Fun in London
- There are so many things to do in London and it might seem that all of it is expensive. But there are plenty of fun things that are either cheap or totally free!
- To give you some inspiration try out some of our ideas, which cover every London neighbourhood and a variety of tastes.
- Once you've picked out a few, you can then book a cheap hotel with TravelStay and come and visit!
Hire a pedalo or rowing boat for an hour on the Serpentine.
When: 10am-dusk
Where: Hyde Park; Hyde Park Corner, Bayswater
Address: The Boat House, Serpentine Road, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Nearest tubes: Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate
Here you can also do a spot of celebrity-hunting over your picnic.
Where: Primrose Hill, Hampstead
Address: Primrose Hill Road, Primrose Hill, London NW3 3NA
Nearest tubes: Chalk Farm, Camden Town
Take a peek around the Stratford area now teaming with life after the 2012 London Olympics.
Where: Stratford
Address: Olympic Park, E20 2ST
Nearest tubes: Hackney Wick, Stratford
See Oxford and Cambridge go to battle from the riverside over a pint.
Where: Putney Bridge to Chiswick Bridge, Fulham
Address: Putney Bridge, Putney, London SW6 3JD
Nearest tubes: Putney Bridge, Parsons Green
During the winter, you can find rinks across London, but the best and most scenic is Somerset House.
Where: Somerset House, Holborn
Address: The Strand, Holborn, London WC2R 1LA
Nearest tubes: Temple, Embankment
You don't have to buy anything, but it is still worth a visit to this posh department store. At night, it lights up like a Christmas tree too.
When: 10am-8pm
Where: Knightsbridge
Address: 109 - 125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 2XX
Nearest tubes: Knightsbridge, Sloane Square
Be sure to grab a day ticket at Wimbledon by camping outside in the queue the night before!
Where: Southfields, Wimbledon
Address: Church Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5AE
Nearest tubes: Southfields, Wimbledon Park
A bizarre series of 19th century sculptures stand in the park, showing what people once thought the extinct mammals looked like.
Where: Crystal Palace Train Station
Address: Thicket Road, Crystal Palace, Penge, London SE20 8DT
Nearest tubes: Crystal Palace, Penge
This free museum has a large permanent dinosaur exhibit detailing what they really (probably) looked like, as well as other extinct species.
When: 10am-5.50pm
Where: South Kensington
Address: Cromwell Road, Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Nearest tubes: South Kensington, Gloucester Road
Depending on the weather, nothing beats spending a lazy afternoon in the park, and this one is particularly beautiful.
When: 5am-4.30-9.30pm
Where: Regent's Park, Marylebone
Address: Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4NR
Nearest tubes: Regent's Park, Great Portland Street
11. Pretend you're driving the DLR
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is unmanned, meaning the front seat is free! This feels a little bit like a cheap roller coaster as well.
Address: Castor Ln, London E14 0DS
The iconic Wembley Stadium hosts anything from Take That gigs to American Football.
Where: Wembley Park, Wembley
Address: Empire Way, Wembley, London HA9 0WS
Nearest tubes: Wembley Park, Wembley Central
Angel tube station holds the title (reputedly) of Europe's largest escalator. It is 60m long, with a vertical height of nearly 30m and is worth a climb!
Where: Angel, Islington
Address: Upper Street, Islington, London N1 9LQ
Nearest tubes: Angel, King's Cross
Every Saturday afternoon the venue hosts Rota, a showcase of upcoming bands, which is totally free.
When: From 4pm
Where: Notting Hill Gate, Notting Hill
Address: 221 Notting Hill Gate, Notting Hill, London W11 3JQ
Nearest tubes: Notting Hill Gate, Queensway
See if you can fill up on free samples at London's most famous food market.
When: Thursday-Saturday; 8am-5pm
Where: London Bridge, Bankside
Address: 8 Southwark Street, Bankside, London SE1 1TL
Nearest tubes: London Bridge, Borough
Every September, Open House weekend invites people off the street to see inside expensive, eco, or historic homes, as well as buildings like the 'inside out' Lloyds headquarters.
Address: Bank of England Museum, Bartholomew Lane, London EC2R 8AH
Every couple of days you can see the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, the process of them exchanging duties with the old guard.
Where: Buckingham Palace, Belgravia
Address: Buckingham Palace Road, Belgravia, London SW1A 1AA
Nearest tubes: Victoria, St James's Park
See over 36,000 professional athletes and fun runners tread London's streets for 26 miles.
Where: Greenwich Park to Buckingham Palace, Greenwich
Address: Marathon House, 115 Southwalk Street, London SE1 0JS
Clapham Junction is actually one of the busiest stations in Europe, with 180 trains an hour passing through at peak times.
