Wilton's Music Hall in east London named among top secret holiday spots

 
Secret spot: Wilton's Music Hall, in east London (Picture: PA)
Alexandra Rucki4 June 2014

A Victorian music hall in east London has been named as one of Europe’s best hidden gems for tourists.

Grade II* listed Wilton’s Music Hall, in Tower Hamlets, was noted for its “faded Victorian glory” and “crumbling ambiance” by Lonely Planet travel guide authors.

The Secret Europe list, which is published in a new ebook today, includes 50 attractions more off the beaten track from the usual tourist hotspots.

Hidden away: Wilton's Music Hall (Picture: PA)

Lonely Planet writer Sally Schafer wrote about Wilton’s: “Tucked down an alley in an unprepossessing corner of London, Wilton’s is a glorious and truly atmospheric surprise: a Victorian music hall, little changed from its heyday in the late 19 century.”

The building was saved from demolition in 1960 and reopened as a theatre in 1997, with a yearly programme of events including comedy, cabaret and even ping-pong competitions.

Crumbling ambiance: the grade II* listed building (Picture: PA)

Visitors can also take an hour long tour of the grand building or enjoy a cocktail in the traditional style Green Room.

Topping the list was Olomouc, in the Czech Republic, for its charming main square which Lonely Planet claims is ‘practically unknown.’

Other UK destinations on the list include Kinmel Arms, in Conwy, The South Cotswolds and Battle in East Sussex – the location of the Battle of Hastings.

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