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.

Secret Guides Things to do Visit London

51 jubilantly joyful things to do in London this July – from Pride parades to cricket matches, country music, craft beer festivals, and more

Well, folks, we're now well over halfway through the year - and it seems like the weather has taken notice! The sun is shining for longer every day, the sky is blue (sometimes at least), and the temperat...

Things to do Top news

An impressive replica of a ship from the 1500s is sailing into London today – and you can climb aboard to explore

All the way back in the 1500s, Ferdinand Magellan did the seemingly impossible. He assembled an impressive crew and sailed all the way around the world, becoming the first person to circumnavigate the glob...

Food & drink Top news

This south-of-the-river market is officially the best food market in London – according to Secret London readers

If there's one thing London is absolutely fantastic for, it's street food. Well, among other things, but in particular, we can't get enough of London's incredible street food scene. And some of the best p...

Things to do Wellness & nature

Did you know there’s a tranquil Japanese garden tucked away in a West London park? And you can even spot roving peacocks when you visit

Look, I get it; sometimes this city is simply too much. Whether you're overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, the crammed Tube carriages, or the expectations of work, it's important to find time to re...

Food & drink

This Covent Garden restaurant has a cheese conveyor belt with a seemingly endless supply of cheese – with an option for all you can eat cheese

Ever watched a conveyor belt of sushi ferrying small plates of food to hungry customers and thought, ‘okay, but what if it was cheese?’ If so, we’ve got just the place for you to check out. Pres...

Things to do Visit London

This South East London sewage station is surprisingly beautiful – it’s known as the ‘Cathedral of Sewage’

If you've ever bemoaned that 'they don't make things with the same quality they used to' or that 'design is so boring and same-y nowadays', then this is a London spot you won't want to miss. The Crossness...

Escapes Things to do Visit London Wellness & nature

There’s a magical crystal grotto hidden on the outskirts of London – tucked away in a park that also features a lake, a Gothic Tower, an amphitheatre, and more

Chalk this one up for yet another London(ish) sight that makes absolutely no sense - and yet we're completely here for it. Did you know there's a crystal grotto just hidden away in a park on the outskirts...

Things to do Top news Wellness & nature

This world-famous wild swimming spot is officially the best place for a swim in London – according to Secret London readers

If you can even bear to leave the house (my thoughts are with those of you travelling on the Tube, working outdoors, or not able to work from home today), there are probably only a few things on your mind...

Escapes

This award-winning chocolate box village near London is full of history – and it played an important role in one of Disney’s greatest films

The UK is home to a wealth of gorgeous villages, each vying for attention for your next day trip out of the city. Some boast cobbled lanes and buildings straight out of fairytales. Others are (or have bee...

Food & drink

This London hotel has launched a sweet new Disney Moana-inspired afternoon tea – with tropical treats, ocean-themed desserts, and more

London's afternoon teas truly run the gamut of flavours and themes. You can explore British tradition with opulent, classic examples, or try a taste of Paris and Versailles. You can even explore the city...