Cultural Activities
& Excursions
Most ACCENT academic programs include cultural activities within London and excursions outside of London, arranged and selected by each university based on academic need. Excursions include guided visits to important museums and monuments, as well as some free time to explore on your own. Excursions and activities will vary by program.
Salisbury
In Salisbury students will visit the beautiful Salisbury Cathedral, a superb example of medieval architecture that is celebrating 750 years since its completion. The Cathedral houses the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta and boasts the tallest spire in Britain. Salisbury and the surrounding areas are full of history and National Trust sites, some of which date back to the Iron Age. There will be a chance to visit the market and explore more of this charming, provincial English city, including the rather morbid mummified hand at the Haunch of Venison pub.
Stonehenge
Students will have a guided visit of this site by professors, highlighting both historical fact and scientific speculation. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge is surrounded by the remains of ceremonial and domestic structures, some older than the monument itself. Altogether, the site covers some 2,600 hectares and comprises over 400 listed monuments. It was erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC, by no less than three different cultures, but scientists and historians are still debating on the exact purpose and meaning of these giant stones. Some have speculated that it was a temple made for the worship of ancient earth deities and others believe it is an astronomical observatory for marking significant events on the prehistoric calendar, while still others maintain that it was a great healing center.
Cambridge
Situated along the winding river Cam, Cambridge is home to a multitude of architectural and historic treasures, including one of the world's most famous universities. Students will visit the grandiose Kings College Chapel, one of England's supreme examples of Late Gothic architecture, the famous wooden Mathematical Bridge and Sun Dial at Queens' College, and St. John's College to see the neo-gothic Bridge of Sighs. Students will also have some free time to explore this academic and historical city on their own, to visit other colleges or take a stroll through one of the city's gorgeous gardens.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Not to be confused with the area of London where the 2012 Olympics are being held, Stratford-Upon-Avon is set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside on the banks of the river Avon and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. As the celebrated birthplace of William Shakespeare, this old market town has a number of well-preserved "half-timbered" style buildings. Depending on the program, students may be guided through Anne Hathaway and Mary Arden's farm cottages, the birthplace of Shakespeare, or the Holy Trinity Church where the Bard was finally laid to rest. Stratford is also home to the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company and Swan Theatre. The atmosphere of the town and surrounding countryside in the Heart of England makes Stratford-upon-Avon an unforgettable excursion.
York
Situated in the north of England, York is the home of numerous attractions that will surprise, inspire, and stimulate students. The city is built around the stunning medieval York Minster, and surrounded by a multitude of smaller gems like medieval guildhalls, Georgian town houses and National Trust and English Heritage properties. York also holds the National Railway Museum, and the JORVIK Viking Centre. Students receive a guided tour of the old walled city and ancient ruins and York Minster, as well as numerous museums.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland, is one of Great Britain's capitals of art and culture. Students will explore the heritage of Scotland with guided visits to St. Giles Cathedral, Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. The castle grounds have been inhabited since 800 BC and the great castle has become a symbol of Scotland's nationhood. Inside, the group may visit the "Honours of the Kingdom" exhibition featuring the Scottish Crown Jewels, The Stone of Destiny, and Mons Meg cannon. The guided tour will cover both the Old and New Towns but also allows for the students to explore Edinburgh independently (and try a bit of haggis if they desire)!
Bath
Bath, formerly known as "Aquae Sullis," dating back to Roman times, is the most recognized spa in England. Students will be able to visit the world famous Roman Baths surrounding the hot springs at the heart of the city. The Great Roman Temple and bathing complex built almost 2000 years ago is one of the country's finest ancient monuments, still flowing with natural steaming hot water, but strictly off limits to bathers. The town is known for its splendid Georgian architecture. Students will find that Bath is a comfortably-sized city, filled with places to visit, including the Grand Pump Room, the Jane Austen Museum, the Bath Assembly Rooms, the Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey.
Brighton
Often referred to as London-by-the-sea, Brighton is an exciting, cosmopolitan and lively city that a group will never forget. Set against the backdrop of Sussex's South Downs, this is a popular seaside town. The excursion to Brighton features Regency architecture, specialist shops, pavement cafes, a lively arts scene and vibrant nightlife. Students will tour graceful Georgian and Victorian homes, as well as the extravagant Royal Pavilion and Brighton Palace Pier. In between stunning historical sites students can take a walk along the promenade or a stroll along the seafront. Students who like trains can visit the Volk's Electric Railway, England's oldest of its kind.
Oxford
Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, is famous the world over for its university and history. For over 800 years it has been the home of royalty and scholars. The city lies at the meeting of the Rivers Cherwell and Thames, or "Isis", as it is locally known, providing the opportunity for boating, punting and many pleasant riverside walks. Nowadays the city is a bustling cosmopolitan town. This famous university town is also home to a growing hi-tech community. Students will be able to visit several architectural gems, including Carfax Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, the Saxon Tower of St Michael and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is the current home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough and was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The 2100 acres of parkland, the Baroque palace surrounded by sweeping lawns, the formal gardens and the magnificent lake offer a picturesque and photo-filled opportunity for students. Inside, the scale of the Palace is balanced by the intricate detail and delicacy of the carvings, the hand painted ceilings and the amazing porcelain, tapestries and extensive painting collection displayed throughout this grand home.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of three official residences of Queen Elizabeth II and has been home to England's Sovereign for over 900 years. The castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements of the castle loom large from every approach to the town. No other royal residence has played such an important role in the nation's history. The outer walls of today's structure are in the same position as those of the original castle, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Students can visit Saint George's Chapel, the resting place of ten British monarchs, including Henry VIII, and Charles I, and they can also explore the magnificent State Apartments, the semi-state apartments created for George IV and Queen Mary's intricate Dolls' House.
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace has over 500 years of history for students to enjoy and explore. The first buildings at Hampton Court belonged to the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, a religious order founded in the early 12th century to protect the Holy Land from the Turks. The knights built a large manor house that Henry VIII's fabulously rich Chief Minster, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, leased and transformed into a magnificent palace. This palace was again partially rebuilt and greatly extended by William III, transforming it into one of the most modern and sophisticated palaces in Europe. Students can visit the Tudor kitchens, Queen Anne's apartments, the King's apartments, the Wolsey rooms and Henry VIII's state apartments. The gardens of Hampton Court were laid out originally to rival those at Versailles, and their magnificence today attracts many visitors. Features include the Privy Garden built for King William III, the Great Vine, the Royal Tennis Courts built in the 1620s and the famous Tudor Gardens of Henry VIII.
Cultural Activities
The London ACCENT Center organizes a number of optional, free activities that add great value to programs by creating opportunities for students to socialize amongst themselves and pointing out the hidden gems of the capital.
Popular events include the regular 'Friday Football' event in Regent's Park and group visits to the great markets of London: Borough Markets, Camden and Spitalfields.