My Favourite Places in London

Over the summer I attended two sessions of LSE Summer School. After spending six weeks in London, I’d had my fair share of weekend excursions, afternoon walks, and evening adventures. Since returning home I have had time to reflect on my favourite London locations and I will share 3 of my top recommendations for a future LSE Summer School student.

The Churchill War Rooms was my favourite museum in London. Whether you’re interested in World War 2 history or want to learn more about one of history’s greatest orators, The War Rooms offers the opportunity to walk through the rooms where Churchill would have meandered, planned and led during the war. This museum is a good reminder of how terrible World War 2 was, but also an amusing exploration of Churchill’s peculiar habits. Did you know that Churchill smoked 10 cigars a day? Or that Churchill invented the onesie? And that his personal onesie is on display in the War Rooms museum? It’s an opportunity you can’t pass up. There is so much to see in this museum, to the point that I was kicked out by staff at closing time!

For souvenirs, shopping and eating, there was no better place than Spitalfields Market, just a few Tube stops away from the LSE campus. After many trips to the market, I walked away with gifts for my girlfriend, earrings for my mum, and a vintage shirt for my sister. While shopping I would stop for lunch at one of the many food stands that offer cuisines from around the world. Living in London probably added two inches to my waistline, and I don’t regret it for a second. My favourite eatery was Piadina Bros which cooked a phenomenal artisan flatbread. Since the flatbread didn’t last until the end of my Spitalfields journey, I was practically forced to stop at the Doh’hut to order a box of 3 doughnuts. I had every intention of taking some of the doughnuts home but my friend and I didn’t leave a crumb in the box.

Finally, a summer afternoon in London wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the park to lay out a blanket and read. But which park should you choose and where should you buy a book? This is a two-part recommendation. Starting from LSE’s campus you can walk (or take the bus/Tube) west to Piccadilly Circus where you will find Hatchard’s, London's oldest bookstore. Once you’re there you have 5 floors of books to choose from. After you purchase a book, travel south to find St James’s Park. Not only will you have a view of Buckingham Palace but if you’re there at the right time of day you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and see marching soldiers with thick bearskin hats. Coincidentally, St James’s Park contains the St James’s Cafe. This is a great place to grab a coffee or snack while you read. This plan could be adjusted so you can see the surrounding museums or take a tour of Westminster Abbey. St James’s Park is also very close to the Churchill War Rooms!

London is not only a great city to live during the summer, but the LSE campus puts you right in the middle of many important landmarks. On any given day, I could walk to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, or Tower Bridge. That’s not counting the many great buildings to read and study in on campus. LSE Summer School gives you access to everything London has to offer so make sure you don’t miss an opportunity while you are there!

This blog was written by one of our 2024 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.