Want to see more of the country during your time at LSE? Looking for a mini-vacation that works on a student budget? With reading week just around the corner, here are four easy day-trips you can take if you need a break from London:
Brighton
1 hour by train
2 hours by bus
If you haven’t already visited Brighton, it’s the perfect change of scenery from London. Brighton is liberal, artsy and cool. Collect sea shells from the beach, walk along the famous pier, and look for the snail statues dotted around the city, decorated by different local artists (my favourite one is painted to look like an ice cream cone). Be sure to visit The Lanes for independent bookstores, vintage shops and cafes, and stop by Twin Pines or Salvage Café for a coffee break in an eclectic setting. You don’t need to wait for the summer to visit, either. Brighton is a little bit quieter but still lovely this time of year – be sure to dress warm if you plan on spending time on the beach!
Oxford
1 hour by train
2 hours by bus
Walking around Oxford feels like being inside a fairy tale (or Narnia or the Lord of the Rings, perhaps – nerdy Oxford author reference, sorry). If you aren’t studying there, you might not be allowed inside the colleges, so consider signing up for a free walking tour to see inside (like this one). You can also book a Harry Potter themed walking tour, if that’s more your thing. Or, just wander around and take in the sights – like the Bodleian Library and the iconic Radcliffe Camera. Have lunch at the Eagle and Child pub where the Inklings writers’ group used to meet (including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, as mentioned earlier). End your day with a coffee and a slice of cake at the Missing Bean café before catching the bus/train back – or stay late for a gig at the Jericho Tavern.
Cambridge
1 hour by train
2 hours by bus
Cambridge offers a similar fairy tale vibe as Oxford, but with the bonus of the River Cam. A friend of mine who’s studying at Cambridge recommends Scudamore’s for punting. But if you have time, the botanical gardens, Fitzwilliam Museum and town market are also worth a visit. Cambridge has a bunch of historic pubs (including one that is also called the Eagle and Child Pub, just like in Oxford. Not very imaginative landlords, apparently). Another insider tip: the cheapest and smallest pub in Cambridge is called Radegan’s where you can get ₤2 pints.
Bath
2.5 hours by train
3 hours by bus
If you’re willing to venture a little further away from London, Bath is a charming choice. The town was built around ancient Roman baths and has a lot of history – it’s the only UK city designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But with a huge university, it’s also full of students, which keeps it feeling lively and exciting. If it’s nice out, get a pasty from the Cornish Bakehouse and eat it on the grass in front of the Royal Crescent. Be sure to visit the Pulteney Weir (the nice bridge over the river) and walk through the old streets near Bath Abbey. If you like books, Mr. B’s Emporium is a quirky bookstore with lots of cozy spots to read. Finish the day off by doing the skyline walk for some beautiful views of the city.
Samuel Johnson famously said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” But, to be honest, that sounds a bit judgemental – and sometimes you need to get out of the city to appreciate where you are. Take advantage of some time out from your studying (or bring your books on the train, if you really must) to explore England this month!
Words and images by LSE Social Media Ambassador Erika Loggin