Best hidden gems in London
Discover the city's best-kept secrets and uncover hidden gems in London that will leave you amazed. Find solace in the serene ambiance of The Hill Garden and Pergola in Hampstead. Take in the breathtaking city views from The Garden at 120, situated 15 storeys high. These remarkable locations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and peacefulness in London.
The Garden at 120
Image: The Garden at 120, Fen Court Building. © MTotoe
#FLODown: The Garden at 120, situated atop the Fen Court building on 120 Fenchurch Street, is the largest public rooftop space in the City of London. In recent years, as London's skyline has continued to evolve, offering many extraordinary viewpoints, The Garden at 120 stands out as a must-see destination. Located 15-storeys high, visitors can experience 360-degree views of the City and the greater London area for free.
Opening hours: Summer: 1 April – 30 September (Monday to Friday 10am – 9pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm) Winter: 1 October – 31 March (Monday to Friday 10am – 6.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am -5pm). Closed on Bank holidays. Location: 120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA. Price: Free . Website: thegardenat120.com
Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Image: Crossrail Place Roof Garden. June 2023. © MTotoe
#FLODown: Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf offers a serene oasis amidst the skyscrapers. Designed by Foster + Partners, the garden showcases diverse plants reflecting the area's history. Divided into hemispheres, it also features an amphitheatre where an exciting program of festivals, performances, and music is offered. The unique structure creates a microclimate for delicate plants. Visitors can explore pathways, relax, and enjoy free access until evening.
Opening hours: open daily until 9pm or sunset in summer. Location: Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB. Nearest station is Canary Wharf. Website: canarywharf.com
Kenwood House
Image: Kenwood House. June 2023. © MTotoe
#FLODown: Experience the charm of Kenwood House, a historic mansion in Hampstead, North West London. Admire impressive art collections, including works by renowned artists. Explore the opulent interiors, magnificent gardens, and picturesque lake. Engage with the history of past residents and enjoy guided tours, family activities, and delightful cafes. Don't miss special events or the opportunity for a relaxing picnic. Kenwood House offers a captivating blend of art, history, and natural beauty.
Location: Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, London, NW3 7JR. Website: english-heritage.org.uk.
The Hill Garden and Pergola
Image: The Hill Garden and Pergola. June 2023. © MTotoe
#FLODown: Discover the serene beauty of The Hill Garden and Pergola, an enchanting oasis tucked away in Hampstead Heath. Designed by William H Lever and landscape architect Thomas Mawson, this hidden gem offers breathtaking views and impeccably landscaped gardens. Whether you seek a peaceful escape, a picturesque picnic spot, or a unique venue for special occasions, this tranquil sanctuary caters to all. Best of all, entry is free, welcoming nature enthusiasts and admirers of architectural wonders alike.
Location: Inverforth Close, North End Way, London, NW3 7EX.
The Victoria and Albert Museum will present Rising Voices: Contemporary Art from Asia, Australia and the Pacific, a major exhibition celebrating contemporary artistic practices across the Asia Pacific region. Developed in partnership with the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) in Brisbane…
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Now in its 24th year, Primavera Sound Barcelona has evolved from humble origins as a one-day event in Poble Espanyol to a multi-day, mix genre, cult celebration of live music in all its glory. A loyal and ever-growing fan base flocks from around the world to Barcelona…
The Aubrey offers a weekend brunch menu with a Japanese twist, serving inventive takes on classic brunch dishes. There is a reasonably priced set brunch menu, but the variety on the à la carte menu is hard to resist…
BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, the debut feature from acclaimed artist and filmmaker Kahlil Joseph, will inaugurate the newly opened cinema space at 180 Studios in London with a month-long residency from 27 February to 27 March 2026…
Art exhibitions celebrating women artists in London for International Women’s Day 2026. From Tracey Emin at Tate Modern, Rose Wylie at the Royal Academy, and Beatriz González at the Barbican Centre…
London transforms into a citywide celebration of flaky pastry, rich fillings, and comforting aromas during Pie Week (2-8 March 2026). From buttery shortcrust classics to inventive gourmet creations, bakeries, cafés, pubs, and markets across the city showcase their most irresistible pies…
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has added a landmark piece of internet history to its collection with the acquisition of a reconstructed early YouTube watch page, featuring the first video ever uploaded to the platform, Me at the zoo by Jawed Karim….
