For many of us, nothing beats escaping in a good book. It’s a pastime that can be incredibly valuable for our mental health and a much healthier way to deal with problems than, say hitting the pub or bottling our emotions up.

We all need to do more to look after our mental health, particularly those living in the city and enduring the stresses of city life alongside the pressure of work, two of the main reasons people enter a private mental health clinic in the first place.

Taking a break amidst city life to get stuck into a good book and escape your day-to-day problems can be hugely beneficial and across London there are some fantastic spots to do exactly that.

So, if you’re looking to get lost in your next read, here are five London spots perfect for doing so…

The British Library

Naturally, a good place to start is in a library, The British Library in St Pancras to be exact. It’s a real haven for booklovers and is the perfect environment for sitting down and reading one of the thousands upon thousands of books available.

The Reading Room is the spot you want to head for, a quiet, contemplative space that offers no distractions. However, there are lots of other areas available to the general public, as well as a cafe, ideal for a coffee, a spot of lunch and reading on your lunch break.

Daunt Books, Marylebone

This Edwardian bookshop is a real hidden gem in London. The oak galleries and skylights are perfect for not only adding to your book collection but also settling down to have a read too.

Located on Marylebone High Street, the peaceful atmosphere is incredibly soothing and there are plenty of seats, nooks and crannies ideal for reading. What’s more, the staff are incredibly knowledgable and friendly, so even if you haven’t got a book to read, they’ll sort you out in no time.

Hampstead Heath

If you’re looking to soak up the sun and enjoy some reading, you couldn’t do much worse than finding a spot on Hampstead Heath. With over 790 acres of meadows, woodlands and ponds, there are tons of spots to immerse yourself in a book.

Parliament Hill is the common spot, offering stunning views of the city, and all you need is a blanket, a few snacks, a good read and you’ve got the ideal afternoon.

The National Portrait Gallery Café

Back into the heart of London now, the National Portrait Gallery itself is a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy a peaceful environment to collect your thoughts and take care of your mental health. However, for readers, you want to head to the gallery’s cafe, which is a charming spot that offers a nice quiet environment and some excellent food and drink.

It’s an airy space, and a great spot to relax, surrounded by art and history.

Holland Park

Holland Park, one of London’s most picturesque green spaces, is an excellent spot for a quiet read. The Kyoto Garden, a Japanese-style garden within the park, is particularly serene with its koi pond, waterfall, and beautifully landscaped flora.

The sound of trickling water and the sight of colourful fish provide a soothing backdrop for reading. Additionally, the park’s various benches, open lawns, and secluded alcoves offer numerous options for settling down with a book. Whether you prefer the formal gardens or the wilder wooded areas, Holland Park’s tranquil beauty makes it a perfect reading retreat.

Of course, there are many other spots across London too ideal for reading, from Hyde Park to a quiet spot along the Thames, but why not give one of the five above a try? They may end up proving to be a favourite!