Tag: England

Things to do when you study abroad in London

On By notyouravggiraffeIn TravelLeave a comment

As someone who spent a year studying abroad in London, and has subsequently returned several times, I like to think myself a bit of an expert on the city (at least, a little). With the possibility of study abroad opening back up, I thought I would use some of my experiences to collate a list of fun things you should try and do if you’re studying (or even just visiting) London! This is by no means a comprehensive list, and it’s based on my personal likes/dislikes, but I know how overwhelming it can be to get used to a new city, so I hope this can help a little!

Before I dive into my list, I wanted to start with a useful tip for studying abroad in London. The first thing is to download CityMapper. It’s a transport app and is oh so helpful when you’re still figuring out the tube (and even after you’ve memorized it, I still rely on it). It will tell you what lines to take, when the next tube is arriving, compare the tube to the bus, and tell you when certain lines aren’t running. It works in several big cities so you can use it if you travel around Europe while you’re studying, and even has some cities in Asia and the Americas! If you get a British phone plan while studying abroad, you’ll be able to access WiFi in the stations, so you can update the app while you wait (but it’s best to preload it just in case the WiFi doesn’t work).

Without further ado, here’s my list of things to do (in no particular order) when you’re studying abroad in London!

Visit the Museums

General entrance to almost every museum in London is free. That means that you can pop into them for five minutes, or decide to spend a whole day there. Special exhibits will cost money, but otherwise, you’re free to enter them as you choose. My personal favorites are the V&A museum (especially for their scones), and the National Gallery. They’re both museums in which you could get lost, but also ones that are so never-ending, you’ll discover new things at every turn. The National Gallery is more focused on traditional paintings, but the V&A has more of a mix of art ranging from different eras and different mediums. Other museum highlights include the Science Museum, Tate Modern, and the British Museum.

How to get there:

  • V&A Museum: Nearest tube station is South Kensington on the Piccadilly or Circle/District lines. This is also the stop for the Science Museum and Natural History museum, as well
  • National Gallery: Located in Trafalgar Square. Nearest tube stations are Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines) or Embankment (Circle/District lines)
  • Tate Modern: Nearest tube stations are Southwark (Jubilee line), Blackfriars (Circle/District line – located on the opposite bank of the Thames), and Borough (Northern line)
  • British Museum: Nearest tube station is Holborn (Central line)

See the Parks

Although London is a cosmopolitan city, it is full of greenery and parks. They’re scattered all over the city, but are perfect for an afternoon stroll, picnic, or a run to get some daily exercise. Head to Kensington Gardens to find the Peter Pan Statue, or have an afternoon in St. James’ Park, located conveniently between Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. If you’re in London during the holidays, make sure you head to Hyde Park for their annual Winter Wonderland. Other notable parks include Regent’s Park, and Greenwich Park (if you’re in Greenwich, you can visit the Royal Observatory and stand on the Prime Meridian).

See a Show

While I’m absolutely a theatre person (so this was top of my list when I studied abroad), seeing theatre while in the UK is a must. There’s the West End with impressive headline shows like Phantom of the Opera or Les Mis, but there are also smaller theatres all over the city. There’s the Old Vic, the National Theatre, the Globe, and the Royal Court to name some well known non West End theatres, although there are countless others. No matter if your preference is to see a play or a musical, be sure to indulge in some theatre while in London, you won’t regret it! You might even be able to see some famous actors trod the boards. When I was in London, I managed to see Daniel Radcliffe, David Tennant, John Boyega, Andrew Garfield, and Nathan Lane onstage!

Selfie with Daniel Radcliffe
My most prized selfie

Ticket tips: If you’re a theatre person like me, be sure to sign up for reduced rate tickets for 16-25 year olds at the National Theatre, and £10 PwC preview tickets at the Old Vic. You can also download the TodayTix app to try for daily rush tickets (typically at 9/10am in the app), or to see what’s playing. Some shows also do day seating, which involves queuing outside the theatre in the early hours of the morning (I would typically arrive around 5am) to then be able to purchase tickets when the box office opens for that day’s performance. You usually get great seats at a phenomenal price (£20/£25 typically). You can also get £5 groundling (standing) tickets for performances at the Globe!

I also highly recommend seeing a panto if you’re in the UK during the holidays. It’s a lovely British tradition, and a joy to behold (oh yes it is)!

Walk along the Thames

While the tube is an excellent way to get around London, don’t underestimate how walkable it is. One of my favorite walks in London is along the Thames. It’s a great way to orient yourself in the city, but also to see some of the best sights on foot. If you start on the banks of the Thames opposite Big Ben, you’ll walk past The Eye, The National Theatre, The Globe, Tate Modern, and more. If you get far enough, you’ll even get to the Tower of London. You can cross over the Millennium Bridge (yes, the one famous for being destroyed by the Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince) to access Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Walking along the Thames is a fun way to not only see London, but to get some steps in, too!

