Home has been where I’ve done the majority of my reading, but I’ve also found that home is actually the most distracting place to read. There’s always something to be done around the house, it could be an object out of its place that needs moving, or a cabinet that needs dusting, or a floor that needs vacuuming; and because reading is a great way to spend some free time I’m often left feeling like I should maybe do something a bit more productive with my free time. That’s why reading away from home is a blessing. I spend quite a bit of time away from home, so I can use those idle times outside of the home to fit in some reading.
Below is a list of some of my favourite places to read away from home.
At the park
On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than occupying a bench at the park, or anywhere with green land. My area has quite a few woodlands, and I have one favourite bench spot in particular that overlooks an abundance of trees and hills.
The only problem is that British weather changes so spontaneously that high winds or drizzles often throw off the appeal. Back in June and early July the weather was extremely warm and dry, this made for the perfect outdoor reading experience as there was no wind and I was able to dress comfortably. With winter approaching, parks likely won’t be a popular readers spot for the next eight months, but when it’s the right season it makes for a great reading experience.
Waiting rooms
I visit the hospital often for checkups, which means waiting for anything between thirty minutes to an hour. This is a great time to fit in some reading, so I’ve got into the habit of carrying books (or my Kindle) with me when I know I’ll be somewhere with a waiting room.
These are moments of boredom, and the natural instinct of people these days is to whip out the smartphone, and even I’m guilty for that. But as I find myself wanting to read more books per year I’ve discovered that idle moments like these are the best time to get through that one book you want to finish.
During a commute
This is likely the favourite by consensus because it’s completely normal to see people digging into their books on planes, trains and buses. I often find myself traveling into London, and I can confirm that there’s nothing like reading on a train.
In a previous article we highlighted the advantages of having some background noise to provide the perfect vibe for reading. Well trains are so noisy by default that it’s quite satisfying for reading, in some weird way. The downside is that sometimes space can be limited during peak hours, so it may not always be a comfortable reading experience. But a determined reader will pull out that book whether standing, leaning or cramped on the corner of a seat.
The library
If you want quiet mixed with a little inspiration, then nothing beats a library. I find that I usually want absolute silence when reading non-fiction books, so a library is perfect. When it comes to fiction I need a little background noise, so the library is rarely my first choice. Another reason why a library is great for non-fiction reading is because you can of course look up other books covering the same topics.
Coffee shops
If I’m out and about in the morning and have some free time to fill, there’s nothing better than grabbing a hot drink and sitting at the table to dissolve into a work of fiction. It has all the perks of a waiting room, except its far less boring because it’s more of a bubbly vibe. Many people read over breakfast, but I’m not much of a breakfast person so this would be my equivalent.
Coffee shops are also usually filled with like-minded people, so you may even find other readers. I recently visited a Waterstones in London that had a Costa Coffee built in, and nothing was more comforting than ordering a coffee and enjoying a chapter of a book among other readers doing exactly the same.
Honourable mentions
- On the beach: I don’t live near any beaches so this is a rare one for me. But if you happen to be alone at the beach then it’s a great setting for some reading.
- At work on your lunch break: If your lunch breaks aren’t too social at the work place then consider fitting in some reading time, whether it’s at your desk, in the lunch room or outside the building completely.
- By a river or lake: Funnily enough, there was a river close by my previous job premises and there were many benches. A perfect place to sit with a book and a sandwich.
What are your favourite reading spots outside of the home? Let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to sign-up to the Redital reader’s list for access to giveaways, book recommendations and more.
