Most visitors are familiar with London’s most famous parks, among these, Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park, and the Regent’s Park. These parks are four of London’s eight Royal Parks, which means that they were originally used by the royal family for recreational purposes. 

But beyond these central London parks are a huge number of lovely, verdant places for year-round enjoyment. Swim and relax in the shade during the summer; track the changing of the seasons in autumn and spring; stay active during the dark winter season.

Here are four less well-known parks across London, parks most visitors are unlikely to stumble upon. 

Related: 20 free museums in London

Peckham Rye Park & Common

Nearest train station: Peckham Rye (Overground and Thameslink)

Bus lines: 12, 63, 343, 363

Peckham Rye Park sits south of buzzy, rapidly gentrifying Peckham, far south of the Thames. There is a quiet community garden, an arboretum, several gardens (a formal English garden, a Japanese garden, and a nature garden), and a fun, cheery café called The Round. 

Peckham Rye is lovely all year, though, like all of London parks, it really comes alive during the summer months. 

As a bonus, it’s within easy walking distance from both Peckham High Street and very pleasant East Dulwich, both of which are full of great places to eat. (Lunch tip: Head to Persepolis, a good value vegetarian supermarket-café at 28-30 Peckham High Street.)

Beckenham Place Park

Nearest train station: Beckenham Hill (Thameslink)

Bus access: 54, 136

This massive south London park, expanded in 2019 by annexing a golf course, has a BMX track, a swimming lake, and loads of trails through woods. The social hub of the park is a 1760s mansion sitting atop a gentle green slope, which houses a café and hosts frequent events.

Beckenham Place Park takes some time to reach from central London; unless you want to make a day of the park, combine a visit here with some other south London attractions, like the Horniman Museum and Gardens or Crystal Palace, with its triangle of interesting shops and cafes.

Vibrant blooms at Golders Hill Park. Photo: Laura Nolte

Golders Hill Park

Nearest Tube stations: Hampstead and Golders Green (Edgware branch of Northern Line)

Bus access: 210, 268

Adjacent to the much better-known Hampstead Heath, Golders Hill Park is an enormously appealing London park. It has a playground, a free zoo, tennis courts, a lovely Georgian pergola with sweeping park views, a botanical garden, and a bird pond, among other features. Paths crisscross the park; the paths through wooded areas are especially rewarding. 

Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Nearest Tube station: Holborn (Central and Piccadilly)

Bus access: 1, 8, 13, 55, 59, 113, 168, 188, 243, 521

The only truly central London park — to be exact, this is a public square, not a park — in this list, Lincoln’s Inn Fields sits adjacent to Lincoln’s Inn, one of London‘s four Inns of Court. (Inns of Court are professional legal associations; every lawyer — or barrister — in England and Wales belongs to one of these four associations.) The park features a wide grassy area perfect for summer picnics. There are also tennis and netball courts and a café. 

On the north side of the square is Sir John Soane’s Museum, a lovely and often overlooked house museum featuring restored interiors and paintings from Soane’s wide-ranging collection.

What hidden gems have you come across in London? Share your favorite London parks and other attractions in the comments below!

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And despite the oncoming Brexit issue, with the British pound still holding fairly strong against other currencies, we don’t expect prices to be dropping anytime soon.

However, as documented throughout our London guide and our list of the best cheap hotels in Central London, it is possible to live it up in London on a modest budget — with a little planning.

Related: 21 ways we saved on our trip to London

How? Besides the obvious (choosing a budget hotel, knowing how to eat cheaply, and getting around with an Oyster card, you’d be crazy not to take advantage of London’s free museums and attractions. Most of the nationally-run museums and art galleries are publicly financed and don’t cost visitors a pence. There are literally dozens of options from the incredible (and very busy) British Museum to lots of lesser-known gems.

Free is always a beautiful thing, and we’ve put together a list of our 20 favorites:

9 Must-visit free museums in London

British Library
World’s largest library holding an impressive 150 million+ items. Browse hotels near the British Library.

British Museum
A true blockbuster with artifacts from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles. Stay close by at these
hotels near the British Museum.

National Gallery
Stunning collection housing works from masters like Cézanne and Van Gogh. Get there early by staying at these hotels near the National Gallery.

Natural History Museum
Earth science hub with hands-on exhibits and millions of specimens.

National Portrait Gallery
See depictions of the most famous Brits in history up close. Find nearby hotels.

Science Museum
Interactive exhibits, historic collections, and an IMAX theater.

