London is a city full of secrets. Despite the many libraries, cafes and squares on offer, it can still be hard to find somewhere quiet and tucked away where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to get stuck into a good book. And there are few places you can sit and read without feeling pressured to buy something.
For World Book Day (March 7), I’ve put together a list of my favourite reading spots in London where you don’t need to buy anything, and you can stay for as long as you want (as long as you leave before 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 Deans Door entrance of the Cathedral (opposite Café Rouge). It has an impressive curated collection of over 22,000 books, ranging from your classics to newer releases. This is the place to go if you want to fuel your dark academia desires.
St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, stpauls.co.uk
Dalston Curve Garden
Did you know there is a secret green oasis hidden just off Kingsland Road? Dalston Curve Garden is situated just opposite Dalston Kingsland station and offers a little slice of calm from the urban jungle that is East London. The garden is situated on an old railway line, but is now home to lush greenery, blooming wildlife and community vegetable patches. It has plenty of benches and chairs which are great for reading, and there’s also a cafe if you fancy refreshments.
13 Dalston Ln, London E8 3DF, dalstongarden.org
Wellcome Collection Reading Room
The Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library with a brilliant reading room situated on its second floor. This is a great spot to sit down with a good book with its comfy armchairs and sofas along with bigger desks. Here, you’ll be amongst other bookworms and academics and it’s perfectly peaceful. Check the Wellcome Collection website (wellcomecollection.org) for reading opening room times.
183 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BE
The Phoenix Garden
This community garden is nestled in the heart of London’s West End, and doubles up as 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 stones throw from Foyles bookshop which is ideal if you have just been 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 is all about the clean Japanese aesthetic, with white walls and stylish ceiling-high shelves. The library is free and accessible to all, seven days a week. If you don’t have a book on you, there’s a vast library with volumes on Japanese culture that you can pick up and read. Staff are very friendly, and often you’ll see people reading there from opening to closing time.
101-111 Kensington High St, 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. It is situated on the ruins of a Wren church and offers visitors plenty of spots to sit down with a good book. The ruins are surrounded by wild overhanging greenery and a fountain, making it looks like a scene out of a fantasy film.
St Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 5DD, cityoflondon.gov.uk
The BFI Reuben Library
This library is free and open to everyone, and it offers a really nice quiet space for reading. The bar area downstairs has plenty of chairs to read in, but if that gets busy the library is always nice and quiet. It also boasts an impressive collection of books, journals and digitised 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 treasure used to be one of the poorest slums in London. Now it sits as a beautiful relic in the heart of London’s creative hub, Shoreditch. You may recognise its facade from TV shows such as Killing Eve, and it’s a great spot to sit and read.
Arnold Circus, Tower Hamlets, London, E2 7JS, arnoldcircus.co.uk
Bishopsgate Institute
The Bishopsgate Foundation was established in 1895 by Rev. William Rogers to help the poor and offer free libraries, meeting rooms and a space for the benefit of the public. To this day, it still offers up this public service. The institute is located near Liverpool Street station and it 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 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 Festival Hall
If you’re worried about finding space to read, the Royal Festival Hall has endless seating across its six floors including the bustling foyer. There’s no need to buy anything when you’re there and the building has plenty of well-maintained toilets along with 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’s also conveniently located right by 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 still remains relatively unknown to many Londoners. The vibrant space is open to the public and is ideal 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 foyer of the National Theatre is always full of people, but if you wander right to the back you’ll find a quieter area which is perfect for hiding away with a good book. Bear in mind, this is a working theatre so the space gets busy before and after shows. The best period to visit is between 10-2pm. Head to Forza Wine on the top floor for a glass of something cold.
London SE1 9PX, nationaltheatre.org.uk
The British Library
This might seem like an obvious choice, but there is always space in The British Library. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot or a more serious place to study or research this building has it all. Not only is it home to the Museum’s archive, it also boasts a handful of beautiful hushed reading rooms with pin-drop silence. There’s also the Terrace Cafe which is great in the summer.
