London on a Budget

London could not be called a budget destination; however, there is much to do in this city that is free. We spent three days exploring London, and it didn’t cost us a thing except for some transportation costs. Nonetheless, accommodation and dining can be very costly. We were lucky enough to have family to stay with, which reduced our expenses significantly. We stayed in London with Dwayne’s cousin Jay and his finance, Cass. As a bonus, they are well situated in Finsbury close to public transport.

During our time in London, Dwayne and I would spend the day out exploring the city, and we’d enjoy a meal in an English Pub – which is a must when in England. However, we would reduce our dining cost by eating breakfast before we left in the morning and cooking a meal with Jay and Cass at night.

With savings on accommodation and food, as well as convenient public transport, we set out each day to see as much as we could in London without making ourselves destitute in the process. The following is what we saw in three days of exploring London.

South Bank

The first thing we did was take the underground to Westminster Station, crossed Westminster Bridge and walked along the south bank of the River Thames. Known as South Bank, this is a great place to see many of London’s famous sights such as The London Eye and The Royal National Theatre. The riverside walk is lined with restaurants, historic pubs, buskers and more.

As we continued towards the Tower Bridge, we passed –

Shakespeare’s Globe

This theatre is an oak-and-thatch replica of the original Elizabethan theatre, showing Shakespeare plays in the open air.

The Anchor

This pub first established in 1616, is the sole survivor of the riverside inns that existed here in Shakespeare’s time. Although not the original building, a tavern establishment has been at this location for over 800 years.

Old Winchester Palace

Old Winchester Palace was once the largest and most significant buildings in medieval London. There is little left of this heritage building; however, the ruins, marked with interpretive signs, are interesting to see.

Southwark Cathedral

This cathedral has been a place of worship for over 1000 years. The earliest written reference to the site was in the Domesday Book survey of 1086.

Borough Market

Borough Market is London’s oldest and most popular food market. This market is a foodies paradise. Produce includes organic meats and baked goods, artisan cheeses, wines, smallgoods, and so much more.

Tower Bridge

After lunch, we continued walking along the river and across Tower Bridge. This bridge is a combination of a bascule and suspension bridge. The bridge, built between 1886 and 1894, is easy to recognise as it is a famous iconic symbol of London.

The bridge is composed of two bridge towers linked together by two horizontal walkways near the top. The bridge’s twin high-level walkways, along with the towers and engine room, do require payment to visit. However, it is free to cross the bridge, and we did so to see the Tower of London.

Tower of London

There is a cost to visit the Tower of London. So we decided to have a look from the outside. As we walked around the tower, we found many interpretive signs explaining all about the building, the wharf, the gates, the occupants and of course the prisoners of the tower.

Street Art

The second day we caught the underground to Shoreditch Station and started our day by exploring street art. As soon as we exited the station, we came face to face with street art. We were lucky enough to see an artist at work.

From the station, we walked to Brick Lane. Brick Lane is probably the most famous of London’s street art areas, and it is colourful and exciting to visit.

Covent Gardens

From Brick Lane, we walked to Covent Garden. Covent Garden Market has a long history. It first became a permanent fixture in 1845. These large markets are a pleasure to explore. We wandered through Covent Garden Market, Jubilee Market Hall, Apple Market and more.

Leicester Square

We continued to Leicester Square purely because it is a name I remember from my childhood Monopoly board! However, within the square are a large number of nationally significant cinemas and the world’s largest Lego store!

Slug and Lettuce

This is NOT a budget tip, however, we are told it is important information if visiting a “real English pub” is on your to-do-list. We decided to have lunch at the “Slug and Lettuce”. We chose this pub because the name was so… well so English. I mean, aren’t all English pubs called ““the whatsit and soandso””? You know, The Rose and Crown, The Fox and Hounds or The Bull and Bush. That is what attracted us. We later found out – after a right bollocking from our English friends – that the Slug and Lettuce is not a “real English pub”, but rather a large chain of bars found throughout the United Kingdom. We ordered the “fish and chips” which was very disappointing and the Peking duck pancakes which were yummy.

Chinatown

After lunch, we walked to Chinatown to do some shopping. We had decided to cook Malaysian laksa for Jay and Cass that night and needed some unique ingredients. Chinatown, so-called because it contains a large number of Chinese restaurants and supermarkets, was the perfect place to find what we needed. After visiting several supermarkets, we had all the ingredients we required and continued our exploration of London on foot.

Trafalgar Square

From Chinatown, we walked on to Trafalgar square. Trafalgar Square gets its name from the Battle of Trafalgar – a British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar. But to me, it was just another name from the Monopoly board. In this square, you will see many statues and busks, such as the busks of the three admirals against the north wall of the square, as well as Nelson’s Column and the four sculpted lions. We saw some artistic chalk drawings and a levitating Yoda.

As we walked from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, we passed –

The Calvary Museum

Not free, however you can score yourself a photo with a calvary horses and guard. These guys are one of the world’s most famous and instantly recognisable soldiers.

Jubilee Walkway

As we walked to Buckingham Palace, we journeyed along part of the Jubilee Walkway which is an official 15-mile walking route. It contains some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Click here for more information.

The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk

This 7-mile long walking trail, dedicated to the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, passes five sites that are synonymous with Princess Diana’s life. Kensington Palace, Spencer House, Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and Clarence House. The route also passes Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park and St James’s Park. Click here for more information.

The Women of World War II Monument & St James Park

Buckingham Palace

You simply cannot come to England without having a look at Buckingham Palace. Why not? I have no idea, but we had a look, took some photos, spoke to some local bobbies and we are glad we took the time to visit this iconic palace.

The Natural History Museum

The next day we caught up with friends from Adelaide, who just so happened to be in London at the same time, and we visited The Natural History Museum together. This museum is free and fascinating. From space and minerals to dinosaurs and mammals, volcanoes and earthquakes to human revolution, this museum has something for everyone. Click here for more information.

In London, you will find many free museums that you can visit, and there is an abundance of free things to see and do. The following two links are full of free stuff to do! – Hostel Geeks: 50 Free Things to do in London and Budget Traveller: 50 Free Things to do in London.

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