Secret London is an essential companion for anyone committed to discovering the true heart of one of the world's greatest capital cities. In more than 20 miles of original walks, distinguished historian Andrew Duncan uncovers London's best-kept secrets. From ancient waterways and the vast network of tunnels that weave their way beneath the city's streets to easily missed courtyards and gardens-each walk is full of surprises.

Andrew Duncan's fascinating text delves beyond the obvious to reveal both London's little-known gems and the remarkable histories of its most famous landmarks. Readers will be delighted to discover the existence of long-buried rivers, the remains of Roman structures, the web of top-secret offices, wartime shelters, and prison cells beneath the asphalt. Here, too, are intriguing tales of the rancorous battles over the statue of Eros, the mystery surrounding the Coade stone lion, and the grisly secret in one of Westminster Abbey's broom cupboards.

Full-color photographs capture the treasures tucked behind every corner, while clear, easy-to-follow route maps highlight places of special interest. Secret London is without doubt the definitive guidebook to the private side of this very public city. "...offer[s] exceptionally clear maps, public transportation links..., places of interest along the way with interesting historical information and enough fascinating facts to keep the armchair traveller happy too. Highly recommended!" -The Travel Society "Historian and London tour guide Duncan walks tourists through hidden landscapes along spurs and rivers, the subterranean city, private land, Westminster, Whitehall, St. James, The City, and other less known parts of the capital. He includes color photographs, maps and visitor information." -Book News "Secret London uncovers inconspicuous gems and sheds light on the capital's hidden attractions" -The Guardian

"Andrew Duncan has a feel for the city and a knack of finding (and linking) major sights and forgotten corners which few can match" -Journal of the London Society

Average Customer Review: ( 7 customer reviews )
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Some of the fascinating bits of London that you can track down with this book are the rooftop gardens in Kensington, the underground tube stations that are no longer used and the rivers that have been tamed and paved over but still peek out here and there.

Even long-time residents will find new insight into their favorite city. Every time I go to London I search out one thing from this book and I'm always glad I did. For tourists, if you bring this book and an A-Z, and a copy of the latest Fodor's or Eyewitness, you won't want for anything else.

49 of 52 found the following review helpful:

Secret as in.. you can't go there...Jan 27, 2009
By Lea Evans
I have spent some considerable time in London now, as my husband grew up near and worked in London for some years, he has always been an excellent tour guide for me when we go.

So I decided to pick up something that might have information even he didn't know.

What a disappointment this book was. Although it does mention many "secret" places in London, the vast majority of said places, you cannot visit or see as a tourist.

What fun is it to read, "Behind this door is the most wondrous library, unfortunately you can't go in there.. but its there.. sucks to be you." or, "under your feet is an old WWII bunker, but its sealed off now, but its there....."

It almost feels as though the author is has simply writing a book to boast of all the places he's been and all the things he's seen that you can't.

I wouldn't recommend this book if you are planning to visit London, and actually do want to see some unusual sights. Might be good for someone who is just interested in READING about... not seeing... some of Londons secrets.

34 of 35 found the following review helpful:

A handy travel guide for the visitor who wants to see it allJun 12, 2004
By Midwest Book Review
One of the outstanding "Interlink Walking Guides" series, Secret London: Exploring The Hiddin City: Exploring The Hidden City, With Original Walks And Unusual Places To Visit is a travel guide especially for the walking tourist determined to explore the greatest sights of London, including obscure treasures such as rivers long buried, ancient buildings, and sites where anyone can enjoy free lectures. Full-color photographs, extensive descriptions, street maps clearly illustrating the route of the walk, contact and opening time information, and much more fill this handy travel guide for the visitor who wants to see it all.

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:

Too Much Stuff You Can't Really SeeMar 13, 2009
By J. Brown
This is an interesting, well written book with a misleading title. It tells the history of London, but doesn't really measure up as a tourist walk book. Far too many of the "sights" are unseeable. Building interiors are described in buildings that are not open to the public on a regular basis, if at all. Discussions of long buried river courses are of historical interest but offer little visual interest for the pedestrian tourist. One section is actually titled "Hidden Landscapes". I can understand why there are few pictures accompanying the text.

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:

A guide to the not so obvious side of LondonSep 21, 2008
By R. J. Marsella
Fascinating guidebook with detailed walks of neighborhoods, some familiar, others not. But even the familiar in a city as old and complex as London has a hidden subtext. This book does much to unveil the the lesser known aspects with excellent descriptions, detailed maps and some interesting photos.
Even the most familiar tourist haunts such as Westminster and St. James have some hidden gems that are covered.
Very cool book to enhance your trip to London .

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