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The National Gallery has announced a new monthly series called Picture This, hosted by broadcaster John Wilson, known for the BBC’s This Cultural Life. The series will feature leading figures from fashion, science, music, literature, gastronomy, and film, who will reflect on their life and work through the lens of a painting from the Gallery’s collection…
Art Basel has revealed the 290 galleries set to participate in its 2026 flagship fair in Basel, Switzerland, alongside the first highlights of this year’s edition…
FLO spent an evening with Special Guest, speaking to the host, Eve, and some of the night’s speakers to find out what draws people to the stage and what keeps the crowd coming back…
The 2026 edition of Art Basel Hong Kong marks a bold new chapter for the fair as it returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 to 29 March. Bringing together 240 galleries from 41 countries and territories, more than half of which operate across the Asia Pacific…
As March brings the first signs of spring to London, a number of exciting art exhibitions are opening across the city. Tate Britain will host the first major solo exhibition of British artist Hurvin Anderson, Dulwich Picture Gallery presents the first UK show of Estonian modernist Konrad Mägi, and the much-anticipated exhibition dedicated to influential Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli…
The Ivy Collection has partnered with Papa Salt Gin to celebrate unsung heroines this International Women’s Day. From Wednesday 11 February 2026, people across the United Kingdom and Ireland are invited to nominate inspiring women in their communities who deserve recognition for their selfless contributions…
On Sunday 29 March, the Barbican Centre will host the return of Young Barbican Takeover, a one-day festival curated for and by young people, celebrating creativity in all its forms. Running from 12pm to 6pm, the festival transforms the iconic Barbican spaces…
We recently spoke with Dr Georgina Portelli, Vice Chair of Malta International Contemporary Arts Space (MICAS), about the vision and development of Malta’s major new contemporary art institution. Built within the historic 17th-century Floriana bastions on the edge of Valletta…
Albers is a contemporary neighbourhood bistro in De Beauvoir Town, offering far more than its modest claim of serving “Quite Good Grub”. Tucked just off the bustle of Kingsland Road, it combines relaxed, understated interiors with confident, thoughtfully prepared dishes…
A wonderful alpine-style chalet tucked into the courtyard of the Rosewood London in Holborn. From the moment you step inside, the outside world seems to melt away, replaced by warmth, intimacy and a sense of escapism that feels far removed from central London…
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Lakwena Maciver is a London-based artist known for her use of colour and text, and for public artworks that bring a sense of connection to everyday spaces….
Gilroy’s Loft is a newly opened Seafood Restaurant in Covent Garden situated at the rooftop of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery London which was officially opened by none other than King Charles in early December…
Ted Hodgkinson is Head of Literature & Spoken Word at Southbank Centre and oversees the seasonal literature programme as well as the annual London Literature Festival. He has judged awards including the BBC National Short Story Award and the Orwell Prize for political writing, and in 2020 he chaired the International Booker Prize…
Narinder Sagoo MBE, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners and renowned architectural artist, has embarked on an ambitious new personal project in support of Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y), a charity that works towards the upliftment of young adults living in extreme poverty and suffering from exclusion. Narinder has been an ambassador for LP4Y since 2022…
This week in London (26 Jan – 1 Feb 2026), catch theatre at Malmaison Hotel, live Aphex Twin performances at Southbank, art exhibitions at Barbican, ICA, and Goldsmiths CCA, comedy at Sadler’s Wells, plus music, cinema, and new foodie spots like Le Café by Nicolas Rouzaud.
Discover a guide to some of the art exhibitions to see in London in February 2026, including the much-anticipated Tracey Emin and Rose Wylie exhibitions at Tate and the Royal Academy of Arts respectively; works by artists Aki Sasamoto and Stina Fors at Studio Voltaire; the third edition of the Barbican’s Encounters series with Lynda Benglis; an Isaac Julien world premiere at Victoria Miro…
This week in London includes the London Short Film Festival, Winter Lights at Canary Wharf and London Art Fair, plus new exhibitions by Georg Baselitz, Mario Merz and Umi Ishihara. Also on are performances at the Southbank Centre, Burns Night celebrations, last chances to see Dirty Looks at the Barbican, and the opening of Claridge’s Bakery…