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Greenwich on a Budget

Cheap ticket offers and more

View of the city of London from the Royal Observatory

Greenwich is synonymous with London’s maritime history including popular attractions like the Cutty Sark & the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory.  For those planning a Budget Trip to London why not follow our guide below to learn how to gain FREE access to the Meridian Line & more cheap ticket options.

1. The Cutty Sark

Any trip to Greenwich should include a visit to the Cutty Sark; the last surviving tea clipper that dates back to 1869.  Following a £50m refurbishment, the Cutty Sark is now fully restored to its former glory & well worth a visit that includes a chance to drink Twinings tea under the gleaming hull of the ship.  Look out for cheap ticket options that can offer good value for money.

More information available within our Guide to the Cutty Sark.

 

View of the city of London from the Royal Observatory

View from Greenwich Royal Observatory

 

2. Greenwich Royal Observatory, (FREE access to the Meridian Line)

Straddle the Meridian Line at the Greenwich Royal Observatory and you’ll be standing with a foot in both the eastern & western hemispheres that draws thousands of tourists each year.  Whilst there are charges in place to enter the Royal Observatory, there is also another way to pick up free public access to the Meridian Line.

On arrival at the Royal Observatory, (but before entering), cast your eye upon the Meridian Line located within the courtyard.  Simply keep the Meridian Line in your sights as it travels over the courtyard & into an area that is open to the public.  You can access the Meridian Line for free through the wrought iron gate to the right as you face the courtyard. This way you still manage to straddle the Meridian Line without paying for access plus this option can be less busy too, (see image below).

Find Cheap Tickets & Vouchers for the London Eye to help you save time and money on a trip to this popular London destination!

 

Greenwich Meridian Line public access

Explore the Meridian Line for free

 

3. The Thames Clipper; Greenwich Pier

The Thames Clipper is a commuter ferry that offers both workers & tourists a trip down the River Thames at a fraction of the cost of standard river cruises.  You can combine a visit to Greenwich with a budget trip along the River Thames taking in the sights along the route that can include popular attractions such as the Tower of London & London Eye.  Whilst there isn’t any commentary on the Clipper, for those that know their London landmarks, this offers value for money.  Simply alight at Greenwich Pier for the Cutty Sark.

More details available at Budget London; Thames Clipper Guide.

4. Greenwich Foot Tunnel

Here’s a chance to go under the River Thames using the FREE foot tunnel that has linked Greenwich with the Isle of Dogs since 1902.  The Greenwich foot tunnel is located next to the Cutty Sark and whilst it has seen better days, (it is  currently undergoing a £11.5 million refurbishment that began back in 2009 with still no end in sight), the refurbished lifts are impressive.  A visit to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel offers a new perspective on the River Thames & children in particular enjoy the experience.

Follow our Tower of London Guide packed with cheap ticket options and ways to get ahead of the queues at this top tourist attraction.

 

Greenwich Foot Tunnel under the River Thames

Entrance to Greenwich Foot Tunnel under the River Thames

 

5. National Maritime Museum; FREE Entry

Did you know you can gain FREE entrance to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich? See Nelson’s Trafalgar Coat and look out for a number of interactive areas for children throughout the museum.  Additional charges are in place for exhibitions but worth checking out combined ticket offers with the Cutty Sark & the Royal Observatory for those planning a visit.

6. Greenwich Park; Children’s Playground

Those with young children will be interested in the refurbished children’s playground that is located within Greenwich Park, (close to the Queen’s House).  This is a great playground for children up to around 8 years plus toilets on hand too.

7. Emirate Air Line Cable Cars

The River Thames even has its own cable cars that runs between Greenwich & the London Docks. Tickets are reasonably priced and a ride offers you a bird’s eye view of the Thames including Canary Wharf, the O2 arena & Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.  From Greenwich Pier/Cutty Sark, why not take the bus to North Greenwich to pick up the cable cars here. Alternatively, combine the cable cars with a trip along on the Thames Clipper, (alight at North Greenwich Pier).

More details available at Emirate Air Line Cable Cars.

 

Royal Observatory View Greenwich

View of the Royal Observatory from the Queen’s House, Greenwich

Insider guide

Whilst London can be an expensive city, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a visit to London on a budget. From FREE views of London through to free options to see top visitor attractions, for those that know how to keep the costs down, there are savings to be made.

1. Budget Views of London

Enjoy the FREE Sky Garden on 35th floor of London’s latest skyscraper, climb the 311 steps to the top of the Monument to enjoy aerial views or take the lift to the free public roof terrace at the One New Change for dramatic views of St Paul’s Cathedral. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Views of London on a Budget without spending a fortune.

