit, is also located on Old Brompton Road, and an experience I personally enjoyed very much.

Read: The Best Harry Potter Things to Do in London

Secret Passageways in London:
Reece Mews

Secret Passageways and Alleyways in London: Leake Street, Waterloo

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Photo: Leake Street Arches

Leake Street Tunnel would almost make you feel you’re in a secret city under London, when in reality, you’re in one of the only rainbow places in town.

Filled with graffiti and street art that changes by the day, really, Leake Street Tunnel is a place where street artists come to practice their skills and leave their mark on the London cityscape.

You know what, many tourists have no idea there are many hidden gems in Waterloo and nearby neighborhoods like Bermondsey.

Yet, it’s another one of the maritime and industrial neighborhoods no one should miss.

Lower Marsh, just outside of Leake Street Tunnel, is for instance one of the most secret villages in London, lined with tiny coffee shops and authentic restaurants and bakeries.

In addition, if you’re ever looking for places reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland in London, Labyrinth Waterloo is one of the only places that offer an immersive Alice in Wonderland experience.

Read: The Best Harry Potter Filming Locations in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Leake Street Tunnel

Secret Alleys in London: Artillery Passage, Spitalfields

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Photo: IanVisits

Now, for another one of East London’s secret alleys, we’ll make our way to Spitalfieds and Artillery Passage.

Located really close to Old Spitalfields Market and Eataly, a top Italian food shop, Artillery Passage showcases well-preserved Victorian and Georgian buildings.

The narrow passageway offers plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs, but it’s really for the vibe that I love popping by.

By the way, for whoever loves Roman and medieval history, visit Charnel House on Bishops Square, and you’ll be able to see medieval ruins.

After that, just know that Old Spitalfields Market and streets nearby are filled with amazing independent clothing brands and makeup shops, good to know if you’re into British brands!

Read: Why Are There Colorful Streets in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Artillery Passage

Most Secret Passageways in London: Cecil Court, Covent Garden

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Cecil Court hosts some of the prettiest bookshops in London, including Alice Through the Looking Glass, an all-Alice in Wonderland bookshop.

The historic street, despite its closeness to Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, still retains a secret atmosphere, and is said to be a real-life Diagon Alley.

Cecil Court is known for its well-preserved Georgian architecture, and any and all bookworms should have it on their bucket list.

Other hidden alleys are located close to Cecil Court, including Goodwin’s Court – keep reading to know more about this tiny courtyard below!

Read: The Best Things to Do in London Bridge

Secret Passageways in London:
Cecil Court

Hidden Alleyways in London: Goodwin’s Court, Covent Garden

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Photo: CityDays

Just like Cecil Court, Goodwin’s Court also offers beautiful insight on Georgian London with its preserved Georgian architecture.

Gas lamps and dark-brick buildings add to Covent Garden’s charm, and you’ll find there a couple of antique shops.

It’s really one of those really picturesque, secret alleys you wouldn’t think of finding elbowing Covent Garden’s shops, and yet, Goodwin’s Court is a must-visit if architecture is your jam.

Read: The Prettiest Maximalist Restaurants in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Goodwin’s Court

Beautiful Underground Streets in London: Pennington Street Vaults

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Photo: CBRE

Located near St Katharine Docks, in the Wapping area, Pennington Street Vaults is a Grade II-listed building dating back to the 19th century.

Wapping used to be a docklands area, as many beautiful neighborhoods surrounding the Thames River, and definitely a place to visit to feel brought back centuries.

Pennington Street Vaults, a former warehouse, are characterized by their arches, which have since been repurposed to fit today’s world better – but they still make for a maritime hidden gem whose history shouldn’t be forgotten.

Read: The Most Aesthetic Restaurants in London With Statues

Secret Alleys in London:
Pennington Street Vaults

Secret Alleys in London: Fleet Street to Temple Church

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When you walk from St Paul’s Cathedral to The Strand, keep on the left side of Fleet Street, and keep your eyes open so you don’t miss another one of my favorite secret alleys in London, which leads to Temple Church.

Temple Church is one of the oldest and most secret churches in London, and with its history dating back to the 12th century and its peculiar round shape, is a quaint building to visit.

I can’t describe how rich in history Fleet Street is, and there are many hidden gems in Fleet Street that range from secret statues to hidden passageways off the main road.

However, start with Temple Church, and make sure you visit the Inner Temple Gardens as well, a very secret garden surrounded with offices and residential buildings.

Read: The Cutest Pink Places in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Fleet Street to Temple Church

Most Secret Alleys in London: New Row, City of London

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Close to Covent Garden, New Row is another one of these historic streets that call for our attention, us, architecture lovers.

Cafes and restaurants, as well as really old pubs are all located on New Row, which gives off a village vibe as soon as you enter it.

You’ll also find plenty of shops there too, but if there’s one thing you have to look out for, it’s the White Swan, a Grade II-listed pub first established somewhere between the 17th and 18th centuries.

Read: Chalcot Square Primrose Hill, London’s Most Colorful Place

Secret Passageways in London:
New Row

Secret Passageways and Alleyways in London: Salters Hall Court to St Swithin’s Church Garden

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Cannon Street has always felt like a very local area; the whole Cannon Street and Fenchurch Street areas are mostly used for offices and visited by commuters who work in London.

