I wander thro' each charter'd street,
Near where the charter'd Thames does flow.
And mark in every face I meet
Marks of weakness, marks of woe.
In every cry of every Man,
In every Infants cry of fear,
In every voice: in every ban,
The mind-forg'd manacles I hear
How the Chimney-sweepers cry
Every blackning Church appalls,
And the hapless Soldiers sigh
Runs in blood down Palace walls
But most thro' midnight streets I hear
How the youthful Harlots curse
Blasts the new-born Infants tear
And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse
Many of the greatest poets who have ever lived have walked through the streets of London. Many of them have composed poems about the city, like the one above by all-time great poet William Blake.
The city is one of the cultural and artistic epicentres of the whole world. It is also a fantastic place to find opportunities for education, and this includes many opportunities for people who want to learn about poetry and creative writing.
In our guide, we explore poetry classes and poetry workshops London-wide, as well as some of the top organisations that can help you to learn how to write poetry.
London has a great many different artistic organisations as well as educational establishments. This means that it is easier to find opportunities to learn how to write, and whatever age you are, or whatever your education level, there should be something out there for you.
London Poetry Organisations
The UK has many different options for those who want to learn poetry. If you're a budding poet or simply someone who wants to explore the world of words, there's no shortage of places to nurture your poetic soul. Here are some of the best places to learn poetry in the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom.
The Poetry School
The Poetry School offers a wide range of courses, workshops, and poetry classes in London for poets of all levels. From exploring traditional forms to experimenting with contemporary styles, their expert tutors guide you through the nuances of poetic expression. Whether you're a beginner looking to dip your toes into writing or a seasoned poet seeking to refine your craft, The Poetry School holds regular events.
The Poetry Café
Situated in the iconic Covent Garden, The Poetry Café serves as a hub for poetry enthusiasts. It hosts open mic nights, readings, and workshops, creating a dynamic space to engage with fellow poets and listeners. Attending events at The Poetry Café not only exposes you to diverse poetic voices but also provides an opportunity to share your own work in a welcoming setting.
The British Library
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the history of poetry, the British Library offers an extensive collection of poetry manuscripts, rare editions, and resources. From Chaucer to contemporary poets, you can explore the evolution of the art form through the ages. Attend their literary events and talks to gain insights from renowned poets and scholars.
The current events at the British Library can be found here. Follow them on Twitter for regular updates.
The Royal Society of Literature
This institution regularly hosts talks, discussions, and workshops on poetry and literature. Engaging with the Royal Society of Literature allows you to connect with established poets, learn about their creative processes, and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft. It's a space where the past, present, and future of literature can come together, headquartered in London but with events elsewhere, too.
City Lit
City Lit is another gem in London's educational landscape. Offering a variety of creative writing courses, including poetry workshops, it caters to writers at different stages of their journeys. With its central location and diverse course offerings, City Lit is an accessible and valuable resource for honing your poetic skills.
One of the best things about City Lit is the wide range of courses that they offer, so all aspects of creative writing are catered for. On top of that, they have some free poetry workshops and tasters as well as opportunities to learn remotely so it doesn’t matter if you are looking for lessons anywhere in the UK.
City Lit is a great option if you are looking for poetry classes all over the UK, whether you want to learn in Birmingham, Glasgow, or any other city.
Universities in London Offering Creative Writing Courses
The British education scene is one of the strongest in the world with some exceptional universities. What are some of the best for those who want to learn how to write poetry and explore the poetry scene in London?
Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway's Creative Writing department is highly regarded for its innovative approach and supportive community. Their MA Creative Writing program offers a diverse range of workshops, seminars, and opportunities to engage with guest writers.
Their website explains that students have the chance to specilaise in one of four areas:
“You will take one of four distinct pathways: Fiction, New Prose Narratives, Poetry, Poetic Practice”
Goldsmiths, University of London
Goldsmiths' Creative and Life Writing program encourages students to explore different genres and experiment with their writing. The program places a strong focus on the relationship between creative writing and critical thinking, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of virtually every aspect of writing.
City, University of London
City offers an MA in Creative Writing that combines workshops, seminars, and one-on-one mentoring to help you hone your writing skills. The program's central London location provides access to the city's vibrant literary scene and various literary events. Their courses are “taught by award-winning authors and editors”.
Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck's Creative Writing MA allows you to tailor your studies to your interests, whether that's fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction. The program's evening classes are designed to accommodate those with busy schedules, making it a flexible option for aspiring writers. There is no undergraduate degree offered, but Birkbeck was ranked 2nd in the UK for its English Language and Literature research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
Kingston University
Kingston's Creative Writing MA emphasizes the development of strong writing skills across various genres. The program is taught by published authors and includes guest speakers, literary events, and opportunities for publication.
Brunel University London
Brunel's Creative Writing MA offers a balance of creative and critical components, allowing you to engage deeply with literature while honing your writing abilities. The program covers a wide range of genres and provides access to writing events and networking opportunities.
St Mary's University, Twickenham
St Mary's offers an MA in Creative and Professional Writing that focuses on both the creative and practical aspects of writing. The program encourages you to explore various writing forms and prepares you for a career in the writing industry.
Poetry Tuition in London With Superprof
We live in a modern age where poetry doesn’t have to be something you go to university to study. You can fit your studies around other aspects of your life, and poetry can be a hobby or something you do in your spare time, too.
Superprof can provide learners with a way to learn at their own pace, in their own time, and with the help of a professional tutor.
Our tutors in creative writing and poetry offer lessons both in-person and online in London, so you can either catch up with a tutor in a coffee shop, at home, or online. You’ll be able to book a session at a time that suits and using a delivery method that works for you.
Superprof offers the first lesson free and the poetry classes and courses are “pay as you go”. One of the best things about working in this one-to-one environment is the fact that you get continual feedback on your own poetry. Tutors will be able to check out what you have been doing and work together by providing advice and working on specific techniques, with specific information to assist your skill level.
Many of the tutors you can work with at Superprof have been educated to the very highest standards and even had their own poetry and creative writing published. Of course, in London, we have a huge number of tutors who are ready to hear from you. You can search Superprof for those who are able to teach poetry specifically, but you may also find some good results by searching for creative writing tutors as well as poetry classes in London.
London – City of Culture and Poems
London is one of the most exciting places in all of Europe to work on your own artistic pursuits, including poetry. The city has a huge history of providing tuition and educational opportunities in the creative arts.
In the modern age, there are courses and lessons online that mean you can study poetry no matter where you are, but there are more opportunities in London for those who want to learn by attending poetry workshops in London or heading to poetry and creative writing organisations. On top of that, Superprof can connect you to some of the very best tutors in London whether you are studying for a qualification or just want to improve your abilities.
A lot of people choose to travel further afield for university, and Leeds and Manchester are also options up North that are a few hours from London.
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Also, Oxford Poetry Library. They’re amazing!