by London is a city full of secrets. Despite the many libraries, cafes and squares available, it can still be difficult to find somewhere quiet where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city to get stuck into a good book. And there are few places where you can sit and read without being pressured to buy something.
For World Book Day (March 7th), I’ve put together a list of my favorite reading spots in London where you don’t have to buy anything, and you can stay as long as you like (as long as you leave in advance. closing time).
The hidden library in St. Paul’s Cathedral
This hidden library is a bookworm’s paradise. It is located at the top of London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral which was built in the 17th century. The library can be accessed from the Dean’s Door into the Cathedral (opposite Café Rouge). It has an impressive curated collection of over 22,000 books, from your classics to newer releases. This is the place to go if you want to indulge your dark academic desires.
St Paul’s Cemetery, London EC4M 8AD, stpauls.co.uk
Dalston Curve Garden
Did you know that there is a secret green oasis hidden just off Kingsland Road? Dalston Curve Garden is located directly opposite Dalston Kingsland station and offers a little respite from the urban jungle that is East London. The garden sits on an old railway line, but is now home to lovely vegetables, thriving wildlife and community vegetable patches. There are plenty of benches and chairs which are great for reading, and there’s also a cafe if you need refreshments.
13 Dalston Ln, London E8 3DF, dalstongarden.org
Wellcome Collection Reading Room
The Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library with a wonderful reading room located on the second floor. This is a great place to sit down with a good book where the armchairs and comfy sofas together with large desks. Here, you will be among other bookworms and academics and it is very peaceful. Check the Wellcome Collection website (wellcomecollection.org) to read room opening times.
183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
The Phoenix Garden
Located in the heart of London’s West End, this community garden is the perfect reading spot. Despite its central location, you can always find a bench to sit and read here. The garden is conveniently located in Soho, just a stone’s throw from the Fable bookshop, which is great if you’ve just finished book shopping and want to get stuck in somewhere.
21 Stacey Street, London WC2H 8DG, thephoenixgarden.org
Japan House Library
Calling all minimalists. The Japanese House library is all about clean Japanese aesthetics, with white walls and stylish high-ceilinged shelves. The library is free and accessible to all, seven days a week. If you don’t have a book, there is a huge library with volumes on Japanese culture that you can pick up and read. The staff are very friendly, and you will often see people reading there from opening time until closing time.
101-111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA, japanhouselondon.uk
St. Dunstan in the East Churchyard
You may have seen this item pop up on your social media timeline. The magical church garden is a great place for reading in the summer months. It is located on the ruins of a Wren church and offers many spots for visitors to sit down with a good book. The ruins are surrounded by hanging greenery and a fountain, making it look like a scene from a fantasy film.
St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD, cityoflondon.gov.uk
BFI Reuben Library
This library is free and open to all, and provides a nice quiet space for reading. The bar downstairs has plenty of chairs to read in, but if that gets busy the library is always nice and quiet. There is also an impressive collection of books, magazines and digitized material. Be warned, it gets busy on weekends and evenings.
BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XT, bfi.org.uk
Arnold Circus
This historic warehouse used to be one of London’s poorest slums. Now it sits as a beautiful relic in the heart of London’s creative hub, Shoreditch. You might recognize his face from TV shows like Killing Halloweenand it’s a great place to sit and read.
Arnold Circus, Tower Hamlets, London, E2 7JS, arnoldcircus.co.uk
Bishop’s Gate Institute
Founded by Rev. William Rogers Bishop’s Gate Foundation in 1895 to help the poor and to offer libraries, meeting rooms and free space for the benefit of the community. To this day, it provides this public service. The institution is located next to Liverpool Street station and offers plenty of seating, public toilets and a great selection of magazines.
230 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4QH, Bishopsgate.org.uk
Hampstead Pergola
This dreamy oasis is hidden in the West corner of Hampstead Heath near Golders Green. It was once the residence of the Edwardian lords and ladies of Hampstead but now attracts those looking for a beautiful place to lounge, enjoy the scenery and a good book.
The Pergola, Cl Inverforth, London NW3 7EX, cityoflondon.gov.uk
Royal Festival Hall
If you’re worried about finding a place to read, the Royal Festival Hall has unlimited seating over six floors including the bustling foyer. There’s no need to buy anything once you’re there and there are plenty of well-kept toilets in the building as well as free water. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat near the back window, you’ll have a nice view of the Thames. It is also conveniently located near the South Bank Book Market.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, 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 lively space is open to the public and is great for music lovers as it is stocked with books, spoken word recordings, DVDs, CDs and even sheet music.
Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS, barbican.org.uk
National Theatre
The ground floor lobby of the National Theater is always full of people, but if you walk straight to the back you’ll find a quieter spot perfect for curling up with a good book. Remember, this is a working theater so the space gets busy before and after shows. The best time to visit is 10-2pm. Head to Forza Wine on the top floor for a glass of something cold.
London SE1 9PX, nationaltheatre.org.uk
British Library
This may seem like an obvious choice, but there is always room at the British Library. Whether you are looking for a casual spot or a more serious place to study or research this building has it all. Not only does it house the Museum’s archives, but there are a handful of beautiful reading rooms with pin-drop silence. There is also the Terrace Cafe which is excellent during the summer.
96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB, bl.uk
