Madeline Gowers

London

Spotter since 2023

About me

<strong>About me</strong>
When I moved to London after graduating in 2020, I didn’t plan to stay for long. My dream was to travel the world and moving to the Big Smoke just felt like a way to bide my time until the pandemic ended and international borders reopened. I found a simple job in a frozen yoghurt shop and spent my days off exploring the local sights.

The longer I stayed in London, however, the more attached I became to the people, places and the chaotic but exhilarating way of life. At times, making ends meet was challenging, but I knew this was where I wanted to be and so I persevered. A few years later, I feel truly settled here. I work four days a week in my local deli and spend the rest of my time seeking out new bookshops, cafés and art galleries. In May 2022, I started documenting these outings on TikTok and I now post daily videos in the hope of encouraging other Londoners to get out there and make the most of all that their city has to offer. After all, while I still dream of travelling to distant lands, I know that I won’t be running out of things to do here any time soon.

<strong>Why London?</strong>
I love that there is always something to do in London: always a new neighbourhood to explore, a new exhibition to attend or a new restaurant to try out. I love that you can be anonymous here – a small fish in a big pond – but also that there are so many ways to connect with like-minded people should you be in search of a community. There are little pockets of green, even in the most built-up areas. It's amazing how culturally diverse this city is and how there is space for everyone to be themselves here. Most of all, though, I love that every person and every building has a story to tell. I love knowing that London has touched so many people’s lives and that, in return, so many people have left a little piece of themselves behind.

<strong>Where can you find me online?</strong>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lesser.known.london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lesserknownlondon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>

My spots (20)

Barnsbury Wood

London’s smallest nature reserve

Barnsbury Wood is enjoyed by Londoners all year round, but it is at its most glorious in the summer months when the trees are drenched in golden sunlight.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jul 7, 2025

Sutton House

Hackney’s hidden Tudor gem

Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

A tiny urban jungle

Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Leighton House

An architectural masterpiece

The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Geranium

The Barbican Centre’s best kept secret

Shelves run all around the edge of the shop, piled high with upmarket store cupboard essentials in addition to handmade soaps and eco-friendly products.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

The Cosmic House

A postmodernist masterpiece

Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Morocco Bound

Bermondsey’s secret cultural hub

Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Eel Pie Island

An artists’ colony in the Thames

It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jun 29, 2025

Where to find me

It looks like I haven't added any social links yet..
Madeline is not the only one

Meet our other Spotters from London

Join us as a Spotter today!

Be part of a global community of 489 people who love their city!

Write about everything you 🤍 but skip touristic highlights

Show the hearth and soul of the place you call home

Filters
Spotters categories
Price
Price