Tate Modern
Huge collection of modern art situated in a former power plant along the Thames. Book a hotel close to the Tate Modern.

The Tate Britain
British art, ranging from 16th-century pieces to contemporary works. Nearby hotels.

Victoria and Albert Museum
The world’s biggest destination for design and decorative arts.

The outside of Sir John Soane’s Museum. Photo: Craig Nelson

11 Notable free museums

Bank of England Museum
The story of the country’s main financial institution since 1694.

Imperial War Museum
Framing the British wartime experience from World War I to the present day.

The Geffrey Musem
Focusing on living rooms highlighting furniture, textiles, and decorative arts.

Museum of London
Walk through the entire timeline of the city at this urban history institution.

National Maritime Museum
The world’s biggest collection dedicated to seafaring objects.

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
Exhibiting 80,000 ancient artifacts from the Nile Valley.

Royal Airforce Museum London
Displaying over 100 military aircraft from historic to modern.

Sir John Soane’s Museum
Quirky personal art collection and effects in a stately townhouse.

V&A Museum of Childhood
Huge collection of toys, games, and clothes in an airy, historic space.

Wallace Collection
18th-century French painting, an armory, and more in a London townhouse.

Wellcome Collection
A fascinating collection exploring the intersection of medical history and art.

The Geffrye Museum is located in Shoreditch and offers a unique look into living room design. Photo: Heather C.

2 Bonus fun and free attractions

The Changing of the Guard
British pomp and ceremony at its best outside Buckingham Palace. Find the best cheap hotels near Buckingham Palace.

The Ceremony of the Keys
Witness an ancient Tower of London tradition. Book way in advance.

More budget help for London:

• Our article on budget tips for London
• What’s Free in London’s list of no-cost attractions, talks, tours, and festivals
• VisitLondon’s suggestions for free London attractions

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Luckily there are plenty of great freebies on offer, if you know where to look. Here are five of our free favorite London cultural attractions, along with nearby affordable hotels.

1. Museums: So many, so free!

Okay, we’re breaking our own numbering scheme from the off. Most of London’s main museums and galleries are completely free to enter, and it’s impossible just to pick one favorite. But, rather than direct you towards the British Museum or the National Gallery, which will probably be on any cultural itinerary anyway, let us highlight a few of the lesser known gems that are well worth a visit.

Related: 20 free museums in London

First up is the Sir John Soane’s Museum – the eccentric 19th-century home, museum, and gallery of an architect. On the first Tuesday of each month, there’s even a special candle-lit evening.

Or try the Wallace Collection, for a seriously impressive collection of art and decorative arts housed in a historic townhouse. This fall, also look out for the Museums at Night event, taking place from October 27 to 29 for special events inside these historic buildings.

Nearby budget hotels: Celtic Hotel and Ridgemount Hotel both put you just steps from the British Museum and within a 10- to 15-minute walk of Sir John Soane’s Museum.

2. Theatre: The Scoop

Theatre for free is a little harder to come by in London, although there are plenty of ways to get hold of discounted tickets. (Read our tips to find cheap and free theater tickets.) However, the happy exception to that rule is The Scoop, located outside City Hall. It comes alive in the summer, but events keep going until the end of October. Check the calendar for upcoming performances.

Nearby hotels: Premier Inn London Southwark Borough Market is about a 15-minute walk away from The Scoop along the Thames River.

3. Art: First Thursdays

On the first Thursday of each month, 150 galleries in the East End open their doors, offering events, talks and private views. Doing a gallery crawl is a great way to spend an evening getting to know this vibrant district. You can use the map available at the Whitechapel Gallery to navigate your way.

Nearby hotels: Ibis London City and Qbic London City are both located close to Whitechapel Gallery, so you can explore the art walk just steps from your hotel.

4. Music: Union Chapel

Finding world-class music for free in London is a lot easier than you’d think. We’ve done a round-up of the best places to find classical music here. However, for music of all genres, we’d recommend a visit to the beautiful Union Chapel on Upper Street in Islington. Their Daylight Music Saturday events host two hours of free music, from a diverse and exciting range of acts.

Nearby hotels: Alhambra Hotel and Crestfield Hotel are both just a block from King’s Cross St. Pancras, where you can hop the Tube one stop to Union Chapel.

5. Free talks

To really expand your mind on a trip to London, drop in on one of the many talks taking place around the city. University College London hosts lunchtime snippets of their latest research, free for anyone to drop in, while London School of Economics hosts an amazing array of speakers from around the world.

