Arcadia England

Spring'15 arrivals, you have much to look forward to when you arrive in the UK. Whether you are studying in London or elsewhere, there will be new experiences to appreciate each and every day. Many such experiences will surprise you, but our programme of extra-curricular events is one thing that you can prepare for.

You will have received an email explaining how to sign up for these events from December 15th onward. We urge you to get in there quick, as spaces are sold on a first come-first serve basis. So if you have not decided which events you would like to take part in, take another look now...

Cabinet War Rooms

This museum comprises the Cabinet War Rooms, a historic underground complex that was home to government command centre during the Second World War. You can also see the Churchill Museum, a museum exploring the life of the then Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

During the war, two rooms were of particular importance. The map room was constantly in use. The other was the Cabinet Room in which Churchill declared: ‘This is the room from which I will direct the war.’

Bath & Stonehenge

Stonehenge

Now a World Heritage Site, Stonehenge and all its surroundings remain powerful witnesses to the once great civilisations of the Stone and Bronze Ages, between 3000 and 5000 years ago. What visitors see today are the substantial remnants of the last in a sequence of such monuments erected between circa 3000BC and 16000BC. Each monument was a circular structure, aligned with the rising of the sun at the midsummer solstice.

Bath

Two thousand years ago, with most of the world at their feet, the Romans recognised the unique qualities of Bath and settled here. They chose well. Set in a sheltered valley, surrounded like Rome by seven wooded hills and nourished by Britain’s only natural hot springs, it is a natural haven. An exquisite Georgian city grew from Bath’s ancient roots. The Royal Crescent, The Circus, Pump Room and Pulteney Bridge are among the finest architectural treasures in the world. Indeed, the entire city has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Rugby (Saracens v Newcastle)&

What better way to immerse yourself in British culture than by watching British sport. More similar to American football than our version of football (in which we actually kick the ball with our feet), it is said that the sport was called rugby because it was first played at Rugby School in Warwickshire. The first international match was between England and Scotland, so its history is well rooted in British culture.

Saracens were founded in 1876 in Marylebone, London. The club’s name is meant to represent endurance, enthusiasm and invincibility. Why not see if they truly are invincible by watching them play?

Cambridge

Cambridge is most famous for its prestigious university founded in 1209. Students make up a sizeable chunk of its population, and colleges that are part of the university dominate the historic city centre. Our visit to Kings College will give you ample time to appreciate the gorgeous architecture and the walking tour will fill you in on the history of the city.

The River Cam is also a great attraction, and you might even get to try your hand at punting!

Billy Elliot at London’s West End

One of the most celebrated, award-winning musicals on stage today, Billy Elliot has been dazzling London’s West End since 2005, and has gone on to captivate audiences around the world.

Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream come true. Follow Billy’s journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

With unforgettable music by Elton John, sensational dance and a powerful storyline, this astonishing theatrical experience will stay with you forever.

This event is part of the Life of the Mind, Rhythms of the World series.

Edinburgh Weekend Trip

The Scottish capital is a wondrous city. A city of contrasts, the old town sits alongside the new town, a legacy from the days of Auld Reekie – a town so overcrowded and smelly, the rich were forced to leave and establish a new town in bogland.

Edinburgh was one of the historical centres of the Enlightenment, has been at the forefront of many of the world’s medical developments and contains over 4500 listed buildings. Today it is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and attracts countless scores of visitors.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world with approximately 500 residents all year around! It is Queen Elizabeth’s weekend home and is often used for royal functions.

The castle is famous for its beauty and its long history. The castle was first built in the 11^th century after William the Conqueror and it has been used by monarchs since the reign of Henry I, making it the longest occupied palace in all of Europe. It was originally built to protect London by overseeing the River Thames, but it’s purpose has changed drastically over the course of time.

Join us on this visit to marvel at the architecture, and to devour the royal history within.

Wales Adventure Weekend

During this unique weekend away you’ll stay in a fully catered lodge, be led by experienced and trusted guides, and explore the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the natural environment with outdoor hiking. Additionally the weekend will include activities such as sea kayaking, surfing and coasteering.

Please note this event leaves on Friday afternoon. It is your responsibility to check for academic clashes.