Around Trafalgar Square

Question of the week: Can you recommend a hidden gem around Trafalgar Square?

"I'd have to say that St Martin's Lane, behind Trafalgar Square, is one of those small streets that many wouldn't notice unless by accident or if suggested by someone else. It is a small street with extensive options, such as theatres, cafes and second-hand bookshops. It's wonderful how such a narrow, relatively quiet street is home to all these things! The best part is, you don't have a lot of street traffic, as is mostly typical in other London locations, and you can buy yourself a book, go to a neighbouring cafe and enjoy your time reading or chatting with friends."- Christina

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

Around Trafalgar Square

Question of the week: Can you recommend a hidden gem around Trafalgar Square?

"I don't know how hidden it is, but I love St. James Park. It isn't far from Trafalgar Square, and it's a great place to take your lunch, or just spend some time outside."- Kris

* Photo by daiquiri_frozen's buddy icon daiquiri_frozen, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Around Trafalgar Square

Question of the week: Can you recommend a hidden gem around Trafalgar Square?

"Notes Coffee Shop, St. Martin's Lane. Not so hidden perhaps, but to my taste buds, the best cup of coffee in London, and a great place to bring a book and get some reading done."- Jamie

* Photo by Yukino Miyazawa, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Around Trafalgar Square

Question of the week: Can you recommend a hidden gem around Trafalgar Square?

"The Strand Gallery, on John Adam Street, tucked in behind Charing Cross – this little gallery gets rented out for all sorts of events and short-term exhibitions. Most of the exhibitions are free and open to the public, and I’ve seen some really fantastic shows there. Check out their website. Oh, and tucked in behind St Martin in the Fields, and the back of an ice cream truck, Maggi Hambling’s A Conversation with Oscar Wilde is one of my favourite statues in the area – well worth the tiny detour for anyone who has any fondness for Wilde at all!"- Miss Alice

* Photo by ecf1691, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Introductions - LSP 2012

Introductions: What do you do for the LSP?

"Hello! My name is Christina and I am the Program Administrator for the LSP. I am based in the London Centre Undergraduate Office where you are welcome to pop by any time if you have any questions, need to pick up theatre tickets (!), sign up for events, or need to find out where and when your next class is! Really, any assistance you need, I am here to help you. Looking forward to a great summer! "- Christina

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

Introductions - LSP 2012

Introductions: What do you do for the LSP?

"I am one of the Rectors at Conway Hall. Hopefully I'm someone you'll feel comfortable approaching for advice about where to go and how to do things both inside and outside London. I would also like to be someone to talk to if you feel stressed or upset, or have any problems during your time in London."- Kris

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

Introductions - LSP 2012

Introductions: What do you do for the LSP?”

"Hello all! I'm Jamie, and I'm one of the LSP's two Rectors. My job is based mainly over at Conway Hall, where I'm here to help all students on the program to get the most out of their time in London, and to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and support. My hours on duty are 6pm-Midnight on Tuesdays and Thursdays, together with every other weekend. During those times you'll find me roaming the corridors of Conway hoping for a good old chat, and to find out if there is anyway I can help."- Jamie

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

Introductions - LSP 2012

Introductions: What do you do for the LSP?

"Hi, I’m Miss Alice, and I’m the program’s librarian. I’m here to help students find all the resources they need – to help them learn as much as possible and put together great assignments, and more generally to make the most of their time in London. I love London, and I love sharing it with students – helping them discover the perfect place or event for them and their interests."-Miss Alice

* Photo by rachel_titiriga's buddy icon rachel_titiriga, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Exams, Exams, Exams

This is a very hectic week for all of us here at the London Centre which means the blog is on pause too, but we wanted to wish you all good luck on your exams!

* Photo by fee-ach, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

London

Question of the week: What do you think distinguishes London from any other cosmopolitan city and makes it worth visiting a second time?

"It is impossible to see not all, but most, of London’s treasures in one visit as the city is so overwhelmingly filled with exciting places and events. London is not a static city but a bustling centre that is constantly evolving; chances are, when you get here a second time, there will be numerous places to see or events to visit that were not here the first time around!"- Christina

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

London

Question of the week: What do you think distinguishes London from any other cosmopolitan city and makes it worth visiting a second time?

"I think – and this is a personal opinion without objective evidence – but I think the balance of past, present and future is what makes London so special – two thousand years of history, not preserved in aspic, but rubbing up alongside new development, new communities, new ways of life. Not even the history stands still – there are constantly new discoveries and new interpretations and presentations of London’s past. Whatever your area of interest, there’s always something new to come back for, as well as a goodly chance that your old favorite will still be here. "- Miss Alice

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

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"I would go visit the museums one last time. There aren't many cities that offer free entrance to the museums, and, well, I would make sure to go on my museum round one last time. Most importantly, I would have a walk around the centre of the city--watch people, cross the street with the characteristically round, lit globes showing the way on each pedestrian crossing, sit by the Thames with a cup of coffee, and take mental photos that would eventually morph into positive memories."- Christina

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

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"One of my favorite places is the Tower of London - I know that it seems expensive, but it's one of the oldest castles in England, there are Beefeaters, ravens and the crown jewels. What more could you want?"- Kris

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

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"A performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre."- Prof Kucich

* Photo by I am I.A.M., used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

What to do...again

Question of the week: If you only had two weeks left in London, what would you make sure to visit or see again?