Follow our Cheap Ticket Guide to The London Eye packed with 2 for 1 vouchers, online discounts  and promotional offers!

 

houses of parliament on westminster bridge

Houses of Parliament, (photo; Phil Loach)

 

2. Budget Trip Down the River Thames

Why not do as the locals do and use the commuter ferry to enjoy a trip along the River Thames that runs at a fraction of the price of other river cruises? With ferries running from London Eye to Greenwich, you can take in all the sights along the River Thames including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament & the Cutty Sark.

3. Straddle The Meridian Line For Free

Straddle the Meridian Line and you’ll be standing with a foot in both the eastern & western hemispheres. It draws hundreds of thousands of tourist each year and whilst most people purchase tickets to the Royal Observatory to straddle the Greenwich Meridian Line, you can do this for FREE! More information available within our Guide to Greenwich.

4. The London Pass

This sightseeing pass offers free entry to 80+ London attractions & tours that offers value for money for those planning a few days in London.  Included within the London Pass is the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Zoo, The Shard & 1 Day Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour.

 

beefeaters at the tower of london

Beefeaters at the Tower of London, (photo; Phil Loach)

 

5. 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 with only a small charge in place for tickets!  The Ceremony of the Keys is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London that takes place every night.  Visitors can apply for tickets to watch this ceremony from within the grounds of the Tower of London in the company of an actual Beefeater as your guide.  You will need to plan ahead to apply for tickets but well worth a visit.

6. Cheap Tickets for the London Eye

This iconic London attraction is a popular stop for visitors to the city. If you are looking for cheap tickets for the London Eye there are ways & means to keep the costs down including 2 for 1 vouchers during off peak times and even a chance of free tickets in the ballot that runs each year. More information available at The London Eye; Cheap Tickets & Vouchers.

7. Tower Bridge For Free

Tower bridge remains one of the symbolic images of London and has been a working bridge over the River Thames since 1894. You can walk across the high level walkways or simply watch for free the lifting of Tower Bridge from the banks of the River Thames. More information within our Guide to Tower Bridge.

 

view from the London Eye at dusk

London Eye at dusk, (photo; Phil Loach)

 

8. 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.

9. Budget London; Free Bikes

The Santander Cycle Hire Scheme is a great way to get around London on the cheap and ideal for exploring the Royal London Parks, (some restrictions on use).  Bikes are available to everyone over the age of 14 and offers a cost effective method of seeing London on a budget as there is only a small charge in place for the first 30 minutes!

10. Visit The Tardis for Free!

If you are looking for Quirky Ideas for London then how about 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.

 

thames rvier cruise by the tower of london

Thames River Cruise; Free with a London Pass, (photo; Phil Loach)

 

12. 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.  These London Street Art Tours also come with the added advantage of running on a ‘pay-what-you-like’ basis too for an alternative view around London.

13. Unusual Way To Explore The River Thames

Discover the River Thames from above, below or even sailing along the Thames without spending a fortune.  There are plenty of ways to Explore the River Thames on a Budget including the commuter ferry, cable cars over the Thames ore even a foot tunnel that takes you under the banks of the river.

14. Free National Museums

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 or the British Museum which contains some fascinating finds throughout the ages.

 

London Street Art Tours in London East End

London Street Art Tours

 

15. 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. Whether you are planning a guided tour or want more information on how to apply for a free tour, follow our Guide to the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben for further information.

16. 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 & skate-park that lies on the undercroft of the Southbank Centre and you’ve entertainment galore for all the family. Please do remember to tip the entertainers if you are going to watch their show.

17. Cheap London Aquarium

Check out the Aquarium at the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill that offers entry from just a few pounds. This is an ideal aquarium for younger children and offers a day out at a fraction of standard aquarium costs.  If you are planning a visit, look out for the well loved over stuffed walrus and the outdoor sound garden too.

 

Inside the London Sea Life Aquarium

London Sea Life Aquarium, (photo; Phil Loach)

 

18. 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 renowned for their antique & flea market or the Columbia Road Sunday flower market.

19. Free Playgrounds in London

Located within Kensington Gardens and based upon Peter Pan’s Neverland, the Diana Memorial Playground is 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.

20. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace takes place regularly throughout the year, (weather permitting) and offers a FREE look at the royal guards in actions accompanied by a Royal Guards band.  Children & adults alike will enjoy this experience although this does get busy during peak times of the year.  You can also take see similar ceremonies at Windsor Castle & Horse Guards Parade that run throughout the year.

Explore our budget views of London including quirky ideas and free entry offers!

 

the guards at the tower of London marching

The Guards at the Tower of London, (photo; Phil Loach)

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