London is more than just the capital of the UK. For students, it’s a city overflowing with creative energy, hidden corners, and incredible venues that offer far more than lectures and libraries. Whether you’re looking to socialise, explore, recharge, or create content for your feed, the city is filled with locations that cater to a wide range of student interests. This guide to the things to do for students in London focuses on ten standout venues that are perfect for daytime visits. From cultural icons to hidden gems, they’ll help you experience the city in fresh, memorable ways.

1. Sixes Cricket

Spread across London, Sixes Cricket venues are purpose-built for student fun. With multiple locations including Fitzrovia, Fulham, London Bridge, Stratford, and Shepherd’s Bush, each branch offers its own atmosphere while maintaining the same playful vibe.

At the heart of Sixes is the indoor cricket experience. Students can reserve batting nets and step into the action with digital scoreboards and glowing strobe lights. Lounge-style seating areas give groups the chance to relax between sessions, and a casual food and drink menu adds to the social appeal.

Each location has something unique to offer:

• Sixes Fitzrovia is centrally located with a chic, modern interior that works well for stylish group reels.

• Sixes Fulham has a more spacious feel, ideal for laid-back daytime games or casual meetups.

• Sixes London Bridge boasts an urban aesthetic and is just minutes from the riverside, giving you the option to create varied photo content.

• Sixes Stratford is full of bold design features and has a high-energy environment perfect for action content.

• Sixes Shepherd’s Bush stands out for its quirky, creative layouts that work well for candid shots and playful content.

Students enjoy generous discounts across most locations, often including up to 50 percent off batting sessions and combo bundles. Venues are well connected by tube or bus and make great weekday diversions for student groups or clubs.

2. British Museum Reading Room and Courtyards

The British Museum is a staple of student life in London, but it’s the lesser-known corners that offer a quieter, more photogenic vibe. The Reading Room is a circular marvel with neoclassical design, ideal for portraits that feel scholarly and timeless. Its soft lighting and architectural symmetry are popular among content creators and photography students.

The surrounding courtyards offer a peaceful break from the city’s pace. Whether you’re sitting down with a coffee or taking photos under the museum’s large columns, the space has an atmosphere of calm creativity. Entry is free, and the museum is just a few minutes’ walk from Tottenham Court Road and Russell Square tube stations.

3. Southbank Centre and Queen’s Walk

Stretching along the Thames, the Queen’s Walk connects a series of cultural landmarks, with the Southbank Centre standing at its heart. This riverside arts hub is known for its outdoor book stalls, music installations, and ever-changing murals.

Students often stop here between lectures or after class to meet friends or simply reflect. It’s a great place to bring a sketchpad, grab street food, or shoot lifestyle content with the river in the background. If you want something low cost and creative, this stretch offers countless moments worth capturing.

The area is easily accessible by tube via Waterloo or Embankment, and its open layout makes it one of London’s most inclusive student hangouts.

4. Columbia Road Flower Market

If you’re an early riser, Columbia Road Flower Market is a Sunday essential. A riot of color and charm, the market is lined with flower stalls, small boutiques, and plant-filled storefronts that spill onto the street. It’s a hotspot for students interested in photography, fashion content, or casual browsing.

Whether you’re shooting macro images of orchids or taking flat lays of fresh bouquets, the visual appeal here is unmatched. Grab a coffee from a side café, snap a few pictures under the bunting, and breathe in the relaxed atmosphere.

The market is located in East London and is best reached by Overground or bus. It can get crowded by mid-morning, so going early is the key to snagging both good light and clean backdrops.

5. Greenwich Park and Royal Observatory

Sitting on a hill with views over Canary Wharf and the River Thames, Greenwich Park is one of London’s most impressive open spaces. At the top of the park lies the Royal Observatory, offering students a panoramic lookout perfect for sunrise shoots or afternoon revision sessions.

