Based in Clapham in South London, the London Shambhala Meditation Centre offers meditation instruction and weekend and weekday courses in meditation, Buddhism and the meditative arts. As part of Slow Down London, we invite you to an afternoon workshop ‘Live Life in Real Time: an Introduction to Meditation for Busy Londoners’ (25 April). On 2 May there will be a chance to try out contemplative arts including flower arranging, photography, archery and calligraphy.

Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity, and is behind the award winning National Cycle Network, Bike It, TravelSmart, Connect2 and Liveable Neighbourhoods, all projects that are changing our world one mile at a time. The beauty of slowing down and walking or cycling for more journeys in and around London is that it gets you away from the timetables and traffic jams, and allows you to appreciate the city at your own pace – be part of Slow Down London through sustainable transport.

At Skylark Galleries time often stands still as you find yourself lingering, connecting with the artists while browsing the varied selection of quality original artworks. Since the ’90s SG has been run by a committed and enthusiastic group of artists. For Slow Down London Skylark artists will be presenting a cool calm exhibition, arty activities, plus talks and visualisations. See Events section for details.

The Life Centre ® is one of London’s leading yoga and natural health centres, located in a beautifully converted home between Notting Hill Gate and High Street Kensington. For Slow Down London they will host a Slow Down Yoga workshop (26 April), led by leading yoga teacher Graham Burns, including breathing practices, movement, restorative poses and relaxation.

Craftspace is a crafts development organisation which works to push boundaries and perceptions of crafts practice. We are developing a new touring exhibition Taking Time which will explore the relationship between Craft and the Slow movement. The core of craft practice is a commitment to the hand-made, and the learned skill which is acquired over time.  Craft takes a stand against mass consumption and production. We will offer a taste of this project during Slow Down London – more information coming soon.

Discover the joy of slowing down through the ancient practice of meditation at the London Buddhist Centre (LBC), one of the largest urban Buddhist Centres in Europe. The LBC supports Slow Down London as an excellent opportunity to discover the inner stillness and calm that we can all find within us. Throughout the week, we’ll be running beginners meditation classes, as well as a special evening of poetry and music, and a poetry workshop day.

Yogamatters is a website for yoga events, and an online shop offering yoga gifts, props, clothing, books and music. Yogamatters is supporting Slow Down London by promoting the festival to the community of yoga teachers and students.

Sir John Soane’s Museum is a haven of peace just off Holborn and Kingsway, and is preserved almost exactly as it was in 1837, the year of architect and collector Sir John Soane’s death. Soane designed this house to live in, but also as a setting for his antiquities and works of art. The house and Museum’s calm, time capsule atmosphere sums up the ethos of Slow Down London.

Situated in Bethnal Green, East London, Bodywise is an “oasis in the city”, just a one-minute tube ride from Liverpool Street, on the Central Line. Our Yoga, Pilates, Qi Gong and Tai chi classes are an opportunity to learn about, strengthen, and enjoy your body. During Slow Down London we will be offering workshops in Tai Chi and Qi Gong; both gentle, flowing practices which can help counteract our speedy, stressed lives.

The Special Yoga Centre in Kensal Rise holds a wide range of adult and children’s yoga and pilates classes, workshops and courses. Our teachers come together from varying yoga traditions and take pride in helping each student to form a solid foundation from which to grow and embrace the lifelong study of yoga. Join us for an evening of relaxing therapies on Pamper Night (24 April), or the Yogaflow workshops with Kali Ray(1-3 May).

The Mary Ward Centre has a reputation for its wide range of quality courses and for being the friendly place to learn. We are a specialist adult education college conveniently located in Bloomsbury, Central London. As we offer part time courses of study in the daytime, evenings, and at weekends – in subjects that have relevance for work, for personal growth or just for fun – we are delighted to be part of Slow Down London. Visit our website for full details of activities.

Set in the heart of Westminster, moments from the Houses of Parliament, St. John’s, Smith Square is Grade 1 Listed, and one of London’s major concert venues valued for its superb acoustics. We are delighted to be part of Slow Down London and encourage you to Slow Down your London at St. John’s, by experiencing beautiful music in a tranquil and unique setting.