Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition

The gold cupolas catch the light from halfway down Ennismore Gardens. You'll spot them before you realise what they are - those distinctly Russian onion domes rising above Knightsbridge, utterly out of place among the London townhouses. This is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition, a proper survivor from another era.

Inside, it's genuinely atmospheric. The interior glows with icons and candlelight, and even if you're not Russian Orthodox, the aesthetic pulls you in. The main service times tend to be weekends, and that's when you get the full sense of the place - incense, chanting, the whole lot. During the week you can usually pop in to look around, though it's worth ringing ahead to check. Admission is free, and you won't need more than thirty minutes unless you're genuinely keen on Orthodox liturgy.

It's the kind of thing that works brilliantly as a detour if you're already in the area - say you're heading to or from Kensington Gardens, which is nearby. History buffs and anyone interested in London's hidden cultural corners will get something real from it. Kids under ten might find the silence a bit much, but older ones who go for that sort of thing often find it genuinely interesting.

If you're staying at Lovat Parks just over a mile away, this makes for an unusual half-hour excursion into town. It's one of those places that reminds you London's full of surprises if you look sideways.