Days out with your homestay guest – South East London
Whilst your requirement as a student host is purely a bed and board situation in a friendly home, we know that many like to go the extra mile. When your student guest isn’t in a study session or on placement, it’s nice to spend your free time together in helping them integrate into the local community and showing them the sights of London. This doesn’t just help them experience new things but also encourages them to return to the UK once they’re fully qualified – and when you’re hosting future doctors and scientists, this is something that can only benefit us all! HFS London promotes building unity in the community with our overseas guests, and going out and taking part in activities requires no big spend or effort. Here are our top picks of places to visit in South East London.
HFS London’s Suggestions
Browse a Historical Market set in a World Heritage Site
Greenwich Market is open seven days a week from 10-5, indoor and out. The only market in the whole of London set within a World Heritage Site, there’s over 120 stalls with a firm focus on antiques and oddities. It’s a ‘proper’ London market and still feels pretty old school, so it’s an authentic taste of the UK for visitors.
Go Dinosaur-spotting in Crystal Palace Park
Jurassic Park is world-famous, so chances are your international student guest has heard of it! Even if not, Crystal Palace Park is a great place for a long walk to clear out the cobwebs and there’s lots of events and activities on there year-round. What’s more, it’s peppered with very inaccurate looking dinosaur sculptures… what more could you want?!
Climb the roof of The O2
Once known as the Millennium Dome, The O2 is now a huge gig venue and makes a pretty distinct spot along the River Thames. You can rope climb and abseil the roof of the venue to enjoy views across the city, as well as dine in one of various restaurants (on the ground, that is) and even take a cable car across the river. Activities need booking in advance, and unless you’re attending a concert, it’s usually best to avoid days when live music is on.
Strut your stuff at the Rivoli Ballroom
A genuine intact 1950s ballroom, the Rivoli is a little slice of history just south of Brockley. You won’t find a more authentic taste of the era anywhere else in London, so why not dress up and go the whole hog to give your student a lesson in historical British culture? There are events on almost every day of the week so look online for details before you travel.
Take the plunge at Brockwell Lido
Lidos are a British institution… on those summer days that it’s actually hot enough to swim outside, of course! Brockwell Lido is one of the last surviving in the capital and is still a super cheap place to take a dip. The Lido is surrounded by art-deco style Grade II listed buildings, and the poolside Lido Café serves a variety of British dishes… so why not end your swim with a fry-up?
A family of hosts
If you have suggestions for great places to visit with student guests in East London, do let the HFS London team know in the comments below, and we can pass on the recommendations to other host families. In such a great city there’s no shortage of things to do, see, eat and drink… and we love sharing them with overseas visitors to build unity in the community. Viva la London!
Has this post inspired you to give hosting a go? HFS London are always looking for hosts in zones 1 – 4. Got a spare room? Check out our application form or find out more about hosting.
The HFS London team are always on hand to help advise potential and existing student hosts on what to do with their guests once they’ve arrived. For more ideas, read our other articles, take to Google, or give us a call!
