Exploring beyond the classroom

London, the bustling metropolitan city, is a student’s dream! The city is full of opportunities, adventure and a long list of things to do and places to visit. Being a Summer School student at LSE provides students with the privilege to explore the rich history and culture of England.

London can be overwhelming at times, due to the busyness and the puzzling Tube map, but don’t let that distract you from the beauty London has to offer. While at Summer School, I also travelled to Canterbury and Brighton (about an hour’s train ride from London). I can assure you that traveling to these nearby picturesque cities, either alone or in groups, is convenient, accessible and so much fun. Whether you are at Summer School for three, six or nine weeks, it is certain that London, and the surrounding areas, will send you off with a bag full of memories. I am now going to discuss my favourite places I visited in London and beyond!

London

Taking advantage of the beautiful weather and LSE’s central location in the heart of London gives you access to explore the major tourist attractions like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, St. Pauls Cathedral - they are located 10-20 minutes from LSE by bus or Tube. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot the king!

If you’re a person who enjoys history, make sure to visit the British Museum, the National Gallery and Tate Modern art museum. To enjoy the vibrant streets and explore cuisines from across the globe, take a stroll around Covent Garden, Camden, Borough Market and Portobello Market - while diving into depths of food, music, art and culture you’re sure to get a taste of being a true Londoner.

A relaxing evening after class or a weekend can be dedicated to a picnic or stroll around Hyde Park, Regent's Park or Kensington Gardens to appreciate the exotic plant species, flowers and the scenic skyline.

Additionally, do not miss out on the Oxford, Cambridge and Windsor day trips organised by LSE, which is a fun way to explore these nearby cities as well, and meet other Summer School students.

Canterbury

When you are ready for a change of scenery from the hustle of life in London, Canterbury is located 60 miles from Southeast London and can easily be reached by taking the train from Central London. Canterbury is known for its cathedral, rich history, stunning architecture and offers a glimpse of medieval England.

The star attraction is Canterbury Cathedral which is renowned for its gothic architecture and serene atmosphere, while the cathedral is of fascinating significance from the Geoffrey Chaucer’s stories, entitled the “Canterbury Tales”.

The best way to go around Canterbury is by foot, strolling through cobbled streets of the old town, which is lined with quaint shops, tearooms, pubs, live music. The city is certain to calm you and give you a glimpse of England's medieval past.

Brighton

If you’re a water baby like I am, Brighton is the place to go for your seaside getaway. The vibrant coastal city is approximately an hour away from London by train. Brighton offers a unique blend of seaside charm and vibrant culture with a modern twist.

Start your day here with a walk along the Brighton coast and relax by the chill waters (don’t forget to carry your jackets/towels - the British seas are freezing!). After some tanning and rejuvenation by the water, grab fish and chips, hot chocolate or a variety of snacks before you head onto Brighton Pier, where I spent the whole day at the gaming arcade enjoying various carnival games and also won a lot of exciting gifts in return. After finishing all the games, sit and enjoy the sea view from a height on the i360, a revolving tower where you can experience a breath-taking view of the coastline.

For art enthusiasts the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery showcases Brighton’s eclectic collection of artefacts reflecting the city’s creative spirits. Don’t forget to explore the vibrant North Laine district known for its street shops, graffiti, and boutiques.

Brighton’s lively nightlife, music and clubs cater to different tastes, while the beachfront bars and restaurants cannot be missed to complete the bright day in Brighton.

This blog was written by one of our 2023 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.