The vast, sprawling city of London has much more to offer than Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street. The capital has a wealth of other, lesser-known attractions, as well as some vibrant areas away from the centre that are well worth a visit. Here are our top ten off-the-beaten-track destinations for your next London trip.

The Thames Path

If you want to see more of the city, hit the Thames Path. This 40-mile pathway would be pretty hard to cover on foot, but if you hire a bike (or pick up a Boris Bike) you can see all of its splendour for yourself. Make sure you stop off at The Prospect of Whitby – a pub frequented by that great documenter of London life, Charles Dickens.

Highgate Cemetery

Not as morbid as it sounds! There are a plethora of famous figures buried here, including author Douglas Adams and philosopher Karl Marx. Many of the memorials are incredibly beautiful – worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Little Venice

With a multitude of canals in the area, Little Venice certainly lives up to its name. The pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes around here almost all have a waterside garden, perfect for a pint in summer. Hire your own canal boat and soak up the atmosphere!

Hampstead Heath

This beautiful park offers one of the best panoramic vistas of London you’ll see. You might even glimpse some urban wildlife! Summer is the best time to visit this park – you can swim in the lakes, enjoy a picnic or engage in the many sporting activities on offer.

Wilton’s Music Hall

If you love restorations of old buildings, you’ll love this place – it’s an authentic restoration of an old Victorian music hall, and you can still watch performances or simply relax here with a drink in the historic bar.

Brick Lane

Brick Lane Market isn’t quite as busy as Portobello Road Market, or Covent Garden, but it’s still pretty popular, especially with those hunting down vintage bargains. It’s open every Sunday for you to snap up a bargain.

Toilet Tours of London

If you’re looking for a quirky way to spend time in the city, this is it! Take in some of the highlights of the London public toilet scene, with regular breaks in some of the capital’s most iconic watering holes – (pubs, not toilets!).

Dennis Severs’ House

This tourist attraction allows you to peer around the home of the deceased artist, which has been left exactly as though a Victorian family has just upped and left. The beds are unmade, the food on the tables is left uneaten – it’s a jarring experience, but a must-see for those who like the weird and wonderful.

Horniman Museum

In south London you’ll find this family-friendly museum, which is home to a whole array of curiosities – the most famous of which is an enormous stuffed walrus. The kids will love it!

Chelsea Psychic Garden

This largely forgotten garden is one of London’s oldest. You’ll find more than 5,000 plants here, many of which are useful, edible or medicinal in some way.

Have you uncovered a hidden gem in your time in London?  Please share with us.