With busy student life, it can be difficult to find the time to calm down. Finding a nice place to relax away from campus, your flatmates or your family (however lovely they may be) can be even harder! Check out this article, where one of our FLS students shares their favourite places to take a break and relax, away from the pressures of university.
The information contained in this post represents the views and opinions of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views or the opinions of UCL.
Taking some time out in a particularly quiet or unusual place has always helped me calm my thoughts. Since the onset of the pandemic, the day-to-day routine has started to feel especially restrictive, and I’ve been craving a bit more variety in the breaks I take. If you’re feeling tired of taking your daily trudge around the block, or zoning out in front of your favourite sit-com, you’re in luck. In this article, I share some ways you can use many of London’s excellent attractions to switch it up, go and relax, and feel rejuvenated.
1. The Barbican
With its imposing concrete columns and looming towers, the brutalist Barbican might not seem like the most soothing place to visit. I’ve found, however, that this can sometimes be exactly what you need – the atmosphere of the Barbican is so different from what we know and get comfortable with that it can act as a kind of circuit breaker. Take a sandwich and a flask of tea and go and explore. Taking a moment to sit down and imagine this surreal setting as an alternate world might help you feel refreshed when you return to normality – or at least, it works for me! Plus, you could take a moment to explore the Barbican Centre, and see what events are on. Check out the Young Barbican for discounts on exhibitions, films, music and theatre.
2. Holland Park Gardens
Holland Park Gardens are truly beautiful in the summer months, situated in what used to be the country estate of the Jacobean Holland House. The gardens are beautiful year-round. I find that taking a stroll about each, then coming to a stop with a good book and a coffee can be an incredibly relaxing way to spend an hour or two. During the spring and summer months, the Kyoto, Rose and Tulip gardens are in full bloom; in the autumn/winter, the leaves Kyoto Garden maples turn a stunning red and gold, matching the koi carp in its pond. Though a little bit of a trek from UCL, Holland Gardens is easily accessible via overground (with Kensington Olympia being the nearest station) and underground (High Street Kensington Station).
3. Queen Mary’s Gardens
If you are looking for somewhere a bit closer to home, Queen Mary’s Garden in Regent’s Park is another beautiful setting for some time out. Full of blossoming roses, the gardens are best enjoyed on a sunny day, but a walk around Regent’s Park can be delightful in the rain (with an umbrella). Regent’s Park is easily accessible from the Camden canal. You can also head across the bridge at ZSL and walk up Primrose Hill to see one of the best views in London at sunset.
4. V&A Cafe
The Gamble, Morris and Poynter rooms at the Victoria and Albert Museum Café are stunning, opulent spaces. After wandering about the Museum, touring its wealth of art and design exhibits, I like to head to the verdant Morris room for a cup of tea, listen to the pianist who plays in the corner and enjoy William Morris’ botanical prints.
5. Hampstead Heath
For a day-long break, I head to Hampstead Heath. Easily accessible on the 214 bus or via the Overground from Camden Road Station, Hampstead Heath is a little haven of countryside in London. I like to walk through the reserve taking whatever path I fancy, through woodland and grassland, ultimately getting a little bit lost. If you take lunch and plenty of water, the walk can be a great escape from the day-to-day. If you’re more fond of a well planned route, here’s the Hampstead Heath map.