The Londoner’s guide to London

10 London highlights off the beaten track

Visiting the usual tourist-traps like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square is all well and good, but London is a sprawling metropolis that deserves to be explored properly.

Stray from the beaten path on your trip and check out these 10 places that will be full of genuine Londoners rather than just tourists.

1. Hit the town in North London

While the West End, Soho, and Covent Garden areas are renowned for fantastic nights out and should definitely be seen while you’re in London, don’t miss out on the edgy, cool areas of North London. Head to Old Street and Shoreditch area and you will find yourself surrounded by low-key, very cool bars and venues. There is no snooty atmosphere to be found here, and the prices are far more reasonable. This will really give you an insider’s look at the coolest side of the London bar scene.

2. Swim in Hampstead Heath Ponds

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend a day outdoors in London, there is nothing better than hitting the outdoor swimming ‘ponds’ of Hampstead Heath. London’s summer days can be sunny and warm; take a picnic, some cold drinks and a ball or frisbee, and recreate the beach in the middle of town. Or if you think you’re up to it, join the hardcore locals with a winter dip which is supposed to be one of the most invigorating ways to start the day!

3. Shop at London’s markets

These are definitely not tourist-tat markets – you’ll be rubbing shoulders with many locals here as you find truly individual souvenirs to take home with you. If you want to see one of the most buzzing food markets of all time, head to Borough market at London Bridge on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Have lunch there at one of the many eateries or stalls, sample some of the best local produce and absorb the atmosphere. Portobello Road market is also great if you’re looking for vintage clothes or antiques at unbelievable prices.

4. Watch street entertainment at Covent Garden

London’s Covent Garden, in the heart of the theatre district, is the only area in London that has a license for street entertainment. For this reason, it attracts some of the most impressive performers from all over the world. The action centres around the main plaza and is free to watch. Artists perform throughout the day so take a wander and absorb the atmosphere – it’ll keep you entertained for hours.

5. Ride the rapids at Lee Valley

Those of you who are self-professed adrenaline junkies will want to head down to Lee Valley on the outskirts of London, where there is a water course specifically designed for canoe events at the 2012 Olympics. The centre is open to the public for white water rafting, which is an exhilarating sport and a teambuilding exercise that everyone should try at least once. And don’t worry, the rapids might be manmade, but they’ll certainly feel real when you’re hurtling down them. Even if some of your group doesn’t want to take part, a series of paths and bridges have been built around the course, so spectators can get a perfect view and snap some photos.

6. Relax in the Peace Pagoda

If the hustle and bustle of London life gets to be too much for you, take some time to unwind in the Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park. This Buddhist monument is open to anyone who wants to find peace and tranquillity, and with its idyllic location in the park next to the river you will soon find your worries and stresses fading away.

7. Treat your inner child at Pollock’s Toy Museum

This quirky museum tucked away near Goodge Street tube station is dedicated to displaying vintage toys from all around the world, and will provide entertainment for young and old alike. If you have kids this is a must visit, and even if you don’t you are sure to recognise some of the toys and relive fond memories from your childhood.

8. Take the Alternative London Tour

Forget the tired old open-top bus tour, this trip around London’s East End will show you some of the most unique places and features of the city that won’t be found in your guide book. From street art to social and political history, this tour will make you see London in a completely different light. Plus it won’t break the bank – tour goers can pay whatever they feel the tour is worth. Be warned though; you will be so impressed by the end you might find yourself handing over a hefty sum.

9. Climb The Monument

There are hundreds of monuments and structures around London to look at – but not many that you can climb up. The Monument, located just north of London Bridge, was built in 1667 to commemorate the Great Fire of London. It stands at 62 metres tall, and if you can climb the 311 narrow steps to the top you will be rewarded with some absolutely stunning views of London. As if that wasn’t enough, you also get a certificate at the top to prove you’ve climbed it, which is always a bonus.

10. Speak or listen at Speakers’ Corner

Since 1872 the Parks Regulation Act has given people the right to speak freely in the north east corner of Hyde Park in London, and crowds regularly gather there to give and listen to speeches on any number of political, religious and social issues. Dubbed ‘Speakers’ Corner’, it’s open to anyone and free to attend, so make your way down there if you’d like to hear speeches or take part in debates. You can even make a speech yourself if you’d like, but keep in mind that newcomers are often susceptible to some light-hearted heckling.