10 places to learn in London: the best evening courses and events in the capital
28th February 2016“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice,” said Brian Herbert, and we happen to agree. We live in one of the most cultured and educated cities in the world, where we’re lucky not to have to go very far to expand our brains or learn a new skill. So let’s make the most of it!
Here are our favourite places to learn in London, from evening courses to lectures and even a new way to explore the capital’s best museums…
1. City Lit
Picture credit: naixn on Flickr
This hub of learning near Covent Garden is dedicated to adult courses, from one-day courses in ballet and design to 10-week courses in photography.
More information: citylit.ac.uk
2. how to: Academy
Picture credit: Erik Tjallinks on Flickr
Write a book, understand gravitational waves, sell anything, learn more about Virginia Woolf’s To The Lighthouse, or discover the personalities that have shaped Indian history; the breadth of courses and lectures at the how to: Academy is wide as the courses are interesting and useful.
More information: howtoacademy.com
3. The Idler Academy of Philosophy, Husbandry and Merriment
Picture credit: Zach Frailey on Flickr
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’d make a good beekeeper, wanted to learn Scottish country dancing, or even start taxidermy, then The Idler Academy is for you.
More information: idler.co.uk
4. The School of Life
Picture credit: Unsplash on Flickr
The School of Life’s strapline is ‘developing emotional intelligence’: from coping with change to being an introverted leader, their courses are good for the soul.
More information: theschooloflife.com
5. City of Westminster College
Picture credit: William Murphy on Flickr
This award-winning college in Paddington offers a wide range of evening courses: achieve your cabin crew dreams, learn the secrets of TV presenting, or even start designing games.
More information: cwc.ac.uk
6. General Assembly
Picture credit: jeff_golden on Flickr
General Assembly promise to ‘turn thinkers into creators’ with courses in technology business and design. So if you’ve got an idea but are struggling to realise it, this is the place to come.
More information: generalassemb.ly/london
7. City University London
City University has taught prime ministers, Gandhi, and… Michael Fish, and how it’s your turn. Develop your professional skills at this world-class university.
More information: city.ac.uk
8. Learning for Life at Morley
Picture credit: Robin S on Flickr
Curious about comedy acting? Wondering about woodcut? Bothered about blogging? If you can think of it, you can learn about it at Learning for Life at Morley.
More information: morleycollege.ac.uk
9. Thinking Bob’s Culture Vulture museum treasure hunts
Have you tried one of our museum hunts yet? We’ll put you in a team (so come on your own if you like) and you’ll find the answers to the clues within the exhibits. It’s a great way to explore as you’ll notice lots of things you might not have noticed just wandering about. Our next Culture Vulture hunt is at the V&A Museum of Childhood on 12th March — grab your spot here or check our calendar for the next dates!
10. Free lectures around the city
Picture credit: William Warby on Flickr / Creative Commons
There are tons of free lectures being held every day of the week in London. Want the top 10 places to look? Here’s one we prepared earlier…
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Written by:
Charlotte Gunnell
London blogger at APeaceOfLondon.com on a mission to find chilled-out, cultured and unusual corners of the city. Lover of Lego, loyal bobber and watcher of the odd historical drama.
Follow me on Twitter @apeaceoflondon