Looking for a holiday to practice English, meet international friends, and explore beautiful places?
All you need to know about our unique courses, combining nature and learning.
Looking for a holiday to practice English, meet international friends, and explore beautiful places?
The English course in London costs £595 and we make sure you get a lot for your money. The next available courses are July 10-14 and July 14-18.
We also have courses in Edinburgh, Dublin, Manchester, Montenegro, Madeira and Georgia.
Highlights
Experience the captivating blend of history and modernity as you stroll along the bustling streets of London, exploring iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, all surrounded by stunning architecture.
Speaking practice in natural situations with our native speakers is the fastest way to improve. We also offer two lessons and several table games providing a fun way to learn in small groups
A diverse itinerary means you’ll see the famous White Cliffs, a typical English seaside town, historic architecture and of course the glamour of London
A combination of tasty, home-cooked meals and local cuisine will be sure to satisfy your taste buds. Traditional English pub evening is something you need to try
Have a question?
Included
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You can arrive at the meeting point at any time after 1pm on the first day and we’ll be waiting for you. We know you all have different flights/trains so we are flexible. If you need help searching for flights just let us know!
If you are flying to London then there are several airports you can arrive at, including Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and City. Just let us know if you need help searching for flights.
If you’re arriving in the city centre then there’s also an easy train to reach us. We will give you exact instructions so it’s impossible to get lost!
For those of you arriving in the afternoon we’ll take a walk around the beautiful city of Canterbury, where you’ll drift past charming riverside landscapes and picturesque scenery. As you glide along the water, take in the serene views of lush greenery and historic bridges, all while enjoying the tranquil ambiance of the river.
After your river walk, head into the heart of Canterbury to explore the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. Start with a visit to Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the mother church of the Anglican Communion, known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and historical significance. Wander through the charming cobbled streets of the medieval city center, where you’ll find a mix of independent shops and historic buildings. Then, take a peaceful stroll along the River Stour, or visit the tranquil Westgate Gardens, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
It’s times to settle into your cosy, new room for the next days. You can see a full video tour of the house pinned to our Instagram page if you don’t like surprises.
When you’re settled we’ll have a welcome dinner so we can get to know each other a bit better and discuss the plans for the rest of the trip. Most evenings we eat at 7pm.
After dinner we like to play a fun board game to break the ice! At 9:30pm it’s always free time so you can chat with new friends, read one of our books or get an early night so you’re full of energy for the next day.
After a big breakfast together at the house (9am everyday) we’ll head out to the White Clffs at 10am.
The White Cliffs of Dover offer a breathtaking experience where natural beauty and history converge. Wander along the iconic chalk cliffs, standing majestically over the English Channel, and enjoy sweeping views that stretch across to France on clear days. Explore the tranquil trails that wind through the cliff-top meadows, where vibrant wildflowers bloom and seabirds nest. The area is steeped in history, with sites like Dover Castle and the South Foreland Lighthouse nearby, making the White Cliffs a perfect blend of scenic splendour and historical intrigue. Have your camera ready!
After all that fresh air and walking you will have built up and appetite. Luck for you we have a picnic with us so we can enjoy lunch in nature.
We usually arrive back at the house around 5pm. You have free time until dinner at 7pm. Take time to relax, go for a walk or come and help us in the kitchen if you want to learn some new culinary vocabulary.
After dinner it’s time for our first English lesson. Don’t worry, you’re not back at school, everything is very relaxed and you’ll have the chance to learn something new in a laid back environment. We know that phrasal verbs can be difficult to get your head around so we have created some fun activities to help you use them like native speakers.
London, the vibrant capital of England, is a must-visit destination that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity. In the morning we’ll take you to the beautiful market at Notting Hill, a charming and vibrant neighbourhood known for its colourful houses, bustling Portobello Road Market, and the annual Notting Hill Carnival, blending a bohemian vibe with elegant architecture.
Afterwards it’s to the centre to see iconic sights such as Tower of London, the historic Buckingham Palace, and stunning Georgian and Victorian architecture, the city is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders.
No visit to the capital would be complete without seeing famous sights like London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square.
Today’s lunch will be at an international food market where you can try cuisines from all over the world.
Visiting an English pub is an experience steeped in warmth and tradition. As you step inside, you’re greeted by the comforting crackle of a wood-burning fireplace and the rich aroma of hearty, homemade dishes. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, with locals sharing stories and laughter over pints of locally brewed ale or a dram of fine Scotch whisky.
