London is a city rife with history – some obvious and easy to find, while other stories remain hidden, concealed, or at least lesser known. While the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, both a stone’s throw from the boutique hotels of West London, are often found on the itineraries of travellers, there are some sites that many don’t know about and thus remain relatively under-visited.
In this blog, we’re identifying a few of the historical sites that you might not know about but definitely shouldn’t miss.
Churchill’s Secret Bunker
Not to be confused with the famous Cabinet War Rooms attraction, the Secret Bunker opens only twice a year for guided tours and remains today in the same state that it was in during Churchill’s war. If you’re lucky enough to be in London when the site is open, the eerie privacy and the ghosts which remain in this bunker make it well worth a visit.
The Secret Bunker is located in north London, in a place called Neasden – a tube or train ride away from the nearest Heeton Concept Hotel.
St Dunstan in the East
Once an impressive Church, and now the site of a spectacularly peaceful garden just outside of the popular London Bridge area, this historical site is as much a sign of old London as it is a modern and reflective place to visit. An excellent example of how London bridges the old with the new, this site is now a ruins with walls which are surrounded by trees and pretty viewpoints with plenty of benches – however, its history is rich with tragedy.
The church, which was rebuilt following the Great Fire of London by Sir Christopher Wren, was destroyed again in The Blitz, leaving the ruins it is today. A central point well worth passing by on your way to the next attraction on your list, this spot is only a short tube ride from the top hotels in Hammersmith.
All Hallows
The name of this historical site makes it sound much spookier than it is – however, the reality of this site is that it contains a ton of London history including evidence of both Saxon and Roman usage. Considered one of the oldest churches in London, this site is just a stone’s throw from the Tower of London where thousands of tourists flock every day, though All Hallows remains relatively under-visited.
Benjamin Franklin’s home
Now a museum in which you can learn more about Franklin’s time in London and what he achieved, this former residence of the President of the United States is the last remaining residence of his and is now protected as a core part of London’s history.
Not far from Trafalgar Square, this central townhouse is easily accessible from the Heeton Concept Hotel in Kensington and makes for an interesting day out.
Have any of the sites on this list sparked a renewed interest in London’s lesser known history for you? With so much to see close to your Luma hotel in Hammersmith, it’s well worth straying off the beaten track and finding new and exciting spots to visit!
