Historic Literary London Walking Tour

If the day is pretty, Bunhill Fields, in the borough of Islington -- not too far from the British Library -- is worth a visit. Until 1854, this cemetery was a final resting place for religious noncomformists such as Quakers and Puritans, who could not be buried in Church of England cemeteries. Known as "the dissenters' Westminster Abbey," Bunhill Fields holds monuments to William Blake and Daniel Defoe, as well as John Bunyan's tomb. People continue to leave notes and flowers to William Blake; the top of the stone is covered with pennies. Milton fans will want to stroll down Bunhill Row, which borders the west side of the cemetery: the poet wrote Paradise Lost while living here.

In addition to its literary history, shady Bunhill Fields offers relief from the bustling city -- and from crowded tourist attractions. Here you're more likely to find City workers eating lunch than tourists.

Take the tube to Old Street; off-season travelers be aware that the cemetery closes at 4:00pm in the fall and winter months.