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15 quiet and relaxing places in London

Discover some of the most peaceful, quiet and relaxing places in London.
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From ornate temples to hidden gardens, wander off the beaten path, get your camera ready and explore peaceful places you wouldn't believe are in London.

Quiet places in London

1. Barbican Conservatory

Green plants grow over concrete walk ways at the Barbican Conservatory.
Luscious plants at the Barbican Conservatory. Images courtesy of Barbican. Photo: Max Colson.
Lose yourself in a hidden tropical oasis at the centre of the monolithic Barbican. Marvel at exotic fish and study more than 2,000 species of plants in a conservatory you never knew existed – the perfect way to spend a relaxing Sunday.

2. Epping Forest

Escape the urban sprawl and get a taste of countryside life in London’s largest open air park, Epping Forest. Find peace and quiet as you wander around the vast space, admiring the wildlife or joining one of the activities, including crafts and horse riding.

3. St Dunstan in the East

Find peace in the City of London at the secluded St Dunstan in the East churchyard, designed by celebrated London architect, Sir Christopher Wren. Appreciate the quiet calm in combination with the plants wending their way through the ruins. You’ll forget you’re in the centre of London.

4. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple

A view through the gates of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden temple) in Brent.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Neasden temple) in Brent © visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet.
Discover one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India. Constructed according to ancient Vedic architectural scripts, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is admired for its exquisite workmanship. Discover more about Hinduism in the exhibition inside the temple.

5. Highgate Cemetery

Ornate entrance to the Egyptian Avenue at Highgate Cemetery, London
Entrance to the Egyptian Avenue at Highgate Cemetery. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Secluded and peaceful, Highgate Cemetery is home to illustrious figures from history such as Karl Marx, Malcolm McClaren, Feliks Topolski, Michael Faraday and George Eliot, among others. Explore both the East and West sides of the cemetery, and admire the abundance of trees, memorials and wildlife inside.

Quiet parks in London

6. Richmond Park

Three deers stood in the green Richmond Park with trees and buildings in the background
Watch the deers grazing in Richmond Park. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Be at one with nature at the historic Richmond Park, which has been a Royal Park for more than 400 years. Enjoy the landscape, hills and woodland gardens set among ancient trees. See London’s wildlife right at home in this spacious, beautiful park.

7. Crystal Palace Park

Two large model dinosaurs positioned by the edge of a pond in Crystal Palace Park.
Model dinosaurs at Crystal Palace Park. Image courtesy of Crystal Palace Park.
Explore London’s very own Jurassic park inside the historic Crystal Palace Park. Wander around the vast grounds and don’t miss the animal farm, maze, sports centre and dinosaur sculptures, placed by their Victorian sculptors. Download a free audio guide to your phone to make the most of your visit.

8. Syon Park

Syon House on a bright sunny day with lawn and trees outside
Discover Syon House and Park on the bank of the river Thames in Chiswick. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Get a sense of the deep countryside without ever leaving London at Syon Park. Built in the 16th century and home to the Duke of Northumberland, the house has many rooms inside to explore. Take a stroll in the vast gardens where wildlife and trees flourish. 

9. Battersea Park

The Peace Pagoda surrounded by trees at Battersea Park.
Battersea Park Peace Pagoda. Image courtesy of Shutterstock
Spend a peaceful afternoon at Battersea Park, filled with hidden pathways leading to trees, vast green spaces and a charming boating lake. Sit and reflect at the Peace Pagoda or take an evening stroll along the Thames to see Chelsea Bridge spectacularly lit up.

10. Kyoto Garden at Holland Park

A garden feature of plants and water at the beautiful Kyoto Garden in Holland Park in London.
Peaceful Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
Visit an oasis of calm in the heart of Kensington's Holland Park and relax in the beautiful Kyoto Garden. Be captivated by the Japanese-inspired garden and discover waterfalls, koi fish, contemplation gardens and even peacocks roaming free.

Relaxing places in London

11. Kew Gardens

Reflections of trees in the water surrounding the Sackler Bridge at Kew Gardens.
Discover beautiful bridges and tree top walkways at Kew Gardens. Photo: visitlondon.com/Jon Reid.
Wander through beautiful glasshouses and explore the world’s most diverse collection of living plants at Kew Gardens. One of the most serene spots in London for nature lovers, find peace walking around themed gardens, or go up high on the magnificent treetop walkway.

12. Horniman Museum and Gardens

Horniman Museum building and clocktower on a clear day with blue skies and some clouds.
Horniman Museum building and clocktower. Credit: Andrew Lee. Image courtesy of Horniman Museum and Gardens.
Soothe your curious mind and explore the Horniman Museum and Gardens in south-east London, which first opened in Victorian London. Study the museum's collection of anthropology and musical instruments, and explore the acclaimed aquarium. Wander the stunning garden complete with a greenhouse.

13. Leighton House Museum

The silk room at Leighton House Museum with picture frames and paintings hung on the walls.
The silk room at Leighton House Museum. Credit: Dirk Lindner. Image courtesy of RBKC / Leighton House Museum.
Step back in time and discover life inside an eminent Victorian artist’s household at the Leighton House Museum. Don’t miss the fascinating collection of paintings inside this private palace of art, as well as the extraordinary Arab Hall with its golden dome, intricate mosaics and walls lined with beautiful Islamic tiles. 

14. Buddhapadipa Temple

Intricate white and gold details on the Buddhapadipa Temple surrounded by trees on a clear blue day
Marvel at the ornate Buddhapadipa Temple in Wimbledon. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Experience Thailand at the majestic Buddhapadipa Temple. Walk around the Zen flower garden, gaze up at the golden statue of Buddha, and take in the splendour of the Uposotha Hall. The bustle of the city will seem far away. 

15. Chelsea Physic Garden

People sit on benches next to a statue in the chelsea physic garden.
Explore the idyllic Chelsea Physic Garden in London. Photo copyright: Megan Taylor
Appreciate the tranquility of London's oldest botanical garden – home to glasshouses, rare plants and tender species. Founded by the worshipful Society of Apothecaries in 1673, Chelsea Physic Garden is admired for its peaceful settings and its many seasonal events, talks and workshops throughout the year.
For more places to soothe the soul, check out the most beautiful London gardens and fairytale spots, or kick it up a gear by exploring London attractions. 

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