Now is a great opportunity to try some typical British dishes. The most popular is of course Fish & Chips but there are many more which you have probably never heard of such as Steak & Ale Pie, Toad in the Hole or a Shepherd’s Pie. You can wash it down with a lovely, local beer.
A day trip to Margate offers a delightful blend of seaside charm and cultural experiences that will leave you enchanted. Begin your visit at the Turner Contemporary, a striking art gallery that pays homage to J.M.W. Turner, who was inspired by Margate’s stunning light and coastal views. The gallery often features contemporary exhibitions that draw art lovers from near and far. After soaking in the art, head to the sandy beaches where you can stroll along the shoreline, breathe in the fresh sea air, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the historic Margate Harbour Arm.
As you explore further, the Old Town beckons with its eclectic mix of quirky shops, vintage boutiques, and traditional arcades, perfect for those who love to browse for unique treasures. Don’t miss the chance to relax in one of Margate’s cozy cafes, many of which offer stunning views of the coast—ideal for enjoying a coffee or a bite to eat as you watch the world go by. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or simply unwinding by the sea, Margate provides the perfect setting for a memorable and enriching day out.
In the evening we’ll enjoy our final meal together with a traditional homemade Sunday Roast. Let’s play a board game for some fun and laughter before saying our goodbyes and looking back on a memorable English holiday. We have many board games to choose from so why not take a look through and see which one takes your interest.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. After an action packed trip it’s time to leave England.
We will take you back to the meeting point at whatever time you need to make your flight or train on time.
We will have breakfast as always at 9am or we can make something before this if you have an earlier flight. We ask that you leave your room by 11am but you’re welcome to leave your bags at the house and explore our local village one last time.
We are sure you will have a wonderful experience in England. You will see a mix of nature, history, culture and local life. You will also meet new friends on the course and get more confidence speaking English. Until next time!
The level isn’t so important. We have small groups and 3 native speakers to help you. Everything is very relaxed and whatever your English level, we can help you to improve. The majority of our guests are around intermediate level.
The usual age of the groups is 27-49. All adults over 18 are welcome though.
Just let us know what you can and can’t eat and we can order food to suit your dietary preferences.
We have limited single rooms but if you want one please let us know as soon as possible. They are £20 per night (£80 in total for the whole course).
We can sometimes accommodate you if arriving earlier or leaving later. There is a cost of £60 for each extra night. Our teachers will not be able to collect you or entertain you as it’s their day off. It’s easy to reach the house by public transport though.
Yes, WiFi is available throughout the house.
We provide towels and bedding. You need some shoes comfortable for walking in. Before the course I will advise about the weather so you can decide which clothes to bring.
The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union after Brexit so everybody will need a passport to travel to Scotland.
We can write you a visa invitation letter. First you will need to ask the British Embassy where you live which documents you need. The whole process usually takes 4-6 weeks. We already helped many people get visas.
Courses are every week from Thursday to Monday. You can check availability in the book now section of our website.
If for some reason you can’t make it on the dates you chose we can transfer your deposit to another date. Please let as know as soon as you can so we can try to replace you. Thanks!
We’re based to the west side of London in Shinfield; set in a lush, green corner that offers a village feel right next to the city hustle. Here, engaging with the warm-hearted locals is as easy as stepping out the door. Plus, the area boasts charming shops and restaurants that you won’t be able to resist.
Usually you share your room with one other person but sometimes it’s possible to get a private room if you ask us in advance. Rooms are very spacious and modern. It’s a great way to get to know your coursemates better and get the most out of your English speaking practice. We also have beautiful common rooms to relax in and a kitchen to use if you need it.
The house offers more than just a good night’s sleep. Feel like kicking back? Our serene garden beckons you to grab a cuppa and relax. Inside, our lounge is your go-to spot, complete with entertainment options and a diverse selection of books and games.
Hi! My name is Garry and I founded English Al Fresco in February 2022 because of my passion for teaching. I have been teaching English to adults for many years all across the globe and I have a higher TEFL qualification. I decided to combine teaching with my other great passion, nature.I think that people learn much quicker out in the fresh air and it's also great for your mental and physical health. I'm originally from a small city called Chester in the north of England and also lived in London for 3 years. I love to travel, I've been to 135 countries. I'm also a keen photographer, cyclist and runner. I look forward to learning more about you on our courses.
Hi! I'm Sally, from New Zealand. I've been living and travelling in the UK and Europe for two years after deciding to take a break from my nursing career back home. I love travelling, meeting new people, and learning about new cultures. I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, the beach, horse riding and baking! I thoroughly enjoy getting to know new people and experiencing different cultures and traditions. I look forward to meeting you!
