Many assume that London is an expensive holiday destination – and that a city break here must set you back hundred (if not thousands) of pounds. However this simply isn’t true! As with all UK cities – there are many attractions in the capital that won’t cost you a penny – but that are hugely entertaining and great fun too.
I love living in London – and during the weekends are evenings – we always seek out new exciting things to do that are free. After all – life would start getting very expensive if you had to pay for everything! The one advice I would give to someone visiting the city though – is to get familiar with a tube map and buy yourself a day ticket for the public transport. These are pretty reasonable at £7, and will be valid all day on every bus and every tube line.
It’s the easiest way to get around, and it’s going to be must cheaper (and often quicker) than a taxi! Trust me!
Here are my top 10 free attractions:
- Camden Market
This quirky market in North London (on the Northern line) is great fun and definitely an experience. It’s home to some of London’s quirkier crowd and the market sells everything from jewellery and wigs, to crafts and curry. It’s great fun!
- Trafalgar Square
This is a great place to sit and people watch – and probably one of London’s most famous historic sites. Sit on the famous steps and enjoy watching the world go by.
- The National Gallery
This art gallery is completely free of charge (although they do except donations) and is found in Trafalgar Square. You can’t miss it! It houses some of the World’s most famous paintings.
- Piccadilly Circus
Yet another place to enjoy the atmosphere and watch the people around you – this is London’s version of Times Square. Albiet – much smaller, you’ll love the buzz here.
- Harrods
This is London’s most famous shop and is a piece of history itself. The shop is huge, taking up almost an entire street, and about 5 floors (perhaps more). It’s free to go in and have a browse, but be aware it’s quite pricy should you decide to buy anything! It’s especially beautiful around Christmas time as it is decorated and lit up in the evenings.
- Tower Bridge
This famous, iconic bridge is completely free of charge to walk or drive over and you can pretty much enjoy the views from anywhere along the riverbank nearby. Get your camera ready – this is picture perfect!
- Hyde Park
This park is rather famous and is London’s version of Central Park. You can access the park from many different areas – and it’s a lovely place to sit and relax in the summer time. They even have deck chairs you can rent – if you want to splash out!
- Borough Market
If you love farmer’s markets and high quality produce – you’ll love this little market on London south side. Found by London bridge this is popular with locals and tourists alike. Expect to find all sorts of yummy produce on sale (Check out the Roast Stall for amazing Pork sandwiches) but also expect to find some bizarre items too. Kangaroo burger anyone?
- Natural History Museum
Found in South Kensington, this is one of the top museums in London. You’ll have to queue if you’re planning to visit on the weekend – but during the weekdays you should get in pretty easily. It’s completely free of charge too.
- Embankment
Enjoy the views of the surrounding river and London Eye by taking a stroll along Embankment. Simply get off the tube at either Westminster or Embankment stations (on the District or Circle lines) and take a walk around the area.
Here’s an extra one, just for good luck – Buckingham Palace is also free to visit! You won’t be able to go inside but you can pretty close without spending a penny.
This is a guest post by Wildgoose, who run corporate treasure hunts. The London treasure hunt is one of the company’s most popular activities. And they’ve recently opened a new office in Scotland.
