When it comes to student housing, London has a seemingly infinite selection of appropriate accommodation in interesting areas. However, if you’ve chosen Spitalfields as the neighbourhood where you’ll hang your hat as you work towards earning your graduation cap, you’re particularly in luck – there’s so much to do right on your doorstep. Read on for five of the best (and cheapest) attractions in the area.
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market has a history dating back to 1638, when King Charles I gave it a license to sell vegetables and meat. Today it is still a marketplace, selling everything from handcrafted goods crafts to high-end fashion, and it is the neighbourhood’s most high profile attraction.
Top Tip: If you’ve just moved into your student housing, London’s Old Spitalfields Market is a great place to pick up some bits and bobs to make your new accommodation feel like home.
The Dennis Severs’ House
Travel back in time with a visit to the Dennis Severs’ House. The rooms have been redressed to look like they’re from various periods of time throughout the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This is the perfect opportunity to see how styles have changed over the years.
Top Tip: Take a Monday Lunchtime tour of the Christmas installation. Concession tickets are only £5 and each room is festively decorated just as it would have been during that era.
Old Truman Brewery
The Old Truman Brewery was originally one of the largest ale breweries in London, but today the building has been repurposed for multiple different uses. It is home to artisan shops and businesses known for their uniqueness and creativity, as well as numerous restaurants and bars.
Top Tip: Special events are sometimes held here during the week, so keep your eyes peeled for vegan meal specials, anti-sweatshop pop ups and more.
Brick Lane Market
If you’re looking for a charming market to find some quirky items to decorate your student housing, London has a great selection – but Brick Lane is perhaps the best. It’s made up of a few smaller markets, with wares including antiques, crafts, vintage items and more.
Top Tip: Brick Lane Market is open seven days a week, but Saturday and Sunday are the busiest times. Come on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowds.
Christ Church Spitalfields
Christ Church Spitalfields, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, was built in the eighteenth century as part of a commission to build 50 new churches, so that even the residents of small neighbourhoods would be able to attend parish services. One of the biggest draws is the beautiful organ, which has been a part of the church since 1735.
Top Tip: If you’re brave enough, have a cup of coffee in the café located in the crypt.
Whether you’re from across town or based in nearby student housing, London’s Spitalfields area has lots of great options for a cheap and cheerful day out.
Sophie Smith works as an independent consultant, specialising in offering advice on London student housing.
This article is copyright free.