Young woman leaning against a railing along the Thames in London, England, UK. The OXO tower and Blackfriars bridge can be seen in the background.
You can even find some “beaches” along the Thames (although I wouldn’t wade too far into the water, if at all)

Watch the sunset on Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is a heavily touristy spot, especially for sunsets, but the view is worth it. The walk up the hill is on an incline, but it’s not a long hike up by any means. You can sit on the grass and watch day turn to night over the skyline of London. It’s especially enjoyable with friends and a tin of Pimm’s! The nearest tube station is Chalk Farm (Northern line – be sure to catch the Edgware branch), and Primrose Hill is around a ten minute walk from the station. You can even precede your evening with a trip to the London Zoo, which is just nearby.

Sunset viewed from Primrose Hill
The view from Primrose Hill at sunset

Visit the Warner Brothers Studio Tour

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, this is an absolute must. You’ll head up to Leavesden Studios and there you can see Harry Potter film sets, costumes, props, and more! I’ve been twice and still feel like I could return to discover new things. You need to prebook tickets so it’s not a spontaneous trip, but if you’re studying abroad, you’ll have ample time to find a date that works. If you’re curious what visiting is like, check out my blog post about visiting it during the summer here!

In addition to the studio tour, be sure to also head to King’s Cross for a photo opportunity at platform 9 3/4! While you can’t actually stand between platforms nine and ten (unless you have a ticket for a train departing from those platforms), there’s a conveniently set up luggage trolley further into the station. There’s usually a queue for the photo, but if you time it right, you might not have to wait too long!

Young woman standing in Diagon Alley at the Harry Potter studio tour in London
Mischief Managed in Diagon Alley at The Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Have Tea

While this is kind of a touristy thing as well, it isn’t everyday that you find yourself in London! I’m a big tea drinker, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have a proper afternoon tea. There are so many places where you can sit down for afternoon tea, at every price point so you don’t need to splurge if you don’t want to spend a lot. I opted to splurge a little and had tea at Fortnum & Mason’s, but there are plenty of cheaper alternatives. The key bit of having afternoon tea is getting to indulge in not only a luscious pot of tea, but also in finger sandwiches, and more importantly, scones. There is little better than a fresh scone with clotted cream and lemon curd in my opinion, and I would happily eat them every day.

If you’re just after the scones (and I wouldn’t blame you), Caffe Nero does a pretty good scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam. As I’ve already mentioned, my personal favorite scones come from the V&A, but I’ll admit, it’s not the most practical location when you’re craving a scone! You can find tea everywhere, and wade into the debate of which brand is the best (PG Tips, if you’re reading this, I love you and my allegiance is with you).

Young woman holding a tea cup at Fortnum & Mason's in London
Tea really does make everything feel better!

Go to a Television Show Taping

In addition to being home to stage shows, London is also home to the filming sets for many panel, and talk shows with live audiences. If you’re studying abroad in London, and will be there for a time, you can sign up to be considered to be an audience member for a multitude of shows. Typically, you’ll select a handful of dates for which you’re available, and they’ll reach out with your assigned date if you’re chosen! When I studied abroad, I attended two Graham Norton show tapings (with Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles as musical guests), a taping for Mock the Week, and a taping for The Nightly Show. The two companies responsible for getting audiences are SRO Audiences, and Applause Store. Be sure to check their websites frequently if this interests you!

Graham Norton show set after a live taping
Taking a sneaky photo of the Graham Norton show set

Go to the Top of the Sky Garden

For a free panoramic view of London, be sure to visit the Sky Garden! Entrance is free, although you need to book a timed entry ticket in advance. There’s a cafe/bar at the top, in addition to the 360° view you’ll get. While it’s not the same view you’d get from The Eye, it’s cheaper, and essentially comparable!

Closest tube stations: Monument (Circle/District line), and Bank (Central, and Northern line with connection to Monument station). These stations are connected underground, but Monument is the closest. Don’t be fooled by the word “connection” though, it’s a decent walk from Bank to Monument (and Bank is not a fun station to change lines).

View from the Sky Garden in London
One of the many views from the Sky Garden

Walk Around a Market

Markets are a great spot to visit in London both for food, but also for fun oddities you might not find anywhere else. If you’re feeling peckish, head to Borough Market! If you’re wanting to go shopping you can visit Portobello Road on the weekend in Notting Hill, or Box Park for some trendy shops. For more second hand and vintage shopping, head to Brick Lane or Camden Market. There’s also the Columbia Road Flower Market perfect for fresh blooms.

Ride the Bus

As much as the tube is a fantastic way to get around London, it’s not very scenic. Riding the double decker buses gives you the opportunity to see the city from a different angle, and to familiarize yourself more with everything. I personally love taking the bus when I have the time, and sometimes the route is more convenient via bus (CityMapper is great for telling you what’s the quickest). Even if you don’t use it for regular transport, try the bus at least once if only for the experience!

See the Olympic Rings

London was host to the 2012 Olympics, and the rings, along with a massive park with facilities, are still there. Located in East London (you’ll take the Central or Jubilee line to Stratford), you can spend some quality time going for a walk around the park, see West Ham Stadium, and if you’re eagle eyed enough, find the Olympic Rings. When you’re done, you can head into the Westfield next door for some shopping.

Olympic Rings in Olympic Park in London
You don’t have to win a gold medal to pose with the rings, luckily!

Venture outside London

While there are a million things to see and do in London (I still haven’t crossed them all off my list), there’s more to the UK than just London. It’s worth exploring other cities for so many reasons, but it can make for slightly less stressful adventures when you only have to take the train rather than a plane. I certainly have more cities I want to explore in the UK, but here are some of my recommendations!

  • Oxford: Highlights include the Radcliffe Camera, Christchurch College, and the Bodleain Library. I’ve done Oxford both in a day trip, and over a couple of days.
  • Bath: Highlights include the Roman baths, Fashion Museum, and eating a Sally Lunn Bun! I went to Bath as part of a trip in tandem with Oxford.
  • Cambridge: Highlights include King’s College, punting, and the Mathematical Bridge. I’ve only visited as part of a day trip.
  • Brighton: If you’re keen to see the seaside, be sure to visit Brighton. Walk along the pier and enjoy a 99 flake, and visit the Royal Pavilion. It’s a perfect day trip from London, but you can spend more time there if you please. Brighton is also home to the UK’s biggest pride festival during the summer.
  • Edinburgh: It would be hard to day trip to Edinburgh from London, but spending a few days there is well worth it to explore Scotland’s capital. Highlights include: Edinburgh castle, climbing Arthur’s Seat, and the National Museum of Scotland.
  • The Lake District: Since this is a district, there’s more than one place to visit, but the scenic views of the Lake District are truly stunning. I visited Keswick as part of an adventure weekend through IFSA-Butler, but I’m very keen on returning up North to explore more.
  • Stratford-Upon-Avon: Home to the RSC and Shakespeare’s birthplace, this lovely city is a perfect getaway from London. You can see some theatre, indulge in fish and chips, and learn all about Shakespeare!

For heading outside the UK, you can catch the Eurostar to Paris from St. Pancras which will drop you off at Gare du Nord in central Paris. You can also catch flights to anywhere in Europe from the many London airports. Heathrow is easily accessible via the Piccadilly line, and London City airport can be reached on the DLR. The other airports will require a train or bus to get there.

Be a Tourist

As much as I like to blend into the scenery when I travel, there’s nothing wrong with indulging in the touristy things to do, especially in a city like London. I think it’s important to see as much as you can of a city, and sometimes that includes going to a specific location for an Instagram photo or to say you’ve done it, even if it’s beyond cheesy. Not all tourist attractions are created equal, though, so here’s my list of ones you should do at least once while studying abroad in London!

  • Take a photo with a red telephone booth
  • Watch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace
  • Visit the Tower of London (absolutely worth the price of admission, but allow ample time to visit the whole thing)
  • Hit up Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden (don’t try to walk up the stairs at Covent Garden station if you decide to disembark there, though).
  • Let yourself get lost in the city. Since there are tube stations almost everywhere, you’re never truly lost, and you can always connect back to where you started. Walking is a fantastic way to get to know London, and to see things you’d miss if you took the tube to get somewhere.
  • If you want to splurge on a view of London, ride the Eye. Book your tickets in advance to minimize the amount of time you need to wait before getting your view.
  • Stroll through Notting Hill to admire the pastel houses
Young woman stands in a red telephone box outside Westminster Station in London, England, UK
London’s calling!

London is a fabulous city in which to study abroad. There are endless things to do and see, and its location makes it easy to explore the UK and Europe. I’m now several years on from my study abroad experience, and I still think about it all the time. I’ve been lucky enough to return to London on a few occasions, and I hope to be able to go back many more times. Here’s to exciting study abroad adventures, and let me know if I missed any London highlights!

Spending the summer in London

On By notyouravggiraffeIn Travel1 Comment

This summer I decided to try something new, and to work for a language school abroad. I spent six weeks of my summer in London, and the only way I can describe my time working is non-stop. If you’ve ever worked a residential summer camp, you know where I’m coming from, but it really feels like the work never stops (since the days are so much longer than in traditional summer work). I was remarkably unstressed about the constant chaos, which is shocking for me personally, but even with all that chaos, every day was a new day, which is definitely exciting for me. There’s really no way to become complacent while working as an activity leader, especially when in London. I was happy to just be in the city, regardless of all the stress that came along with the job itself.

Showing off the city the best way I know how: with a pose (and some sun)

In my six weeks, I led excursions to Regent’s Park, St. Paul’s, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Camden, Oxford Street, Islington, Leicester Square, The Natural History Museum (just to name a few), as well as weekend trips to Brighton, Oxford, and Cambridge. I’m not going to lie, taking 200+ kids out and about, or on the tube, is a challenge (and I can only imagine everyone else’s horror as they saw us descending onto the platform in our red shirts with a plethora of children). I can 100% say that I was grateful for my previous knowledge of the tube, and of London, in those situations. It’s a different kind of worry to imagine leaving someone on a busy platform in Bank station, than it was to my concern of children playing nice with each other on the playground in France.

The most exciting excursion for me in the six weeks though, was my trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour (work perks, am I right??). I was lucky enough to go two years ago when I studied abroad in London, but I haven’t been since, and they’ve made a decent number of changes. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, and you have enough time to dedicate for this adventure, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a little far out as you have to go to Watford Junction (zone 9), but you can get there with an Oyster card, and it’s definitely worth it. You have to buy tickets in advance, but getting there is pretty simple. Check out my blog post here if you want to read more about it!

Through my six weeks, I was able to see both things with which I was very familiar in London, as well as some new things I’d never seen before. Seeing London again with the eyes of an Activity Leader puts the city in a different light, but it’s hard for me not to enjoy an excuse to explore my favorite place. Working at a summer camp is by no means an easy task, and it certainly isn’t a working holiday. There was more time on than off, and most of the time when I left accommodation, was for an excursion or activity, not necessarily for my own pleasure (unless we count trips to Poundland or Sainsbury’s for some Haribos). That being said, the six weeks absolutely flew by, and most of the time, I didn’t feel any more pressure or stress than I would’ve done at home (although part of that could just be my being in a city I love, and getting to go out into it as part of my job). I didn’t have to reserve time on my days off to go explore certain areas, because I got to do that during the day with my students, and even better, show them what parts of the city I enjoy most.

View from Primrose Hill during Golden Hour (gotta get those good instagram shots obviously)

THE THEATRE

As anyone who knows me knows, the theatre is one of my favorite things to do when I’m in London, and even though I didn’t have the most free time during my six weeks, I was still able to see at least one show a week. I had a brilliant time, and I’m so grateful for all the theatre I was able to see, especially considering that I was able to manage it along with my busy working schedule (always have to make time for theatre though, don’t I? My priorities are clearly in order). I feel it is my duty to the theatre community to talk about the shows I was able to see, especially since, my weekly show(s) definitely helped me cope with the stress of my job. I love spending time down in SoHo, and the theatre district, and my only wish would have been that I had been able to see more in my six weeks! There’s no point addressing every show I saw, so I’ll give you the highlight reel:

  • Waitress: Absolutely beautiful musical, and I’ve wanted to see it for a while, so I jumped at the chance to get myself some rush tickets. I’ve definitely been listening to the soundtrack since I saw the show on my third day in London, so it’s had a lasting impression. It’s a musical about pie, so it’s only fitting that I say that it was even *sweeter* than I thought it was going to be. (p)I(e) liked it BERRY much, and would happily see it again and again and again!
  • Present Laughter: A Noel Coward play at the Old Vic, I went in knowing very little about the storyline (which is an ongoing theme this particular time around with the shows I saw). It’s a brilliant show, hilarious, and the acting was superb. I wasn’t prepared to laugh as much as I did, but this was entirely a show that I wouldn’t have minded seeing again. A particular highlight was getting to see Andrew Scott act again, and see his comedic prowess on the stage.
  • Small Island: One of the two plays I saw at the National Theatre, and the first play I’ve ever seen in their Olivier Stage. I was lucky enough to snag a ticket last minute (and entry pass no less), and I’m so glad I did. The play is about the Windrush Generation, and four stories that intersect both in Jamaica, and in England. It’s just the right blend of humor, and sadness to make a touching play, and one that didn’t even feel as long as it was (which is always a good thing).
  • Midsummer Night’s Dream: I saw this particular production at the Bridge Theatre, where I had “pit seats,” meaning I stood for the entire production. However, unlike at the Globe where standing is stationary, this arrangement meant that standing audience members were told when and where to move at certain points in the show. The only negative with this is that being a short person, sometimes my view was obstructed by less height deficient humans. It was a lively production, and was seamlessly accentuated by a jamming soundtrack, which livens every Shakespeare production (personal highlights were also the inserted one liners, including “unlock your calendar, I beseech you”)

*Ticket tips*: In case you’re wanting to see some theatre in London without spending a lot of money, there are a couple of ways you can go about it (which are the ways I did to see all the shows I did while I was there). Firstly, you can download TodayTix. Using the app, you can see a ton of shows available on the West End, their prices for any given day, and if they have rush or lottery available. I can’t recommend rush enough, it’s actually how I saw all but the two shows at the National, and one other show in my six weeks. With rush, you can see shows for anything between £15 and £25, and generally, pretty good seats as well! You just have to be on your phone and ready to go for 10am, and keep trying even if the app says all the tickets are in someone else’s basket. For the National Theatre, if you’re under 26, be sure to be a part of Entry Pass, where you can get tickets for £7.50 for any show (there are a select number of tickets at this price of course). However, if you’re a student, you can also get discount tickets around an hour before the show starts, and you can get good seats and an even better price! Day seating is also available for many shows, which can get you discount tickets, however, I did not do that for any of the shows this time around (although believe me, I have in the past).

Curtain Call at Waitress (don’t worry, photos were allowed)!

Going back to London is a two fold “blessing” because it means that I already feel comfortable there, and know what I want to see (and what I’ve already seen too many times, or my personal favorite, some of the best places to nip in to use the restroom), but it also means that I get to explore new things as well, since it’s a city of ever-growing things to see and do. I, of course, got to eat my favorite scones at the V&A, and return to Primrose Hill to see the sunset over the skyline. I wouldn’t say that I was able to see many new parts of London, but I allowed myself to try Prawn Cocktail crisps (which I was firmly against when I lived here but now, I’m all for them… what can I say, don’t knock ’em until you try ’em!), and I enjoyed Pimm’s in a tin from Sainsbury’s whenever I could find the time. I got to spend the summer in London, which in my couple of visits, have not been the months where I have ever found myself in the city. I experienced the central line in peak heat (have to love living through a 100 degree plus heat wave – 38 for those of you Celsius speakers), and sweated out my entire existence on the Southbank in the heat, but more importantly, I got to see London in the sun, which is always a beautiful sight to see.

The ever recurring question, is would I do the six weeks again next year? I would, of course, take any opportunity to return to London (seriously, I’m open for those jobs, friends), and it is definitely a possibility that I would take up similar work in the future. Working in a residential summer camp is an experience like no other, but I can with certainty say that the pros outweighed the cons – for me at least – , and I came away having had a good time. After all, how could I really complain when I got to spend the bulk of my summer in London?

Rockin’ my sox off in (s)Oxford

On By notyouravggiraffeIn Travel

Another weekend trip (and a short blurb about it)! This time I got to spend half a day in Oxford. Having already spent some time in Oxford when I was studying abroad, it was nice to return to the city already knowing some of the area. I love walking around the streets and stumbling upon different colleges, and being a lover of British crime shows, stumbling upon areas that were used as filming locations in those very shows (as well as Harry Potter of course).

Christchurch college, famous for many things including the sorting hat scene from Harry Potter

The day started with a quick walkabout to see the main sights, including Oxford Castle, Christchurch, and the Radcliffe Camera. I still haven’t been in Oxford Castle, but it looks like it could be interesting inside having once been a prison, and castles are always fun to explore. Christchurch is the oldest college in Oxford and was the shooting location for the Great Hall scene as well as the Sorting Hat scene from the first Harry Potter film. It is surrounded by lovely greenery, which makes for a pleasant view. Much as in Cambridge, you can enter the college for a fee (which I have done in the past), but it’s quite nice just to see the architecture from the exterior.

There’s a covered market worth exploring full of food and cute things to purchase, as well as the old feeling streets which are perfect for wandering. The Radcliffe Camera, is a nice square, where many scenes from the iconic crime shows Endeavour, Morse, and Lewis are shot. The Camera is surrounded by colleges, and feels far away from the bustling high street that lies nearby.

Radcliffe camera

Walking along from the Camera, you’ll find the Bodleian Library, with a square that dates from who knows when (sorry, latin numbers are not my strong point). There’s also the Bridge of Sighs, modeled after the iconic one in Venice, and right around the corner is the Weston Library, which contains free exhibits. When I was there, it was an exhibit on 3D figures (again with the math), and one on mapping Oxford and the surrounding areas. The free exhibitions change every so often, so it’s worth a visit for a cool place on a hot day, or just as a way to learn something new while you’re in this highly academic city!

References to Endeavor spotted in the streets
Bridge of Sighs

A Sunday in Cambridge

On By notyouravggiraffeIn Travel1 Comment

One of the perks of working for a language school in the summer in London, is the weekend excursions. Where I work, every Sunday takes us to either Brighton, Oxford, or Cambridge. I’d never been to Cambridge before, so I jumped on the opportunity to visit a new city, and to give myself the chance to explore a little. I went there by coach, but luckily, Cambridge isn’t too far away from London so we were quickly there (I much prefer train travel to coach, but alas, with several – and I mean several – kids, we can’t exactly commute by train easily).

Upon arrival in Cambridge, I was struck by how quaint everything feels, but also how different it feels to its “competitor” of Oxford. There isn’t the feeling that you’re surrounded by colleges, but rather, that there are colleges within the city, and that they happen to make up the majority of the buildings that populate the environs. There was a large market in the square leading to King’s College, which is definitely impressive solely from the exterior. You can visit inside for a fee, but I opted just to admire the architecture of its exterior, and the contrast between it and the bustling shops in front of it.

The exterior of King’s College

Cambridge is a perfect walking city, and in just my few hours there, I feel like I was able to see most of the big sights, and appreciate the city! There are several parks within the city, and many lie along the canal, so you can watch people as they go punting down the canal, or just enjoy the pretty scenery. One famous thing to see is the mathematical bridge, which is a wooden footbridge. There’s some mathematical reason behind its design (which goes over my head in many different ways), but it’s fun to take pictures of it, and wonder what it would be like to walk over it.

Mathematical Bridge

Even though I barely scratched the surface of Cambridge, it’s a perfect day trip from London where you can breathe some fresh air and see some lovely old architecture. There’s a market worth visiting, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to check out The Fudge Kitchen across from King’s College. You can get a sample of some fudge, and if you’ve not been satisfied enough with that nibble, you can go home with way more than that if you please.

Walking through the park and over the canal for some beautiful views of scenery (and of the many punters along the way)

Harry Potter Studio Tour (a magical time, indeed)

On By notyouravggiraffeIn Travel1 Comment

I solemnly swear that I am up to no good, and that I had an amazing time while visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour! I was lucky enough to get to go as part of my summer job, and you’ll hear absolutely no complaints from me about it! If you’re a Harry Potter fan in any capacity, and you have the extra time, I can’t suggest this enough. You have to buy tickets in advance, (if only it were as easy as saying a simple accio, but alas, ’tis not possible) but with enough forethought, you can definitely get in on all the action.

As you enter, you’re greeted by a giant dragon hung from above

How to get there?

Unfortunately, you can’t apparate to the studio tour, much as I wish you could, and the floo network doesn’t connect, so you’ll have to use those good old muggle forms of transportation. There are a couple of ways to get to the studio, but the way that I went is fairly quick, and easy. It’s a little complicated on paper, but if you download CityMapper, it’s easy peasy to follow! I first took the tube to Euston (Northern line), and from there, I took the train to Watford Junction. If you don’t want to deal with the train, you can take the overground from Euston to Watford Junction as well, however, the overground itself can take around 50 minutes, whereas the train takes about half that time. You can use your Oyster/contactless payment on the train, but you can also buy train tickets specifically for the journey. From the station, you take a bus designated for the studios from bus stop four. The bus costs £3 for each person return, and must be paid in cash. You might need to show your email confirmation in order to get on the bus, so make sure that’s easily accessible! The bus drops you off right at the studio, so from there, entrance is Weasley done.

What can I see there?

*When you pick up your tickets, be sure to have some form of ID, as they’ll check it to confirm you aren’t a wanted wizard (no, delivery by owl is unfortunately not an option)!*

When you purchase your tickets, you will purchase them for a certain entrance time. It’s possible that you won’t be let in until that time, but it never hurts to try and slytherin a little early (I managed to get in 45 minutes before the time slot on my ticket). Try and book earlier slots if you can, as you’re allowed to stay in the tour for as long as you want once you enter, so there’s no time limit for when you have to exit (excepting closing time of course). I spent about three hours there, but I easily could have spent more than that if I had had the time, but either way, it’s better to allow yourself more time than less, because truly, it is ridikulus how many things there are to see! What I wouldn’t give for a time turner! (Are you getting tired of my puns and jokes yet?)

The best thing about the studio is that Leavesden is where a lot of the filming actually took place, so you can see the sets in the place where they would have stood during filming (or at least, in the general vicinity)! Unfortunately, the Great Hall does not come equipped with a magical ceiling, but the stone floors, and fireplaces, are entirely real. The tour starts with a short introductory film, which leads you to the Great Hall doors, which open onto the Great Hall, complete with costumes from each house – *Hufflepuff represent* – and from the professors (if it’s your birthday, you can push open the doors yourself!) top tip: sit in the front of the movie theatre if you want to get to the doors first and ensure yourself an easy way into the Great Hall. I absolutely love the attention to detail, and the stations dedicated to costuming, wigs, and makeup, as well as the information provided on how the sets were built, and how they created effects. All the original props are there, along with the sets for many of those iconic locations within the Harry Potter world (small tip: if you want a little extra free souvenir from your time at the studios, make sure to ask for a passport where you can emboss six stamps throughout the tour, and it makes for a fun thing to take home regardless of your age).

Fun fact: the tour is located on stages J and K, (conveniently) the initials for Harry Potter’s creator: JK Rowling.

Platform 9 3/4 at the studio tour
Don’t worry, I didn’t run into the wall 😉
Diagon Alley
Use some floo powder to get to Diagon Alley (but be sure to pronounce it correctly!)

At times it feels like there’s almost too much to see, but since you can take your time, there’s ample opportunities to see all that you want to see. I absolutely (Dumble)adore all the little nooks you can explore, along with Mrs. Weasley’s kitchen where you can cast your own spells to knit, or clean the dishes. If you fancy spending some extra galleons, you can do a green screen photo on a Quidditch broom, and take home a copy of it as a magical souvenir from your time at the tour! If you fancy an extra challenge, you can locate golden snitches hidden around the tour (give yourself some house points every time you find one), or even set yourself the challenge of identifying as many props or costumes as possible without reading the information cards.

There’s a cafe where you can buy butterbeer (and butterbeer flavored ice cream), both of which are siriously worth a try. The cafe leads out into a backlot complete with number 4 Privet Drive, the Knight Bus, and Hagrid’s motorbike, where you can of course take numerous photos (you can bet I did, part of the evidence is within this very blog post). Other highlights include the Hogwarts Express on platform 9 3/4, Gringotts, the Forbidden Forest where you can meet Buckbeak and Aragog, and finally, the complete model of the Hogwarts Castle. If you’re a Harry Potter nerd like me, then this is the perfect place to learn all about the way the films were made, and to see actual costumes and props from the set.

Hogwarts model at the end of the tour
Model of Hogwarts as you finish your tour

After you’re done, make sure to check out the store to stock up on all the Harry Potter gear you could possibly want. From (Ravencl)awesome wands, to (Gryffin)dorable attire, you can kit yourself out from head to toe, to become the best witch or wizard you can possibly be. You can visit the store both before and after your visit, so don’t stress if you’re in a rush to get into the tour.

Throughout the whole tour, your journey is accompanied by the soundtrack from the film, which if you’re like me, is something I love hearing (it 100% was my studying soundtrack in university so you know I get hype to certain tracks). It makes discovering the Gryffindor common room, or the Quidditch pitch, or even the potions classroom that much more magical. There is truly something for every Harry Potter fan on the tour, and you’ll definitely learn something new while you’re there. You have to book your tickets in advance for the studio tour, so make sure you don’t drag(on) your feet, and that you’ve got them booked online to avoid any potential disappointment! All I can say is that this is truly a magical experience, and if you are a Harry Potter fan, this is the place to go if you’re in London. (To end with one final pun) if I had to rate this experience, I’d give it a 9 3/4 out of 10 😉 Mischief managed, and nox on my very fun day at the studio tour!

Knight Bus located on the back lot of the tour
Hop on the Knight Bus to destinations unknown (nothing underwater, of course)

Additionally, if you’re looking to continue your Harry Potter adventure outside of the studio tour, be sure to go to the following locations (of which there are many more than I’ve listed), which are featured in the films!

  • Picadilly Circus: Deathly Hallows Part I, the golden trio apparate here when escaping the attack on Bill’s wedding.
  • Millenium Bridge: The bridge destroyed by the death eaters at the start of Half Blood Prince
  • King’s Cross Station: Although you can’t actually stand between platforms 9 and 10 without a ticket, you can still take a photo at the designated photo spot, complete with luggage and scarves to make the best pose possible.
  • Westminster tube station: where Arthur Weasley and Harry make their way through muggle public transportation, and the former gets caught in the doors in Order of the Phoenix!
  • Lambeth Bridge: The route the Knight Bus takes in Prisoner of Azkaban
  • Scotland Yard: Find yourself in the same place where the golden trio polyjuice in order to sneak into the Ministry

February Holidays part III: Going back to London

On By notyouravggiraffeIn TravelLeave a comment

Ever since I studied abroad in London my junior year of university, I feel like part of me is always longing to go back to London. As soon as the pilot announced that we were beginning our descent, I could feel a smile forming on my face as I looked out onto the landscape. We touched down, and I went as quickly as I could through customs, getting my bags, and heading down to the tube. It’s super convenient to be able to hop on the Picadilly line from Heathrow and go really anywhere in London without much effort. It’s always interesting to me how easily I slip back into the ways of the tube, and how at ease I feel navigating my way around the city. It’s also nice because having been there before, I feel less stressed about seeing everything, and more relaxed with my time there.

Even though I’ve spent an extensive amount of time in London, I still enjoy wandering around, and doing a lot of walking. Some of my favorite sights to explore are Southbank, where you can walk along the Thames, by the eye, the Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, the National Theatre, as well as see some great views of Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and Parliament. Walking along those familiar paths is so calming, and you can also walk across the Millennium Bridge (well known as the bridge the Death Eaters destroy in the seventh Harry Potter film) to St. Paul’s. I lucked out with the weather, so it was beyond pleasant to be out and about walking around the city the whole time I was there.

View of the London Eye and Big Ben

Some of my other favorite things to do in London include the many museums. Unlike a lot of other countries, the museums in London are all free (obviously special exhibits can cost some money, but the basic entrance doesn’t cost you anything). My personal favorites would have to be the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and the V&A in South Kensington (you can easily spend most of a day here since it’s such an extensive collection, and the museum seems to never end). This time, I also checked out the Tate Modern, and the Design Museum for the first time – a 10 minute walk from Earl’s Court Tube Station. Most of the exhibits here are paid entry, but there is a cool free exhibit on the top floor called “design, maker, user,” which looks at the evolution of technology, among other things. It’s pretty interesting because it looks at the methods that go into designing advertising, street signs (typography), as well as the history of things we take for granted in our daily lives like cell phones, laptops, and even smart watches. I found it a super easy exhibit to follow, and full of interactive things.

Speaking of the V&A, one of my “must-dos” the past times I’ve been back to London has been to have tea, and scones with clotted cream and jam at their cafe. Since I studied abroad, I stand by the fact that the V&A’s scones are amongst the best in London, and they’re truly a treat. Scones just aren’t the same in the US as they are in the UK, plus clotted cream isn’t exactly a household item either. Whether you put the cream on first or the jam, you have to admit that it’s a delicious combination. I was able to nab this one with a friend from university, so I got a tasty treat, and a well needed catch-up. I managed to have two scones during my week, one at the V&A, and one at Caffe Nero, which I would have to say is second on my list of best (easily accessible/affordable) scones in London. Of course, I had tea with my scone, and one of the things I truly love about London is the accessibility of tea. I was even able to buy tea at McDonald’s, which is something I don’t think I could find in the US! In case you were concerned about my tea supply in France, fear not, I returned to the other side of the channel with 160 PG Tips bags so I’m 100% covered, and definitely a very happy camper.

Tea and scones at the V&A

Ironically, the majority of my time in London was spent in a theatre. I’ll admit, that was one of the things that drew me to London when I was choosing where to study abroad, and it is one of the big things that keeps me coming back (along with how at home I feel there). I managed to see seven shows in the six days I was in London, and logistically, I couldn’t really have seen many more. I lucked out regarding the availability of shows, as well as the costs for my tickets. Using rush, and day seats, I never paid more than 25 pounds. I won’t do length reviews of them all, but I can’t write about my time in London and neglect to talk at least a little bit about the phenomenal shows, and actors I got to see while I was there.

  • Tuesday, 19 February, 8:00pm – SIX: The Musical. A clever 75 minute musical about the six wives of Henry VIII, told by his “ex-wives.” All six women are total queens (both literal and figuratively), the songs are jams, and the band is all female as well! It’s such a fun show, tells what they dub “her”story, and made for a great first show in London.
  • Wednesday, 20 February, 7:30pm – Come From Away. Another musical based in reality, about the real life stories of people diverted to Gander (as well as its inhabitants) following the closure of American airspace on, and after, 9/11. It’s a really touching and poignant story, and deals with the events in a beautiful way – plus, it is at its core, truly a happy story about humanity.
  • Thursday, 21 February, 3:00pm – True West. My first play in London this time around. A Sam Shepard piece, essentially carried by two actors. I got to sit second row to see Kit Harrington, and Johnny Flynn deal with the struggles of sibling rivalry, as well as witness nine toasters pop up toast at the front of the stage (I think that’ll stick with me longer than any other part of the play… whoops).
  • Thursday, 21 February, 7:30pm – Pinter Seven. The Harold Pinter Theatre put on a five month “Pinter at the Pinter” festival, where seven Pinter plays were performed over the course of the festival. I caught the sixth, and seventh Pinter play. If you’re familiar with Pinter, I saw a slight ache, and the dumbwaiter. This was my first experience with Pinter, and although I don’t know that he’s really my cup of tea, I got to see Martin Freeman and Danny Dyer act the latter play, and that was something I couldn’t have predicted would have happened to me.
  • Friday, 22 February, 7:30pm – Jesus hopped the ‘A’ Train. I’ve never seen a play at the Young Vic, so this show gave me an opportunity to do just that. This particular play speaks to the criminal justice system, and again, deals with a serious subject in a way that doesn’t make you feel weighed down by the content the whole time. We did “lucky dips” tickets so we were guaranteed a spot somewhere in the theatre, but we didn’t know where we’d be seated, or if we’d end up standing. I’m pleased to say my friend and I got to sit together, and we had good seats as well!
  • Saturday, 23 February, 2:30pm – When we have sufficiently tortured each other. This was the only play that I knew I was seeing before I left France, as one of my friends had secured two Entry Pass tickets, and invited me to come along. We got to sit front row in the Dorfman at the National to see Cate Blanchett, and Stephen Dilane. This wasn’t my favorite play that I saw, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it – plus, it isn’t a play that I would probably have booked had I not already secured tickets. However, Cate Blanchett is phenomenal, and it was worth the price of admission just to be able to see her perform live.
  • Saturday, 23 February, 7:30pm – Company. I day seated this performance (ironically at the same theatre where I day sat The Ferryman last year), and got great seats in the dress circle. Company is a musical with little plot (in the sense that it’s mostly vignettes, and there’s no evident order of the scenes), but it’s a Sondheim musical, so it does have some well known songs. Not to mention, I got to see Patti Lupone perform “ladies who lunch,” as well as just see her onstage, and my younger novice musical theatre aficionado would not have imagined that happening. Also, this production did some gender bending, so Bobbie was played by a woman (which makes the whole “you’re turning 35, you should settle down” trope a little more REAL), and Amy became Jamie, but he smashed “not getting married” out of the park (also probably my favorite number as it was done hilariously). It was definitely a good final show for me.

I could go on forever about how great my week in London was, but I feel happy with what I was able to see and do while I was there. I met up with friends I hadn’t seen in almost two years, and got to have Choccywoccydoodah as well. If you’re a chocolate fan, this is a must for you. I also did some damage at Primark (of course) buying London, Paddington, and Harry Potter themed clothing and goods… I highly recommend stopping by their Oxford Street store if you want some well priced souvenirs, or themed clothing. I frequently think about London, but I don’t think I actively realized how much I missed it until I was seeing the familiar sights, hearing the voice on the tube announcing the next stop, or dining at the ever present Pret. I’m so glad I got to go back to my favorite city, and I’m already waiting for the next visit.

You can check out a little vlog of my adventures here!