Budget London; The Tardis for Free
Here’s a chance to check out the Tardis for Free in London! Well of course, it’s actually an old 1960′s style police box but a great photo opportunity for Dr Who fans.
This police box can be found directly outside Earl’s Court tube station, (next to the newspaper stand) and is in pretty good nick considering all that time travelling.
More unusual ideas for Quirky London On a Budget available too.
Budget Trip Down the River Thames
The commuter ferry, know as the Thames Clipper, offers a great trip down the Thames at a fraction of the price!
With ferries running from London Eye to Greenwich, you can take in all the sights along the Thames including Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament & Canary Wharf.
More details available at Discover the River Thames on a Budget.
London Street Art Tours
This quirky tour around the East End of London, in the company of your guide, gives you a new perspective on contemporary art!
The added advantage is that the tour runs on a ‘pay-what-you-like’ basis too.
More details available at London Street Art Tours.
More Budget London Ideas
Unusual Ways to Explore the River Thames on a Budget
Budget London; Free Things To Do
All the ‘National’ Museums in London are FREE & full of interactive exhibits for children of all ages.
Try the Science Museum in Kensington full to brimming with interactive activities where we particularly loved the waterplay area.
Check out the British Museum which is one of the greatest museums of human history & culture and contains some facinating finds throughout the ages.
Again this museum is free of charge and you can even ‘enjoy’ a sleepover in the dark, (charged event), if you dare!
Budget Views of London
Take in the views of London from the FREE public roof terrace at the One New Change Shopping Centre with a glass lift that runs in line with St Paul’s Cathedral
Alternatively, why not climb the 311 steps to the top of the Monument and take in an aerial view of many of London’s historic sights.
Priced at just £3 an adult, £1.50 a child is a great thing to do in London on a budget.
We’ve plenty more ideas for a Budget View of London too.
Meridian Courtyard
Straddle The Meridian Line For Free
Whilst most people purchase tickets to the Royal Observatory to straddle the Greenwich Meridian Line, you can do this for FREE!
Straddle the Meridian Line and you’ll be standing with a foot in both the eastern & western hemispheres…it’s got to be done & draws hundreds of thousands of tourist each year.
To find out how to enjoy this for FREE, go to Greenwich on a Budget.
More Budget London Information
Free Entertainment in London; Covent Garden
There is a never ending stream of entertainers at Covent Garden so there is bound to be something for everyone at this venue.
Acts tend to last around 20/30 minutes and often involves audience participation!
Whilst we like suggest things to do on a budget, do remember to tip the entertainers as this is how they make their living.
Barclays Boris Bikes for London
Budget London; Boris Bikes
The Barclays Cycle Hire scheme is a great way to get around London on the cheap and ideal for exploring the London Parks!
Boris Bikes are available to everyone over the age of 14 and offers a cost effective method of seeing London on a budget. More details are available at London Barclays Cycle Hire.
Budget London; Free Tours of the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Did you know that UK residents can take advantage of FREE tours of the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben? These FREE tours of the Houses of Parliament are also available during Parliament session times so you may also catch some action. For more details go to Houses of Parliament Tours.
Street Entertainers
Free Street Entertainment; South Bank
The South Bank transformation began with the London Eye but has developed over the years into a vibrant area full of street entertainers, bars & cafes.
Put into the mix the new playground at Jubilee Gardens, (located just in front of the London Eye) & skatepark that lies on the undercroft of the Southbank Centre and you’ve entertainment galore for all the family.
Again, do remember to tip the entertainers if you ae going to watch their show.
Budget London; Tower Bridge
Another FREE option for a day out in London is watching the lifting of Tower Bridge; always goes down a treat with the kids.
Check out the Tower Bridge Lift Times for further details.
Ceremony of the Keys ©Martin Usborne
Budget London; Free Tickets to the Ceremony of Keys at the Tower of London
Here’s a chance to watch a 700 year old tradition in operation at the Tower of London…and it’s FREE!
The Ceremony of the Keys is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London that takes place every night without fail.
Visitors can watch this ceremony at the Tower of London that takes place each evening for free plus your guide for the night will give you an entertaining low down on the history of the Ceremony of the Keys.
For more details on how to apply, go to Free Tickets to the Ceremony of Keys at the Tower of London.
Cheap London Aquarium
Check out the aquarium at the Horniman Museum, Forest Hill, that offers entry from just £2.70 an adult/£1 a child. This is an ideal aquarium for younger children and offers a day out at a fraction of standard aquarium costs.
More details available at The Horniman Museum.
Budget London; Free Playgrounds
Located within Kensington Gardens and based upon Peter Pan’s Neverland, the Diana Memorial Playground is was an idyllic spot for adults and children alike.
With water & musical features, pirate ships and wigwams to explore, this extensive play area is fantastic for under 10′s.
The River Thames on a Budget
From the Thames Cable Cars to Greenwich Foot Tunnels, there are plenty of ways to explore the River Thames on a Budget.
Opt to explore the London’s famous river from above, below or even upon the Thames!
Exploring London on a Budget; London Markets
The London markets offer an opportunity to explore a different side to the capital city experience and a chance to pick up a bargain to boot! Our favourite has to be Camden Market to check out the world of alternative fashion.
There are plenty of other markets to choose from including Portobello Road, (antique & flea market) & Columbia Road, (Sunday Flower Market).
Somerset House by the Courtauld Gallery
Budget London; Half Price Entry to the Courtauld Gallery
The Courtauld Gallery is located next to Somerset House in London and offers half price entry to this impressive art gallery every Monday, (excluding Bank Holidays) from 10am to 2pm, (standard ticket price £6 per person).
Then let the kids cool down under the fountains at Somerset House next door…for FREE of course!
Budget London; Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place every day between May & July, (except 5 June 2012) and offers a FREE look at the royal guards in actions accompanied by a Royal Guards band…children & adults alike will enjoy this experience.
You can also take see similar ceremonies at Windsor Castle & Horse Guards Parade that run throughout the year. More details available at Changing of the Guard.
Just be aware that here is no Guard Mounting in very wet weather.
Free Annual Pass Upgrade at Buckingham Palace
Free Annual Pass Upgrade for Buckingham Palace, Clarence House & Windsor Castle
If you are planning to visit Buckingham Palace, Clarence House or Windsor Castle, did you know you can pick up a FREE annual pass upgrade for The Royal Collection?
Simply purchase a day ticket directly from the Royal Collection and pick up a 1-Year Pass, that gives you 12 months’ complimentary admission to the Royal visitor attraction,(s) that you have visited.
More details available at Free Annual Pass Upgrade to Buckingham Palace & Royal Collection Settings.
The Smallest Police Box in the World?
You’ll one of the few people gathered at Trafalgar Square that notices the smallest police box in the UK if not in the world…the latter is up for debate!
The police box is located in the south east corner of Trafalgar Square and was historically used as a lookout post as crowds gathered for political gatherings.
Whilst the police have now moved to CCTV, you’ll still find police notices attached to the outside of the building.
More Budget London Information
Budget London; Transport Options
Free Tours of Houses of Parliament
The Horniman Museum & Aquarium
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