There’s a blend of wide-open lawns, forested paths, and astronomy-themed features that make the park great for both relaxation and creativity. It’s particularly popular during warmer months for student picnics and casual sports.

The park is accessible via the DLR or Southeastern rail lines. Many university shuttle routes also connect nearby, making it a convenient and calming daytime option.

6. Tate Modern Turbine Hall and Rooftop Terrace

Few student experiences in London are complete without a visit to the Tate Modern. The iconic Turbine Hall is known for its ever-changing art installations and industrial interiors, making it a striking backdrop for photo content, film projects, or visual inspiration.

Upstairs, the Rooftop Terrace provides sweeping views of the London skyline, including the River Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s a great spot to unwind with a sketchpad, shoot video diaries, or catch golden-hour photos.

Entry is free for all, and the location is easily reachable from Southwark or Blackfriars stations. For arts students, the Tate also offers free gallery passes and often hosts daytime events or tours geared toward young creatives.

7. Camden Market and Regent’s Canal

Bursting with personality, Camden Market is a chaotic but lovable maze of food stalls, vintage shops, murals, and handmade goods. For students, it’s not just a shopping stop — it’s a hub of street culture and creativity.

Pair your market day with a quiet walk along Regent’s Canal, just steps away from the main stalls. The mix of grungy charm, narrowboats, and peaceful water scenes creates the ideal contrast for varied content. Whether you’re shooting street-style, documentary footage, or relaxed selfies, this is one of London’s most eclectic student-friendly spaces.

Camden Town station is on the Northern Line, making it easy to reach from most campuses.

8. Kew Gardens Palm House and Arboretum

Step into a botanical dreamscape at Kew Gardens, where students can explore tropical glasshouses, ornamental gardens, and tree-lined arboretums. The Palm House, with its giant Victorian ironwork and lush interior, is a favorite for plant-loving students and photography enthusiasts.

The grounds shift with the seasons — cherry blossoms in spring, golden leaves in autumn — offering fresh content all year round. Kew Gardens also provides discounted student entry and sometimes runs educational programs or guided tours for university groups.

Located in Richmond, it’s accessible by Overground and District Line, with plenty of nearby cafés for study breaks.

9. Barbican Conservatory and Lakeside Terrace

Hidden inside the Barbican Centre, the Conservatory is a tropical escape tucked behind brutalist concrete walls. It’s the second-largest conservatory in London and features over 2,000 species of plants, koi fish ponds, and layered walkways perfect for creative exploration.

Nearby, the Lakeside Terrace outside offers open seating, water views, and interesting architectural lines — ideal for content creation or chilled group meetings.

Entry is free with advance booking, and the centre is close to Moorgate and Barbican stations. Students often pair a visit with a screening, art exhibit, or just quiet time away from the city noise.

10. Greenwich Market and Painted Hall Courtyard

Greenwich Market combines artisan food, antiques, and student-friendly boutiques all within walking distance of the River Thames. It’s an ideal daytime hangout for students looking to browse, snack, or grab photos of quirky storefronts and handmade crafts.

Just around the corner is the Painted Hall Courtyard, part of the Old Royal Naval College. The courtyard’s baroque architecture adds a regal feel to any shoot — great for culture-focused content or group portraits.

Both venues are DLR-accessible and popular with students from surrounding campuses, especially on weekends.

Conclusion: Things to Do for Students in London

London isn’t just a place to study — it’s a city that invites exploration, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re diving into a cricket session at Sixes Cricket, wandering along Southbank, or relaxing among the greenery of Kew Gardens, the capital offers endless inspiration for student life beyond the classroom.

These ten locations offer a balanced mix of indoor and outdoor, active and reflective, cultural and casual experiences. Each spot on this list represents a different side of student life — the friendships, the ideas, the snapshots that make university years unforgettable.

So whether you’re looking for a new study spot, somewhere to bring visiting friends, or a fresh scene for your next post, these things to do for students in London will keep your days full and your feed even fuller.