Competing with the universities is Conway Hall, which has a long history in hosting talks and debates, many of which are free.

Nearby hotels: Astor Museum Inn and Seven Dials Hotel are both within walking distance of London School of Economics and Conway Hall.

Your culture tips

Any great culture on the cheap tips of your own? Let us know in the comments. Find more great budget hotel deals in our London hotel guide.

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But it’s not that we get tired of London’s countless entertainments and diversions—it’s just that sometimes our wallet does.

When that budget starts to bite, it’s worth remembering that the many things that London offers for free, can be every bit as inspiring as all of the paid stuff. In fact, when you start to account for all of the free things that visitors can take advantage of, maybe London isn’t so expensive as we always make it out to be. Here are ten ideas for starters.

The incredible view from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Photo: Frances Ambler

1. Fantastic views

This higgledy-piggledy, centuries old city can produce some great views. And you don’t need to pay to go up the Shard to experience the best of them. Primrose Hill (Chalk Farm tube) is a favorite spot for Londoners to gather for picnics, New Year’s and whenever you just fancy a picturesque view of this sprawling city. In south London, meanwhile, the view from up near the Royal Observatory is superb. But, if there’s one thing that’s bound to make even the most hardened Londoner a little misty eyed, it’s crossing over the Thames at night: with the London Eye, Westminster and the South Bank illuminated. It’s enough to make us believe we are actually living in a Richard Curtis movie, and that Hugh Grant is waiting just around the corner.

Related: Best views in London for free

2. The museums and art galleries

Being able to spend quality time with some of the world’s best artworks is an undeniable perk of London: all our national museums have free admission. But, as well as the headline grabber galleries such as the British Museum or the National Gallery, London has a whole host of smaller museums that are also free and great for exploring on one of London’s wet afternoons. Try the Sir John Soane’s Museum, the Wellcome Collection or the Wallace Gallery just for starters.

Borough Market is filled with fresh foods of all types. Keep an eye out for free samples! Photo: Craig Nelson

3. The markets

London’s markets have something to cater to all tastes, and offer brilliant people watching opportunities, even if you can’t be tempted by any of the wares on offer. Borough Market is a foodie’s delight (don’t forget to stock up on those free samples), while Portobello is a must for antiques lovers. We’ve sung the praises of Columbia Road flower market just recently, while both Spitalfields and Greenwich market are great places to check out independent makers.

Changing of the Guard is a must-see tradition. Photo: eGuide

4. The Changing of the Guard

While many of London’s traditions seem to come with a price tag attached, not so the ceremony of The Changing of the Guard which has been taking place since the nineteenth century, when Buckingham Palace became an official residence for Queen Victoria. It’s the ceremonial handover from one red-tunic and bearskin wearing, guardsman to the next and takes place at 11.30am each day from May to July and on alternate days during the rest of the year. More information here: get there early for a good view. And who knows if you’ll be lucky enough to see a dancing guardsman?

Brick Lane is a colorful slice of London. Photo: Gary Knight

5. Brick Lane

The Changing of the Guard is traditional Britain at its best, but a stroll down Brick Lane, highlights how London today is as much about its multiculturalism as its monarchy. Brick Lane is a great place to spot street art as it’s become a showground for some of the world’s greatest street artists. But it’s not just the artists that are hoping to be spotted, as you can’t miss the outrageous fashions sure to appear on a street style blog near you soon. Pop-up shops and events mean there is always something interesting to explore, and be sure to check out the free gigs from up-and-coming bands put on by the famous independent record store Rough Trade.

Related: 5 hotels in central London under £100 per night

6. Book store browsing

London’s book shops are made for browsing. Hatchard’s, on Piccadilly, is the oldest bookshop in the UK, founded in 1797. There’s also a massive branch of Waterstone’s just down the road. Bibliophiles are sure to enjoy the huge new Foyles bookshop, recently opened on Charing Cross Road, a traditional area for bookshops. Look out for Cecil Court nearby: it’s a gorgeous Victorian street full of specialist book stores selling rare and antiquarian books, maps and prints. Finally, before you leave London, pop into Daunt’s on Marylebone High Street. The store is not only beautiful, but they’ve got an amazing array of travel titles that are sure to inspire some (more) wanderlust.

Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park every Sunday afternoon provides free endless entertainment. Photo: Craig Nelson

7. Speaker’s Corner

Speaker’s Corner—found in the corner of Hyde Park, nearest to Marble Arch—is considered to be the home of free speech. It’s been a focus for debate since 1866 and, every Sunday, speakers gather to have their opinions heard on what they consider to be the burning issues of the day. Historic speakers have included George Orwell and Karl Marx.

