Home And Away Centres

Home and Away Student Services operates across several key locations, providing homestay accommodation for group stays in convenient and well-connected areas. Our centres in Hither Green, New Cross, Woolwich, Croydon, St Albans, and Luton are chosen for their accessibility and suitability to meet the needs of our students. Explore each location to find out more about what they offer.

Woolwich, Royal Greenwich

Overview of Woolwich

Woolwich is a historic district in Southeast London, located within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It has a rich history, dating back to Roman times, and has been a significant military and naval hub over the centuries. Today, Woolwich is known for its vibrant community, historical landmarks, and ongoing regeneration projects.

Key Features of Woolwich

  • Woolwich Arsenal: Once a major munitions manufacturing site, it has been transformed into a residential and cultural area, housing the Royal Artillery Museum and various art studios.
  • Royal Arsenal Riverside: A modern development offering a mix of housing, shops, and leisure facilities, preserving historical buildings and creating new public spaces.
  • Woolwich Market: One of the oldest markets in South London, offering a variety of goods from fresh produce to clothing.
  • Transport Links: Woolwich is well-connected by train (Woolwich Arsenal station), DLR, and the Elizabeth Line, providing easy access to central London and other parts of the borough.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich

Woolwich is part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, a diverse and historically rich area in Southeast London. Known for its maritime heritage and significant landmarks, Greenwich offers a blend of historical attractions and modern developments.

Key Landmarks in Greenwich

Royal Observatory, Greenwich

  • Description: Home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
  • Distance from Woolwich: Approximately 5 miles (8 km).

Cutty Sark

  • Description: A historic British clipper ship, now a museum.
  • Distance from Woolwich: Approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km).

Greenwich Park

  • Description: One of the largest single green spaces in London, offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Distance from Woolwich: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km).

Old Royal Naval College

  • Description: A masterpiece of baroque architecture designed by Sir Christopher Wren, featuring the Painted Hall.
  • Distance from Woolwich: Approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km).

National Maritime Museum

  • Description: The largest maritime museum in the world, showcasing Britain's seafaring history.
  • Distance from Woolwich: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km).

The O2 Arena (formerly known as the Millennium Dome)

  • Description: A large entertainment district, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and restaurants.
  • Distance from Woolwich: Approximately 5 miles (8 km).

Queen's House

  • Description: A former royal residence, now an art gallery part of Royal Museums Greenwich.
  • Distance from Woolwich: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km).

Traveling from Woolwich to Key Landmarks

Woolwich's well-developed transport links make it easy to explore the wider borough of Greenwich. Whether by train, bus, DLR, or river bus, visitors can conveniently reach the many attractions Greenwich has to offer.

Transportation Options

  • By Train: Southeastern trains run from Woolwich Arsenal to Greenwich, taking around 15 minutes.
  • By DLR: The DLR connects Woolwich Arsenal to Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich station, taking around 20 minutes.
  • By Bus: Several bus routes connect Woolwich with Greenwich.
  • By River Bus: Thames Clipper services offer a pleasant and direct route along the river.

With its rich history and easy access to the cultural and historical landmarks of Greenwich, Woolwich serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Hither Green, London

Area Overview

Hither Green is a hidden gem in southeast London, known for its village-like atmosphere, beautiful parks, and strong community spirit. It offers a peaceful retreat while being well-connected to the rest of London.

History

Hither Green’s development began in the late 19th century, transforming from farmland into a residential suburb. Its history is reflected in the charming Edwardian and Victorian architecture found throughout the area.

Landmarks

  • Mountsfield Park: A lovely park with sports facilities, gardens, and panoramic views of London.
  • Hither Green Clock Tower: A local landmark situated at the heart of the community.
  • St. Swithun's Church: A historic church serving as a community hub.

Homes

Our host families in Hither Green typically reside in spacious Edwardian and Victorian houses. These homes often feature beautiful period details, large gardens, and comfortable living spaces.

