Pulse London
About Pulse London
Weird and wonderful facts about the blogger behind Pulse London
Posted on Feb 8, 2017 Feb 8, 2017 by Kritt Normsaskul
Top Hidden Gems in London Part 2
Carrying on from where I left off, here are my next five hidden gems waiting to be discovered in London.
Eltham Palace, Eltham
This has one helluva history but cutting the long story short, Eltham Palace started life as a royal medieval manor before being saved by the glamorous Coulthard family and converted into a stylish art deco home of the 1930's.
Despite the renovations done over the years, many of its medieval pasts have been preserved. In fact, it has one of the best preserved medieval halls in England going back as far as the 15th century. There's even a moat around the palace too.
The moment you enter the building you're transported back in time (just in time for cocktails in fact). The art deco reflects the cutting-edge design of the 1930's and the artistic and intellectual interests of its owners, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld. It's remained that way now and you get a feel for the glamorous lifestyle the 1930's. You have a handy audio guide in different languages that talk you through the history of the building. It's an impressive home with so many rooms to explore and secret passageways to discover.
Eltham Palace is huge, inside and outside, and even has an ornamental garden, a picnic and play area. It even has a bunker to protect the owners from the London bombing during the great world war.
It is a ticketed attraction which at the time of writing is £13.60 (without gift aid) but it is worth every penny and beautiful to visit in the summer. It may be far out in Eltham but with Severndroog Castle nearby, there's enough in Eltham to justify a visit.
The Bowling Alley at Royal Naval College
I've visited the Old Royal Naval College a million times. It's one of my favourites places in London. But when I was first told of this bowling in Greenwich I was a little perplexed. Where is this bowling alley you speak of?! How could I have missed it?! It just goes to show just how secret this place is.
The Skittle Alley is an underground Victorian Bowling Alley. Once an old infirmary, it was then converted into a bowling alley to relieve the boredom of naval pensioners in the times when the royal naval college was in active use by the navy.
Hidden beneath the grand building of the Old Royal Naval College, under St Peter and St Paul chapel opposite the Painted Halls, you can see and even impress your mates (or date) your game with the wooden cannonballs. It's a proper challenge. Not only are they heavy but there are no holes likes you'd find at every bowling alley to hold and release the ball with your fingers. Man up – you're going to have to bowl it under-arm!
It's free to enter but sadly, opening times to the public is very limited, open only at certain hours. If I were you, I'd keep an eye on their website to find out when it does.
Dennis Severs House
By now, you can probably tell I'm a huge fan of history. In fact, it was my favourite subject at school. Carrying on with the history theme, Dennis Severs House is a time-capsule attraction in Spitalfields which I enjoyed immensely. The moment you step through the threshold, you've warped back in time to the 17th and 18th century England.
I was amazed and still am as to how very immersive and how very real it felt, right down to the last detail from the creaking floorboards, the haphazardly arranged items, the hissing teapots, crackling fireplace, the unmade beds and the half-eaten food. It's like the family who lived here and had just left a few moments ago.
Only a few minutes walk away from Liverpool Street station, there are five floors to explore from the basement all the way to the top to the master bedroom.
The only source of light is from candle lights which all casts dancing shadows along the walls everywhere you go, and the entire is conducted in deathly silence. It is a bit creepy inside and feels a little haunted. I found myself all alone in the attic at one point. I'm not on to scare easily, but I was then.
It's an intimate portrait of an English family and life in Spitalfields going back more than 300 years. I noticed that even the facade of this street around Dennis Severs still looks out of place in these modern times.
Sadly, no photography is permitted inside. But it's unlike any other place in London you'll ever find and it's the most immersive experience I've ever been through. The best days to visit are on Monday lunch time and all-day Sunday when entrance fees are at it's cheapest at £10 and they only accept cash. There's a small queue but on a Sunday, but I waited for no more than 15 minutes.
