Capital’s cheap dates
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH BUT IN LONDON YOU CAN HAVE A FREE DAY OUT
WE all moan about the cost of London living, and while there’s no avoiding the high rents and pricey pints there’s a load of pretty awesome things you can do here for free.
It’s time to take stock of what’s on your doorstep and won’t cost you a penny, because in London being broke doesn’t have to stop you from doing cool stuff - and surely that’s something to celebrate?
Here are just some of the fun things you can do in London for free.
Stroll up (or down) the South Bank
It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve walked this route along the Thames, every time will be different. Whether you start at the Waterloo end or set off by Shakespeare’s Globe, a stroll along the river to take in the Houses of Parliament, The National Theatre, The Southbank Centre and all in between, can be a wonderful reminder of why you like London. It’s always an experience and it’s free.
Where: South Bank, London, SE1
Pay tributes to London’s ‘outcasts’ at Southwark’s hidden graveyard
Tucked away in a side street near London Bridge is a little known shrine to the city’s “outcasts.” Crossbones Graveyard has been around for centuries but few people know it exists. It’s estimated 15,000 prostitutes are buried in the ancient plot, which is now a stunning memorial garden. You can visit for free and pay your respects to London’s “Winchester Geese.”
Where: Redcross Way, Southwark, south London, SE1
Brixton’s David Bowie memorial
You can pay homage to the late music legend near his Brixton birthplace. There’s a massive, colourful mural depicting him as Ziggy Stardust in Tunstall Road, moments away from Brixton Underground Station. Fans leave flowers and messages to him there and take a moment to remember just why he was so great.
Where: Tunstall Road, London SW9 8EA
The National Gallery
The National Gallery takes pride of place in London’s iconic Trafalgar Square. It has more than 2,000 artworks, most of which are free to see. From Turner to Van Gogh and Velázquez, you can gaze at famous paintings here for hours.
Where: Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
Walk along the canals
OK, so this is more of a summer day activity than a dark winter evening pursuit, but London’s canals are gorgeous and they’re definitely worth a stroll. A particular gem is the towpath that runs alongside East London’s Victoria Park. You can mosey along it to Broadway Market where there’s plenty to feast your eyes on.
The British Museum
The British Museum’s collection includes masterpieces from across the globe and maps human history. The Rosetta Stone and the controversial Parthenon Marbles are just a few of the objects which are on display. It’s was visited by nearly 7 million people in 2017 alone. Its permanent collection is free to visit.
Where: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG
The bookshop barge
Bookworms beware, you may not be able to visit this place without parting with some pennies, but it’s definitely worth the risk. Word on the Water is moored just along the tow path a stone’s throw away from King’s Crosses swanky Granary Square. It has thousands of books handpicked by boatman Jon. From coffee table classics to obscure poetry you can browse to your heart’s content, just don’t forget to pet resident boat dog, Star.
Where: Regent’s Canal Towpath, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BZ