Musical culture is everywhere in London. So if you are learning English and have passion for music, it’s the perfect city to immerse yourself in to deepen your understanding of the language.
Here’s our top six favourite music landmarks in London.
Abbey Road
This street in North West London is home to one of the most famous music landmarks in London, Abbey Road Studios.
Originally a nine bedroom house, in 1929 it was bought by the Gramophone Company and transformed into the first ever purpose-built recording studio in the world.
It’s also the location of the famed zebra crossing that appears on the front cover of the iconic Abbey Road album by the legendary English rock band The Beatles.
But this place has featured in so many global artists' careers. From Ella Fitzgerald to Ed Sheeran, it truly is an international icon amongst the music industry.
The wall outside Abbey Road Studios is often covered with graffiti and messages from Beatles fans. Read the messages and try to understand their meanings, then write your own message in English.
Denmark Street
The musical history of this small London street goes back more than a century to before the second world war when it was filled with sheet music shops.
Then through the mid 1900’s to the early 2000’s it was a melting pot for the production of modern British music. With publishers, songwriters, pluggers and artists all networking in the street’s pubs and cafés.
Denmark Street played a fundamental role in the success of many British music groups including The Rolling Stones and David Bowie. Not least Elton John, who worked as an office assistant here before being talent spotted.
These days it is mainly dominated by musical instrument shops. However Denmark Street is still widely known as London’s street of sound.
Its music shops are a fantastic place to meet locals who share a passion for music and have a deep knowledge of the area’s history.
Conversing with shop owners, musicians, and fellow enthusiasts will not only expose you to subject-specific idioms and expressions, but also help to improve your English accent.
The 100 Club
Located in a basement on Oxford Street, this independent venue has been hosting live music since 1942.
From British Blues and Heavy Metal to Indie music and Jazz, it has championed all kinds of groundbreaking music genres over the decades.
However it is most widely credited with the birth of Punk.
In 1976, the club put on the first ever Punk festival the world had seen, where a number of unsigned bands including The Clash and The Sex Pistols played for the first time.
To this day The 100 Club continues to showcase some of the most exciting new music in London and is a must visit for music lovers learning English.
So put your listening skills to the test by attending a live music event and taking note of any interesting lyrics or phrases you hear during the performance.
Afterwards, discuss the themes of the songs with your language host family or language group.
The Royal Albert Hall
Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 and named after her late husband who had a passion for the arts, The Royal Albert Hall is one of the most well known music landmarks in London.
So well known in fact that during the second World War the unique glass domed roof was painted black to prevent enemy pilots using it to orientate bombings.
The construction of this gorgeous Grade I listed building was an ambitious design and even today, the gigantic glass roof remains the largest unsupported glass dome in the world.
Over 1.7 million people are entertained here each year with shows from the world’s leading artists including classical, rock and pop concerts.
What’s more, you can also take a guided tour of the Royal Albert Hall and practice listening comprehension by following along with the English commentary.
Pay attention to the guide’s descriptions of the building’s history, architecture, and events. If there are any unfamiliar words or phrases, jot them down and look them up later to expand your vocabulary.
Handel Hendrix House
Separated by a wall and two centuries, two of the greatest musicians ever to have lived in London shared an address on Brook Street in the district of Mayfair.
From 1723 until his death 36 years later, number 25 was the home of revered Baroque composer George Frideric Handel. Curiously, next door in the upper flat of number 23 was where legendary American rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix lived between 1968-1969.
Handel composed some of the greatest music in English history here, and whilst his career was much shorter, Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists ever.
Handel Hendrix House is now a museum which celebrates the lives and musical careers of the pair and aims to inspire the next generations of musicians.
After your visit imagine a conversation between Handel and Hendrix if they were to meet. And practice writing by transcribing this imaginary interaction, incorporating details you remember from their rooms and the surrounding area.
Camden Town
Amy Winehouse was one of the most talented artists to come out of the UK and where she lived and hung out in her beloved Camden Town had a huge influence on her music.
From the house where she lived and died with shrines outside, to the pubs she gigged in now decorated with memorabilia, it is possible to literally walk in her footsteps around Camden.
And with the bronze life size statue in Camden Market, her place on the recently unveiled Camden Walk of Fame, and abundance of Amy Winehouse street art, it’s clear how even after death her spirit still very much lives on there.
But it isn’t all just about Amy. Lots of great artists' careers are intertwined with Camden Town.
As you are wandering around, pop your headphones in and have a listen to some songs inspired by the place. Try Camden Town by Suggs, Come back to Camden by Morissey, Fame and Fortune by The Libertines and The Prisoner by The Clash to get you started.
In Conclusion
If these celebrated musical landmarks in London sound like places you’d like to visit, why not pair your travels to London with a Lingoo homestay and take your immersive English language learning experience to the next level.
Register for free to check out our host families based in London.