Everyone is happy when the sun comes out in London – Chiwetel Ejiofor included. Here are his top ways to enjoy summer in the capital, from museums to markets. Chiwetel Ejiofor's summer in London got off to a dreamlike start. The SpeciaList BAFTA-winning actor Chiwetel Ejiofor was born in London's Forest Gate district and has appeared in Love Actually, Children of Men, The Martian and Doctor Strange. In 2013, he won the BAFTA for Best Actor for his role in 12 Years a Slave. (Credit: Getty Images) A die-hard football fan, Ejiofor was overjoyed whenCrystal Palace defeated Manchester Cityin May's FA Cup Final to win their first ever trophy. Unfortunately Ejiofor couldn't attend the match at Wembley because he was, as usual, filming. "I would have absolutely loved to have been there," he tells the BBC. "But as a Crystal Palace fan, I feel like my sporting year has peaked! I wish everybody luck as I ride high on that." Ejiofor has other reasons to celebrate this summer. He appears inThe Life of Chuck, Mike Flanagan's adaptation of Stephen King's sci-fi novella; and on 2 July, Ejiofor will appear opposite Charlize Theron inThe Old Guard 2, reprising his role as former CIA operative James Copley. But when Ejiofor isn't working, he'll be basking in the congenial atmosphere of summertime London. "Everybody's so hyper-excited when they finally see the sun," Ejiofor says. "It's wonderful. You've got the longer days. The sun sets late. It's a fun place to be. Everyone is having a good time. They become a bit delirious, myself included. It's just fun to watch." What are his favourite things to do in the capital when the temperature rises and the city's famous parks, museums and markets start to heave? Here are Ejiofor's top London picks for this summer. CE:I used to live down byExmouth Market. I still go there when it's especially sunny because I just had a blast living there and I love the vibe of it all. I got the place in the early 2000s, so I've had a relationship with the area now for 20 years. I just love hanging out down that way. But there are just so many different neighbourhoods that really come alive in the summer. I think it's all the people hanging out in the parks and the pubs. CE:(Laughs) I'm in bed at 21:00! There was a certain time I used to go to clubs, but if you ever catch me in a nightclub now, tap me on the shoulder and tell me to go. CE:Regents Parkis the one that I have the most memories of and spent the most time in. During the summer, I used to love running around it. It's a beautiful park. I used to play a bit of tennis there, too. But these days, I'm more west. SoHyde Parkis pretty available. It has all of those great things, too. CE:I've gone toWimbledona couple of times in the past. That's always fantastic, obviously. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on it. I might even get down to see a match, if I can. CE: I'm sort of lazy in the rain. I don't do much. I get out more in the summer and in the spring. I'm more likely to be found at theRoyal Academy of Arts, a museum or just at a gallery in the summertime. I just feel much more energised to get out there. I think people are more excited to head out. CE: The museum I spend the most time in is theBritish Museum. Some of that is just out of interest. The exhibitions they have are amazing. Some of it is work related; I might be looking at something for research. I also spend quite a bit of time over at theBritish Libraryas well. It's beautiful. All of the books and literature, and just the sheer amount that's available to look at. It's a museum experience without it being an exhibition. I've certainly found myself lost in the historical tomes over at the British Library. I still love the South Bank. Not only does it have a personal history for me because of my time at theNational Theatre, but just all of the museums, theHayward Gallery, the[Royal] Festival Hall– that whole cultural vibe is really important. The South Bank bridge is a big place for me. CE: I love seeing plays at the National Theatre. I've always loved performing at the National, especiallyThe Olivier Theatrethere. They just changed directors, so I'm very excited to see what happens there at the moment. I'd say the same for theYoung Vicas well. That's a place that has been very, very special to me. Not just the work that I've done there, but also the workshops that I did there over the years. My connection to that theatre is very strong. BBC Travel'sThe SpeciaListis a series of guides to popular and emerging destinations around the world, as seen through the eyes of local experts and tastemakers. -- If you liked this story,sign up for The Essential List newsletter– a handpicked selection of features, videos and can't-miss news, delivered to your inbox twice a week. For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us onFacebook,XandInstagram.
Chiwetel Ejiofor's summer guide to London
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"Chiwetel Ejiofor Shares His Favorite Summer Activities in London"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Chiwetel Ejiofor, the BAFTA-winning actor known for his roles in films such as '12 Years a Slave' and 'Doctor Strange,' shares his enthusiasm for summer in London, a city he has called home since childhood. Ejiofor, a passionate Crystal Palace football fan, expressed his delight over the team's recent FA Cup victory, even though he could not attend the match. He is also celebrating his upcoming film appearances, including in 'The Life of Chuck' and 'The Old Guard 2.' With the arrival of summer, Ejiofor appreciates the vibrant atmosphere of London, where he observes that people become more energetic and joyful as they enjoy the longer days and warmer weather. He reminisces about his time living near Exmouth Market, highlighting the diverse neighborhoods that come alive during the summer months, with parks and pubs bustling with activity.
Ejiofor's favorite summer activities in London include visiting iconic parks like Regents Park and Hyde Park, where he has fond memories of running and playing tennis. He also enjoys cultural outings, often frequenting the British Museum and the British Library for both leisure and research purposes. The South Bank holds a special place in his heart due to his connections with the National Theatre, where he has performed and participated in workshops. Ejiofor emphasizes the importance of the cultural scene in London, particularly the excitement of seeing plays at the National Theatre and the Young Vic. His guide to enjoying summer in London reflects not only his personal experiences but also the vibrant spirit of the city during this season, where art, culture, and community come together to create a lively atmosphere.
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