Best Quiet Spaces in London

Amid the hustle and bustle of London, there are serene havens where you can find rest and respite. Here are some of the best quiet spaces in the city, perfect for unwinding and enjoying a moment of tranquillity.

Phoenix Garden

Located in St Giles, Camden, between Soho and Covent Garden, Phoenix Garden is a local community garden officially opened in 1986 after residents successfully converted a car park into a green oasis. It has won multiple awards, including the Shell Better Britain Campaign Award in 1985 and Best Environmental Garden in Camden in Bloom every year since 2004. The garden focuses on ecology and habitat creation, managed by local residents who volunteer their time. Open daily from dawn to dusk, Phoenix Garden offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Regent’s Canal Walk

Regent’s Canal Walk is an 8.6-mile (13.8-kilometer) waterway walk that takes you from Little Venice in the west to the Limehouse Basin and the Thames in the east. The towpath, completed in 1820, was once a coal drop for the railways and now passes through areas like Kings Cross, Maida Vale, Camden, Islington, Hackney, and London Fields. A must-visit spot along the walk is Little Venice, a picturesque village-style neighbourhood. Stop by Cafe Laville, a charming spot right above the water at Little Venice/Maida Vale, for a delightful break.

The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell

For a quiet catch-up or drink, head to Wilhelmina’s Lounge in The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell. This Georgian residence, styled as the home of a fictional great aunt, features taxidermy, Oriental rugs, and tinctures in dark brown bottles. Located near Smithfield meat market, the cocktail bar offers drinks inspired by old recipes for tinctures, bitters, and herbal remedies, served behind an apothecary-style counter. The menu includes a selection of small plates. The townhouse’s unique ambience makes it a perfect spot for a peaceful evening.

Chelsea Physic Garden

Dating back to 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Britain. Initially established as the Apothecaries’ Garden, it now boasts over 5,000 varieties of plants with healing and medicinal properties. The name refers to the science of healing. Visitors can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at The Tangerine Dream Cafe within the garden. There is an entrance fee of £14.50 for adults, with free entry for children and a family ticket available for £40 (two adults and three children).

Southbank Centre’s National Poetry Library

Situated along the river at Embankment on the fifth floor of the Royal Festival Hall, the National Poetry Library at the Southbank Centre aims to hold all contemporary UK poetry publications since 1912. With more than 200,000 items, including books, magazines, audio recordings, and children’s books, the library hosts events, readings, exhibitions, and book launches. It’s free to visit and open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 8pm, offering a quiet and inspiring space for poetry lovers.

These beautiful and tranquil spots in London provide a much-needed escape from the city’s busy pace, allowing you to relax and recharge. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful garden, a scenic walk, or a cosy lounge, these quiet spaces offer the perfect retreat.