Discover why studying English in Broadstairs offers a safer, more affordable and more immersive experience than London, while staying only 80 minutes away.
Why Study English in Broadstairs Instead of London?
When international students decide to study English in England, London is often the first city that comes to mind. It is famous, exciting and full of opportunities.
However, many students discover that studying English in Broadstairs instead of London offers significant advantages – especially if your goal is to improve quickly, enjoy British culture and stay in a safe, welcoming environment.
At Hilderstone College, based in the beautiful seaside town of Broadstairs in Kent, students enjoy the best of both worlds: a high-quality English course in England with easy access to London in just 80 minutes by high-speed train.
1. A safer and more relaxed environment
Testimonials from our students about Broadstairs as the ideal study location.
One of the biggest advantages of studying English in Broadstairs is the atmosphere.
Broadstairs is a charming seaside town known for its friendly community, beautiful beaches and relaxed pace of life. Unlike a large city, students often feel more comfortable and confident exploring the town, meeting local people and using English every day.
For many adult learners, this creates a much more comfortable learning environment than the busy and sometimes overwhelming atmosphere of London.
2. Lower cost of living than London
Studying in London can be expensive.
Accommodation, transport, food and social activities usually cost significantly more in the capital.
Broadstairs offers a much more affordable alternative while still giving students access to all the benefits of studying in England.
At Hilderstone College, students often choose homestay accommodation, which helps reduce costs and provides additional English practice outside the classroom.
This makes Broadstairs an excellent option for students looking for affordable English courses in England.
3. Better English immersion
A smaller town often means more opportunities to use English naturally.
In London, it is possible to spend a lot of time in international groups and use your own language.
In Broadstairs, students are more likely to:
- speak English in shops and cafés
- interact with local people
- join community events
- live with British homestay hosts
- practise English daily outside class
This full immersion often helps students improve faster.
At Hilderstone College, our carefully selected homestay hosts and friendly local environment make this possible every day.
4. Small classes and personal attention
Large city schools can sometimes have larger classes.
At Hilderstone College, adult classes have a maximum of 14 students and an average of 7, which means more speaking time and more personal support from teachers.
This is a major advantage for students preparing for:
- IELTS
- Cambridge English exams
- university study
- professional English
Smaller classes mean faster progress.
5. The perfect seaside study experience
Broadstairs offers something London cannot: the sea.
Students can enjoy:
- beautiful sandy beaches
- coastal walks
- cafés and restaurants
- sports and leisure activities
- a traditional British seaside atmosphere
This creates a study holiday experience that many students love. You can explore our Top 10 Things to Do in Broadstairs for Students blog to discover a range of activities and excursions available in Broadstairs.
6. London is still close
Choosing Broadstairs does not mean missing London.
One of Hilderstone’s biggest advantages is location.
Broadstairs is only 80 minutes from London by direct high-speed train, making day trips easy for sightseeing, shopping and cultural visits.
So students can enjoy the excitement of London while studying in a calmer, more affordable environment.
Why students choose Hilderstone College
Hilderstone College has been welcoming students from around the world since 1970.
We offer:
- accredited English courses
- IELTS preparation
- Cambridge English B2 First and C1 Advanced exam preparation
- small class sizes
- experienced teachers
- homestay accommodation
- social activities
- an excellent location near London
If you are looking for the best place to study English in England, Broadstairs may be the perfect choice.
Explore our courses or contact our team to find the right programme for you.