Top Tranquil Spots Near Your Office to Unwind

Deadlines, meetings and targets.. modern workdays can be relentless. But just a few minutes from your office or commuter station, serenity often waits quietly in plain sight. Whether you need a moment to recharge at lunch, find a calming corner after a tough call or decompress before your train home, our network is full of peaceful places made for professionals craving a pause button. 

We’ve rounded up some of the most tranquil urban pockets across the SWR map. Ideal for anyone working in or near major South West towns and cities. 

1. Bournemouth – Upper Gardens 

Nearest station: Bournemouth (15min walk) 

A lunchtime walk through the historic Upper Gardens is the perfect antidote to back-to-back meetings. Less busy than the more central Lower Gardens, this beautifully landscaped space features winding paths, mini waterfalls, exotic trees and benches hidden under arching canopies. Bring a book, eat your sandwich slowly, or just sit with your thoughts with no Wi-Fi and no interruptions. 

2. Winchester – Abbey Gardens 

Nearest station: Winchester (8min walk) 

Tucked behind the city’s Guildhall, Abbey Gardens is a Victorian haven that’s often overlooked by tourists. The manicured lawns, seasonal flowerbeds and the gentle hum of the River Itchen make this an ideal escape between meetings. Grab a takeaway coffee from the High Street and wander the gravel paths for a refreshing 15minute reset. 

3. Southampton – QE2 Mile & Houndwell Park 

Nearest station: Southampton Central (10min walk) 

Between bustling offices and shopping crowds lies a quiet corridor of calm along the Queen’s Park section of the QE2 Mile. Houndwell and Palmerston Parks, nearby, also offer green spaces and shady benches where you can clear your mind before hopping on your next train. Look out for the peaceful sensory garden near the east side, it’s a local gem for some mindfulness. 

4. Windsor – Alexandra Gardens 

Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Riverside (5min walk) 

Overlooked by the grandeur of Windsor Castle, Alexandra Gardens sits beside the River Thames and offers tree-lined paths, ornamental gardens and uninterrupted views across the river. On sunny days, the space becomes a calm retreat where professionals quietly catch up on reading or phone calls away from the crowds. A perfect pause before heading to your next client. 

5. Basingstoke – Eastrop Park 

Nearest station: Basingstoke (12min walk) 

This riverside park has its own boating lake, wooded footpaths and duck-filled ponds just moments from Festival Place’s business and retail buzz. It’s the kind of green oasis that makes a 20minute stroll feel like a weekend recharge. Go at dusk and see the sun setting over the water for a soothing end to a high-speed workday. 

6. Portsmouth – Southsea Rose Garden

Nearest station: Portsmouth & Southsea (15min taxi or quick bus) 

Portsmouth might be known for its naval edge, but the Southsea Rose Garden offers an elegant circular garden filled with over 40 rose varieties. It’s especially peaceful during early evenings, when the commuter crowd is elsewhere and the sea breeze drifts in. Bring a podcast and walk the nearby promenade for a total sensory reset. 

7. Salisbury – Queen Elizabeth Gardens 

Nearest station: Salisbury (10min walk) 

A short walk from the cathedral and just beyond the office buzz, this riverside garden is perfect for a moment of peace. The gentle flow of the River Avon, well-kept lawns and the occasional swan make it feel a world away from Teams notifications. On clear days, you’ll even get postcard views of the spire above the treetops. 

8. Exeter – Northernhay Gardens

Nearest SWR station: Exeter Central (2min walk) 

One of England’s oldest public parks, Northernhay Gardens wraps around the back of the city’s legal and business quarter. Terraces, sculptures, quiet corners and the occasional squirrel give this space its distinctive “urban retreat” feel. Whether you’re escaping spreadsheets or taking five before your next pitch, it’s a calming, quiet space right on the edge of the professional hive. 

Make the Most of Your Commute with SWR 

With these tranquil retreats located near SWR stations, fitting in mindfulness and relaxation into your routine has never been easier. Plan your schedule and your journey so you can stop by a park or a garden. Discover more about our commuter offerings such as Business Direct for easier management of your business travel.