Exploring London’s Hidden Gems
I like to think I know London pretty well by now. I spend plenty of time in the city, and every few weeks, I take a long walk through different neighbourhoods just to see what I can find. From blue plaques marking the homes of famous figures to the surprising remnants of past wars, London trivia never fails to surprise me. And of course, there’s the modern-day chaos—colorful markets, quirky shops, and a blend of cultures that make this city what it is.
But no matter how many times I explore, I always learn something new when I take a guided tour. A good guide transforms a set of streets into a living, breathing history book. And in London, where every alleyway has a story, the right guide can introduce you to hidden gems in London you’d otherwise walk straight past. Take, for example, these two quirky tales I recently picked up while on a tour with a particularly entertaining guide.
Giro: The Only Nazi Buried in London
If you climb the Duke of York Steps from The Mall towards Pall Mall, you’ll find a small, easily missed memorial plot at the top. Nestled in a patch of dirt is a modest gravestone, housed in what looks like a miniature wooden kennel. Even without knowing German, it’s obvious that someone once loved the pet buried there.
The tombstone reads: “Giro, Ein treuer Begleiter, London, im Februar 1934. Hoesch.” The translation? “Giro, a true companion, London, February 1934.” Hoesch was the owner’s surname—Ernst August Heesch, the German ambassador to Britain in the early 1930s.
As my guide explained, Giro met an unfortunate end after chewing through an electrical wire. But here’s the bizarre twist: Heesch arranged a full Nazi funeral for his beloved German shepherd, right in the heart of London. The result? A tiny, overlooked grave that may well be the only Nazi burial site in Britain. It’s one of those offbeat London stories that make you double-check your facts, but sure enough, there it is.
Wellington’s Nose: A Strange Landmark in Admiralty Arch
It’s no secret that the Duke of Wellington had an enormous nose. His legendary hooter has been the inspiration for many nicknames and, apparently, a rather peculiar London hidden gem.
If you walk through Admiralty Arch, where The Mall meets Trafalgar Square, you might notice something odd—a small, bronze nose embedded into the stone at around seven feet high. There’s no plaque, no sign, and unless you know what you’re looking for, you’d never spot it. But once you do, you’ll see that its surface has been polished by years of curious passersby giving it a rub for luck.
Why is it there? Nobody knows for sure. Some say it’s a tribute to Wellington’s legendary nose, while others claim it was an inside joke by a sculptor or even a lucky charm for soldiers riding through on horseback. Whatever the reason, it’s another example of London trivia at its finest—random, mysterious, and just the kind of thing that makes the city so endlessly fascinating.
Why Good Guides Matter
One of the best things about guided tours of London off the beaten track is discovering stories like these—the kind that don’t make the history books but are just as memorable. A good guide takes you beyond the usual tourist sites and introduces you to the best London walking tours full of forgotten facts, weird landmarks, and unexpected tales.
London is packed with history, but it’s also packed with secrets, and the best way to uncover them is to have someone who knows where to look. Whether it’s the only Nazi burial in London, a hidden bronze nose, or an underground relic from the Blitz, London trivia proves that there’s always something new to discover—if you know where to find it.
FAQ: London Trivia & Hidden Gems
1. What are some hidden gems in London that most tourists miss?
London is full of hidden gems beyond the typical tourist spots. Some lesser-known attractions include Giro the Nazi dog’s grave, the bronze nose at Admiralty Arch, Postman’s Park, Seven Noses of Soho, and the remains of the Roman amphitheater beneath Guildhall. Taking a historical tour of London is the best way to uncover these secrets.
2. Where can I find Giro, the Nazi dog’s grave?
Giro’s grave is located near Duke of York Steps between Pall Mall and The Mall. It’s a small, easily missed memorial marking the final resting place of the German ambassador’s dog from the 1930s. It’s one of London’s strangest historical landmarks, and a must-see for fans of offbeat London history.
3. What is Wellington’s Nose in London?
Wellington’s Nose is a mysterious bronze nose embedded in Admiralty Arch near Trafalgar Square. Theories suggest it was placed as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington’s famously large nose, or as a lucky charm for passing cavalry officers. It remains one of the most amusing pieces of London trivia.
4. Are guided tours of London worth it?
Absolutely! A knowledgeable guide can introduce you to London hidden gems you’d never find on your own. From quirky landmarks to forgotten stories, guided tours of London offer a unique way to explore the city, making history come alive beyond the typical tourist attractions.
5. What are the best London walking tours for history lovers?
For those who love history, the best London walking tours include the Jack the Ripper tour, the Winston Churchill War Rooms tour, and various historical tours of England covering Roman, medieval, and WWII history. Many of these tours also feature off the beaten path London sites that aren’t in the guidebooks.
6. What are some off-the-beaten-path places to visit in London?
If you’re looking for offbeat London experiences, check out Leighton House, Daunt Books, the ruins of St. Dunstan-in-the-East, and the hidden gardens of Inner Temple. Many of these locations are hidden in plain sight but offer fascinating insights into London’s history and culture.
7. How can I discover more London trivia and unusual facts?
The best way to learn London fun facts is to take a historical walking tour or explore areas off the beaten path in London. Many websites and local experts also share unusual stories, or you can simply wander the city with an eye for forgotten details like secret plaques, unusual statues, and hidden alleyways.
