Sam Barker, Author at Secret London

A Staff Writer for Secret London, Sam hails from Australia, but doesn't sound like it. He splits his time between trying out the latest coffee place or craft beer taproom, or climbing up walls covered in brightly coloured holds.

Christmas Secret Guides Visit London

Here’s when you can see London’s twinkling Christmas lights this winter – they’ll start lighting up across the city this weekend

Well, folks, it's official: Christmas is on its way. So the time has come for us to start preparing for the city's annual display of glimmering Christmas lights, which will begin to take over the city in...

Christmas

In 1881, this London theatre was the first public building in the world to be fully lit by electricity – and this winter, the area’s Christmas lights will pay homage to the theatre’s history

When you go for a wander around London at Christmas, you might not expect a history lesson along the way. But when you explore one particular part of the city, you'll find glimmering light displays that p...

Christmas Things to do Visit London

A Elf on the Shelf trail is coming to London next month – with giant versions of the Christmas character popping up at landmarks around the city

One of the world's most legendary and mischievous Christmas characters is winging its way to London next month to hide around the city as part of a free scavenger hunt. The infamous Scout Elf® is coming t...

Christmas Secret Guides Things to do Visit London

55 truly wonderful things to do in London this November – from ice skating to Christmas markets, theatre festivals, and more

Christmas draws ever nearer, and the city is slowly succumbing to the festive spirit as winter draws a warm and cosy blanket over us. With November almost here, that means the holiday season has all but...

Culture Secret Guides

These are the best art exhibitions to check out in London in 2026 – from Frida Kahlo exhibitions to celebrations of street art, Ancient Egyptian artefacts, and more

London is, quite frankly, full of art. You'll find it scattered throughout the city on walls, street corners, and hidden away in quiet courtyards. But, naturally, you'll also find it celebrated in the ci...

Culture Things to do

Harrods will come alive with a colourful Diwali lights display next week – lighting up the iconic department store’s facade with a joyful display for 3 nights

In London, and indeed all around the world, there are basically two camps of people. There are those who are already breathlessly waiting for the holiday season and the return of the Christmas lights. And...

Christmas Top news

Carnaby Street will turn on its Christmas lights next week – they’re debuting a new retro-themed display for 2026

With Halloween taking over London this weekend, it's also time to start getting ready for Christmas. And ahead of the festive season arriving, one of the city's most charming Christmas displays will turn...

Things to do Top news Wellness & nature

Thousands of white roses will light up Chelsea next week and through the winter in memory of lost loved ones – the display raises money for charity and it’s a truly heartwarming sight

One of London’s most touching sights is set to return next week. This winter, Chelsea's Duke of York Square will be taken over by 30,000 illuminated white roses - transforming it into the Ever After Garde...

Culture Things to do

A major new festival of South Asian creativity and culture is coming to London next summer – and 3 of the city’s most famous museums are joining forces for the nine-day-long celebration

If there's one thing we Londoners love, it's a festival. From festivals celebrating everything from culture to food or music (of course!), we love a chance to dive into a wealth of experiences all in one...

Food & drink Top news

A cafe dedicated to crumpets is opening in London next month – allowing customers to enjoy “the best crumpets you’ll ever buy”

Some restaurants have sprawling menus, full of a variety of dishes to tempt any tastes. Others, meanwhile, keep it short and sweet with a curated selection of dishes that they execute with impeccable prec...