London is one of the greenest capitals in the world, because of the number of parks to be found in the city.  With the sunny weather here, there is often no better way to spend your free time enjoying a few rays, and exploring these parks. With so many to visit, where do you start?  Hyde Park is one of the Royal Parks, that has something for everyone.

Where is it?

Hyde Park is located right in the centre of London. It is one of the biggest parks in London, with a number of the London Tube stations located near to the park, making it easy for you to get to. Buses also run to park.

What’s there?

The park has got lots to offer, whatever you want to do with your time there. You can go boating, cycle, skate, or simply just walk around and enjoy the views.

During the winter, you can also go ice skating in the park.

Hyde Park

Buildings and Monuments

There are a number of famous buildings and monuments within the park as well, which you shouldn’t leave without visiting. Some of the monuments to be found there include the Joy of Life fountain, the Achilles statue, the Diana Memorial Fountain and The Serpentine Bridge. There are a number of other monuments to visit within the park as well.

Events

Throughout the year there are events taking place in the park. You can enjoy events from anything such as cultural, music, art or even sporting events.

When classes have finished, or you are looking for something to do during the weekend, it’s a good time to go and explore the city, so you can get to know some of the places that make London famous. One popular area of the city is Notting Hill. Here you can find lots to do as the area is one the most contemporary and fashionable parts of the city.

Where is it?

Notting Hill is in West London. It can be found in the north- western corner of Kensington Gardens and Chelsea. You can get to Notting Hill by Tube, bus or on foot.

Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival is the second biggest street party in the world. It takes place during August with the parade being the main highlight. During the carnival you can spend the day eating Caribbean food, visiting stalls and listening to music.

Notting Hill Carnival

Portobello Market

The Portobello Market is one of the most famous markets in London. The market sells just about everything from clothes to antiques and food. It runs along the Portobello Road, which stretches for around two miles.

Other things to do

In Notting Hill you will also find lots of shops, bars and cafes where you can pass your time. One shop that is a must see on every film lovers list is the Travel Bookshop, made famous  by the 1999 film Notting Hill starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.The area also has a good club scene if you want to have a night out there with friends.

In London there are lots of things to do during the summer months. With the summer holidays finally here for everyone, some of you may be considering coming to London during this time to take a course. Whenever you aren’t in the classroom there are plenty of things happening in and around the city to keep you occupied.

Cultural Festivals

There are a number of cultural festivals happening in London. The More London Free Festival runs throughout the summer and you can enjoy theatre, music and film screenings- without paying a penny.

Music Festivals

During the summer months there are many live music festivals taking place throughout the city. Many of the events are outdoors and there are artists playing all types of music from pop to rock and dance. From June right through to September, you can enjoy the music festivals taking place.

Other Events

Other events are also happening around the city, providing you with a different way to spend your afternoon. Between July and August you can take part in the British 10km Run, be part of the Open Weekend or even the street fairs taking place.

Hyde Park

Parks of London
Why not make the most of a good day and enjoy the sunshine in the park, along with a picnic with friends. There are many parks to visit but some of the most popular ones include Hyde Park, Regents Park and Richmond Park.

Attractions
Some things are best when done during a nice day. This is true when it comes to visiting some of  London, especially when it is the London Zoo and the Royal Botanic Gardens. On a nice day you can make the most of visiting all sorts of animals or exploring the grounds.

If you are looking for a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, or even your free time during the week, then Camden Town could be just the place. The area is one of the most alternative areas of London. It’s famous for its bohemian feel and alternative fashion, which has made it a popular area to come to.  The area is well known for its markets, where you will find lots of alternative goods.

How to get here

Camden Town is situated in the northwest of London and is close to Charing Cross. The area can be reached by the Underground, the bus or even on foot if you prefer.

The Markets of Camden

The most famous market in the area is the Camden Lock Market, which is situated beside the canal. It is most famous for the arts and crafts which you can buy there. Apart from this, the other markets to visit include the Camden Stables Market (home to alternative fashion), the Camden Lock Village and the Inverness Street Market.

Alternative Fashion

If you are looking for something a little bit different to wear, then the markets and shops of Camden could have just what you are looking for. The area is well known for its alternative fashion, with clothes available to suit all tastes, from goth to punk and hippy.

Camden Town

The Music Scene

In Camden Town you will find music to suit all tastes, whether it’s while you are having a few quiet drinks in one of the pubs with your friends, or you are going out around the local club scene. House, jazz, classical and punk are just some of the genres of music you can be sure to find here.

