From its grand architecture to glorious history, London is one of the most captivating cities globally; with an endless list of attractions to explore and treasures to uncover, it can be a daunting challenge to find the best locations to visit.

To ensure locals and tourists do not miss the beautiful things the city offers, London-based Estate Agents Douglas & Gordon have scanned through fascinating finds that London boroughs have to offer, reminding us about the things that make London so great!

From secret places to the most visited attractions, the 13 spots scattered around the capital are some extraordinary finds and facts about these areas.

1. London’s Oldest House (Islington)

41-42 Cloth Fair is a four-bedroom townhouse in Farringdon and London’s oldest house. It was built more than 400 years ago, surviving the Great Fire of London and the Blitz. Although it has been refurbished several times, the house still retains most of its original fittings, including a window that some famous visitors, like J.B Priestley and Joyce Grenfell, have signed with a diamond-nibbed pen.

2. Two of London’s Four UNESCO Heritage Sites in One Place (Westminster)

Two of London’s four World Heritage Sites can be found in Westminster. The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey (including St Margaret’s Church). The other two World Heritage Sites are the Tower of London and Maritime Greenwich in East London.

3. Most Visited Attractions Outside of Central London (Richmond)

Richmond boasts three of the most visited attractions outside central London, Hampton Court Palace, Kew Botanic Gardens and WWT London Wetland Centre. Hampton Court Palace receives more than a million visitors every year. Kew Botanic Gardens received 2.24 million visitors in 2020, the highest in more than a century.

4. London’s Ancient Botanical Garden (Kensington & Chelsea)

The oldest botanic garden in London, Chelsea Physic Garden, is almost 350 years old and boasts 5,000 edible or medicinal plant collections. It’s also home to some rare and endangered species and Europe’s oldest rock garden.

5. Historic ‘Temple of Power’ (Wandsworth)

History was made in Wandsworth when coal-fired Battersea Power Station started producing electricity in the 1940s. The immense, Art-Deco style building was the first of its kind. Since being decommissioned, the building has been awarded Grade II listed status as a place of particular interest. The station and area around it have since become one of London’s premier lifestyle and cultural areas and is home to a thriving community of Battersea properties shops, restaurants, and open space.

6. Most Michelin Star Restaurants in One Area (Westminster)

The borough is home to the highest number of Michelin star restaurants in the city, most concentrated in Mayfair and Soho. As one of the world’s culinary capitals, you can find some of the most lavish and elegant restaurants here.

7) London’s Largest Royal Park (Richmond upon Thames)

Close to central London, the park enjoys protected status as a National Nature Reserve and is home to rare birds, beetles, bats and wildflowers. The Park is also renowned for being home to hundreds of Red and Fallow deer, which have roamed freely for decades.

8. A Borough that Pre-Dates the City (Southwark)

The area’s rich history is tied to the Romans, who built the first bridge across the Thames from the site. Today, the busy area is home to London’s best attractions, like the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

9. A Historic House ( Hackney)

Sutton House is a red brick Tudor-style building that’s around 500 years old. The house has gone through many transformations throughout the years, from a seat of power for King Henry VIII to a men’s institute during World War I to a squat and music venue for radicals, anarchists, and punks in the 80s.

10. The Second-Highest Number of Heritage Pubs in the City (Camden)

Outside of Westminster, Camden is home to the highest number of heritage pubs in the city. Camden offers everything from old-school traditional taverns to modern live music venues, with around 26 venues boasting traditional interiors, original or refurbished fixtures and rooms of national importance.

11. Birthplace of Accomplished People (Waltham Forest)

This Borough outranks all others when it comes to famous connections. Waltham Forest lists an impressive 172 notable people connected to the area. Some of the names on the list of notable people from Waltham Forest include David Beckham, Sir Alfred Hitchcock, and Iron Maiden and East 17.

12. The Oldest Road (Camden)

Hampstead is home to one of the oldest streets in London, Fleet Street, which is the fictional home of Sweeney Todd and was established in the Middle Ages.

13. London’s Future Hollywood (Barking & Dagenham) One of the city’s largest film studios is set to be built in Dagenham in the next few years and will strengthen the area’s already successful film industry connections.