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London is full of surprises. The city has more to offer than its well-known past landmarks and thronging masses: beneath the surface, more subtle phenomena are yet to be discovered. Backpacking it in August? You are in luck. It is sunny outside, the parks are flowering, and the town is in a laid-back summer atmosphere.
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Discovering London’s Hidden Gems – A Backpacker’s Guide to August • London is full of surprises. The city has more to offer than its well-known past landmarks and thronging masses: beneath the surface, more subtle phenomena are yet to be discovered. Backpacking it in August? You are in luck. It is sunny outside, the parks are flowering, and the town is in a laid-back summer atmosphere. For a convenient stay during your visit, consider booking a 3-star hotel near Hyde Park, London, a perfect location to relax between city adventures. This list will teach you to explore the less-travelled parts of London, which are not always in postcards but remain in memory.
Everyone knows Portobello Road, but take a detour. Get lost in the side streets of pastel-colored houses and subdued beauty. These quiet neighbourhood niches are ideal for a leisurely morning stroll accompanied by a coffee. The carnival in Notting Hill also adds colour, rhythm, and Caribbean culture to the neighbourhood, providing power in the area. It takes place in August. If you visit during the month's final weekend, be prepared to witness heavy music, fantastic street cuisine, and a crowd of dancing individuals. • Tip: Go there early in the morning, and even though going during the carnival is great fun, the streets fill up fast, so you should check out the more secluded areas before they are too full. • Embrace the Side Streets of Notting Hill
Stumble Upon Street Art in Shoreditch • When you get to Shoreditch, you will notice that the energy is different. It's gritty, creative, and full of surprises. Rather than immediately seeing the main murals, allow yourself to feel lost. Side alleys and underpasses here are a sort of outdoor gallery changing continuously. The long daylight in August gives more time to go around without hurrying. • Tip: Always carry your phone or a camera when you are there. You never know when you can get a wall worth shooting. And go down alleys; the best stuff lurks where few people look.
However, Parliament Hill is not a secret destination as it can oftentimes be less busy than other observation points, such as the London Eye. Take a brief walk in the Hampstead Heath and wind up the top of the hill and view the skyline. Some locals can relax with books or play acoustic guitar, while others enjoy the sun in August. Pack a light lunch and join them. • Tip: nearby pools can also be used and enjoyed for a swim after your walk. • Picnic at a Secret Hilltop in Hampstead Heath • You can also read: Visit the Big Ben Clock Tower in London
Find Peace at the Kyoto Garden • This little, secret Japanese garden reflects a different world as it is situated in Holland Park. It is calm and has waterfalls, koi ponds and peacocks strutting in the trees. When the pace of life in London becomes too much, this is the place where you can take a beautiful break. • Tip: Go during weekday mornings for the quietest experience. It is very nice to write, meditate, or even rest in it.
Discover Canals You Didn’t Know Existed • The River Thames is a well-known name; everyone hears about it, yet the London canal network is a hidden secret. Camden Lock to Little Venice is a beautiful water walk. And you will go past converted narrowboats acting as bookshops, waterside cafes and inquisitive ducks. It is a relaxed way to watch a usual city side, which costs you nothing. • Tip: Avoid weekends if you want a quieter stroll. It is a small path that may become busy on sunny days.
Catch a Free Performance or Festival • August is festival season. Theatres, music, and food markets fill the parks and other open areas. You can drift into a poetry reading at Southbank or a pop-up jazz performance in a square. There is magic spontaneously; simply follow the melody. • Tip: Community bulletin boards around underground stations or visitor information centres are where you can find the most local events that are not heavily promoted.
Conclusion • The weather or attractions are not the only reason backpacking in London in August is so special; it is about discovery. The pleasure of rounding a corner to discover some hidden garden, a mural you have never seen in your life or a still canal you did not know was there. The city does not require an elaborate itinerary. Just curiosity, comfortable shoes, and a willingness to explore. Let London surprise you. For a comfortable and centrally located base, Edward Hotel Paddington London offers easy access to both iconic landmarks and the city’s hidden gems. The major attractions are going to be right there all the time, but the secret ones? They are yours to find.