8 Places You Need to Visit in London During Fall Reading Week
Written by: Amy Li, fourth year of Medical Sciences
Photo credit: Unsplash by Joanna Kosinska
Whether you’re using reading week to catch up on material or to wind down from the buzz of midterms, it’s important to do something relaxing and fun before jumping back into school. Here are eight spots in London that you don’t want to miss out on during Fall Reading Week!
1. Visit the Covent Garden Market and see their Festivals
Photo credit: Tourism London
The Covent Garden Market is in the heart of downtown London. When you walk in, there are so many vendors, boutiques and a weekly local farmers’ market. My favorite event was when they held a bracelet making and geode cracking workshop. Speaking of workshops, they also host an array of festivals and community events. For this month, there are two festivals taking place: the Fall Food Fest (Oct 28) and the Halloween Boo-Bash (Oct 29).
2. Play Games at Tilt Arcade Bar
Tilt Arcade Bar is a hidden gem in London. With unlimited play of over 80+ games, a food/drinks menu and a retro arcade atmosphere, this place makes you travel to the 80’s and 90’s. The hours are weekdays from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
3. Stop by the Sweet Life Candy & Pop Shop
If you have a major sweet tooth, then this place is just for you! For candies, chocolate, drinks and sweets that you can’t find in a regular convenience store, they can definitely be found here. I personally felt so much nostalgia walking into this store, and seeing candies that I hadn’t touched since childhood.
4. Pick Apples and Pumpkins at Apple Land Station
Photo credit: Tourism London
For fresh air, apple picking, pumpkin picking, and a train ride, you don’t want to miss the Apple Land Station. Open from Labour Day weekend until October 31 relax and enjoy some apple cider and barn animals. They also have a bakery that is filled with the fragrance of apples and cinnamon. If you’re looking for something more savoury, they also offer chicken, shepherd's, or turkey pot pie!
5. Go Ziplining at the Boler Mountain Adventure Park
Photo credit: Tourism London
Fall is the perfect time to go ziplining! Built in the natural Carolinian forest, the Boler Mountain Adventure Park’s activities include zip lines, rope courses, swinging bridges, tarzan swings and more! Sign up soon because the end date is October 31.
6. Hike to Kains Woods
Photo credit: Tourism London
Hiking in Kains Woods is a great activity to try during the fall. The 5.8 km long hikes feature beautiful views of the Thames River. Kains Woods is also home to birds and animals that live near the river. A common sight are bald eagles hunting for fish in the river.
7. Watch Dracula at the Palace Theatre
Presented by the London Community Players and Odesa Company, this production depicts Lucy Seward who contracts a mysterious illness. The suspect is Count Dracula, who is finally laid to rest in a striking manner. The play is meant for those who love thrills in the theatre! It takes place from October 26 – November 5.
8. Visit Museum London
Photo Credit: Tourism London
Located in downtown London, Museum London offers art exhibitions, special programs and events, and many more! With over 5,000 works of art, the museum prides itself on the work of local London artists but also features more than just local artwork. The hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and entry to Museum London is free!
There are so many fun things to do in London. When I spent my past summer in London, there were so many cool events and festivals that I wish I had tried earlier. While it takes some digging, I highly recommend looking into what this city has to offer. You’ll never know what you may find!
To learn more about London activities and for more great ideas, check out Tourism London!
PS- If you are looking for on-campus options, many Western Mustangs Sports teams have home games over the break. Check out their schedules on the Western Mustangs website. Western students get in free to all regular season home games, you just need to show your Western ONECard!
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