Redbridge Central Library

You'll find this library tucked away in Redbridge, north-east London - a proper modern facility that's actually worth a visit if you're staying at Abbey Wood or anywhere nearby. It's a working library, not some heritage museum piece, which means it feels lived-in and useful rather than stuffy. The building itself is functional rather than fancy, but the interior is well-designed with decent natural light and proper quiet zones.

What you actually do there depends on what you're after. If you've got kids, the children's section is well-stocked and there's usually activity space. Adults come for books, research facilities, computers and a general place to sit without buying overpriced coffee. The staff know their stuff and the collection is solid - local history materials if you're researching the area, plus standard lending stock. It's the kind of place where you can easily lose an hour or two without feeling rushed.

Free to use, obviously - it's a public library. Allow 45 minutes if you're just browsing, longer if you're settling in with a book or using the computers. Best visited mid-week when it's quieter than weekends. If you're based at Abbey Wood or another Redbridge park and weather's turned, this beats sitting in the caravan. Not a destination in itself, but genuinely handy if you need a break from the outdoors.