London low-key nice and beautiful places

[cassiatwenty]

Hi all,

Please could you recommend me some lovely places in London? Secret gems? Something lovely, not touristy and crowded that makes you low-key happy?

I like libraries and nature and churches. I like being surrounded by decent people, I dislike clubbing and going out at night.

Also, any tips on how to avoid picketpockets? My wallet was solen yesterday and I suppose this is a warning sign to be extra careful at London.

Please help if you can, and many thanks

sorry about your wallet.

London Wetland Centre
Calthorpe Community Garden
Isabella Plantation
Chelsea Physic Garden
Host Cafe
Kyoto Garden
St Dunstan in the East
Blake’s Hotel courtyard
Barbican Conservatory
Garden Museum Cafe

Thank you so much @Fivemoreminutes1, much appreciated xxx

Sorry about the theft you experienced.

I'd add:
St Bartholomew the Great
Postman's Park

Wearing a money belt/security pouch around your waist is a good idea. You can often get them in sports/outdoor clothing shops.
Alternatively, only keep valuables in inside pockets or, failing that, in zipped outer pockets.
I sometimes wear a slim crossbody bag underneath my jacket/coat instead, if the above isn't practicable.
And, of course, try not to seem distracted when out and about, ie when taking photos or checking a map etc. I realise you probably weren't doing that anyway, but pickpockets are opportunists and anyone behaving "like a tourist" will be seen as an easy target.

If this is your first visit to London I hope it won't put you off returning, as it really is an amazing city with so much to offer.
Enjoy the rest of your stay.

@TreesAtSea

Many thanks for your suggestions and your advice, it's appreciate it a lot xxx

Theft (first time in my life) happened this Friday night. There was no violence or or anything like that, it happened in 7 minutes and I didn't feel a thing.

As I always know where I keep my things, and was confident in staying safe that was a reality check that I'm probably underestimating London and that I need some advice on how to improve how to keep my valuables safe.

Thank you agan and I hope you are enjoying your Sunday 🙂

I appreciate it a lot* sorry, typos, mobile

The whole of Rotherhithe peninsula. Includes the city farm, Marychurch Street, Stave Hill, Russia Dock Woodland, Holy Trinity Church, Brunel Museum, etc.

Wow many thanks @NastyNiff you guys know your stuff

After living in London for 20 years, when I go back to visit, I usually head for Greenwich. Even after all these years, I still find it a nice balance of greenery, and thungs of interest. Transport links are OK, and I enjoy travelling into the city on the boat if I need to.

If you're anywhere near Holborn/Farringdon look at St Etheldreda's church. A bit of info here: www.onlondon.co.uk/vic-keegans-lost-london-101-st-etheldredas-church/

The British Library, next to Kings Cross and St Pancras stations, has interesting exhibitions, which I think are free.

Also, look up websites for walks in London. Even starting at a busy tube station, you can be in quiet streets in a few minutes and guides to walks will point out the sort of quirky historical detail that the city's full of.

Kentish town city farm for the climbing goats
Kenwood House at Hampsted Heath for the Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Regent's canal
Story Garden at the British Library
The Hill Garden and Pergola - also at the Heath.

Lots of off the beaten track ideas on this old thread which I have saved as it's so useful

Londoners Chat thread

Postman's park 100%. Download the app. It's just beautiful and so poignant.

That must have been very unnerving, aside from the practical consequences. I've never had anything like that happen to me, but I know it would really upset me.
At the end of the day, it's really a case of bad luck.

I'd echo PP suggestions of Greenwich (it's a nice ride on the DLR from central London) and the British Library. You can't access the collections without a reader's pass but, as was mentioned, there are both permanent and temporary exhibitions on. Fairly near to there, just behind Kings Cross & St Pancras stations, is the Camley Street Nature Reserve alongside the canal. It is small but is pleasant and maybe worth looking at if you're in that area.

Bishops Park/Fulham Palace!
Walk up the river from there to Fulham Reach for a lovely lunch on the river (just before Hammersmith Bridge), then, after lunch,keep walking along the riverside until you get to cafe Mari (W6 9TN) for gorgeous Italian cakes and coffee/wine, etc. It’s run by a gorgeous Italian family so it’s the real deal.
Walk a spell up to the Griffin/Fuller’s brewery for a tour. It’s located in beautiful Old Chiswick, right on the Thames.
Honestly, that part of the river is glorious. But beware, you want to avoid the Eyot area beyond cafe Mari from 3-4pm (high tide). From the brewery you can amble up to Chiswick pier. Their website mentions upcoming events. It also has tide tables.

chiswickpier.org.uk

It’s a big day out with a lot of walking but it’s beautiful and safe. I’ve been walking these parts for years and years. Lots of people walking and jogging, yet very peaceful and picturesque. There are these fabulous homes belonging to gajillionaires on the Chiswick mall part of the river and I remember saying to my friend, “I wonder what you have to work as to afford one of those,” to which my friend replied, “I wonder who you have to marry to get one of those!” Still makes me giggle. 😆

Thank you everyone xxx