What constitutes relaxation for some
may be different from others, but pampering is high on the lists of
those escaping a stressful lifestyle. Spas offer great pampered
relaxation and London has numerous high quality spas which can be
found in the city's top hotels and famous department stores. One of
the top spas in London is the Thai Square Spa, Shelton Street Covent
Garden.
Places to go in London to relax for
free
The Royal Parks achieve numerous green
heritage and green flag awards. They are recognised as some of the
best landscapes in the country and are popular places for visitors
which are completely free.
Hyde Park covers 350 acres and is open
all year round. You can enjoy swimming and boating, exhibitions and
concerts. There are parking areas, with tubes and buses stopping at
several places around the park.
Kensington Gardens are open from 6 am
and can be reached by public transport. It includes many picnic
areas. Visit the Arch by Henry Moore, Diana Princess of Wales
Memorial Walk and Memorial Playground, and spend hours immersed in
the beauty of the Italian Garden, which is a 150 year old ornamental
water garden. Kensington Gardens are also home to London's most
ornate and prized monument, the Albert Memorial.
Richmond Park is a national nature
reserve especially for those with interest in science and wildlife
conservation; it includes ancient oak trees. Outdoor sports are
popular here with fishing, cycling, horse riding, golf, fitness and
personal training groups, rugby and power kiting.
Bushy Park is north of Hampton Court
Palace and comprises of a canal, cascades, Baroque-style collection
of pools and upper lodge water gardens; access is by train or bus,
and the park is open 24 hours for pedestrians.
Brompton Cemetery, also part of the
royal parks, is a crown cemetery located in the Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea. It has 16.5 hectares with guided walks and is
definitely a place you can come to if you seek peace and quiet.
Some people's idea of relaxation can
include motion, but at their own pace. The Thames path walk is one of
the best ways to achieve this while taking in magical parts of London
that stretch along both sides of the river for 40 miles (64 km),
passing bustling boatyards, working wharves, marinas and old
riverside pubs. Leaflets and route maps with points of interest and
historical places can be downloaded, and they identify walks in
sections giving a large and varied choice.
A great place to see while visiting
London that has a relaxing atmosphere and features an awe-inspiring
building is Westminster Abbey. It is free to worshippers, and they
have Evensong, a service with the Abbey choir. Founded in AD960 as a
Benedictine monastery, it is still a working church today.
One way to experience London life is to
get a one-day bus pass, and travel the city, passing many
world-famous tourist attractions; all this for the price of a drink
in the many diverse café bars and eateries that London has to offer.
This is another great way to relax away from hectic crowds.