Hi I'm Hannah, from New Zealand. I was working as a Property Manager but decided to move to the UK to better explore and travel the world. I love animals and have been volunteering on farms and hope to do more volunteer work around the world at rescue centres.I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, the beach, horse riding and baking! I thoroughly enjoy getting to know new people and experiencing different cultures and traditions. I look forward to meeting you!
ExcellentBased on 140 reviewsCristina Antonac14/06/2024Bilo je stvarno lijepo iskustvo. Odličan način za posjetiti London, usput vježbati engleski izgovor i vidjeti okolna mjesta kao što su nacionalni park New Forest i Oxford.Michela Zandonai13/06/2024The experience with English Al Fresco has been positive and I would recommend it to someone who wants to spend a long weekend while speaking English and visiting amazing places in the UK. I chose London for the month of June. I travelled on my own then I was lucky to meet a nice group of people to share the experience with. Reaching the town of Reading was really easy and, at the same time, it is very easy to reach London from Reading, if you want to spend more days there. English Al Fresco’s house is located in Shienfield, a nice village where is possible to take quiet walks before or after a day spent with the group.Nadia De Lorenzo12/06/2024Beautiful experience, very good teachers, I can't wait to repeat itGianni Franzese30/05/2024One of the greatest and interesting experiences of my life. Improving my English by visiting wonderful places with very nice people has been the perfect combination that I had been looking for much time. A special thanks to Hannah, Katie and Phoebe for making unforgettable this journey.elena donadi23/05/2024Unforgettable!Still day dreaming Scotland! Amazing experince living Scottish people life from the acomodation to the food! Very well organize and with an honest price! Garry and his colleges are amazing, always available and kind with a friendly approach they try to bring out the best of their students with smart and of course al fresco lessons. Thank you ❤🌹🙏Anastasia Murashko22/05/2024My experience has been incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to see many wonderful places. It was nice to meet people from different countries. The accomodation is very comfortable. After this course I felt more confident with speacking english. I highly recommand. Thank's for everything!Elena22/05/2024Esperienza fantastica! Abbiamo soggiornato in un piccolo villaggio scozzese ed è stato meraviglioso svegliarsi con il canto degli uccellini e fare una passeggiata mattutina in mezzo ai giardini, pieni di fiori e prati verdissimi con le pecore, una vera immersione nel cuore della Scozia! Le stanze sono confortevoli (portate un adattatore per le prese), la colazione è tipica inglese dolce e salata, l’organizzazione è perfetta. Non sono le solite lezioni, ma è una possibilità di conversare in inglese in un gruppo piccolo, imparare i modi di dire dei madrelingua, fare delle passeggiate nei boschi, visitare i castelli scozzesi e Edimburgo. Ringrazio di cuore Garry, sempre pronto a dare una mano sia per l’inglese che per qualsiasi domanda organizzativa, Daniella, una ragazza simpaticissima e Ann!Clara Domènech22/05/2024Gran experiència a Escòcia amb English al Fresco. Han sigut uns dies magnífics amb activitats divertides, paisatges espectaculars, cultura, gastronomia i una immersió total amb l'anglès que m'ha permès millorar la llengua. Els professors son excel•lents i et faciliten una estada acollidora i còmoda. Recomano l'experiència 100%.Viktoria Lekh22/05/2024If you're looking to improve your English, English Al Fresco offers a well-rounded, enriching program that will exceed your expectations. I recently completed an English course with Garry in Edinburgh, and I highly recommend it. The accommodations provided were exceptional. We stayed in a very beautiful house that looked like a scene from an Agatha Christie movie. One of the highlights of the course was the variety of excursions included. These outings were not only educational but also incredibly fun and memorable. I will never forget swimming in the mountain lake and rolling down the hill. I left the course not only with improved English skills but also with new friends and unforgettable experiences. I am looking forward to joining other adventures with English Al Fresco.Silvie P.22/05/2024Great experience, I met a lot of nice people and great hosts. I definitely want to come back, just to a different place😊
You probably came to our website because you love nature, you love to travel and it would be nice to improve your communication skills in English. We offer all of those things in a very friendly atmosphere. We also believe that with the power of exercise and communication it’s the perfect combination to improve your physical and mental health.
So come and join us for the holiday of a lifetime and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Your English speaking courses in Edinburgh are waiting. If you want to see what are previous students said you can check out our reviews from previous students on TripAdvisor , Google and Facebook.
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