Venue

Busy street scene at Marble Arch in London
Halcyon London International School is an exciting new not-for-profit international school in central London.  It was founded by parents and educators who had a long association with the International Baccalaureate programmes, and the energy, vision and creativity to bring a fresh approach to internationally-minded education for the benefit London’s local and expat community. Building on the foundations of the IB, Halcyon is a thinking community, committed to holistic teaching and learning; nurturing engaged, reflective and responsible, life-ready, global citizens. One of Halcyon’s core aims is to seek partnerships with leading foundations and institutions to collaborate in the enhancement and development of best practice in all aspects of the life of the school.

 

Accommodation

London hotel prices vary significantly, and location is a factor. Summers are busy times with Wimbledon Tennis Championships and London’s Tour de France both taking place in July, so early booking is advisable.

Halcyon London International School is located at 33 Seymour Place, London W1H 5AU near Marble Arch at the intersection of Oxford Street, Bayswater Road, Park Lane and Edgware Road.

Halcyon is a five-minute walk from Marble Arch (Central Line), or a ten-minute walk from Edgware Road (District, Circle or Bakerloo Lines) Underground stations. You may wish to focus on areas such as Marble Arch, Paddington, Regent’s Park, Kensington, Baker Street, Westminster.   Maida Vale, Kilburn, Willesden Green, Cricklewood, St. John’s Wood, West Hampstead, are also easily accessible by bus.  Alternatively, you may wish to stay further out and come by public transport, so areas such as Ealing, Shepherd’s Bush, Earls Court, Fulham are on the direct Underground lines. Those who like to cycle may wish to check out the Transport for London bicycle hire scheme as there are docking stations near Halcyon.

We are happy to assist with travel plans and questions about logistics – just send an email to mary@langfordiec.com

Our Suggestions for Accommodation:

•   Ask whether your airline or credit card company offers any discounts on combined travel/accommodation opportunities
•   Use sites such as Expedia or Travelocity and combine flight and hotel on search.
•   Hotel websites:  There are many sites for hotels such www.hotelroom.com who may sometimes offer reductions.

This is the official visit London website that includes accommodation ideas –hotels, bed and breakfast, universities and hostels.

University of London offers some accommodation during the summer in their halls of residence, but they fill up fast!

http://www.halls.london.ac.uk/visitor/

http://www.londonuniversityrooms.co.uk/

•   Stay in someone’s spare room:

Established five years ago,  Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world including London.  With world-class customer service and a growing community of users, Airbnb is a good way to find more modestly-priced accommodation.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/s/London–United-Kingdom

 

Oyster Card

How to reach London

London is served by international airports (London Heathrow, Gatwick and City), and two smaller airports served by budget airlines (Luton, Stansted). Transfer to London from all these cities is available via trains, Underground, bus, or taxi. Oyster cards are recommended for people who will want to use the Tube (Underground trains) or buses during their stay.  They may be purchased at the airports. (Note these cannot be used on fast Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect to Paddington Station or the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station. They may be used from Heathrow on the Underground Piccadilly Line.)

Bikes

The Eurostar terminal at St. Pancras International Station makes Paris and Brussels a two-hour train ride away.

London has an excellent public transport system, and most of Central London is now served by the famous ‘Boris Bikes’ that makes local commuting a breeze. A pre-paid Oyster card (tap in, tap out) is the most cost-effective way to use London’s public transport.  See the Transport for London website.

We are happy to assist with travel plans and questions about logistics – just send an email to mary@langfordiec.com

 

General Information

There are cash points (ATM) available to withdraw pounds sterling (£) throughout the city.

Electricity in the UK is 230 volts, using 3-pin plugs.

Visas may be required for nationals of some countries.  Langford International Education Consultancy Ltd. will write letters of support for applications, but we cannot guarantee the outcome.  Consult this website to see if you require a visa.

 

What’s on and what to do

Visit London’s official website

Society of West End Theatres: http://www.solt.co.uk

Last Minute.com for restaurants, events, outings: http://www.lastminute.com

 

(Photographic images courtesy of London & Partners who hold the copyright)