London is a city full of secrets. Despite the many libraries, cafes and squares on offer, it can still be difficult to find a quiet and hidden place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and delve into a good book. And there are few places where you can sit and read without feeling pressure to buy something.
For World Book Day (March 7), I’ve put together a list of my favorite places to read in London where you don’t have to buy anything and where you can stay as long as you want (as long as you leave before closing time).
It’s hidden library in St. Paul’s Cathedral
This hidden library is a paradise for bookworms. It sits on top of London’s iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, which was built in the 17th century. The library is accessed via the Deans Door entrance to the cathedral (opposite Café Rouge). It has an impressive curated collection of more than 22,000 books, ranging from classics to newer editions. This is the place to go if you want to feed your dark academic desires.
St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, stpauls.co.uk
Dalston Curve Garden
Did you know that there is a secret green oasis hidden just off Kingsland Road? Located opposite Dalston Kingsland station, Dalston Curve Garden offers a little slice of tranquility in the urban jungle of East London. The garden is located on an old railway line, but is now home to lush greenery, thriving wildlife and community vegetable gardens. There are plenty of sofas and chairs for reading, and there is also a café if you fancy 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 beautiful reading room on the second floor. This is a great place to sit down with a good book, thanks to the comfortable armchairs, sofas and larger desks. Here you are among other bookworms and academics and it is completely peaceful. Check the Wellcome Collection website (wellcomecollection.org) for room opening hours.
183 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BE
The Phoenix Garden
Located in the heart of London’s West End, this communal garden is also the perfect reading spot. Despite the central location, there is always a bench to sit and read. The garden is conveniently located in Soho, just a stone’s throw from Foyles bookshop, which is ideal if you’ve just bought a book and want to linger somewhere.
21 Stacey St, London WC2H 8DG, thephoenixgarden.org
Japan House Library
Calling all minimalists. The Japan House library is all about the sleek Japanese aesthetic, with white walls and stylish ceiling-high shelving. The library is free and accessible to everyone, seven days a week. If you don’t have a book with you, there is a huge library of volumes on Japanese culture that you can pick up and read. The staff is very friendly and you often see people reading there from opening to closing time.
101-111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA, japanhouselondon.uk
St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden
You may have seen this pop-up on your social media timeline. The magical church garden is the perfect reading spot in the summer months. Located on the ruins of a Wren church, it offers visitors plenty of places to sit with a good book. The ruins are surrounded by wild, overhanging greenery and a fountain, making it look like a scene from a fantasy movie.
St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD, cityoflondon.gov.uk
The BFI Ruben Library
This library is free and open to all, and offers a very nice, quiet reading space. The downstairs bar has plenty of chairs for reading, but when it gets busy, the library is always nice and quiet. It also boasts an impressive collection of books, magazines and digitized materials. Be warned, it can be busy on weekends and evenings.
BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XT, bfi.org.uk
Arnold Circus
This historic treasure was once one of London’s poorest slums. Now it sits as a beautiful relic in the heart of London’s creative hub, Shoreditch. You may recognize the facade from TV programs such as Kill Evaand it’s a great place to sit and read.
Arnold Circus, Tower Hamlets, London, E2 7JS, arnoldcircus.co.uk
Bishopsgate Institute
The Bishopsgate Foundation was founded in 1895 by Rev. William Rogers to assist the poor and provide free libraries, meeting rooms and a space for the benefit of the public. It still offers this public service to this day. The institute is located close to Liverpool Street station and offers ample seating, public toilets and a large selection 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 beautiful place to lounge, enjoy the scenery and a good book.
The Pergola, Inverforth Cl, London NW3 7EX, cityoflondon.gov.uk
Royal Banquet Hall
If you’re worried about finding space to read, the Royal Festival Hall has endless seating spread over six floors, including the bustling foyer. You don’t have to buy anything when you get there and the building has plenty of well-maintained toilets and free water. If you’re lucky enough to find a seat near the rear window, you’ll have a nice view of the Thames. It is also conveniently located close to the South Bank Book Market.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, Southbankcentre.co.uk
Barbican Library
We all know the Barbican, but its library is still relatively unknown to many Londoners. The lively space 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 Theatre
The ground floor foyer of the National Theater is always packed with people, but if you walk all the way to the back you’ll find a quieter area that’s perfect for curling up with a good book. Please note that this is a working theater venue, so the space can be busy before and after shows. The best time to visit is between 10pm and 2pm. Head to Forza Wine on the top floor for a glass of cold water.
London SE1 9PX, nationaltheatre.org.uk
The British Library
This may seem like an obvious choice, but there is always room at The British Library. Whether you are looking for an informal place or a more serious place to study or do research, this building has it all. Not only is it home to the museum archives, but it also boasts a handful of beautiful, quiet, serene reading rooms. There is also the Terrace Café, which is great in the summer.
96 Euston Rd., London NW1 2DB, blue.uk