Madeline from London
The Cosmic House London
A postmodernist masterpiece
From the outside, the Cosmic House doesn’t look much different from the other Victorian townhouses of Holland Park. Enter through the basement door, however, and you’ll be in for quite a surprise!
Between 1978 and 1983, the space was transformed by architect Charles Jencks – along with many collaborators, including his wife Maggie Keswick – into a built manifesto for postmodernism. Jencks drew inspiration from across history, using symbols and motifs to create an unrestrained – at times rather tongue-in-cheek – embodiment of his ideas regarding art, culture, and science. Many of these are linked to the human body, the cosmos, and the passage of time, three things he believed must be reconciled.
Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, with its house-shaped bookcases and tent-like ceiling; the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year; and the Dome of Water, a garden jacuzzi with a Borromini-inspired inverted dome floor.
Tickets to the Cosmic House are cheap at £5 per person, but difficult to get hold of as they’re only released once every few months. To be notified when this happens, join the Jencks Foundation mailing list. It’s also worth checking the website from time to time to snap up any returned tickets.
Our London City Guide
Find your way with 268 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in London
The Spurstowe Arms
Pizza Heaven in Hackney
Tucked between Dalston and Hackney Central, The Spurstowe Arms serves delicious Dough Hands pizzas in a cosy pub with true East London mood.
by
Sarra
Kassem
Word On The Water
The Floating Bookshop
One of my favorite London walks leads to a hidden gem: Word on the Water. It's a quirky and cosy floating bookshop with a great selection of literary treasures.
by
Sarra
Kassem
Adam and Eve
Burgers, Beers and East London Vibes
The Adam & Eve in Homerton is a lively East London pub with a vintage charm, leafy beer garden, craft drinks and some of the city’s best burgers. Enjoy!
by
Sarra
Kassem
Caravan
The traveler's choice
"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
by
Claire
Creighton
Chuku's
North London Nigerian tapas
"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
by
Claire
Creighton
91 Living Room
Midweek Jazz Nights
On Thursdays, Jazz re:freshed transforms Ninety One Living Room on Brick Lane into a vibrant hub of live, boundary-pushing jazz. Start here to feel London.
by
Sarra
Kassem
Premises Cafe
Hackney Beats, Turkish Eats
Whether for breakfast, a casual lunch, or a place for a pint after a studio session, for a full East London experience The Premises Café is a must!
by
Sarra
Kassem
Dark Sugars
Artisan chocolate in Greenwich
Dark Sugars in Greenwich is all about West African cocoa and warmth. Shavings of solid chocolate melted into your drink make every cup unforgettable.
by
Danielle
Broadhurst
One Tree Hill
Greenwich Park Historic Viewpoint
Hidden left of the crowded observatory hill, from One Tree Hill has quiet views of Greenwich. Just you, the bench, and London beneath a cloudy sky.
by
Danielle
Broadhurst
Old Royal Naval College
UNESCO Heritage site
Stroll Greenwich’s old naval college and take in all the sights: painted halls, chapel and the music by the river. Enjoy this peaceful escape in London.
by
Danielle
Broadhurst
Arapina
Vegetarian and vegan bakery in Greenwich
Arapina on Little Thames Walk is a vegan-friendly bakery with fresh pastries, cronut, hearty dishes. Enjoy a relaxed, tasty breakfast in Greenwich!
by
Danielle
Broadhurst
Coffee Island
Turkish coffee by the river
Discover Coffee Island in Greenwich, a riverside spot with homemade food, own coffee, and a warm welcome from Menul, Dave and Chappy the dog.
by
Danielle
Broadhurst
Heading to London?
268 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 268 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves London
Get to know our other Spotters from London
As featured on:
