My London Highlights

You may well have grown tired of my incessant ramblings about the great pride and privilege I feel in being able to call London my home, but I'm afraid this is not something that is likely to cease very soon. Over the course of my first year here, I have grown to love so much of the city and I've had the opportunity to explore only some of the many delights that London has to offer, but rather than go on about how lucky I am, I thought I would share on this blog some of the wealth of wisdom I have acquired and tell you a little about some of my favourite places in London I have discovered this year.

1. Bloomsbury

Not a bad place to sit for lunch

Where else to start with but my little Bloomsbury bubble? Of course, I am fully aware of the personal bias here since it is the home of UCL and where I spend the majority of my time, but no one can deny the splendour of the Wilkins building (shown below), nor the grandeur of the Gower Street Waterstones which offers an inexhaustive array of books which make you want to spend hours perusing the shelves (after all, it is "the largest academic bookshop in europe"). Senate House Library is another favourite for books, once I can get over the surrealism of studying whilst looking out over the streets of London; and I've also recently discovered the appeal of sitting in Gordon Square with a little coffee from the kiosk in hand. 

2. Primrose Hill

I'm ashamed that it took me so long to get round to visiting Primrose Hill, but now I've been once I will make sure to be returning very soon. Although the term 'hill' is perhaps a little misleading (it's really more of a mound) the view it offers of London is second to none and I do aim to make it there for sunrise someday. It's also pretty good for cloud watching and deep philosophical discussions. 

3. Charlotte Street Restaurants

If there is one place to go in London for food, it's Charlotte Street. For more expert advice I'd recommend my friend Mallory's blog (here) since she knows what she's talking about more than I do, but my own personal favourite Charlotte Street restaurants are Wahaca, Thai Metro, Italia Uno and Yog, of course, for a bit of fro-yo. And for cheap pizza, there's always Icco's (although Franco Manca's, around the corner on Tottenham Court road is significantly better in my mind- but the "Italian Experience" is not quite as authentic). 

4. Courtauld Gallery

During my post-exam freedom, I've had the chance to explore a few of the museums that I may have slightly neglected during my time here. Everyone knows of the greatness of the British Museum and the National Gallery and the other big museums, but one which impressed me this week was the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House. It's a little more manageable and much less busy than some of the bigger ones which gives you more of a chance to appreciate the visit. The other exhibitions in Somerset House are pretty great as well, and it's all free for students so you can't complain! 

5. Camden and Kentish Town

Camden Market is most definitely not an undiscovered corner of London, but the number of people doesn't seem to detract too much from the general enjoyment that there is to be had here. I love exploring and browsing the stalls, not to mention the photobooth, of course. The rest of Camden is great too, especially for going out in the evenings- my personal recommendation is Bar 55 which serves some pretty delicious ice-cream cocktails. Down the road in Kentish Town there's also quite a few second hand shops which are worth trawling through from time to time, if you enjoy that sort of thing!



These are only a few of the places I've enjoyed visiting this year, but I feel like I have barely scratched the surface of all that London offers...  So for now, my quest to explore London continues- but if you have any suggestions of places I should check out, do make sure you let me know!