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an underground city of silver

London Silver Vaults

FreeHidden gem
Holborn · Chancery Lane
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A glittering subterranean warren of silver dealers beneath Chancery Lane, free to wander through behind huge steel doors.

Getting there. On Chancery Lane in Holborn, a minute from Chancery Lane station.
Free underground shops
ALWAYS
FREE
Holborn · Chancery Lane
LONDON FREE GUIDE

The lowdown

Behind an unassuming entrance on Chancery Lane, you descend a staircase and pass through enormous steel security doors into the London Silver Vaults, a glittering underground warren of around thirty family-run shops holding what is said to be the world's largest collection of fine antique silver for sale.

Originally Victorian strongrooms where the wealthy stored their valuables, the vaults now dazzle with everything from teaspoons to vast candelabra. You do not need to buy a thing, and most dealers are happy for you to browse and chat. It is free to wander, a hidden, sparkling and slightly surreal corner of subterranean London.

Locals only

The insider tip

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Just walk in and browse, the dealers are used to visitors and there is no obligation to buy. It is below ground behind huge vault doors, so it makes a great free rainy-day curiosity near Holborn.
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