When the hustle and bustle of city life gets a bit too much and feel you need a break, slow down the pace, and find some much needed alone time at one of these calm-inducing hangouts…

SLEEP AT The Hoxton, Southwark

The 192 rooms come in five categories: Shoebox, Snug, Cosy, Roomy and Biggy. Furnished with comfy lounge chairs, velvet headboards and curated artwork with industrial views of the city, it’s a sanctuary for sleep

CONNECT AT Re:Mind Studios

Sign up for the Re:Connect class at Re:Mind Studios to explore the senses through a unique tea ceremony. Being fully present in the moment throughout the hour-long class, you’ll leave feeling full of gratitude and tranquillity

UNWIND AT Cowshed

Pop into one of the six London day spa locations for a relaxing natural therapy to help release tension in the body and reboot the mind after a busy week. Try the CBD massage to help release even the tightest of muscles

CUDDLE AT Lady Dinah’s Cat Cafe

Some say chaos, we say calm. Studies have shown that interactions with animals can decrease stress in humans. So, if you’re feeling on edge, head to this furry friends cafe in east London for some tea, cake, and cat cuddles 

LEARN AT Food at 52

For those who find cooking the ultimate relaxation, what better than an expertly-led cookery class? Forget your troubles as you learn to cook new dishes – choices include a vegan feast and an Indian street food menu – with free-flowing wine, funky music and like-minded people

BE CALM AT Hampstead Ponds

Embrace nature and let your stress melt away with a mindful swim in the Hampstead ponds. Surrounded by greenery, these open-air bathing ponds are a wonderful way to give the mind and body a much needed refresh

SHOP AT AK Vibes

If you’re a believer in crystals then check out AK Vibes. A feast for both the eyes and the soul, the store is full of stones, each with a different property. You’re sure to leave with renewed energy and a couple of gems too

DRINK AT Gong Bar at the Shangri-La Hotel

Not ready for bed yet? Indulge in a delicious drink or two at the Gong Bar on level 52 of London’s famous Shangri-La Hotel. Look out on the city from The Shard while sipping on your favourite nightcap. Ours has to be The Cure made with gin, liquorice liqueur and citrus

READ AT The British Library

Immerse yourself in a classic novel, or learn something new at London’s beautiful British Library. With over 170 million items including artefacts from every age of written civilisation you could get lost in literature for days. Not to mention their fantastic exhibitions and events