It’s London time! A trip to the UK would not be complete without visiting the bustling capital, with students eagerly anticipating the trip down south, which for many was the first time in the ‘Big Smoke’! London offers an abundance of entertainment and culture, so we let the students decide how they want to spend their day. Students in the mood for Shakespeare got to see the live performance of Much Ado about Nothing, in the Globe theatre itself! The play is set in Messina and revolves around the romantic misunderstandings and dynamics of two couples, Beatrice and Benedick, and Claudio and Hero. Group A also took a trip to the Tate Modern, witnessing some of the world’s most exciting modern and contemporary art, featuring the work of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Group B enjoyed a different day, with an exciting walking tour of central London, exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks. We began at Trafalgar Square, marveling at Nelson’s Column and the majestic fountains. Next, we headed to Parliament Square, featuring, of course, the grand Houses of Parliament, but also Big Ben and the statues of historic figures like Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.
We then strolled through St. James’ Park, enjoying its beautiful flower beds, serene lake, and playful wildlife. Our final stop was Buckingham Palace, which has been the London residence of the British monarch since the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.
The tour ended with a hefty amount of free time in Covent Garden. This vibrant area, with its street performers and boutique shops, offered the perfect place to unwind and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Upon return to Cambridge, we offered some chilled activities for the students, after giving them a chance to grab some dinner. They could pop down to the “Nintendo Switch Party”, where students had the chance to battle their friends (and corridor supervisors!) at Mario Kart, or play some pictionary and charades next door! A relaxing end to a full on day of exploring London!
Come back tomorrow to hear all about the first day of week two, and as always, check out our Instagram and Tiktok for more daily updates! (@reachcambridge)