Where: Clapham Junction Train Station, Battersea
Address: Battersea, London SW11 2QP
Nearest tubes: Clapham South, Clapham Common
This cascading water fountain is at the Princess's old home in Kensington Gardens.
Where: High Street Kensington, Marble Arch
Address: Hyde Park, Marble Arch, London W8 4PX
Nearest tubes: Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate
From jugglers to professional musicians, Covent Garden always has a number of acts to see and they are often very good.
Where: Covent Garden
Address: Covent Garden, Theatreland, London WC2E 8RF
Nearest tubes: Covent Garden, Leicester Square
Get in the spirit at Hyde Park when the traditional market opens from November.
Where: Hyde Park Corner, Belgravia
Address: Hyde Park, Belgravia, London W2 2UH
Nearest tubes: Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate
'Lates' are held on the last Wednesday of each month and are exclusively for adults. Each one has special themed events.
When: 6.45-10pm
Where: South Kensington
Address: Exhibition Road, Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Nearest tubes: South Kensington, Gloucester Road
St Martin in the Fields holds free recitals three times a week to show off emerging classical talent.
When: Mon, Tues and Fri from 1pm
Where: Charing Cross
Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4JJ
Nearest tubes: Charing Cross, Leicester Square
No visit to the East End is complete without it.
Where: G Kelly Pie and Mash, Bethnal Green
Address: 414 Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 0DJ
Barclays Cycle Hire is a quick and easy way to view the city for as long as you like. The first half hour is free and up to an hour is just £1.
Address: Wapping High St, Greater London E1W 1
Walk the streets to find the one you like before tucking in until you're full.
Where: Piccadilly Circus, Fitzrovia
Address: Gerrard Street, Fitzrovia, London WC2H 7PR
Nearest tubes: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus
Leicester Square hosts UK film premieres regularly. Getting in is pricey, standing in the rain is free.
When: various dates
Where: Theatreland
Address: Leicester Square, Theatreland, London WC2H 7NG
Nearest tubes: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus
Feel like a kid again at Christmas by battling with the crowds over seven floors of toys.
Where: Oxford Circus, Oxford Street
Address: 188-196 Regent Street, Oxford Street, London W1B 5BT
Nearest tubes: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus
Now an iconic site of London, one side of Piccadilly Circus is like a mini Times Square.
Where: Piccadilly Circus, Theatreland
Address: Piccadilly Circus, Theatreland, London W1J 9HP
Nearest tubes: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square
But they never will!
Where: Around the Mall, Charing Cross
Address: Buckingham Palace Road, Belgravia, London SW1A 1AA
Nearest tubes: Victoria, St James's Park
From old maps to Beetles lyrics written on the back of a birthday card, this museum is a treasure.
Where: Kings Cross
Address: 96 Euston Road, Euston, London, NW1 2DB
Nearest tubes: King's Cross St. Pancras, Euston Square
Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland has an ice rink, funfair and food stalls.
When: From November
Where: Hyde Park Corner, Belgravia
Address: Hyde Park, Rangers Lodge, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Nearest tubes: Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate
Stand where Karl Marx and Frederick Engels once made their political declarations.
Where: Hyde Park Corner, Belgravia
Address: Hyde Park, Marble Arch, London W1K 1QB
Nearest tubes: Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate
Barter with the waiters outside calling you in to their establishment, which is half the fun.
Where: Aldgate East, Bethnal Green
Address: Brick Lane, Liverpool Street, London E1 6RF
Nearest tubes: Aldgate East
The Westfield shopping centre has so many shops, bars and restaurants that it will take two days to visit them all.
Where: Shepherds Bush, West Kensington
Address: Shepherds Bush Green, West Kensington, London W12 7GF
Nearest tubes: Wood Lane, Shepherd's Bush
The Blind Beggar is famous for being the pub where Ronnie Kray murdered George Cornell. It also has a good-sized beer garden.
Where: Whitechapel Road, Bethnal Green
Address: 337 Whitechapel Road, Tower Hamlets, London E1 1BU
Nearest tubes: Whitechapel, Stepney Green
There are many to choose from, but first try the Crazy Bear, which provides a few too many mirrors.
Where: Whitfield Street, Fitzrovia
Address: 26-28 Whitfield Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2RG
Nearest tubes: Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road
39. Walk the Thames Path
This walk can take as long as you like and has a number of key sights to see, such as the Tower and the London Eye. There are signs to guide you, but you can take along an A-Z to help.
London's most famous book shop. Here you can find anything from graphic novels to Winnie the Pooh in Latin.
When: 9.30am-9pm
Where: Tottenham Court Road, Charing Cross
Address: 113-119 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0EB
Nearest tubes: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square
The antiquarian has two Hogarth series - A Rakes Progress and An Election.