Many hidden gems in Cannon Street and Fenchurch Street are way too underrated, and that’s the case of Salters Hall Court, which leads to one of the smallest gardens in London, St Swithin’s Church Garden.

If I may, while Salters Hall Court is indeed one of the city’s secret alleys, there’s not much to see here except the church garden.

St Swithin’s Church, in itself, used to be a historic church where you can now see the tiny garden.

Like St Dunstan in the East and many other buildings in the City of London, St Swithin’s Church was first damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666, rebuilt, and finally destroyed after the WWII Blitz damaged it again.

Read: The Best Places to Write in London

Secret Passageways in London:
Salters Hall Court

Secret Passageways and Alleyways in London: Canon Alley, St Paul’s

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A few seconds away from Paternoster Square, a very magical courtyard I love sitting at when I’m around St Paul’s Cathedral, you have yet another one of our secret alleys, Canon Alley.

We’re here really close to the Reflection Garden, the rooftop at One New Change that offers free views of London, and Watling Street.

Canon Alley is a very small street with a straight view on St Paul’s Cathedral, making it a perfect photo spot for whoever is looking for new angles of London.

Not much to do at Canon Alley except taking pictures, really. However, you’ll find many other hidden gems near St Paul’s worth a visit.

That includes Greyfriars Christ Church, which will take you a few minutes to reach but is totally worth it if you’re interested in both church ruins and secret gardens.

That also includes Host Cafe in St Mary Aldermary, a secret cafe nestled inside an incredible church.

Read: The Best Non Touristy Things to Do in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Canon Alley

Hidden Alleyways in London: Fournier Street, East London

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Photo: The English Home

In the Spitalfields neighborhood, in East London, find Fournier Street and you’ll find yourself bathed in history.

That’s where you’ll find beautiful Georgian architecture, but also the Dennis Severs’ House, one of the most unusual museums in London.

London is dotted with historic houses and stately homes worth a visit, and the inside of the Dennis Severs’ House makes it worth it to travel to East London.

Plus, a few minutes away, you have other secret alleys and courtyards surrounding the Old Spitalfields Market, and of course, Brick Lane and its street art.

If you’re willing to walk more, make your way to Shoreditch and New Inn Yard.

Why?

Well, for any street art lover, you’ll find there lots of murals and colorful graffiti.

But that’s not all: anyone looking for places reminding us of William Shakespeare in London, New Inn Yard has a Romeo & Juliet mural as well as a statue of Shakespeare looking like the one in the Southwark Cathedral churchyard.

But while we’re at Fournier Street, admire the 18th century houses, their architecture, and all the hidden alleyways surrounding the street.

Read: The Best Halal Restaurants in East London

Secret Passageways in London:
Fournier Street

Old Secret Streets in London: Newburgh Street, Central London

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When you visit Soho, don’t only stop at the shops on Carnaby Street.

Yes, I know they’re amazing, but if you just walk a couple of minutes away from the main road, you’ll find other really hidden streets, such as Newburgh Street.

Home to independent boutiques, from clothes to shoes and jewelry, Newburgh Street is one of the cutest cobbled streets in London.

Floral cafes, pubs, and more secret restaurants are located there, making it another place to have on your bucket list.

Plus, since you’re already in Central London, if you really want to go shopping, you’ll find really unique, British shops nearby on Oxford Street, Soho and Piccadilly.

Read: The Most Unique Shops in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Newburgh Street

Secret Passageways in London: Holly Bush Steps

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Photo: Holly Bush Hampstead

Established in 1643, the Holly Bush in Hampstead is one of the prettiest pubs in London, and one to visit, if only to try fish and chips for the first time.

Built near the Holly Bush steps, a flight of stairs from the same era, the pub is definitely something to see, but again, you’ll find all around many hidden alleyways – Hampstead is known for them, being one of London’s quaintest villages.

Even if you don’t want to have a bite at the pub, make sure you visit the Hampstead neighborhood at some point.

You have plenty of really cute cafes in Hampstead, namely, the Les Filles cafe near the station and the boulangerie Bon Matin on Flask Walk.

If you’re looking for secret alleys, many of the streets in Hampstead will fulfill your wishes – and aforementioned Flask Walk is definitely one of them.

Read: The Best Brunch in King’s Cross

Secret Passageways in London:
Holly Bush Steps

Most Secret Alleys in London: Air Street, Piccadilly

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On either side of the pretty Air Street, you have Regent Street and Piccadilly, so we’re really central here.

Already in existence in 1659, Air Street is one of the most secret alleys in Central London, and its architecture is nothing if not breathtaking.

All around, you have some of the most luxurious shops in London, from high-end shoe shops to jewelry and watch shops, but take a moment to admire the beautiful architecture of this tiny street.

Look up to see the columns and arches, reminiscent of Roman London, once called Londinium.

After your visit, shops on Regent Street will provide a great shopping experience, and if I may, make sure to walk your way to pretty Mayfair.

