Katie Forge, Author at Secret London

Culture

The oldest shop in London is 350 years old – it invented the bowler hat, holds a Royal Warrant, and boasts its own mini museum

Whilst there's no shortage of shops in the capital city, very few hold as many claims to fame as this one. Lock & Co. is the oldest shop in London and the oldest hat shop in the world (hats off to the...

This historic 200-acre estate has just been named the best public garden in London – and it’s home to a wildflower meadow, a world-famous glasshouse, and over 400 tree species

As a relatively lazy Londoner, I sure do love it when a place makes me feel as though I've been transported out of our chaotic capital city, without actually requiring me to travel any further than Zone 4...

Escapes

The sunniest city in Europe is home to a 2000-year-old Roman theatre that was only discovered recently – and you can fly there (and back) from London for less than £50

As a girl with wanderlust coursing through her veins and a rather severe shortage in the Vitamin D department; I spend more time than I care to admit trawling through the internet in search of my next sun...

Music Top news

The first ever official Beatles fan experience is opening in London next year – and it will be found inside one of the most iconic locations in the band’s history

Faithful fanatics of the fab four, gather round. A new museum dedicated entirely to one of the most beloved bands of all time will be swinging open its doors in London next year. Where, I hear you ask? Th...

You could soon be able to swim on the rooftop of this iconic 177-metre tower in London – as plans to transform a historic communications hub into a luxury hotel have been revealed

Not exactly surreptitious in stature, the BT Tower is one of those buildings that's pretty darn synonymous with London. Once the tallest structure in the city, the 177-metre monument has played a key role...

Culture

London is home to the oldest museum café in the world – and it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the city

It's no secret that the V&A is bursting at the seams with twinkling gems to explore and admire. But one of the museum's most valuable possessions of all doesn't actually come in the form of an artwork...

Wellness & nature

The view from this 260-year-old tower near London has just been named one of the best in Britain – and it’s the highest point in south-east England

If you like your views to look like they've, quite literally, sprung from the pages of a storybook then please allow me to point you in the breathtakingly beautiful direction of Leith Hill Tower. The high...

Sports Top news

This north London football stadium is officially home to the most expensive pints – here’s how much a beer will set you back at each Premier League ground

The cost of being a devoted football fan extends far beyond the match tickets and the merch. Once you arrive at the stadium, it'd be rude not to raise a toast to your team with a nice, cold pint, right? B...

Culture

This handy new ‘London Artground’ map reveals over 300 pieces of public art dotted around the city – from iconic statues to hidden murals

There's no denying that a regular London Underground map is pretty darn useful. It's easy to navigate, it gets us from A to B. You might be wondering what more you could possibly want from a map. And I ha...

The best secret garden in London is an ancient 3-acre oasis that most commuters walk straight past – and it’s completely free to visit

We're fairly spoilt for choice when it comes to gorgeous green spaces here in London. With around 47% of the city dedicated to parks, commons, and glorious gardens; there's no shortage of spots to head to...