When: 10am-5pm
Where: Lincolns Inn Fields, Holborn
Address: 13 Lincolns Inn Fields, Holborn, London WC2A 3BP
Nearest tubes: Holborn, Chancery Lane
Avoid Starbucks and the others and try the Marquess of Anglesey pub, which is the site of the 18th century Will's Coffee House.
Where: Frith Street, Covent Garden
Address: 39 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7AU
Nearest tubes: Covent Garden, Holborn
This restaurant has its own microbrewery, which you can see when you sit down for your meal. Try its speciality and seasonal beers for less than £3 a pint.
Where: Blackheath train station, Greenwich
Address: 29-31 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, London SE3 0TJ
Nearest tubes: Blackheath, Kidbrooke
Get in the Christmas spirit with the switch on, including music performances, on Regent Street.
When: Early November
Where: Oxford Circus, Marylebone
Address: Regent Street, Soho, London W1B 5SJ
Nearest tubes: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus
His portrait hangs at this legendary London gallery.
When: 10am-6pm
Where: Embankment, Charing Cross
Address: St Martins Place, Charing Cross, London WC2H 0HE
Nearest tubes: Leicester Square, Charing Cross
Standing tickets to Shakespeare's plays are just £5 at this rebuilt 16th century London theatre.
Where: The Globe, Bankside
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Nearest tubes: Southwark, Borough
Check online for free films and shows at the open-air amphitheatre.
Where: London Bridge, Bankside
Address: The Queen's Walk, Bankside, London SE1 2AA
Nearest tubes: London Bridge, Borough
Take an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at this British institution.
Where: Broadcasting House, Fitzrovia
Address: BBC Broadcasting House, 2-22 Portland Place, Fitzrovia, London W1A 1AA
Nearest tubes: Oxford Circus, Great Portland Street
Try Bar Salsa, which offers free beginners lessons before the place fills up with dancing partners.
When: 5.30pm
Where: Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden
Address: 96 Charing Cross Road, Covent Garden, London WC2H 0JG
Nearest tubes: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square
50. See upcoming visual artists
London's Graduate Art Fair provides a sneak peak at the stars of the future.
When: June-July
Where: Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane; Aldgate East, Bethnal Green
The Saatchi Gallery is now free, so check out the best contemporary art in the UK.
When: 10am-6pm
Where: Sloane Square, Chelsea
Address: Duke Of York's HQ, Chelsea, London, SW3 4RY
Nearest tubes: Sloane Square, South Kensington
There are various events across London, but the Ceilidh Club holds events throughout the year and are always busy.
Where: Cecil Sharp House, Hampstead
Address: 2 Regents Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 7AY
Nearest tubes: Camden Town, Chalk Farm
Getting into the Abbey is pricey, but the museum is free and has a collection of royal effigies, allowing you to see what the Kings and Queens really looked like.
When: 10.30am-4pm
Where: Westminster
Address: Dean's Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA
Nearest tubes: Westminster, St James's Park
Or use the steam room and pool at Ironmonger Row Baths.
Where: Old Street, Bethnal Green
Address: Ironmonger Row, Clerkenwell, Finsbury, London EC1V 3QF
Nearest tubes: Old Street, Barbican
Feel cultural as a soprano sings Verdi while you eat at restaurant Viva Verdi.
Where: Southwark, Bankside
Address: 6 Canvey Street, Bankside, London SE1 9AN
Nearest tubes: Southwark, Borough
The Royal Court Theatre offers cheap tickets for various shows throughout the year.
Where: Sloane Square, Belgravia
Address: Sloane Square, Belgravia, London SW1W 8AS
Nearest tubes: Sloane Square, Victoria
57. Join the audience for a TV show
Sign up to a mailing list to see anything from QI to Jeremy Kyle and TV comedy gigs for free.
The graffiti artist's work can be spotted around London. Try and find the maid sweeping Camden's streets or the double yellow lines on Pollard Street in Bethnal Green.
Address: Camden Street, London NW1 0HY
Hackney City Farm isn't just for kids!
When: Tues-Sun
Where: Bethnal Green
Address: 1a Goldsmiths Row, Bethnal Green, London E2 8QA
Nearest tubes: Bethnal Green, Whitechapel
60. Learn cooking to Michelin standard
Cookery schools never were so posh.
Where: The Kitchen, Fulham
Address: The Kitchen Parsons Green 275 New Kings Road London, SW6 4RD
Nearest tubes: Parsons Green, Putney Bridge
61. Find poetry in Notting Hill
The manhole covers here are engraved with poetry; see which ones you can spot.
