For those who can’t get enough of the sun, it can be agonising watching it shine on the outside world through a window of an artificially-lit office. But how do you build up a tan when you only have a short lunch break and work in central London? Here are some hidden gems across the city to escape from your office to, where you can almost strip down to your swimwear.
Tucked behind the Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road is a bit of tranquility right in the heart of the West End. The Phoenix Garden is run by volunteers and is populated with ponds and urban wildlife (as well as others in-the-know about where to sunbathe). Hidden by the surrounding shrubbery, pick a bench or stretch out on the grass and enjoy basking in the sun’s rays on your precious lunchtime break.
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One for those who work south of the river, specifically in the Waterloo vicinity, is the Southbank Centre’s roof garden. Shrouded by fruit trees and wildflowers, you won’t feel too exposed when you sunbathe here. It’s free to enjoy and there’s a café serving drinks, sandwiches and snacks to keep you fuelled. Plus there’s views of the London Eye and central London to boot.
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Established in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to grow medicinal plants, Chelsea Physic Garden is today the oldest botanic garden in London and houses around 5,000 different medicinal, herbal and edible shrubs. But let’s face it, on a hot and sticky lunch break, the botanics are not what you’re here for (unless it's aloe vera you stumble across). Thanks to their positioning on the edge of the Thames, these sprawling, exotic gardens benefit from a slight breeze even when it's stifling. But if it's not enough to cool you down, duck into the on-site café to source some refreshments.
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Market Hall Victoria might be the best thing to happen to the area’s casual dining scene this year, but it also boasts a large roof terrace complete with outdoor tables and chairs. Head up there to soak up some rays above the busy streets on your lunch break, but keep quiet about it – unless you want the whole of Belgravia joining you.
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If you’re looking for somewhere to strip off (within moderation) near King’s Cross on a hot day, the Canalside steps just down from Granary Square – which are carpeted in green during the summer months – is the place to do it. Grab a picnic lunch from nearby Waitrose and bag a spot to watch the boats glide by. While the glistening Regent’s Canal can look tempting when you start to build up a sweat, we wouldn’t recommend jumping in. Instead, head back up to the square and stick your toes under the fountains there.
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Even if you work near crowded and sweaty Oxford Street, hope is not lost for a spot of lunchtime sunbathing. And as with many things in life, you’ll find tranquility where you least expect it. Head to John Lewis’ flagship store (bear with us…) and right up to the top floor, where its Garden Society presents food, live music, and daily events. Let you skin see the sun far above the bustle and pollution of the street below, and allow this sky-high haven to convince you you’re in a park far, far away.
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If you or a friend are lucky enough to have a membership, there’s no place more lovely to catch some rays in Shoreditch than by the rooftop pool at Shoreditch House. Lounge on the signature red and white striped chairs and take a dip in the pool's heated waters (26°C year-round) if you get too hot. Heck, forget going back to the office post-lunch – grab a table and spend the afternoon working here amidst the club’s plush interiors.
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Tucked out of sight but in the heart of Borough is a restored 19th-century garden featuring peaceful ponds flanked by decking and bush-shrouded patches of greenery. These quiet gardens make a tranquil alternative to joining the hordes on South Bank on your lunch break. Relax, kick off your sandals and breath in the sweet scents wafting from the garden’s rose arbour.
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This three-acre garden boasting wide lawns, rare trees and herbaceous borders is one of London’s little-known beauty spots. It’s also steeped in history – references to a garden on the same patch date back to medieval times. The Inner Temple Garden is open to the public from 12:30pm-3pm daily on weekdays, making it an ideal location for lunchtime sunbathing if you work in this part of town.
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This community-run garden in Angel is a green oasis in the midst of streets, estates and inner city bustle. Open to the public daily from 10am, the garden serves both as a city park and as an environmental project. If you work close by, the Culpeper Garden can make a blissful space to explore pathways, ponds and plants, and fit in some all-important sunbathing between the busy events of your day.
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Hidden behind an inconspicuous gateway just a two-minute walk from Dalston Junction station is the Eastern Curve Garden. Poke your head around the door and you’ll experience its Narnia-like effect: patches of home-grown produce and greenery sprawl down the garden’s twisted path, where you’d expect to see the backs of houses. It’s free to enter and if you work in north-east London, it’s an ideal spot to kick back and show your shoulders and legs to the sun. If you fall fully under its charm, pop back after work or at the weekend for the garden’s eclectic programme of events, including the weekly Woodburner Music Nights, wellbeing workshops and a chance to volunteer.
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