The Canal

The Regent’s Canal which runs through the area is another reason for its fame. A trip can be taken along the canal to places such as London Zoo.

Learning English will of course be the main reason for you to come to London. However while you are with the school you can also benefit from discovering the culture and beauty of the city, through the activities and events organised by the English Language Studio. There are plenty of events and activities to choose from, letting you discover the city while getting to practice the language, outside of the classroom.

Music concerts

During your time at the school there will be the opportunity to see some musical concerts. London is well known for its music scene, as there is something to suit everyone, no matter what your taste.  With the school you will have the opportunity to go to some concerts such as rock and classical.

Film nights

If you want a quiet night in then a film night is the perfect way to relax, as well as a way of helping you to practice your English. There are lots of films available through the Film Club, which is free to join.

English Language Studio

Nights out

Whether it’s a casual night out in one of the local pubs, or a night in one the clubs of the city, there are many events organised for you and your friends to enjoy.

Trips

If you want to spend a little bit of time outside the city then there is the opportunity to go on trips to places such as Oxford and Cambridge. As well as this there is also the chance for you to visit Stratford Upon Avon, where Shakespeare was from.

Sight seeing

London is full of things to see and do. With the school you will be able to visit some of the most famous landmarks and attractions. You can enjoy the London Eye, trips along the River Thames, andeven a trip to Madame Tussauds.

London has many famous streets and districts. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start, when it comes to discovering the city. However one area that you shouldn’t leave the city without visiting is Convent Garden.

Where is it?

Convent Garden is surrounded by Charing Cross Road, Kingsway, the Strand and Shaftesbury Avenue. There are a number of ways to get here from the Tube, the bus, or even going on foot, if you prefer to walk around the city.

Why is it famous?

Convent Garden is most famous for its market which was designed in 1632 by Inigo Jones.  It was the biggest fruit and vegetable market in England and remained this way for over 300 years, before the market moved away from the area in the 1970s.

However this isn’t the only reason that the area found fame. It has also been long associated with street entertainment, with one of the first Punch and Judy shows taking place here.

What is there to do today?

The fruit and veg markets may have gone, but in their place you can find markets offering arts and crafts, jewellery, clothes, boutiques and gift shops, to suit all tastes.

Aside from the markets there is also a lot going on in the Piazza- with street performers such as mime artists, jugglers and musicians entertaining the crowds. As well as this is there also the chance to go to the Opera or to see ballet shows in the theatre.

The area also offers some of the best restaurants and bars within London. There is plenty to choose from but because of the popularity of some places it may be best to book a table before going.

When you think about London, one of the first things that often springs to mind is the theatre. Whether you are after a musical, play, comedy or performance art, you will find it in London. With shows on at all times of the year, just how do you decide where to go to?

Theatreland

This is where you will find some of the most famous musicals and plays currently showing in London.

Typically, the theatres of the West End carry the tag of being commercial theatre. The West End is home to some of the biggest productions, with shows such as The Lion King and Phantom of the Opera. This is not surprising given that it is the home to UK film and theatre, with some of the shows running here for over twenty years. This makes taking a trip to “Theatre land” a must do for many tourists.

Phantom of the Opera

Shakespeare

It seems wrong to talk of English theatre and not mention Shakespeare. Many productions of his works will be found in the off- West End theatres. There are several theatres showing Shakespeare plays throughout the year.

Fringe Theatre

These theatres carry a tag of being more alternative. Alternative theatre or fringe theatre as it is also known will often be found around London. Some of these theatres can be found in London’s East End, famous for its music halls, burlesque shows and also alternative comedy. Some of the big names in comedy first started out here.

London Fringe Festival

The London Fringe Festival is an annual festival for film and visual art. It is a ten day festival for independent artists to showcase their work. With comedy, music and theatre there is always plenty happening.

With London being such a large cosmopolitan city, it is not surprising that there is something for everyone to be found within its many districts. However with London being such a big city, where do you start to look?Soho is one area that has got lots going on. Whether you are looking for a café to sit in and relax during the day, or somewhere to go for a night out, there is always something to do!

Where is it?

Soho can be found in west-central London, surrounded by some of the most famous streets of the city ( Oxford Street, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road.). There are a number of metro stations that connect you to the area.

Soho’s history

The history of Soho is long and colourful, and is part of what has made it famous today.

With the rich avoiding this area between the 17^th and 20^th Century, the area began to gain a reputation for prostitutes, music halls and small theatres. At the start of the 19^th Century the area gained a Bohemian reputation, with many artists and musicians coming there, but spending more time drinking in the local bars than writing!