Regent’s Park is a nice place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. Photo: Craig Nelson

8. All the parks

And while we’re in Hyde Park, let’s celebrate the free wonder that is London’s parks. London has more green space than any other European city, and each space has its own style. Hyde Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens make for a central London oasis, Hampstead Heath is a surprisingly wild space relatively close to central London. Victoria Park has a wonderful community feel, Richmond Park even has deer. Whether summer picnic or winter snowball fight, London life is all about its park life.

Related: 10 money saying tips for first-time visitors to London

9. St Martins in the Fields concerts

Once you’ve had your picture taken in Trafalgar Square and hung out at the National Gallery, there’s another treat to be discovered. St Martins in the Fields offers free lunchtime concerts in its beautiful Georgian interior. Feeling peckish? Head down to the crypt for a not free, but still very reasonable hearty lunch in the church’s cafe. For more free classical music in London, check out our guide here.

Walking along South Bank a great way to experience London on a weekend afternoon. Donald Judge

10. South Bank

And, finally, my personal favorite. A stroll along the South Bank will not only bring you great views of the river, it’s the chance to immerse yourself in a fantastic array of cultural opportunities. A stroll from Waterloo to Tate Modern (and it really will be a stroll, it gets far too try and rush it) passes delights such as the free lunchtime music on at the Royal Festival Hall, the secondhand booksellers outside the British FiIm Institute or the amazing Mediatheque archive within it, where you can watch over 2,500 highlights from the archive’s collection. There’s the OXO tower, full of independent designers and the Globe Theatre. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s always something going on round here to make you fall back in love with London again.

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In addition to the more common free newspapers handed out on the tube, Cheapos can now get their hands on all sorts of other literature without spending a penny. It’s common knowledge for Londoners, but visitors to the city are often none the wiser. So here’s a quick run down of the city’s free publications available to you:

Daily Newspapers

Metro and City AM are free morning newspapers handed out at Tube stations from Monday to Friday. Metro is available nationwide, while City AM is London only and has more of a financial and city focus.

The Evening Standard accompanies most Londoners home in the evenings and is handed out at tube stations from 4 pm, Monday to Friday. Look out for the ES Magazine, which comes with the paper on a Friday and contains lots of London-centric weekend lifestyle reading.

Magazines

Tuesday: Time Out

The absolute staple for Londoners, Time Out has been going since 1968 and its success has been such that you can now find it in other destinations such as New York, Barcelona and Melbourne. It started out life as a paid for publication, but in September 2012 became free. A bitter sign of the times for the publishing industry, but on the plus side – great news for Cheapos!

The magazine is totally London-centric, including everything from features with musicians, book reviews, neighborhood focuses and, of course, extensive entertainment listings for the week ahead. Pick one up at tube and rail stations in zones 1 and 2 on Tuesday mornings, or at museums, cinemas and theaters across the city – see a full list of distribution points here.

Wednesday: Stylist

One for the ladies – Stylist is the hugely successful younger sister to Shortlist Magazine (see below). Distributed at tube stations on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings, pick up a copy to get your weekly fill of beauty, fashion, travel and lifestyle news for free.

Thursday: Shortlist

The original publication from award-winning publisher Shortlist Media, this weekly mag is aimed at a predominantly male audience, with the latest gadgets, health, tech, sport, fashion and grooming advice, but the excellent journalism and quirky features make it a good read for women as well. Pick up your copy on Thursday mornings at tube stations.

Friday: Sport

Sport-lovers can get their fill of news, interviews and analysis, as well as a look at upcoming events with this free sport-themed publication. Distributed at tube stations every Friday morning, it’s an informative and lighthearted read to welcome in the weekend.

Monthly magazines

Escapism

A relatively new kid on the block, Escapism is the UK’s first free glossy travel magazine and it’s doing a good job of rivaling the more established paid-for titles. While the content mainly serves as inspiration for your next trip, UK-based exhibitions and news are also featured in the magazine and accompanying website. The features are well written and the photography is great; a nice little pick-me-up on a drizzly London morning. Find Escapism at most zone 1 and 2 tube stations, as well as at UK airports and Eurostar terminals on the first Wednesday of every month.

