At a glance
The proven link between green spaces and the reduction in stress, depression and anxiety may tempt you to head into the great outdoors, but what if there’s no time to escape to the country? Instead, dedicate time for a mindful moment in these lesser known landscapes.
The proven link between green spaces and the reduction in stress, depression and anxiety may tempt you to head into the great outdoors, but what if there’s no time to escape to the country? The fast-paced nature and constant connectivity of city living has sparked an affinity to meditation and mindfulness as a method to achieve calm.
It is clear finding headspace has never been so important where 32% of Londoners have learned mindfulness, according to research by Mintel. Whilst dedicated meditation studios such as Re:MIND and wellness or religious centres are dotted everywhere amidst sky scrapers, the capital offers an eclectic mix of woodlands, secret gardens and historic parks off the beaten track to find peace and respite in nature. The Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health note that green places and natural settings are important in improving mental health and wellbeing.
Seeking sanctuary in the city is easier than you think, discover London’s green spaces where you can enjoy a mindful moment.
Where to visit
Woodbury Wetlands, Stoke Newington
When you’re in need of a wander, a ten-minute escape along the river from Stoke Newington lies Woodbury Wetlands. Originally constructed in 1833, the reservoir officially opened to the public in 2016 and is a lesser known spot for tranquillity. The wetland landscape and surrounding ponds are home to wildlife you wouldn’t expect to see elsewhere in the city where keen birdwatchers can admire unusual species that migrate from Africa. London’s Wildlife Trust works to protect this space and offers volunteering opportunities for ecology experts and nature lovers. Follow the wooden paths and bridge to the Coal House Café to enjoy treats and scenic views across the water. To access Woodbury Wetlands via tube, get off at Manor House.
World Peace Garden, Hampstead
Jonathan Bergman and local conservation charity Heath Hands, reimagined a derelict wasteland of rubbish into what is now the World Peace Garden. For over a decade, this space adjacent to Hampstead Railway Station provides an opportunity for visitors to step outside of their lives and reflect on how we can achieve peace across the globe.
Lining the walls as you enter are ceramic and glass tiles that contain inspiring messages from previous visitors on what peace means to them. You can leave your mark by sponsoring a peace tile, planted area or donate a plant to the garden via their website. Plus, the project has received donations from the United Nations for their work in supporting harmony and world peace. Past the tiles, climb down the timber stairs to the main garden to perch on the wooden decking and appreciate the shrubbery and floral landscape.
Patrons of this green space include famous historian Eric Hobsbawm and television personality Gillian McKieth. Poetry recitals and jazz evenings at held at the World Peace Garden on summer weekends.
St Dunstan in the East Church Garden, the City
Set across from the River Thames, St Dunstan in the East Church Garden is a secluded and well shaded spot where you can withdraw from the frenzy of daily life in the capital. This Grade I listed medieval church was built in 1100 and has since been restored following the 1941 Blitz. Minutes from Tower Hill, the public garden is enveloped in twisted vines and ivy with fountain features and seating where city workers can retreat for peace. For photographers and those looking to film, book ahead. The garden is also available for event hire.
Chelsea Physic Garden, Chelsea
Dating back to 1673, London’s oldest botanical garden is the spot for reflection along the Chelsea Embankment. With a unique microclimate due to its proximity to the River Thames and over 5000 varieties of medicinal and herbal plants, the environment is instantly calming. Top tip: Chelsea Physic Garden offer monthly behind the scenes tours to access areas of the garden usually prohibited to the public, be sure to book ahead. The team run regular workshops on growing produce and gardening courses that focus on botany and herbal medicine. Admission to the garden is £8.50 and make sure to visit their newest feature, the World Wooden Garden.
Abney Park, Stoke Newington
Abney Park is one of London’s seven magnificent cemetery gardens. An unlikely destination for a moment of peace, the woodland memorial park can be accessed off Stoke Newington Church Street. Surrounded by hundreds of gravestones and Victorian gardens, the 13 hectares of land is home to over 2500 varieties of plants. Amble down the pathways under the canopy of trees to find the names of famous people buried there, including William Booth – founder of the Salvation Army. Abney Park hosts interactive therapy workshops in the form of stone carving and wood working as well as outdoor conservation courses.
King Henry’s Walk Garden, Canonbury
Behind an unassuming metal gate is one of the city’s best urban gardens. This oasis complete with a small woodland, has been run entirely by charity Friend of King Henry’s Walk Garden since 2007. Divided into small plots dedicated to organic produce, floral areas and ponds, the garden and unique woodland is regularly awarded best community garden in the city by the London In Bloom Awards. What’s more, the community have designed the garden to be sustainable where waste is composted, rainwater is collected and flower beds are constructed from recycled materials. King Henry’s Walk Garden can be reached via Canonbury Overground.
Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, Dalston
What used to be the Old Eastern Curve railway line has been transformed into a retreat opposite Dalston Junction Overground. Enter by the wooden pavilion and follow the bark chip paths for seating to meditate amidst flowers and fairy lights.
Visits in winter are made possible by the Pineapple House, a large conservatory greenhouse with a woodburning stove. If you’re feeling peckish, the café sources locally produced snacks and wood fired pizza where all proceeds are reinvested into the garden to keep London wild. Weekly gardening sessions take place every Saturday from 2-5pm from April to December and the garden remains open on summer evenings until 10pm. Dogs are welcome.
Culpeper Community Garden, Islington
A ten-minute escape from Angel, the Culpeper Community Garden is a haven that focuses on the social and therapeutic benefits of horticulture. The wisteria and rose covered arches lead to multiple gardens as well as herb growing areas, a pond and a terrace to enjoy tea. Here you can unwind and observe the community at work on over 50 plots of land. If you’re local to the area and find peace in nature, join the garden’s regular meditation activities led by Claire de Boursac, a psychotherapist who specialises in connecting participants with the environment and runs forest bathing workshops. You can support the garden by donation or by volunteering.
Pergola and Hill Garden, Hampstead
Hampstead Heath is a famed green space where you can admire the city’s skyline, but the Pergola and Hill Garden is a lesser known alternative. Built in 1904, the Grade II listed structure was created by Lord Levershulme, an aristocrat with a love for landscapes and Thomas Mawson, a world-famous civic architect. The Pergola’s stone pillars and walkways showcase Edwardian design. Take time to pause at the viewing terrace which overlooks the west of the heath and impressive gardens. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit in Spring when the wisteria and garden is in full bloom – its beauty makes this space a popular wedding venue. Entry is free and note closing times depend on season. The garden can be reached via Hampstead or Golders Green tube station.
Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park
Located in the south west corner of Richmond Park, the Isabella Plantation is a sanctuary with three ponds, streams, glades and a heath garden. Throughout the 40-acre space, the exotic flowers and composition of colourful azaleas, imported from Japan in 1920, are majestic in Spring and create a sense of calm. Settle on the benches placed in the clearing to appreciate the ornamental woodland away from the busier areas of Richmond Park. You can access the plantation via one of its five gates, cyclists are recommended to head to the Pegs Pond Gate to lock their bikes. Richmond Park offer a seasonal bus service which runs from April to October and dogs are permitted in the plantation.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out the destinations for a sustainable staycation.
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