It’s London time!
We are back sharing our London summer adventures, and this time it’s a very special post because we have gathered together two hidden gems that both new visitors and old timers will appreciate: the Victorian Leadenhall market, with the plus of being the entrance to Diagon Alley, and the Gothic ruins of St. Dunstan in the East church, converted into the most peaceful city garden.
Would you maybe consider changing the most famous Covent Garden for Leadenhall? Let’s have a look!
One of the oldest markets in London from the XIV. Its green, blue, cream and maroon colors in the amazing ornate rooftop (can you see the stars?! dreamy) and in its walls and columns is totally swoony. I can’t give you lots of details about the shops because we visited on a Saturday and (surprisingly for us!) they close that day of the week, but from a quick glance, you will now find less glamorous shops like Pizza Express.
In the first Harry Potter movie (Philosopher’s stone) the market is the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. Rumor has it, that it was shot at the optic shop, keep an eye!
Left picture makes clear that I need to get a proper wand ASAP for our pictures, ha!
After visiting the market, going to St. Dunstan becomes a perfect stroll towards the Thames river. Hiding right next to the Tower of London, you will find yourself in a very quiet corner, to sit and relax. It’s amazing how the atmosphere is completely opposite to the grounds next to the Tower of London buzzing with tourists. Here you will find yourself amongst locals and with the need to have a book in your hands.
St. Dunstan in the east is a church originally from the XII that was damaged with the attack of the Germans during World War II. The city of London decided that instead or rebuilding it, they would re-purpose it as a garden and precisely for this decision I think it becomes a special rare gem.
Have you been to any of the two? We definitely recommend leaving a gap in your itinerary to fit them! Do you know any other hidden gem in London? Let us know in the comment section, we love the city, so we’ll surely use your recommendation for the next visit!
Me encantan las fotos de la antigua iglesia…. Son preciosas. Yo hice alguna, pero desgraciadamente no tengo ni la gracia ni la sensibilidad qué tenéis vosotros. Pero gracias a vuestro trabajo, podemos disfrutar de estas maravillas. Gracias guapos!!
GASP! How amazing are both those places and the stars on the ceiling are so so cute/special/beautiful – eep!! Your photos and itinerary wherever you guys travel always blows me away!
Million thanks Fee!! With the heat & being a family trip wasn’t as straightforward to us to take pics as when we are only the two of us, but I love how the London pics turned out, there are two more posts coming up, hope you like them!
I haven’t been to either! Leadenhall is so beautiful and ornate. How strange that the shops were closed on Saturday; you’d think that they’d be busiest over the weekend! St. Dunstan looks so magical with the plants growing so organically against the architecture. -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
So happy you like it! and also glad to know I am not the only one thinking that’s a little strange that shops are closed on a Saturday :) Hugs!
I’ve been to St Dunstuns but not the other. Your photos are wonderful and make me miss London. Did you make it to the Barbican? I love it there! South bank is my other favourite place x
Oh! Yes, the Barbican! It was on our list, and I think we would love it, but wasn’t sure if my mom was going to find as interesting so we (sadly) couldn’t include it. I will most definitely add it to our next visit.
Definitely putting both of these on my London-list. Not sure if I’ll be able to visit during my upcoming visit, but I do not want to miss this either way.
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