Things to do while staying at Sidney Webb House

Choosing the right accommodation for your summer school stay

Nestled far from the London School of Economics main campus, about a 40-50 minute walk away, lays a humble abode – Sidney Webb House. “It’s so far away from everything, but at least it’s cheap!” I remember groaning. The inexpensive element was true, but little did I know my stay at Sidney Webb would prove my initial perceptions of the accommodation completely wrong. Here are some reasons why you should definitely consider Sidney Webb House during your stay.

#1 Visit Borough Market (14 minute walk; or 3 minute bus ride)

Borough market is a gem among gems here in London. Come by to try some of the United Kingdom’s most famous doughnuts; get in line for a cup of coffee made from freshly ground beans; or savour some freshly made risotto, paella and fish and chips! It really is a foodie’s paradise.

#2 Marvel at the Tower Bridge (6 minute bus ride)

Optionally, once you have completed your satisfying food tour in Borough Market, you can opt to take a scenic 8-10 minute walk along Queens Walk, where the bridge will be in full view at all times. Once you arrive at the bridge you may consider paying a small fee to enter their museum or to ascend to the top of Tower Bridge for a view over the river. However, if you are trying to keep your summer school experience thrifty, a simple walk across the bridge is still a fantastic experience and, if you are lucky, you will also get to see the bridge make way for any passing boats on the river!

#3 Grab a pint and some gelato at Mercato Metropolitano (11-minute walk)

Serving up award-winning Stracciatella gelato, a visit to the food court tucked away next to its more famous counterpart, Borough Market, should also not be missed during your stay at Sidney Webb. After a long day of classes, take a bus back from the LSE campus which will drop you off close to the food court where you will get to savour dishes from a variety of cultures. During my visit, the ramen stall and gelato were definitely non-negotiables, but if you’re visiting with a large group of people, you may consider ordering the jerk chicken platter along with a pint to unwind for the day.

#4 Bask in the city view from Sky Garden (6 minute bus-ride)

Entry is free for the Sky Garden, which has one of the most stunning views of London that the city has to offer. All you have to do is make an early ticket booking in advance which will guarantee your entry into a luscious garden nestled atop the city of London. Orchestra performances are organised from time to time, so be on the lookout for any events to make your experience doubly magical.

#5 Immerse yourself at the Tate Modern (18-minute walk and bus ride)

Last but not least, any visit to London would be incomplete without dropping by the Tate Modern. It is an absolutely stunning gallery that has both free and paid-entry exhibitions, but don’t let that alarm you because both exhibition types are equally astonishing. You may decide to shorten the 18-minute walk by making this visit right after your breakfast or brunch at Borough Market.

Here are some honourable mentions on the key perks of staying at Sidney Webb

• Transport is available from Sidney Webb directly to the LSE campus. It takes only about 15-20 minutes to travel by bus and there’s no need to switch buses.
• Easy access to amenities. There is a Sainsbury’s supermarket right outside of Sidney Webb house where you can get access to cheap food and toiletries as you need.
• Bad Moon Café. If you’re a fan of Dungeons and Dragons or just simply want to enjoy a board game with some friends, Bad Moon Café is a board game café that is literally on the corner of Sidney Webb House.
• Recommended restaurants nearby: Rao Deli (£), Andanza (££), Duck & Waffle (£££)

So, if you are thinking of travelling to the United Kingdom on a budget, consider staying with the university’s accommodation services and pick Sidney Webb for what will be a worthwhile experience.

The above information is true and accurate at the time of writing on the 25^th of October 2022

This blog was written by one of our 2022 Student Ambassadors, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the summer school experience at LSE.