Thai Temple
Wat Buddhapadipa (let's just call it the Thai Temple, eh?) is a traditional Thai Buddhist temple in Wimbledon South East London. Not far from the famous Wimbledon Tennis Association, it's a home for the monks and nuns but welcomes everyone of every faith. It's also the first of such temples to be built in the UK apparently. It'
There's a zen flower garden and the Uposotha that houses the golden statue of Buddha. You'd think you are actually in Thailand. The best time to go is in the Thai new of Songkran which takes place over 2 days between 13-15 April. It will be busy but this truly is a slice of Thailand and London will feel a long way away.
Barbican Conservatory
Not many people know, but behind the monolithic facade of the Barbican is an exotic oasis on the 3rd floor of the Barbican Centre.
Covered by a glass roof, the Barbican Conservatory is one of the biggest in London and a home to tropical plants, trees and even marine life. There's even a greenhouse humid climates are recreated and where plants typically found in the dessert grow including cactuses.
Opened only on Sunday, you can even book yourself a luxurious afternoon tea inside this leafy sanctuary. There's no better way for a Sunday stroll than in this hidden gem.
Tell me, have you visited any of these hidden gems? How did you find it? Have I missed any? Let me know!
Follow me and my musings on my instagram and Twitter. I'm a lot more interesting on Instagram 😉
Tagged with:Barbican Conservatory, Denis Severs House, Eltham Palace, Featured, Greenwich, History, London, Secret London, Spitalfields, Thai Temple Wimbledon, The Skittle Bowling Alley
Written by Kritt Normsaskul
Hi, I am Kritt, reluctant adult, professional day dreamer and adventurer extraordinaire. I love getting lost in my surroundings with my camera, a good cocktail and romantic walks to the fridge. Welcome to my blog on all things, London! (well, other things too but mostly London).
View all posts by Kritt Normsaskul
Previous PostTop Hidden Gems in London Part 1
Next PostA few words about Bone Daddies in High Street Kensington,
Lost Queen says:
Great post! If you ever need a great hidden bar in Central London you should check out Cellar Door…it's incredible and does great cocktails!
Kritt Normsaskul says:
Thanks! I'm glad you like the post. I'll be sure to check out Cellar Door next time. I've walked past it so many times!
SophintheCity says:
I've always wondered about the under ground bowling alley in Greenwich!
I had no idea what my colleague was talking about when they first mentioned it to me. I had no idea such a place even existed! I wanted to find a useful webpage so everyone can find out when they can visit too but the Royal Naval College aren't playing ball 😭 Mostly likely to open on weekends though so you can ask when it will open next time you're in the area!
My boyfriend goes to Greenwich University and he mentioned it and I was like whaaaat that sounds wicked! I'm sure the locals know!
Secrets out! They've done well to keep it from us for so long. I guess that's where all the students spend their time after lectures 😂 Don't think many uni has a secret bowling alley!
What a brilliant post! I'm definitely going to check out the bowling place 🙂
Yayyy! Let me know what you think of it 😊
I will do 🙂
RSquared Rosie says:
Another wonderful post. I'm excited to check out the Barbican Conservatory and the Thai temple 😁
Feb 12, 2017 at 15:15
Thanks! Hope you enjoy it!
confectionery says:
Aug 11, 2019 at 02:29
Hi colleagues, pleasant article and good urging commented at this place, I am in fact enjoying by these.
Leave a Reply to Giulia Cancel reply
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Coqbull
A Guide To: The Best Quirky Bars in London
A Guide To: The Best Pizzas in London
A Guide To: The Best New Bars and Restaurants in London
A Guide To: London's Best Pasta Restaurants
Festive Hangouts You Might Not Have Heard Off in London This Christmas 2019
Arabica in King's Cross Review: A Fabulous Middle-Eastern Restaurant
Bustronome Review: Fine-Dining on a Double Decker Bus
Follow Pulse London on WordPress.com
Pulse London Facebook