Working remotely sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? Roll out of bed, grab a coffee, open the laptop, and get cracking. Except, after a while, the walls start closing in, the fridge gets a bit too distracting, and you realise you’ve started talking to the postman more than your colleagues.
That’s when you need a change of scene. The good news is that you don’t have to rent an office to do it. There are plenty of free (or very nearly free) places where you can work remotely without losing your Wi-Fi signal or your sanity. Some are obvious, others less so. All of them are realistic—no superyachts, rooftop pools or five-star private members’ clubs here.
So grab your laptop and let’s explore some of the best spots to take your office on the road.
Coffee Shops
Let’s start with the classic. Coffee shops have long been the unofficial headquarters of freelancers and remote workers. There’s a reason for that: they’re everywhere, they almost always have Wi-Fi, and they provide just enough background buzz to keep you alert without feeling like you’re sitting in complete silence. Plus, there’s the added bonus of endless caffeine within arm’s reach.
Things to consider? Not all cafés are created equal. Some are perfectly happy for you to sit for hours, while others give you the sort of looks normally reserved for people who cut in front of old ladies in a queue. It can also get pricey if you’re basically paying rent in flat whites. Big chains and large shops tend to leave you alone if you plonk yourself out of the way in a quiet corner somewhere, but smaller independent venues will need you to keep buying coffee or move on.
Cost: Price of a coffee
Best for: Short bursts of work
Timeframe: A couple of hours; expensive if you stay all day
Public Libraries
Libraries are a bit of a secret weapon. They’re quiet, they’re free, and they’re kitted out with Wi-Fi, tables, and power sockets. You don’t even have to pretend you’re there for books anymore—though the smell of old paper is a nice bonus.
The downside is that not every library is equal. Some are wonderfully modern with study pods and fast internet; others still think a dial-up modem is cutting-edge. The type of people you get in them can be hit and miss too, so in certain areas you might end up sat next to a lonely chatter box, or dare I say it, the local smelly person. It depends where you live. Also, you’re not going to be taking loud calls without shattering the peaceful hush.
Cost: Free
Best for: Long, focused sessions
Timeframe: Full days if the library is nice
Museums
Museums might not be the first place you think of when scouting for a makeshift office, but hear me out. Many large museums have free entry, huge atriums, quiet corners, and often free Wi-Fi. Plus, if your brain needs a break, you can wander off and look at dinosaur bones or impressionist paintings. That beats staring at the wallpaper.
Of course, not every museum will welcome you spreading out your mobile work station next to the Rosetta Stone, so be discreet and respectful. Also, you might find opening hours aren’t the most flexible.
Cost: Free (though a donation never hurts)
Best for: A creative change of scene
Timeframe: Half days
Hotel Lobbies
Hotels aren’t just for overnight guests—they often have plush lobbies with comfortable seating, decent Wi-Fi, and a steady stream of people that makes you feel like you’re part of something. As long as you don’t act like you’ve moved in, most hotels won’t mind you working quietly for a while.
On the flip side, it’s best to order a drink at the bar to justify your presence. And bear in mind that staff will notice if you’re still in the same seat six hours later without spending more than the price of a Diet Coke.
Cost: Price of a drink
Best for: Quick work sessions in the city
Timeframe: A few hours
Parks and Gardens
When the weather plays along, there’s nothing better than taking your work outside. Public parks, botanical gardens, or even just a quiet green square can be brilliant places to recharge your mind while still ticking off your to-do list. Sunshine and fresh air do wonders for creativity, and you’ll also get bonus points for topping up your vitamin D.
The problems? Wi-Fi is usually non-existent, battery life is suddenly precious, and the British weather is not to be trusted. You may also find yourself competing for bench space with pigeons.
Cost: Free
Best for: Offline tasks and fresh air
Timeframe: Short bursts
University Campuses
Most universities are sprawling, open places with cafés, libraries, and lots of communal areas. While some spaces are reserved for students, plenty of campuses are welcoming to the public, especially if you don’t stick out like a sore thumb. They’re usually buzzing with energy too, which can be surprisingly motivating.
The downsides? Term time can mean lots of noise and packed spaces, and Wi-Fi might not be freely available to non-students.
Cost: Free (occasional coffee spend)
Best for: A lively backdrop and quick sessions
Timeframe: A couple of hours
Community Centres
Many towns have community centres that double up as work-friendly hubs. They’re generally quieter than coffee shops but more relaxed than libraries, and they’re designed to be accessible to all. Some even run free Wi-Fi as part of their services.
Check ahead though—some are buzzing with activities for toddlers and pensioners, which may not be the backdrop you’re looking for during a Zoom pitch. As with libraries, you have to gauge the suitability on a case by case basis.
Cost: Free (sometimes donation-based)
Best for: Calmer, local working
Timeframe: Longer stints
Gym Cafés
Plenty of large gyms now have cafés or lounge areas where members can refuel after a workout. But here’s the secret: you don’t always need to break a sweat first. If you’re a member, you can usually stroll in, grab a drink, and park yourself with a laptop for an hour or two.
The upside is that these spots are often quieter during work hours, and you might even feel smugly healthy while tapping away. The downside is you’re limited by opening hours, and you may end up with a soundtrack of blender whirrs and protein-shake chat.
Cost: Price of gym membership and maybe a drink
Best for: Healthy pit stops and short sessions, ideal if tagged on before or after a workout
Timeframe: A couple of hours
Bank Work Cafés
Some high street banks in city centres are reinventing themselves as “community hubs” — which, in practice, means free Wi-Fi, comfy seats, and plug sockets that aren’t hidden behind a cactus. They’re designed for people to come in, set up a laptop, and maybe even open an account while they’re at it.
The atmosphere is usually calmer than a coffee shop, and unlike a library, you won’t get shushed if you take a quick call. The main drawback? They’re mostly in big cities, so not everyone has one on their doorstep.
Cost: Free
Best for: Quick bursts of focus
Timeframe: A couple of hours
Other People’s Houses
Not as weird as it sounds, promise. Plenty of remote workers solve the isolation problem by teaming up with friends. You bring your laptop, they bring theirs, and you both crack on with your different jobs while enjoying the occasional chat and the luxury of someone else making the tea. If you’ve got a mate with a garden office, even better — it feels like an upgrade without costing you a penny.
Some people even get creative: picking up pet-sitting or house-sitting gigs where they can quietly work from the client’s home while looking after the dog.
The obvious caveats? You need friends who don’t mind you moving in for the day, and you do need to be respectful — it’s still their space. But as a way of mixing up your week and dodging the cabin fever, it’s hard to beat.
Cost: Free (or the price of turning up with biscuits)
Best for: Company and variety
Timeframe: Whole days, half days, a few hours, whatever you agree
Co-working Open Days
Okay, technically these are expensive co-working spaces, but many offer free trial days to entice new customers. That means you can occasionally bag a professional workspace complete with fast Wi-Fi, ergonomic chairs, and free coffee without spending a penny.
Of course, the catch is that it won’t last forever. You might get one day free and then be faced with membership fees. Still, if you’ve got a big project and need a solid day of focus, this can be a brilliant hack.
Cost: Free (trial basis)
Best for: Big projects and deep focus
Timeframe: One-off full days