Peaceful Places in London

Let’s face it: being told to seek solitude and quiet in the parks of London is no comfort in winter. Particularly not this winter. This winter I have been made aware of just how few pairs of my footwear are waterproof. So, if you need to get out of the house these holidays but not get soaked through; if you need to kill a few hours but can’t bear the jostling and bustling in the shops; if you just generally want a little peace and bloody quiet – here are a few suggestions…

Natural History Museum

If you are in South Ken then the humongous and beautiful Natural History Museum is one of the most peaceful places you can go. The section that I deem the most peaceful is the rocks and minerals section. It’s all dark so that the gemstones and crystals are lit up by spotlights and shine beautifully. There’s always an air of awed hush – very peaceful. Oh, and it’s free.

Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
South Kensington
SW7 5BD

British Library

This is one for the freelancers and students who desperately need somewhere both quiet and inspirational to work. The British Library is a peaceful and lovely place to get on with your work without resorting to a cafe which might get busy at any moment. If you want to take books out you need a reader’s pass, but otherwise you can just sit there and push on through, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the library. And indeed the library is also free.

British Library
96 Euston Road
Euston
NW1 2DB

Chelsea Physic Garden

The Chelsea Physic Garden is a beautiful little sanctuary of peace in the middle of the city, where you can mooch around and get your fill of tranquillity. It was founded in 1673 as the Apothecaries’ Garden, so it’s steeped in history. It’s peaceful and lovely – just a shame you have to pay.  Still, it isn’t too catastrophic: £8 without concessions.

Chelsea Physic Garden
66 Royal Hospital Road
Kensington
SW3 4HS

Fleet River Bakery

And a more relaxing addition to the above – a nice cafe place to chill out with a coffee, Wi-Fi and your laptop.  The Fleet Rover Bakery is near Holborn and provides really decent cake, which I personally have found to aid the intellectual process no end. You won’t be the only one plugged into their laptop, but that’s no bad thing – it should help you concentrate. Enjoy the peace and quiet and plough on through that work.

Fleet River Bakery
71 Lincolns Inn Fields
Holburn
WC2S 3JF

Photo by Paul McGhie