summer in London - Kris

Question of the week: What does summer in London mean to you?

"I know that this is a really trite answer, but one of my favourite things about summer in London is Wimbledon. I've never seen a match live, only on TV (which means that I could be anywhere, I know!), but the feeling that it's so close, and that I could head out and see the actual matches makes it special.

If you have time and desire, head down to Southfields on the District Line and take the pleasant walk to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. You may be able to see some great tennis, and you're sure to get a feeling of the atmosphere even if you can't. (And if anyone finds out where they hold the Wimbledon Croquet Championships, do pass the word along - it has to be easier to get tickets for that!)"- Kris

* Photo by bamberry, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

summer in London - Miss Alice

Question of the week: What does summer in London mean to you?

"For me, summer in London is all about the long, late evenings, whether they're spent in the back garden, along the river, or in one of London's many parks. It's about the festivals and gatherings - whether that's a picnic in the park with friends, or big public events like Lovebox, the Sundae Festival and Dancing City. It's about kids playing in and out of the fountains, taking the riverboat home because it's far too hot to sit on the tube, and drenching thunderstorms that break the heat."- Miss Alice

* Photo by tangentical, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

summer in London

Question of the week: What does summer in London mean to you?

"Summer in London means night being chased away by the increasing resilience of day; the scent of a gentle rain shower in the middle of a dry, June day; a garden painted with innumerable, decadent flowers; a glass of white wine shared with friends at one of the quaint shops behind Oxford Street; dusk, when the sky weaves shades of orange and red into an artistic masterpiece; dawn, when the first rays sparkle graciously through the window; the crowds anxiously destined for different, fun events; the river Thames reflecting the splendour of bright lights; and lastly, summer in London means being lucky."- Christina

* Photo by milena mihaylova, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Summer freebies - Miss Alice

Question of the week:

" As I've said before, I'm a dance fan as well as a London-lover, so I'm really looking forward to the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival (24 June – 2 July 2011 ) - an amazing collection of free dance and other performances in the east of the city. They bill themselves as 'seriously spectacular street theatre' and based on previous years' events, they're not kidding. Check out their website, or there's a print program of events in the LUP Library, with the newspapers. Most of the events are free and open to all - a handful are free, but need to be pre-booked."- Miss Alice

* Photo by drinksmachine, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Summer freebies - Christina

Question of the week: Do you have a summer freebie to recommend?

"This weekend Trafalgar Square is hosting free live theatre in West End Live! Go see a sneak preview of top productions performed live for free! Beats having to pay for a show, and plus, it’s right here at Trafalgar Square!"- Christina

* Photo by thesolaris5, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Summer freebies - Kris

Question of the week: Do you have a summer freebie to recommend?

"Is it cheating to say "Treasures of Heaven" at the British Museum, which I'm really looking forward to.

Whether you can picture it or not, I had an academic life before becoming a Rector. My field was Medieval history and archaeology, and it is a subject that I still love and keep abreast of. Because of this (and the fact that I like pretty things), I'm really excited about the British Museum's newest exhibition (opening next Thursday, the 23rd) 'Treasures of Heaven'.

Along with the exhibition, there will be events and talks with a medieval theme. And, as always, it's a really good excuse to just wander around the British Museum. Check out the website, and you may find that something sparks your interest - whether you know anything about the Middle Ages or not! Wandering through the museum is free, as are many of the events, even if the exhibition isn't.

* Photo by bsit, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Picnic spots - Kris

Question of the week: Where would you recommend for a good picnic spot?

"St. James's Park is possibly my favourite park in London. It is the oldest Royal Park, which I think is fun. Also, I like the pond, and I like how it is situated amidst some of the most important landmarks and political buildings, and yet has been allowed to remain a green oasis in the city (to be a bit trite...). There may still be ducklings on the pond if you need a dose of nature...

Take a sandwich, or buy something at the Inn in the Park or one of the stands. And if the weather turns a bit showery (like it has been recently) you can always get a coffee at the Inn, or head to one of the nearby museums (like the Household Cavalry Museum at Horseguards, or the Churchill War Rooms near the Foreign and Commonwealth Office).

So, central location, the possibility of baby birds, and places to go in the rain - what more do you want from a picnic locale?"- Kris

* Photo by orangebrompton, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.