Quiet London [Paperback]

I've lived in London over 20 years and (shamefully)I wasn't aware of even half these places. I love the gardens section the best as its summer - lovely places to visit with friends/loved ones or just on my own when I want some peace in this rather noisey, stressful city. Its a good size to keep in my hand bag/ruck sack and its not too expensive so makes a really good gift!!!

There's always a book you wish you had written and to be honest this is one of them. Just goes to show ideas don't just land with one person. I am one of those people who is always seeking quiet spaces in London in which I can retreat to. Whether it is the reading rooms of the British Library, a quiet spot in London's Kew Garden's, the Quiet carriages on Trains despite the odd offender who still insists on taking calls on their mobiles or all too infrequent cafe or restaurant where I am the first customer of the day. I love quiet spots. They help to centre and ground me.

Quiet London captures in print some of the quiet sanctuaries London has in it's possession. Grab this book if you long for more tranquil spaces to retreat to.

Some of my own personal recommendations (meaning I have sought refuge here) which the book also includes would be:
Review Bookshop, Bellenden rd, SE15 - a quiet haven in the centre of Peckham village which has some good book readings and great books on offer where I found this book a couple of days before publication.
Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge - Always great for a spot of quiet tucked between Borough market and London Bridge. Add St Martins-in-the-fields- Church in Trafalgar Square to the list of churches where you can get a spot of quiet in London.
St Ethelburga's Church, 78 Bishopsgate - love that is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Liverpool street. Has a lovely forecourt garden
Inner Space, Brahma Kumaris, Covent Garden - Any Brahma Kumaris building is worth a visit. My body always relaxes in their meditative and healing spaces.
South London Art Gallery, 65 Peckham rd. SE15 - A real treasure of a gallery in the deeps of South London. Well worth a visit.
Porchester Spa is a really old favourite of mine.

Places I would like to visit as a result of reading this book:
Persephone Books, Lambs Conduit Street, WC1
Ushvani, Spa, 1 Cadogan Gardens

Places I would add in a revised version would be:
Kew Gardens - I once spent a whole day camped out under a bench under one of Kew's gorgeous tree almost undisturbed for the whole day.
The Rose Garden in Brockwell Park, Herne Hill in South London. A little gem that has very few visitors and beautiful fragrant roses with a wishing well as you enter on the left.
Whitechapel Art Gallery is worth adding to the list as with refurbishment you are
bound to find a quiet space especially earlier in the day.

What makes this book an even more enjoyable read are the photographs that accompany each of the venues written about.

Great read for both those new to London and those who are seasoned to this great city.

What quiet Spaces would you add to the List of London's Quiet Spaces?

Bought this on a whim and thought that I would find one or 2 hidden gems and wasn't expecting to discover 2-3 new Hotels , never previously even heard of( mile end road and beyond) and some real gems for afternoon tea ( Manchester square amongst others) and its small and easy to put in your travel bag and dip in to whilst away). Worth every penny and so glad I bought it....excellent little work