"That’s a tough one, because it all depends on where you’ve already been, and what’s important to you… Personally, I’d be trying to squeeze in as much as possible – dinner in places that do good food *and* have something unique about them, studying at the Bishopsgate Institute or The British Museum, going to one of the lidos or up to Hampstead Heath to swim instead of a regular gym visit. I’d want to prioritize things that are very London specific – gigs and readings and events as well as historic sites and beautiful buildings – and if you can score some more double-value things at the same time, grab them with both hands – head up to Rough Trade East and explore Brick Lane and Spitalsfield Market.

I’d also put a premium on enjoying my regular locals before I had to leave – I’d probably spend my last day in London having lunch and tea at my local cafes, a final pilgrimage to Foyles and the British Museum, walk the familiar route down the river to Tower Hill, and hop on the DLR so I could admire the views on my way to Pudding Mill Lane for a final glimpse of the Olympic Park, and then walk home talking lots of photos of those very ordinary details that you tend not think about! "- Miss Alice

* Photo by J. A. Alcaide, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"I like terraces and patios as long as there isn't too much street traffic. Considering that London is mostly made up of street-side restaurants, pubs, and cafes, it is a bit more challenging to find a tranquil outdoor space where the sound of the bus doesn't serve as your background music. For this reason, I recommend Covent Garden. Though crowded, the centre provides a great variety of little restaurants and cafes where you can sit, relax, and watch the pedestrian traffic instead of the car traffic!"- Christina

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

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"Have you found the cafe in St. James' Park? There is seating, or take your goodies and have a picnic by the lake!"- Kris

* Photo by Alex Akopyan, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"The Lamb, on Lamb’s Conduit Street, one of the best pubs in London, and even better, my local!"- Prof Kucich

* Photo by Cian O'Donovan, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Outdoor London

Question of the week: Can you recommend a cafe or pub with an outdoor patio or rooftop terrace that you think is worth seeing?

"No one’s going to be surprised if I come up with suggestions facing the river, are they? Head east on the north bank to find the Prospect of Whitby, and on the south side of the river, The Mayflower in Rotherhithe – both have history and river view patios to recommend them – and The Mayflower does an excellent Sunday lunch."- Miss Alice

* Photo by Fabiana Zonca, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"If it's a reasonably warm day, I suggest you spend the day outdoors as much as possible. Whether you are following the massive London Easter Egg-Hunt or relaxing at a nearby park with some food, or watching the boat race by the Thames, Easter is (hopefully) meant to be an outdoor occasion!"- Christina

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

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"Check out The Old Vic Tunnels, which is planning to host an underground Victorian Era Easter theme park."- Prof Kucich

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

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"Check out Strictly Easter Ballroom on Friday, 6 April. There are lessons for everyone, demonstrations, music, and it's all Free! "- Kris

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

Easter in London

Question of the week: Are there any Easter-related activities you would like to recommend?

"The passion play staged in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday is always a huge event. Maybe balance out the crowds there with a visit to one of London’s City Farms, for some Easter-time chicks, lambs, and donkeys, and a breath of fresh air. Mudchute Park is a good bet for all of the above."- Miss Alice

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

Countdown to the Olympics

Question of the week:
Do you have any tips on how to go about seeing the Olympic Park by foot, or coach, or public transport?

"The DLR – Docklands Light Railway – offers some great opportunities to get close to the Olympic park. If you’re coming from Docklands, or from Tower Hill, the section from Pudding Mill Lane to Stratford runs right alongside the park, with some great views of the main stadium, and your only chance to see the beautiful Aquatics Centre “end on”, and so glimpse the wave form of the main building, which is hidden by the temporary “wings” from any other angle. The platforms at both Pudding Mill Lane and Stratford are high enough to give you good views, too. If you change at Stratford for the other DLR line, you can ride right through the middle of the park, to Stratford International DLR station – one of five new stations in east London created for the games. To be honest, you don’t get the most scenic views from the train – up close and personal with the side of the Waterpolo venue, and then underground for a spell – but when you come up the escalators at the station, you’re right at the gates of the Athlete’s Village. It might not be as flashy as the main stadium, but it’s an interesting development, none the less, and a big part of the legacy planning. It’s going to be the “greenest” large scale new residential development in Europe when it’s finished! What you can see rather depends on the building work going on - there’s a floating population of porta-cabins and cranes which sometimes block the view, but look out for the green roofs, and the panels from the Parthenon friezes on some of the buildings. "- Miss Alice

* Photo by Andy Wilkes, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.

Countdown to the Olympics

Question of the week: “Do you have any tips on how to go about seeing the Olympic Park by foot, or coach, or public transport?”

"The View Tube, located on the Greenway at Pudding Mill Lane has some of the best views going! This social enterprise project offers a café and garden, to go along with the view, as well as information and artistic responses to the park. You can even hire a bike to help you explore the area that way. (The other main viewing platform is from the other side of the park, in John Lewis in the Westfield Stratford City development – the contrast of settings is quite noticeable!)"- Miss Alice

* Photo by Andy Wilkes, used under Creative Commons, with thanks.