Transport Links

  • Train: Hither Green Station (Zone 3) provides direct trains to London Charing Cross and London Cannon Street in about 20 minutes.
  • Driving: Close to the A20, Hither Green is roughly a 30-minute drive to central London, depending on traffic.

Croydon, London

Area Overview

Croydon is a large and vibrant town in South London, known for its diverse population, thriving commercial district, and extensive cultural amenities. As one of London's largest boroughs, it offers a dynamic mix of urban living and suburban comfort.

History

Croydon has a rich history that stretches back to the Domesday Book. Over the centuries, it has evolved from a market town to a major commercial and residential hub. Its historical buildings sit alongside modern developments, reflecting its continuous growth and transformation.

Landmarks

  • Croydon Minster: A historic church with roots dating back to the Saxon era.
  • Boxpark Croydon: An innovative food and retail park made from repurposed shipping containers, offering a wide variety of international cuisine.
  • Fairfield Halls: A renowned arts and entertainment venue hosting concerts, theatre productions, and events.

Homes

Our host families in Croydon typically reside in a variety of housing types, from spacious Victorian and Edwardian houses to modern apartments and new-build homes. This variety ensures accommodation options that cater to different preferences and needs.

Transport Links

  • Train: Croydon is exceptionally well-connected by train, with two main stations: East Croydon and West Croydon. East Croydon (Zone 5) offers frequent services to London Victoria (15 minutes), London Bridge (15 minutes), and Gatwick Airport (15 minutes). West Croydon (Zone 5) connects to London Overground services, providing access to areas like Shoreditch and Clapham Junction.
  • Tram: The London Tramlink network connects Croydon to Wimbledon, Beckenham, and New Addington, offering a convenient and efficient mode of transport across South London.
  • Driving: Croydon is located near major roads like the A23 and A232, providing easy access to central London (approximately 30-45 minutes by car, depending on traffic) and the M25 motorway for journeys further afield.

New Cross, London

Area Overview

New Cross is a lively and eclectic district in southeast London, known for its vibrant cultural scene, academic institutions, and artistic community. It’s an area that seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary flair.

History

New Cross has a rich history tied to London's industrial expansion.  The area has long been a hub for music and the arts, with Goldsmiths, University of London, playing a significant role in its cultural development.

Landmarks

  • Goldsmiths, University of London: A leading institution for the arts and social sciences, contributing to the area's vibrant cultural life.
  • New Cross Inn: A historic pub and live music venue that has hosted numerous famous bands.
  • Fordham Park: A green space perfect for relaxation and community events.

Homes

Our host families in New Cross typically live in Victorian terraced houses and modern apartments. The homes are characterized by their charming architectural details and convenient locations near cultural hotspots.

Transport Links

  • Train: New Cross Gate Station (Zone 2) offers quick access to London Bridge in just 7 minutes. The Overground line also connects to other key parts of London.
  • Driving: Located near the A2, New Cross is around a 25-minute drive to central London, depending on traffic.

St Albans, Hertfordshire

Area Overview

St Albans is a historic market town in Hertfordshire, renowned for its rich heritage, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It offers a picturesque setting with the convenience of easy access to London.

History

St Albans boasts a history that stretches back to Roman times. Named after St Alban, Britain's first Christian martyr, the town is steeped in historical significance, with landmarks that tell the story of its long and varied past.

Landmarks

  • St Albans Cathedral: A stunning medieval cathedral with a rich history dating back over 1700 years.
  • Verulamium Park: A large public park that includes the remains of the Roman city of Verulamium, complete with a museum.
  • St Albans Market: A historic market held since the 9th century, offering a wide variety of goods.

Homes

Our host families in St Albans typically live in charming period houses, including Victorian and Edwardian homes. These residences often feature beautiful gardens, spacious interiors, and are located in scenic, leafy neighborhoods.

