England: Emmalyn Bergman (My Top 5 List)

March 5, 2024

My Top 5 List

1. Waterstones on Gower Street
As an avid book lover, exploring new book stores is one of my favorite activities in London. My favorite so far is the Waterstones (British Barnes and Noble) on Gore Street, near University College London. It features 4 stories of books, a cafe, a record shop, and a stationary store. The building itself is beautiful, and is the perfect location to curl up in one of the many window seats and read a novel on a rainy day.

A row of red brick houses together, each with tall, triangular roofs and black trim, along a sidewalk.

A sidewalk with trees and two red telephone booths in the center.

2. Richmond Green
There are so many beautiful parks and green spaces in London, but Richmond Green is one of my favorites. It’s a beautiful area to sit and read, or just hang out for an afternoon. It’s also so fun to explore the nearby restaurants and shops, or the nearby Richmond Park. The Green and the surrounding area are also a few of the many filming spots in Richmond for the show, Ted Lasso, a show that I am a major fan of.

A few people walk around the open green grass of a park, taken from underneath the shade of a large tree.

A building with a curved ceiling has hanging bells and ornaments on it, and a Christmas tree with lights is in the foreground.

3. Covent Garden at Christmas Time
London is famous for its Christmas decorations for good reason, and Covent Garden does not disappoint. Most major areas in London are decked out with lights, banners, and wreaths during the winter, but Covent Garden takes it to the next level. There are massive Christmas trees, gigantic bells hanging from awnings, wreaths and garlands everywhere you turn, and a fake snow machine that goes off at the top of every hour.

Two statues of people wearing crowns and exquisite white gowns.

4. Victoria and Albert Museum
The V&A Museum is my favorite museum in London. There are so many different types of art to view, including sculptures, stained glass, jewelry, furniture, costumes, and clothing. Though the museum is mainly known for its applied arts, decorative arts, and design, its paintings cannot be ignored. The portrait gallery is stunning. There is art and decor on display from cultures all over the world, allowing me to learn about areas I previously may not have been exposed to. The museum also features rotating limited displays, such as the most recent display, “DIVA,” which showcased outfits and items from decades of stars, including Rihanna, Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Beyonce, as well as more historical figures like Marilyn Monroe or Billie Holiday.

A thin bridge over a river leads to a part of London with old, brick buildings, and more skyscrapers in the distance.

5. Tate Modern
Though the Tate Modern is a stunning modern art museum, the art itself is not the reason I love this museum so much. Rather, the views draw me to it again and again. The museum is in what used to be Bankside Power Station, right along the Thames River in the middle of central London. The Restaurant on the top floor, or the cafe a few stories below offer some of the best views in London. It is one of my favorite spots to sit and get homework done, or just enjoy the view.

Emmalyn sits on a brick wall in front of green bushes.

Emmalyn Bergman

Major: Political Science and International Studies

Hometown: Oconomowoc, WI