Mitchell and Peach's guide to London's loveliest pockets of peace

A five-hundred-acre botanical paradise only thirty minutes from central London. Escape to a world of green throughout all four seasons at Kew's Victorian greenhouse, housing 1,500 species of plants. Enjoy a day of guided tours and exhibitions or take a turnabout the site's treetop walkways and themed gardens, which have been carefully cultivated since 1759. The Orchid Festival, on display until Sunday, 2nd March 2025, is perfect for admirers of floricultural excellence.

A lesser-known National Museum displaying previously private collections of art, The Wallace Collection was made public in 1897 by Lady Wallace. A hidden gem tucked away inside a Marylebone townhouse, it is renowned for its fine masterpieces and sophisticated curations. Admire the vast collection of artworks before stopping by the peaceful glass roof courtyard café and restaurant, which offers a wonderful champagne afternoon tea.

Step into this world of ancient woodlands home to herds of deer, following walking and cycling paths to uncover the history of Richmond Park, which dates back to the 17th century. A beautiful space to visit all year round, watch the seasons unfold with bursts of green in the spring and summer, falling golden leaves in autumn, and crisp frost-covered winters. Finish off your visit with a stop at Pembroke Lodge, a Georgian mansion with tea rooms and garden terraces with views over the Thames Valley.

Chelsea Physic Garden provides a timeless tranquil retreat, hidden behind high brick walls by the Thames. Established in 1673, it is London’s oldest botanic garden and houses medicinal herbs, aromatic florals, small woodlands, rock gardens, and more. Enjoy the vast collections of plants or book a workshop ahead of time, such as yoga on a Monday evening in the gardens from April to October.

Wonderful for music lovers, this concert hall is renowned for its dedication to chamber and instrumental music since 1901. The interior is beautifully designed for visual and acoustic awe. Tucked away a few streets behind the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, Wigmore Hall is a more peaceful alternative to the West End. Perfect if you're looking to indulge in an evening or afternoon of stirring classical performances.

Those who love to explore at their own pace should take a ride from Tower Bridge to Greenwich and experience London from a new perspective. This route follows a five-mile stretch of the National Route 4 and provides a scenic journey through the heart of London. Meander past the Victorian warehouses of Shad Thames and wind your way through the Docklands. Finish off the route at Greenwich Park, where the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom in April.

Standing quietly on a back street in the City of London, nature has slowly reclaimed the ruins of this gothic church, which was bombed during the Blitz in 1941. St Dunstan in the East is a unique space where history and nature are inextricably interwoven. Ivy traces the walls and arches of weathered stone, transforming ruin into a peaceful garden, providing unexpected respite from the bustle of the city which surrounds it.

Just a short walk away from St Paul's Cathedral, Postman's Park is a haven of peace amidst the city rush. Built in 1900, this tiny little park was a popular spot with workers from the nearby General Post Office which is how it earned its name. The park is home to the Watts Memorial, which is made up of 54 memorial plaques commemorating those who lost their lives while attempting to save another.