Transport Links

  • Train: St Albans City Station offers frequent trains to London St Pancras International, with a journey time of around 20 minutes.
  • Driving: Situated near the M1 and M25 motorways, St Albans is approximately a 40-minute drive to central London, depending on traffic.

Luton, Bedfordshire

Area Overview

Luton in Bedfordshire is a vibrant town located just 30 miles north of London, offering excellent transport links to the capital.

 The town is served by Luton Airport, which provides international connections, and Luton railway station, which offers frequent train services to central London, with a journey time of around 30 to 40 minutes depending on the service. 

The town is also conveniently located approximately 20 miles from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which is about a 30-minute drive away.

Homes

Luton boasts a diverse range of housing, from charming, terraced houses to modern apartments, providing various accommodation options for your groups. The town is culturally rich, with a strong sense of community and a variety of cultural events, such as the Luton International Carnival, which is one of the largest one-day carnivals in Europe.

Luton is well-positioned for travel to other key cities. Oxford is about a 1-hour drive (approximately 50 miles), while Cambridge can be reached in around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car (about 50 miles), making Luton a central hub for students wishing to explore these historic cities.

Welling, London

Area Overview

Located in South East London within the Royal Borough of Bexley, Welling is a welcoming residential area offering students a traditional British homestay experience with excellent connections into Central London. With local shops, parks and a friendly community atmosphere, Welling provides an ideal location for international students to Stay, Learn and Explore.

History

Welling has grown from a historic Kent village into a well-connected London suburb. The area has retained its community feel while developing into a popular residential location, making it a great place for students to experience everyday British life.

Landmarks

Welling provides easy access to nearby attractions including Danson Park, Red House and historic Greenwich, home to the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum. Central London’s world-famous landmarks are also within easy reach.

Homes

Welling offers a variety of traditional British homes, including Victorian and Edwardian properties, 1930s family houses, semi-detached homes and modern developments. Many homes benefit from gardens and spacious living areas, providing students with a comfortable residential environment.

Our carefully selected Welling host families welcome international students into their homes, offering the opportunity to experience British family life and culture during their stay. All host families complete our registration process, including home inspections and DBS checks.

Transport Links

Welling benefits from strong transport connections, with regular train services into Central London including London Bridge, Waterloo East and Charing Cross. Its location makes it convenient for student groups exploring London’s famous attractions and surrounding areas.

Northampton

Area Overview

Located in the heart of England, Northampton is a historic and welcoming town offering international students a traditional British homestay experience. With its friendly communities, green spaces and excellent location within the Midlands, Northampton provides students with the opportunity to experience British culture while remaining well connected to London and other major UK destinations.

Northampton is one of Home & Away Student Services’ newest homestay locations, expanding our network of carefully selected host families and providing more choice for our international partners.

History

Northampton has a rich history dating back hundreds of years and was once one of England’s most important medieval towns. Famous for its heritage in shoemaking and manufacturing, the town combines historic character with modern development, creating a vibrant place for students to live and learn.

Landmarks

Students staying in Northampton can explore a range of local attractions including Abington Park, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, Delapré Abbey and the historic Market Square. Its central location also provides opportunities for excursions to popular destinations such as London, Oxford, Cambridge and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Homes

Northampton offers a wide variety of traditional British homes, including Victorian terraces, Edwardian properties, semi-detached family houses, detached homes and modern developments. Many homes benefit from gardens and larger living spaces, offering students a comfortable residential environment.

Our carefully selected Northampton host families welcome international students into their homes, giving students the opportunity to experience British family life and culture during their stay. All host families complete our registration process, including home inspections and DBS checks.

Transport Links

Northampton benefits from excellent transport connections, with direct train services to London and Birmingham, as well as easy access to major road networks including the M1 motorway. This makes Northampton a convenient location for educational groups exploring London and other parts of the UK.

Ready to Get Started? Book Today!

back to top