For the vast majority of students, the London they were hoping for upon applying to university is not the London they are currently living in. The instigation of a second lockdown has removed the few ‘normal’ activities I enjoyed even under tier two restrictions: going to the pub, going shopping for non-essentials and sitting in restaurants or coffee shops. However, after a few days of sulking, I decided to try and find things to do that are made possible or easier by the restrictions being in place. Although the end of lockdown is nearing (hopefully), I wanted to share some of the things that have made my last two more bearable!
Tourist attractions, without the tourists
Of course, many of the cliche London tourist attractions are indoors and have been forced to shut for the duration of lockdown. However, classically busy squares and sights are obviously still visitable! Although it might be tempting to abstain from visiting places popular with tourists because it’s not the done thing amongst students who consider themselves locals, there is something both eerie and a little bit exhilarating about being one of ten people in Trafalgar Square at 2pm on a Saturday. (This being said, I am very easily exhilarated due to the current monotony of my schedule, and my general personality). Right now is probably one of the few times you will be able to experience relative calm in certain areas in central London, and it does also make for good photo opportunities. So, I would definitely recommend trying to go to a few if you’re out and about (legally, of course) with some spare time.
My other personal choices include Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square (although the scaffolding around Big Ben does not do much for it aesthetically), and South Bank. If you get thirsty when at the latter, Beany Green, a converted shipping container hosting a coffee shop and cocktail bar, is still open (Thursday-Sunday), located opposite the Southbank Centre.
Christmas lights
It may only be November, but if any year warranted an early start to the festive period to lift our spirits, it’s 2020. As above, this is a great opportunity to see Christmas lights without worrying about crowds. Some of my flatmates and I have been visiting different light displays a couple of times a week and using it as an excuse to drink lots of hot chocolate.
Before joining UCL as a student, I had spent time in London during the festive period quite a lot already. So far this year it feels like a different city! The Covent Garden lights have been put up but the area obviously remains quite quiet; if you wanted to take an instagram shot in front of the tree or by the apple market without twenty other people in the background, this is the time to do it. Hot chocolate recommendation: Venchi.
Similarly, a walk through Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street (who’s Christmas lights are not classically festive, but worth a visit regardless) has worked wonders for triggering serotonin release (albeit it briefly, but I’ll take what I can get). A slightly less mainstream option is Coal Drops Yard, near Kings Cross, the display of which is more artistic than the other Christmas light offerings London currently has switched on.
Borough Market
Borough Market remains open! With or without the intention of buying anything, a stroll through the stalls is a fun way to get out and kill an hour. Whilst an expensive place to shop, indulging in some fresh fruit to take home, or street food to eat there, can be a nice way to treat yourself in times that seem to be lacking in opportunities for indulgence. A few of my favourites…
1. Kappacasein: the best cheese toasties in town. Using raclette made in Bermondsey, cheddar, Ogleshield, with onions and leeks on sourdough, this is easily one of my favourite street food vendors in the city.
Trading: Monday-Saturday
2. Bread Ahead: in addition to their shop/cafe near Kingly Court, Bread Ahead sell their donuts, amongst other things, at Borough Market. For a sweet treat, I would highly recommend it!
Trading: Monday-Saturday
3. Artisan Du Chocolat: quite expensive but definitely delicious hot chocolate and artisan chocolates that you might like to give as gifts for Christmas.
Trading: Wednesday-Saturday
Essentially, there are some benefits to this lockdown period. First and foremost, it is important to look after your mental and physical health as well as you can, and changing up your daily activities and getting time outside can help with both of them. It is only temporary, but it can be difficult to feel like you’re thriving and sometimes the sense of failure/stagnation can be really overwhelming. Taking time for yourself, as well as spending time with others, is really important! Hopefully some of these suggestions might inspire you to do something new, and help you make it through.