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While Parisians may pity their British neighbors having to pay for a toilet trip (why do you think Brits term it “spending a penny”?), or for bread at meals, Londoners rightly still feel smug about the host of freebies their city has to offer.

Here are my seven favorite things that will never cost you a penny:

1. Culture

This is the big one for anyone who has baulked at the entrance fee to the Louvre or the Prado: national museums in the UK are all free. That means there’s nothing to pay for getting into some of London’s – and the world’s – best museums, including Tate, British Museum, V&A, National Gallery, Science Museum and so on. (Here’s a list of free museums in London.)

There’s plenty of culture available for free outside of the museum world as well. Cinephiles, for example, can book a session at the Mediatheque at the British Film Institute (BFI) on the South Bank, where thousands of films can be watched at no cost to the viewer, or music lovers can take in one of the free classical concerts at St-Martin-in-the-Fields.

2. Wi-Fi

Another good thing about these free cultural institutions? Many (although, annoyingly, not all) offer free Wi-Fi. The South Bank is a particularly good bet because, alongside stunning views over the river, there’s free Wi-Fi available at most of its major attractions including the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, the BFI and Tate Modern.

Couple that with the huge number of chains offering free Wi-Fi, such as cheap pub chain, Wetherspoons, popular lunchtime sandwich spot, Pret a Manger, or – as in Paris – McDonald’s, and you should always be able to avoid paying for Wi-Fi in the city.

3. Tap water

Paris, London has got your back on water, too. It’s a legal requirement for British pubs and licensed clubs to make tap water available for free. If you ask politely, you’ll normally also get it without a charge in the vast majority of restaurants.

However, the best free drink in London has to be the green tea available at favorite cheapo noodle chain Wagamama (who kindly also offer free Wi-Fi).

Bank of America client? Use Barclays ATM machines for free! Photo: Garryknight

4. ATM withdrawals (for Bank of America clients)

The Global ATM Alliance applies in the UK as well. To make cash withdrawals from ATMs without incurring a charge, Bank of America customers should seek out Barclays Bank cash machines (Their logo is an easy-to-spot blue eagle). You’ll need the four-digit pin for your card to get cash out. (Read our guide to ATM bank fees for Americans abroad.)

5. Tax

Well, kind of. Visitors from outside the European Union can claim back the Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods they have purchased. You’ll need to be leaving the EU in less than three months after making your purchase and – perhaps the biggest catch – you need to have bought it in a store signed up to the VAT Retail Export Scheme to obtain the correct customs forms (look out for the “Tax Free Shopping” signs).

There are various exceptions and complications to work through but, with VAT charged at up to 20% of cost of goods, it’s well worth the hassle if you are making substantial purchases. Check out the UK Revenues and Customs website for full details of how to claim.

6. Exercise

Given the city’s reputation both for inclement weather and an over-fondness for pints, London’s excellent free fitness events may come as a bit of a surprise. We’ve mentioned the weekly free Park Run before, which takes place at parks all over the capital each Saturday morning.

The London Cycling Campaign lists equivalent events for cyclists, or you could – literally – get your skates on to take part in the Friday Night Skate, a marshaled street skate which sets off from Hyde Park Corner each week.

Finally, for something really different, get a workout in exchange for helping with outdoor conservation projects at one of London’s 15 free Green Gyms.

7. Reading material

The Tube groans under the weight of reading matter that’s given out for free in London each day. Weekday travelers get offered Metro in the morning and the Evening Standard in the evening, both great sources of listings and, especially in the latter, reliable reviews.

A recent addition to the selection of freebie reads is Time Out which, since last year, has been given away every Tuesday and is an invaluable way to find out what’s going on and where.

Stylist, pitched at professional women, comes out on Wednesdays, while its male equivalent, Shortlist, is given away every Thursday. Both are more engaging reads than many charging magazines. Finally, the world of sport gets its own dedicated magazine on Fridays.

These publications almost (but not quite) make the astronomical cost of travel in London worthwhile.

Your favorite freebies?

Did we miss anything? Tell us about your favorite London freebie in the comments below!

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1. Ride the RV1 or number 11 bus
From £1.40

For as little as £2.40 (or £1.40 with an Oyster card) for a journey, you can take in the best of London from the comfort of these public buses. Instead of paying over the odds for an expensive tourist bus, these two central London bus routes take in the main attractions and you can jump on and off as you go.

The RV1 starts in Covent Garden and will take you past Somerset House, across Waterloo Bridge and down past the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall and the Oxo Tower. It carries on past London Bridge and City Hall before crossing Tower Bridge and stopping at the Tower of London and ending its route at Tower Gateway Station.

