Your train to work was delayed this morning, it was jam packed when it finally arrived, and you spilt your coffee all down your new trousers on the way into the office. Your boss has just told you off for being late again. Before you switch out, take a deep breath, relax until lunch and head to the SOAS meditation roof garden. Built on top of the Brunei Gallery, part of the School of Oriental and African Studies, the Insider London claims that it was created as a place of quiet contemplation for students and visitors. You are guaranteed to leave work in a better mood than you came in. If the SOAS roof garden doesn’t do it for you, how about taking a walk over to the London wetland centre, only a 10 minute walk from Hammersmith? Refinery 29 states that it is “teaming with wildlife and flora and fauna.” They argue that “if you can't quite bring yourself to escape to the actual countryside on the weekend, this bucolic spot could be just the local destination you're looking for.”

There is no better place for peace and quiet than nestled between the ancient bookshelves of a grand library in London. The V&A National Art Library offers just this experience. It is a wonderful place with vast collections of art related titles. If you have time, why not go to the John Madejski Garden in the V&A and dip your toes into the oval pool. If you want another option, check out the Saison Poetry Library. Londonist magazine describes the top floor of the library as “filled with British poetry from 1912 to the present day. From obscure, hand-printed pamphlets to full collections by the finest poets, plus most literary magazines ever published. This place is a real treat for lovers of the written word.” So go on, treat yourself to an afternoon amongst the books. Plus, it’s free to join!

The Thames Barrier may not be your first pick, however we’ve been told that it is a fantastic place to go and clear your head. Londonist argues that the Thames Barrier is “perhaps the most peaceful – and desolate – spot in London. The landscape here is stark and industrial. The entire riverside is decorated with barbed wire, signs and cranes. The barrier itself is impressive, its huge steel gates rising nobly from the river.”

Embankment is anything but tranquil, but arrive before the crowds and you might discover a different side to this tourist hotspot. Get there as the sun rises on a Sunday morning, bring your own coffee (or buy one if a coffee shop is open) and simply soak in the peace and tranquillity…the quiet before the storm. As soon as it gets busy, simply go on your merry way to another one of our suggested quiet spaces!