London study spots: Best libraries, cafes and more to revise for A-Levels and GCSEs

It's time to hit the books 
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Summer may be approaching, but students across the country are facing a few more weeks stuck inside studying.

If you're upping the ante on your revision schedule, changing up your scenery might help bring some precious focus. From libraries to cafes, London has some of the best locations for getting your head stuck in a textbook.

Looking for creative inspiration to prepare for the exam period? We've rounded up some of the best study spots in the capital.

The British Library, King’s Cross

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There's no location more iconic when it comes to hitting the books than the British Library. Grab a spot around the library's towering shelves in the middle of the building, or nab yourself a place in one of the library's spacious reading rooms. For the latter, you'll need to pre-register online for a Reader Pass, but it's definitely worth it. The reading room policy is strict – you’ll need to drop your bag and water bottle in the cloakroom upon arrival – but it’s an ideal atmosphere for intense, quiet study.

96 Euston Rd, Kings Cross, NW1 2DB, www.bl.uk.

Look Mum No Hands!

Look Mum, No Hands in OId Street (Look Mum, No Hands! )
Look Mum, No Hands!

Only in Shoreditch could you find a café fashioned as a bike workshop. If somewhere a bit more unusual helps you get the grey cells going, this quirky hangout has free WiFi, power sockets, coffee and even draught beer should you need a cheeky tipple to reward yourself after a hard day of revision. It’s open until 10 pm every night, making it a great choice for night owls.

49 Old St, EC1V 9HX, www.lookmumnohands.com.

Yumchaa, Soho

Yumchaa, Soho (Yumchaa )
Yumchaa

If neither libraries nor coffee are enough to get your creative juices flowing, try quirky spot Yumchaa. This bright, spacious café sells over 40 varieties of tea and stocks a wide range of snacks and pastries to keep you sustained through the long study hours. There’s also free WiFi and plenty of table space for you to spread your work out on.

35 Berwick St, Soho, W1F 8SF, www.yumchaa.com.

Swiss Cottage Library

Swiss Cottage Library, Swiss Cottage (Swiss Cottage Library )
Swiss Cottage Library

With its sweeping spiral staircases, Swiss Cottage library is one of the most interesting buildings in London. Spread over two floors, it has private and group study spaces nestling among the bookshelves. You’ll need a library card to use the computers, or bring your own laptop and sign into the guest WiFi for free.

88 Avenue Rd, Swiss Cottage, NW3 3HA, www.camden.gov.uk.

Foyles

Foyles, Tottenham Court Road
Foyles/Leafi

At the top floor of this famous bookshop, you’ll find a bustling workspace, typically home to freelancers and creatives eagerly tapping away on their laptops. They serve a selection of hot and cold teas and coffees and pastries to keep you fuelled up throughout the day. Top tip: it can get very busy, so try to avoid peak times.

107 Charing Cross Rd, Soho, WC2H 0DT, www.leafi.co.uk/foyles.

Best libraries in London - in pictures

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Wellcome Library

Wellcome Library, Kings Cross
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The Wellcome Library is known for its impressive collection of medical history resources, making it a favourite spot for medicine and science students. Here, you’ll find everything from group study rooms to assisted study rooms for those requiring audio software.

183 Euston Rd, Kings Cross, NW1 2BE, www.wellcomelibrary.org.

Paperchase Tinderbox Espresso Bar

Tinderbox Espresso Bar, Paperchase Tottenham Court Road (Tinderbox Espresso Bar )
Tinderbox Espresso Bar

Don’t be fooled by the shop exterior, because tucked away on the first floor is a trendy espresso bar. Offering a great selection of coffees, iced drinks and smoothies, it’s a good place to go if you're after a group study session. This space has large windows, too, so you won’t feel too holed up even during the most lengthy revision sessions.

213-215 Tottenham Court Rd, W1T 7PS, www.tinderbox-espresso-bar.com.

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