Canada Water Library

The lowdown

Canada Water Library is one of London's most striking modern public buildings, a glittering inverted pyramid clad in metal that leans out over the old dock. Opened in 2011, it is free to use and a genuine piece of architecture you can simply walk into.

Inside, the space spirals upward around a sculptural staircase, with reading areas looking out over the water and the busy interchange below. It is a working local library, full of people reading, studying and bringing their kids, and it doubles as a community hub for the fast-growing neighbourhood around it.

Down in the basement is a small theatre and event space, the Culture Space, which hosts free and low-cost performances and talks. For a free, warm, beautiful room with a waterside view, it is well worth the short hop on the Jubilee line.