As a freelancer, working from home can sometimes get a bit boring. It’s nice to switch up your working environment sometimes to help with creativity and motivation. Through my journey as a freelancer, I’ve discovered different free working spaces in London. Here are 9 of the best free places to work in London.
1. University Libraries
Did you know that some university libraries are also open to local residents, who aren’t students, too? Check if your library offers this by visiting their website. If they do, they may ask you to register for your library card, with proof that you live in the same borough or are local to that university library. Whilst you may not be able to take out books, you should still be able to use their wifi and freely work wherever you choose in the library. This means you’ll fit right in as if you are a student!
2. Community Libraries
Community libraries are usually more open for people talking than public libraries. So these can be good places to work if you have a meeting or don’t mind a bit of chatter when working. Also, Community libraries don’t always require a library card to access their wi-fi. Pepys Community Library in Deptford is one of these libraries. Although, as it is run by volunteers, its opening times vary; so it’s best to get in contact with them beforehand to confirm if they are definitely open.
3. Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre has several free working spaces, including The Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Royal Festive Hall. Sometimes these buildings have events on, meaning the working spaces won’t be available. So, to prevent disappointment, it’s best to check before you head there if the space is booked. But if the space is available- it’s completely free and has wi-fi space.
Plug sockets are limited in certain spaces so best to get there early to catch your spot! Southbank also has a balcony in the Royal Festive Hall; a great location in the summer that oversees the London Skyline, moments away from the London Eye.
4. Hotels
Some hotels welcome workers to use their lounge and open spaces for free. However, some may ask you to buy something from the bar to use the space. From my experience, Premier Inn in Greenwich is fairly flexible in using their lounge to work for free, during the day after breakfast and before dinner.
5. Google Campus Start-Up Café
Google Campus can get pretty packed for its free working space, so best to get there early but is a recommended space for freelancers to chill and do work. You are required to become a member before using this space.
As it gets pretty busy, there is a fair usage policy, meaning it’s not a space to be working 5 days a week, but can be a good place to work occasionally.
6. British Library
The British Library is huge! With a plethora of seating options for you to work in, it is a great office if you want to feel like you’re working. The traditional architecture is full of books that can help with motivation.
7. Coffee Shops
Similar to hotels, some coffee shops allow you to use their space for free, whilst others may require you to buy from them. It’s like a trial-and-error test for these types of venues. The Oasis Centre in Waterloo, run by a Christian charity, has a cafe and library, where you can sit and work for free. They also have free wifi that you don’t need a library card for and they also have available plug sockets. It’s a secret gem!
8. Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is based in a trendy area and the centre itself is massive. There is a range of free spaces where you could sit to work. Similar to the Southbank Centre, The Barbican Centre also has outside seating areas and some great views, including its pond.
9. Public Libraries
Your local public library will allow you to use their wi-fi if you have a library card registered with them. Public libraries tend to be quieter and so are great if you want a silent working space.
10. Una Marson Library
The Una Marson Library is named after the BBC’s first Black radio presenter, Una Marson. Marson migrated from Jamaica to London in 1932 and spent some time living in Southwark, hence the library’s location in Southwark. An aesthetically pleasing look, the library has quiet spaces to read and work and is decorated with Una’s work commemorating her.
11. Budgens, Peckham
On top of the local supermarket store Budgens near Old Kent Road, there is a free working space that overlooks a park and is flooded with natural light, making it a great spot for remote work. It’s ideal because, on your lunch break, you can just pop downstairs to grab something to eat, maximising the amount of time you have for your break. Seating arrangements are pretty flexible too, with the option to sit on comfortable seated sofas, or high chairs directly overlooking the greenery outside. Check out this TikTok for a sneak peek before you go. There is also free parking on the road, which is always a bonus!
I hope this list of the best free places to work in London has added to your list of free office spaces as a freelancer! If you are a writer looking for office essentials, have a read of this blog post.
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Also, if you are at the start of your freelance journey looking for guidance on how to navigate this world, I offer a Beginner Freelancer E-course to help you with this.
