Feeling Good In London (De-Stressing The Experience)

London isn’t known for being the most relaxed city on the planet. In fact, it’s well-known for being quite the opposite. But what if you just want to visit, have a good time, and then leave? 

That’s what we look at in this post. It explores some of the methods and tactics you can use to make going to London more fun and avoid some of the city’s darker or more stressful elements. 

Go To The Green Areas

Walking through a maze of concrete and glass is stressful for most people. That’s because there just isn’t much space. London is quite a dense city, meaning that you have vast tracts of it where buildings are literally piling on top of each other, and there are no clear lines of sight anywhere. 

That’s why many people looking for relaxation spread their wings wider. Instead of restricting themselves to the built-up areas, they go to the parks and gardens. 

Top of the list is probably Hampstead Heath for  those on a budget. This special area provides panoramic views over the city and plenty of space to run around, stretch, and enjoy wildlife. 

Another option is Kew Gardens, though you need to pay to get in. It provides gorgeous boulevards for strolling and viewing new species of plants. 

Go To A Calm Café

Another option is to find a calm café where you can read, work, or just sip your drink. You can find these all over the city of London and in the west end, sometimes underground, other times in hotels or on rooftops. 

These often have a strict calmness policy-no music and no loud noises. Many are close to churches. 

For example, you could pay a visit to the  Monocle Café. This interesting location is Japanese-inspired and takes its cues from Zen minimalist traditions and offers a chill vibe. 

Then there’s the Barbican Conservatory, another place you’ll want to check out. It doesn’t really market itself much, but it offers lush greenery and the feeling that you’re somewhere else. 

Finally, you might want to go to the Host Café. It’s inside a working church and provides drinks and guidance for those looking for direction in their lives. 

Embrace Slow Evenings

London isn’t famous for its “slow evenings” but they do exist. These events try to counter the city’s fast-paced lifestyle and give tourists a new flavor of what the location has to offer. 

For example, many people take quiet cruises along the Thames at night. Here, they watch the city’s lights flickering. 

Other groups of people go to the Cinema at The Electric near Portobello. It’s a little different from the Americanised versions, offering armchairs and indie films at lower prices. It’s a hangout for intellectuals and people who appreciate finer culture. 

Finally, you can head to Soho for a quiet night out, but you need to know where to look. Many people opt for Ronnie Scott’s, a jazz venue. Here, you can listen to the smooth tones of skilled sax players until the early hours. 

Take A Light Bag

When you visit London, you can also reduce stress by taking a light pack with you, leaving anything else at  St Pancras luggage storage facilities. Cutting down on weight and only bringing the essentials give you more freedom to move around and reduce risk. 

A knapsack is probably all you need for London, containing your sunscreen, a water bottle, and your camera. 

Wander Without Purpose

Another innovative way to cut down on stress during a London trip is to wander without purpose. You don’t necessarily need to do anything. 

For instance, you could take a South Bank stroll, taking plenty of stops along the way, including at the Globe or the Tate. You could also go to London’s “Little Venice” and walk around there, marvelling at the developments while popping into cafés and museums dotted around the area. 

Do Something Cultural

 

Finally, you could use your time in London to do something cultural. There’s just so much going on in the city that it will keep you occupied all day. 

One option is to go to the National Portrait Gallery during late hours. In the evening, it’s whisper quiet and there aren’t usually any children, allowing you to absorb the artwork and appreciate it for what it is. 

You could also pay a visit to the British Library Reading Rooms. These spaces are ideal if you want to sit down with a good book and absorb its contents for a couple of hours between sightseeing trips.