Arcadia England

Hey friends! I just celebrated the first full month of being in the U.K a few days ago. It feels like time is moving too fast and simultaneously, not moving at all. In the past month, I’ve been able to visit some amazing places in England! I always felt like there was a massive pressure for students abroad to travel all over Europe. Still, it leaves you wondering, what about the country they’re actually studying in? Don’t get me wrong – I do plan on doing some out of country traveling (Sweden is already booked!), but I wanted to
explore some places that are in the beautiful country I’m staying in. Additionally, I have been able to travel relatively cheaply through Arcadia or the International Society at the University of Manchester!

London

I’ve now been to London twice in my month here. I spent my first few days in the U.K in London for Arcadia’s orientation and was able to visit most of the “tourist” attractions! My group saw the Tower of London, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. My favorite part of London was traveling the SoHo area – it’s such a vibrant and lively place to explore. However, two weeks later, I went back to London to visit Hampton Court Palace! My Arcadia excursion ticket paid for the ticket into the
palace, and for the tube ride from Waterloo to Hampton Court. 

Hampton Court was a place where Henry VIII spent some of his summers, and it was amazing to wander the same halls that he would have.The palace has beautiful art galleries and gardens. It also had a maze, where a friend and I spent precisely eight minutes trying to get to the center (I am very proud of that time). My inner love for history jumped out during this excursion, and I can’t wait to come back to London in March.

Yorkshire

Yorkshire opened itself like a picture book. I went during Storm Dennis (the show must go on), but I think it only added to the “moody 19th-century gloom and rain” aesthetic. I went to the Brontë museum and explored where the Brontë sisters their famous novels.
We went to a few shops around the area, all with their own unique charm. My favorite was this feminist forward shop called “Wave of Nostalgia” that had upcycled vintage clothing, unique stationery, and LGBTQ and feminist books.

Afterward, we went to a guided tour of Skipton castle and learned about the history of Yorkshire and Skipton. At this point in the day, it was very windy, but the castle provided some shelter from the bellowing wind. I was even able to stand in a pitch-black dungeon! I wouldn’t recommend it.

Liverpool

Liverpool is my absolute favorite place so far (besides Manchester, of course!). Liverpool is right near the water and walking along the docks reminded me of New England beaches back home. Liverpool is composed of many of my favorite things, the coast, music, art, and creativity. I felt right at home, walking the streets of Liverpool and exploring all the Beatles sites. My friends and I got to see the actual Penny Lane while listening to the song play on the coach. We also went to the Beatles Museum and learned about their music and personal journeys. I was also able to have my first ever Sunday Roast in Liverpool! The Sunday Roast definitely tops my list for best iconic British foods – and it was only 7 pounds! We then got to see the Cavern Club, where the Beatles first performed in person. We saw a live band perform some crowd-pleasers (Queen’s “Somebody to Love” always hits) and enjoyed the fun atmosphere. Unfortunately, we did not get to see many of the free and beautiful museums. Still, we
plan on going back!

I’ve really enjoyed my time in the U.K so far and hope to go to even more beautiful
locations! A pro tip: if you plan on exploring the U.K., definitely think about getting a 16-
25 railcard – you will end up saving more money than you spend on the card itself. Next
up, hopefully, I’ll see Glasgow, Oxford, and Brighton!

About the Author: 

"My name is Madison Pimental (Maddy), and I’m studying at the University of Manchester for the Spring! I’m a junior studying English and American Studies from Stonehill College, a small institution just South of Boston, Massachusetts."