“London perpetually attracts, stimulates, gives me a play and a story and a poem, without any trouble, save that of moving my legs through the streets…..To walk alone through London is the greatest rest” – Virginia Wolf
Virginia Woolf adored London. She regularly strolled its streets, observing passers by and taking in the minutiae of an ever changing landscape. She had an eye for detail and would find something new in even the most well known London scenes. She enjoyed being solitary and and could find peace and quiet in the busiest of places.
Although I would not for a moment consider comparing my own musings or experiences with those of Virginia Woolf, I too find the utmost pleasure in roaming London’s streets. I increasingly find myself drawn to those parts of London which remain, at least for the moment, a little quieter. I regularly veer of the well trodden paths of Londoners and tourists alike in search of those secret corners and and sleepy streets. A quiet corner of a park or a hidden square tucked in amongst the buildings and the people and the noise can bring an instant moment of calm. Moving gently with the ebb and flow of the river on an early morning cycle ride along the Thames on a summers morning. A bench beneath the boughs of an elderly tree, the scent of roses and a gentle breeze. All these things can be found within the thrust of the beating heart of London
Small independent bookshops, beautiful churches, communal gardens, galleries and museums and tiny coffee shops. Quiet London is indeed everywhere. Finding it is as simple as knowing where to look, or being brave enough to turn a corner, follow your instinct and wander.
In my continued pursuit and enjoyment of the quieter side of London (and my love of Instagram as a constant source of inspiration), I recently started a hashtag on Instagram #findingquietLondon It seems there are other like minded souls out there, who have kindly joined in and shared their own images of a quiet London. I have loved seeing this gallery grow with the images which have been shared.
Do share your own quiet London images with the #findingquietlondon hashtag. I love seeing them and sharing them on my stories at the end of each week.
“The streets of London have their map, but our passions are uncharted. What are you going to meet if you turn this corner?” Virginia Woolf
#findingquietlondon