While it’s one of the most famous areas in London, there are lots of hidden gems in Mayfair just waiting for our curious eye.

Burlington House, with the Royal Academy of Arts, is a must-visit to enjoy statues and paintings in a grand setting.

A couple of minutes away from Air Street, you’ll also find Fortnum and Mason, an amazing department store, as well as Hatchards, one of the oldest and most beautiful bookshops London has ever seen.

Burlington Arcade is another must-see, not only a grand shopping arcade but also the perfect place to see Christmas decorations in London!

Read: The Best Cafes in London Bridge

Secret Alleys in London:
Air Street

Secret Alleys in London: Bloomfield Place, Mayfair

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Mayfair is undeniably one of the poshest areas in London, but what if I told you there are a few villages inside Mayfair?

Starting with Shepherd Market and its historic pubs and restaurants, and ending with Bloomfield Place, a residential area with renovated mews.

Mayfair is where you’ll find a secret, and free rooftop terrace at Brown Hart Gardens, as well as Mercato Metropolitano, a food market located inside an old church.

Bloomfield Place is one of the most secret alleys and courtyards in London, and just for the fun of it, when you’re in the area, pop by after breakfast in Mayfair!

Read: The Best Brunch in London Bridge

Secret Passageways in London:
Bloomfield Place

Secret Alleys in London: Marylebone Lane, Central London

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Photo: TripSavvy

Before making your way to Marylebone Lane, one of the prettiest streets in Central London, I would definitely recommend checking out Fitzrovia.

Fitzrovia’s hidden gems include the oh-so-colorful James Street, lined with instagrammable and pink cafes, but also St Christopher’s Place and its quaint shops.

Then, Marylebone Lane will offer stunning architecture, including pretty mews and cobblestone streets to tread while enjoying the views on boutiques and food shops.

Marylebone High Street is located really close, at the end of Marylebone Lane, and I’d also recommend walking up and down the high street to find hidden mews – there are a lot.

If you’d also like to find free, unusual museums, the Wallace Collection is situated a few minutes away from Marylebone Lane, and boasts a rich collection of artworks dated from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

Read: The Best Second Hand Bookshops in London

Secret Passageways in London:
Marylebone Lane

Secret Alleys in London: Watling Street, St Paul’s

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In terms of secret alleys, you can hardly do better than Watling Street, near St Paul’s Cathedral.

It’s actually one of my favorite, and oldest streets in London, and you’ll find in Watling Street many cafes, bakeries and restaurants in which locals love to gather at the end of the workday.

Watling Street follows the route of a Roman Road, making it one of the most important streets in the City of London – yes, we’re in the City of London again!

At one end of Watling Street, you have a great view on St Paul’s Cathedral, and I’d suggest walking a bit more to find the relaxing and picturesque Reflection Garden, with its small pond and benches all around.

Read: The Best Cheap Day Trips from London

Secret Passageways in London:
Watling Street

Secret Alleys in London: Rose Street, Covent Garden

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Covent Garden is filled with hidden gems, from Monmouth Street to Neal’s Yard, but today, we’re going to walk together to Rose Street and Floral Street.

There’s no shortage of secret alleys in Covent Garden, that’s for sure.

But in Rose Street, you’ll find Bageriet, a Swedish bakery with incredible cinnamon buns and pastries.

The whole area still breathes 17th-century atmosphere, with cobblestone streets, small coffee shops, artisan shops and incredible restaurants.

Some of London’s cheap eats can be found around Covent Garden, and these include Old Chang Kee for Singaporean curry puffs – something you have to try when in Central London.

Again, walk around Covent Garden to find more of these secret passageways, as from Floral Street to Neal Street and St Martin’s Courtyard, you have lots to discover in the area.

Read: The Best Cheap Clothing Shops in London

Secret Alleys in London:
Rose Street

Secret Alleys in London: Lovat Lane, EC3

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Lastly in our guide to really secret alleys and passageways, I bring to you Lovat Lane in the City of London.

I only discovered this really old street a few months ago, when I was still living in West Hampstead, and couldn’t believe my luck.

Chances are, if you’re planning to visit St Dunstan in the East, you’ll walk through Lovat Lane to reach the secret garden.

You’re really close to London’s Roman Wall remains, so make sure you visit all three places – Lovat Lane, with its narrow character, retains a medieval character that asks for both our eyes and our camera.

All Hallows by the Tower, one of the most secret churches in London (and one of the oldest!) is also located close to Lovat Lane, and really, all these are perfect to visit if you’re looking for free, unusual things to do.

Read: The Best Cheap Makeup Shops in London

Secret Passageways in London:
Lovat Lane

London’s Most Secret Alleys, Old Streets & Hidden Passageways

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There you have them, all the most secret alleys, hidden passageways, old streets and magical courtyards in London!

I’ve mostly focused on the City of London, Holborn and Central London as a whole, but there are obviously many more hidden gems to discover in this beautiful city.

As I said at the beginning of this post, there are few underground streets that can be visited, if none, really, at least none that are widely advertised.

After you’re done visiting all these secret alleyways, you have lots of options to enrich your trip to London. All you have to do is keep an open mind!