Hidden London

Many of my readers have probably gone to London and seen the tourist sights and rightfully so , but there are places one can go walking and , of course using the Tube many never see or hear about . As a former guide there for several years , it took me a while to discover this hidden London . One of my favorites must be the hidden London behind the scenes at Westminster Abbey . Many people tour The Abbey as it is a must see and surrounded by many other sights as well . Big Ben , Parliament , St . Margaret's Church , all are right there . But , it is what you don't see which proves to be the most exciting . At least 16,000 people a day tour Westminster Abbey ! Few however know the hidden London within these hallowed grounds . Originally , at least for the first 500 years of it's over 1000 year history The Abbey was a monastery . Everyone tours the working church and tombs and some go back for Evensong but touring the Abbey as a monastery is a little more difficult since a large part of it is taken up by Westminster School . One may tour the school but only on Easter week break and you must make prior arrangements . If you do you will be glad you did for you will see one of London's hidden treasures . Go Tuesday -Thursday and you will be able to see The Monk's Garden which was once an herb garden . Ask a docent how to get back to the cloister for it is a winding passage through time . If you turn left out of the museum you will go through The Dark Passage which is the oldest part of the monastery . You will begin to understand how it was to live during the Middle Ages . Follow your signs to College Garden . Here , you will find the most hidden area of central London even though access is quite easy . As you pass out of the passageway where you passed the present day boys' gym it opens up to the glorious garden . Go on Thursday at lunch and hear a band concert and have a sandwich you may have packed earlier ! This is my favorite area of London . I always use the time I spend here for quiet reflection , meditation , and prayer . In spring , all the bulbs are blooming and the only sounds you will hear are the few other tourists clicking cameras and the occasional jet coming into Heathrow . Pause and reflect on what is important in your life . Again , if you go during Easter week and I hope you will , make prior arrangements to tour the Westminster School one of the finest Public schools in The UK . As a former teacher I should add a footnote , Public there is more like private here , a bit strange but after you tour you will understand . The main reason to see the school is mainly historical and not functional . Once a student becomes a " leaver " or graduate most go on to Oxford or Cambridge . The school may be contacted at Little Dean's Yard SW1 London or call 020 7963 1010 . Check for dates generally Easter week although I have led tours there during the first two weeks of April and , I believe one can tour in July , August , and last two weeks of October , but check . For other hidden gems of London I have used an excellent source book , Secret London , by Andrew Duncan a long time tour guide and published by Inerlink of Northampton . These and all other London Adventures can be found at mpage.paradisenetwork.com/welcome/ . As Always , keep those traveling shoes on !