Where's your 'happy place' in London?

[Walnutwhipaddict]

Hey everyone,

So I'm new to London and have a few hours to kill. Just on Oxford street (so hot!!!) and looking for somewhere relaxing (and a bit cooler) where I can chill for a bit.

I would love to go somewhere like the National Gallery, but apparently it's closing at 6 :(

Any suggestions on a nice little place (niche, unusual, off the beaten track, all suggestions welcome!) in central London that I could chill in for a bit please?

Thanks!

Gordons Wine Bar

does anyone know a really nice small chapel near great portland street / little titchfield street that is on the ground floor in a hospital or something? i went there a few times a couple of decades ago but can't remember where it was?

can i hijack (maybe i need to open a thread

There's a beautiful arts and crafts church on Margaret Street, just behind Oxford Street.

There's some lovely hidden bits in Regent's Park.

Postman's park - near the Barbican I think. Lovely memorial to unsung heroes

St Dunstans in the East
Postmans Park
Clerkenwell green
Lincoln inn fields/ John soames museum
Russell Square/British museum
Wallace collection on Manchester square
Liberty/kingly street

Anywhere on the south bank. Royal Festival Hall is lovely, as is the bar at the British Film Institute.

Alternatively, hop on the Victoria line to Brixton and have a nosy round the market or stroll down to Brockwell Park for some lovely views.

Even Golden square, although busy, is nice for a sit down and people watch.
The photographers gallery ( Ramilles street?) is never full up.

There's an amazing cheese and wine bar in the Royal opera arcade in St James'

The south bank will be heaving on a Saturday evening, won't it? I must say, I never get what's so great about it.

The pergola gardens in Hampstead. Absolutely stunning.

Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is lovely, but possibly a bit far.

Have a walk along the South bank from Waterloo to St Paul's. Lovely!

St Christopher's place just off oxford street. Sit outside at one of the bars there or have some of the most relish food at a Turkish restaurant there which I think is called sofias.

Somerset House...the fountains will be beautiful this evening and when we went there during the warm weather few weeks ago it was very quiet and you can just sit and relax possibly with a nice chilled glass of something

British Museum. Walkable, great tea inside the huge cupola and a chance to see free exhibits.

I third Postman's Park in the City!

St Christophers Place, just behind Selfridges, I always feel like I'm on holiday or Marylebone High Street.

Liberty, always. It's like a gallery of beautiful things.

St Christopher's place is lovely but on a sunny afternoon during the week, not a Saturday night it'll be rammed!

Ditto Gordon's wine bar if you can find a corner and park up with a book. Beautiful place, the downstairs dining room is like a weird drippy dungeon. It's where DH and I had our first date.

It will be rammed in a laid back holiday vibe way. Actually, nowhere on Oxford Street / Regent Street is going to be quiet or relaxed tonight. It has been the Pride festival all day and everywhere is going to be full of people partying.

Ooh is the Saatchi gallery open? It's great!

Go stick you get in a fountain at Trafalgar Square!

Thanks so much for your fab suggestions everyone :) I've popped into Foyles to curl up with a book away from the heat and crowds, and it's lovely!

Ahh that sounds so tempting right now Doje!! Next up on my London tourist checklist

The churchyard at the bottom of Wardour Street is St Anne's and it is gorgeous; but if you want to chill I would avoid Soho if I were you. It is Gay Pride and Soho is heaving. Lovely party atmosphere if you want to join in!