The area kept this somewhat seedy reputation for the most part of the 20^th and 21^st Century. However in the last few decades the area has really turned around. The 1950s saw the music scene take over, making Soho famous for its beatnik and jazz culture. It was also one of the places to be during the swinging 60s.

London Soho

What’s there today?

The district of Soho is now famous for its theatre shows, gay scene ( Old Compton Street), pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants. There are also many boutiques, if shopping is more your thing.

As well as this it continues to be a popular area for jazz music and has many live music nights happening.

You will find something here to suit every taste, making it one of London’s most fashionable areas.  Not only is it a must see for tourists, but it is also popular with many of the locals.

With London being such a busy and vibrant city, sometimes it can be nice to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle that goes with city life. London is very well connected to many parts of the UK, and if you feel like a day trip outside of the city then there are some great places to go to, all within easy reaching distance.

Windsor Castle

The castle, about 30 minutes away from London, is the Queen’s favourite weekend home. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Various tours run in operation at different times of the year- from visiting the State Apartments to climbing the famous round tower, which has only reopened recently.

Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest is an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Most people ,however, know it for being the home of Winnie the Pooh. While in the forest, you can go on Pooh Walks to see all the places made famous by A.A.Milne’s books. Apart from this, the forest has national and international protection because of the wildlife that lives there.

 If the countryside is of a great interest to you, then the Lake District could be worth checking out also.  

A busy street in London

Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the most famous universities in the world. However if you make a trip to Oxford City there is more to see than just the university, as it is steeped in history.You can arrive at Oxford, by train, in about an hour. Buses also run regularly but take a little longer.

Sea side Escape

Brighton is the perfect sea side escape, if you want to get away from the city for the day. It offers a complete change of scenery with its Royal Pavilion and the Brighton Pier. Arriving from London takes no more than an hour by train.

Thorpe Park

If spending a quiet afternoon in the countryside or by the sea isn’t your thing, then Thorpe Park might be just the place for you. Thorpe Park is a theme park, just over half an hour away from the centre, with over 30 attractions for you to choose from. Getting to the park is not a problem as it can be accessed by car, train or bike.

As students we are always looking for ways to save a little bit of money here and there, and the good news is that in London, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a good time. Most capital cities carry the tag of being expensive but with a little bit of research it’s not hard to find the best and cheapest places to go. Whether it’s a meal with friends, spending time around the museums of the city or going out to sample the local night life, there’s something for everyone.

Free Events

With London having so much on offer, there are plenty of free events happening; it’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

Free events are going on in London throughout the year, from film premieres, to music events, markets and much more. Without spending a penny, you can experience so much in and around the city.

Museums

Most museums in London are free entry. The only time you have to pay is to see some of the exhibitions which are going on. There are museums to suit all interests. From science museums, to art galleries offering collections of world art and artefacts, there is plenty to see.

London Attractions

If you really want to visit some of the best known London attractions then the London Pass offers discount on around 55 attractions. You can choose from a 1, 2, 3 or 6 day pass. Buying the pass gives you free entry into some of the most famous tourist spots in London. As well as this, the pass can be used to get discount in shops, restaurants and cinemas.

Show and Dinner Deals

With these deals you get to be wined and dined before going to see a show in a London theatre. The prices vary depending on the show you want to go and see. Generally the prices range from £20 to £50, so it can be a great way to get to see a show in the West End- with dinner thrown in.

If the show and dinner deal is not your thing, then tickets for the West End can be bought separately. The cheapest way of getting tickets for a show is to attend preview showings or to visit the tkts booths, which offer tickets at discounted prices. 

Sights of London

Eating Out

Pub food, or pub grub as it is more locally known, is often where you will find the cheapest offers and deals on food. Many pubs within London offer various dishes, such as the traditional Sunday Roast.

Generally, a take-away tends to be cheaper than eating out in restaurants, with fish and chips, being an old British favourite.

Fish and chips

Going Out

The club scene in London can be expensive. Depending on what area you go to, you can expect to have to pay quite a bit of money. Although a night out like this can be nice once in a while, cheap nights out can also be found. Some clubs offering student nights can be worth checking out. These are often nights through the week when there is a reduced, or even free, door charge and certain drinks on promotion. Some clubs may require that you bring a student ID in order to make the most of these offers.

Happy Hour

The best offers on drinks are often during happy hour. Many pubs and bars in London have these offers going on, so there are plenty of places to visit. More often than not, bars will have beer and cocktails on offer at this time.