Alternatively, the number 11 bus travels between Fulham Town Hall and Liverpool Street Station, calling at Westminster Abbey, Horse Guards Parade, Trafalgar Square and St Paul’s Cathedral along the way. More information.

Experience the sights (and smells!) of Borough Market for free. Photo: Kenjonbro

2. Visit to Borough Market
Free

This haven for foodies is the ideal place to wile away an afternoon without frittering away too much cash. With food from all over the world, most of the stalls at Borough Market offer samples so you can happily try a whole lot of different tastes before deciding what to have for lunch. Head there at the end of the day around 4:30 pm and you might also benefit from larger freebies as the traders get rid of their leftovers before packing up and going home.

3. Happy Hour at Match Bar
Beer for £3, 2-for-1 cocktails, cheap food

It’s rare to find a central London cocktail bar with a decent Happy Hour even on the weekends, but this cool locale tucked away behind Oxford Street is the perfect place for a little bit of indulgence if you’ve been window shopping and successfully managed not to blow your budget!

From 8 pm-10:30 pm Monday to Thursday and 5 pm-8 pm on Saturdays Match Bar offers 20% off small food platters, bottles of beer for £3 each or two delicious cocktails for the price of one, meaning you can even treat a friend and get change from a tenner!

4. River cruise
From £4

A leisurely cruise down the River Thames is a great way to explore London if the weather is good. KPMG Thames Clippers stop at lots of lovely landmarks, from the London Eye all the way to Greenwich Pier. A single adult ticket costs £6, but you can get 10% off with a pay as you go Oyster card, or 1/3 off with a Travelcard. Alternatively, an unlimited hop on/hop off “Roamer” ticket will cost you £9.10 with a Travelcard.

5. Bar Kick
£2 beer and cheap cocktails

Much more than just a bar, head to Bar Kick with a few £1 coins and spend a fun-filled afternoon playing table football. If you’ve got a competitive streak, you may also want to sign up as a member and play more seriously in the tournaments. Head down between 4-7pm any day of the week and you’ll also benefit from £2 bottles of beer and cocktails for £4.85 each! Located at 127 Shoreditch High Street, nearest station is Shoreditch High Street Overground.

Hang out over London on the Emirates Air Line. Photo: Martin Pettitt

6. Emirates Air Line
From £3.20

The Emirates Air Line opened just in time for the London Olympics and is an alternative way to cross the river from north to south London. This brand new cable car offers a five-minute journey over the River Thames from Greenwich in the south of London to the Royal Docks in the north (or vice versa). Fares start from £4.30 for a single and £8.60 for a return, but with your Oyster card you’ll only have to pay £3.20 or £6.40 respectively, leaving you with more than enough for a pint of beer once you’ve reached the other side!

Read our related post on more cheap ways to get great views of London.

7. More London Scoop
Free

Every summer you’ll find a huge program of exciting free events going on at the amphitheater at More London, right by London Bridge station. There is anything from films and theatre, to dance, art and music, all totally free. Overlooking the river, it’s a fab place to include on any summer itinerary – just stop by and see what’s happening, or alternatively, sign up to the More London mailing list and receive updates direct to your inbox.

National museums, including the British Museum (above), are free to enter every day! Photo: Moria

8. Museums
Free

One of the most fantastic things about London is the fact that the museums are free. You could spend weeks exploring everything from the British Museum and the National Gallery, to the Science Museum and the Tate Modern, without parting with a penny. So make the most of it, Cheapos!

Here’s our list of 20 free museums in London.

9. Royal Court Theatre
£10 tickets

You have to be quick off the mark, but it is possible to bag a theatre ticket for just £10 in London. There are £10 tickets to every Monday performance at the Royal Court Theatre. Located in Sloane Square, this famous theatre prides itself on showcasing the work of up and coming young writers and its productions can vary greatly in style.

10. Parks and gardens
Free

If the weather goes in your favor, you’ll find that the liveliest places to spend a sunny afternoon in London are in actual fact, absolutely free. Whether you’re exploring well-known spots such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Green Park or Hampstead Heath, or lazing about in smaller green spaces like Highbury Fields and Clapham Common, there is no shortage of open, green space in London. So pack a picnic and get exploring!

Also in our guide: Looking for more ideas about ways to save in London? Head over to EuroCheapo’s London Guide to read about great affordable hotels in London, plus articles on budget tips, transportation passes, and more.

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