London is a city full of secrets. Although there are many libraries, cafes and squares, it can still be difficult to find a quiet and secluded place where you can escape the noise and chaos of the city and get stuck in with a good book. And there are very few places where you can sit and read without feeling pressured to buy something.
For World Book Day on March 7, I’ve put together a list of my favorite reading spots in London where you don’t need to buy anything and you can stay as long as you want (provided you leave in advance). closing time).
Hidden library In St Paul’s Cathedral
This secret library is a bookworm’s paradise. It is located atop London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, built in the 17th century. The library can be accessed from the Cathedral’s Deans’ Gate entrance (opposite Café Rouge). It has an impressive collection of over 22,000 books, from your classics to new releases. If you want to fuel your dark academy desires this is the place to go.
St Paul’s Church, London EC4M 8AD, stpauls.co.uk
Dalston Curve Garden
Did you know there’s a hidden green oasis just off Kingsland Road? Dalston Curve Garden is located just opposite Dalston Kingsland station and offers a little tranquility from the urban jungle of East London. The garden is located on a former railway line but is now home to lush greenery, blooming wildlife and community vegetable patches. There are plenty of benches and chairs that are great for reading; There is also a cafe if you want to get a drink.
13 Dalston Ln, London E8 3DF, dalstongarden.org
Wellcome Collection Reading Room
The Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library with a magnificent reading room on the second floor. With comfortable chairs, sofas and larger desks, this is a great place to sit with a good book. Here you’ll be among other bookworms and academics, and it’s extremely peaceful. Check out the Wellcome Collection website (wellcomecollection.org) to read opening room hours.
183 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BE
Phoenix Garden
This community garden is located in the heart of London’s West End and doubles as a perfect reading spot. Despite its central location, you can always find a bench here where you can sit and read a book. The Garden is conveniently located in Soho, just a stone’s throw from Foyles bookstore, ideal if you’re book shopping and want to get stuck in somewhere.
21 Stacey St, London WC2H 8DG, thephoenixgarden.org
Japan House Library
Calling all minimalists. The Japan House library reflects the clean Japanese aesthetic with its white walls and stylish ceiling-high shelves. The library is free and accessible to everyone seven days a week. If you don’t have a book with you, there is a large library full of volumes about Japanese culture that you can read. The staff is very friendly and most of the time you will see people reading there from opening to closing.
101-111 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA, japanhouselondon.uk
St Dunstan’s in the East Churchyard
You may have seen this pop-up on your social media timeline. The magical churchyard is the perfect summer reading spot. It sits on the ruins of a Wren church and offers visitors plenty of places to sit with a good book. The ruins are surrounded by wild greenery and a fountain, making it look like a scene out of a fantasy movie.
St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD, cityoflondon.gov.uk
BFI Reuben Library
This library is free and open to everyone and offers a really nice and quiet space to read. There are plenty of chairs to read in the downstairs bar area, but when it’s crowded the library is always nice and quiet. It also has an impressive collection of books, magazines and digital materials. Be careful, it gets busy on weekends and evenings.
BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XT, bfi.org.uk
Arnold Circus
This historical treasure was one of London’s poorest slums. It now stands as a beautiful ruin in the heart of Shoreditch, London’s creative centre. You may recognize its facade from TV shows like the one below. Killing Eveand a great place to sit and read a book.
Arnold Circus, Tower Hamlets, London, E2 7JS, arnoldcircus.co.uk
Bishopsgate Institute
The Bishopsgate Foundation was founded by the Reverend William Rogers in 1895 to assist the poor and to provide free libraries, meeting rooms and space for the benefit of the public. It still provides this public service to this day. The institute is located near Liverpool Street station and offers plenty of seating, public toilets and a wide range of magazines.
230 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4QH, bishopsgate.org.uk
Hampstead Pergola
This dreamy oasis is hidden in the western corner of Hampstead Heath near Golders Green. It was once home to the Edwardian lords and ladies of Hampstead but now attracts those looking for a nice place to relax, enjoy the view and read a good book.
Pergola, Inverforth CL, London NW3 7EX, cityoflondon.gov.uk
Royal Festival Hall
If you’re worried about finding space to read, the Royal Festival Hall has endless seating across its six floors, including the lively foyer. You don’t need to buy anything while you’re there, and there are plenty of well-maintained toilets and free water in the building. If you’re lucky enough to find a seat near the rear window, you’ll have a beautiful view of the River Thames. It’s also conveniently located right next to the South Bank Book Market.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, southbankcentre.co.uk
Barbican Library
We all know about the Barbican, but its library is still relatively unknown to many Londoners. The live area is open to the public and is ideal for music lovers as it is filled with books, spoken word recordings, DVDs, CDs and even sheet music.
Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS, barbican.org.uk
National Theater
The ground floor foyer of the National Theater is always packed with people, but if you head towards the back you’ll find a quieter area, perfect for cozying up with a good book. Remember, this is a working theatre, so the area gets busy before and after shows. The best time to visit is between 22:00 and 14:00. For a cold glass of something, head to Forza Wine on the top floor.
London SE1 9PX, nationaltheatre.org.uk
British Library
This may seem like an obvious choice, but there’s always room at the British Library. Whether you’re looking for a cozy place or a more serious place to study or do research, this building has it all. Not only is it home to the Museum’s archives, but it also has a handful of beautiful, quiet reading rooms that are remarkably quiet. There is also the Terrace Cafe which is great in the summer months.
96 Euston Rd., London NW1 2DB, bl.uk