Where: Notting Hill Gate, Notting Hill
This flower market is even more enjoyable over coffee and a Danish.
Where: Columbia Road, Bethnal Green
Address: Columbia Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 7RG
Nearest tubes: Bethnal Green, Whitechapel
This rather strange bench monument is on Bond Street.
Where: Bond Street, Fitzrovia
Address: Bond Street, Fitzrovia, London W1S 1LD
Nearest tubes: Oxford Circus, Green Park
64. Take pole dancing lessons
Get fit or just have fun. Classes are held throughout London. The Pole Dancing School has four London locations from £15 a time.
Big name comedians try out their new material downstairs at the Kings Head in North London, but there are a number of comedy clubs in all London neighbourhoods.
Where: Islington
Address: 115 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 1QN
Nearest tubes: Angel Tube, Highbury & Islington
Bar Polksi has around 50 house vodkas and the bar staff are experts on advising you on what to try.
Where: Holborn
Address: 11 Little Turnstile, London WC1V 7DX
Nearest tubes: Holborn, Chancery Lane
Bizarrely, Bethnal Green Working Men's Club has the best night in London, but you must go in fancy dress!
Where: Bethnal Green
Address: 42 Pollard Row, Greater London E2 6NB
Nearest tubes: Bethnal Green, Whitechapel
The Renoir cinema shows true art-house fair, while the Prince Charles Cinema shows vintage, themed and sing-a-long films.
Where: The Brunswick; Russell Square, Kings Cross
Address: The Brunswick, Brunswick Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1AW
Nearest tubes: Russell Square, King's Cross
Beginners classes at the Martial Arts Place are just £10.
Where: Swiss Cottage, Hampstead
Address: 88 Avenue Road, Swiss Cottage, London NW3 3HA
Nearest tubes: South Hampstead
Try their 'Firsts' season every November to get tickets for around £5.
Where: Covent Garden
Address: Bow Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD
Nearest tubes: Covent Garden, Leicester Square
Village Underground is a mix of office spaces and artists studios, converted from old tube carriages. It also holds exhibitions for the public.
Where: Holywell Lane, Bethnal Green
Address: 54 Holywell Lane, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3PQ
Nearest tubes: Shoreditch High Street, Bethnal Green
St Pancras station has Europe's longest champagne bar. A drink here provides a great view of 9 metre The Meeting Place bronze that dominates the terminal.
When: 10am-11pm
Where: St Pancras, Kings Cross
Address: Euston Road, Kings Cross, London N1C 4QL
Nearest tubes: St Pancras, Kings Cross
Hampstead Heath ponds are open all year round – but they're not heated!
When: from 7am
Where: Golders Green, Hampstead
Address: Burgh House, Hampstead Heath, Hampstead, London, NW3 1LT
Nearest tubes: Tufnell Park, Belsize Park
London's only surviving galleried coaching inn is like stepping back to the 17th century from the modern-day bustle of London Bridge.
Where: Borough High Street, Bankside
Address: 77 Borough High Street, Bankside, Southwark, London SE1 1NH
Nearest tubes: London Bridge, Borough
75. Find art shows in London with Artangel
Check out online. This covers anything from music compositions to modern sculptures.
Each summer this event shows the musical highlights from the West End, including new hits and long-time favourites.
When: June
Where: Leicester Square, Westminster
Address: Trafalgar Square, Central London, Westminster, London WC2N 5DS
Nearest tubes: Charing Cross, Leicester Square
From the Thames to London parks, events are hosted throughout London neighbourhoods to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night.
Where: Clapham
Address: Windmill Drive, Clapham Common, London, SW4 9DE
Nearest tubes: Clapham High Street, Wandsworth Road
Like being in a time warp, smell the coffee and taste the chocolate at this luxury department store.
When: 10am-8pm
Where: Green Park, Marylebone
Address: 181 Piccadilly, Marylebone, London W1J 9HS
Nearest tubes: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square
The microbrewery at the Old Royal Naval College brews beer that Henry VIII would have had. This is not promising that they'll taste nice!
When: 10am-5pm
Where: Cutty Sark, Greenwich
Address: The Pepys Building, The Old Naval College, Greenwich, London SE10 9LW
Nearest tubes: Cutty Sark, Greenwich
This gallery is free on Mondays and holds a great collection, often hidden away from the tourist trail.
When: 10am-2pm
Where: Somerset House, Charing Cross
Address: Somerset House, Strand, Charing Cross, London WC2R 0RL
Nearest tubes: Temple Tube, Embankment
It is worth the climb, but there are 311 steps!
When: 9am-5.30pm
Where: Monument, City of London
Address: Monument Street, City of London, London EC3R 8AH
Nearest tubes: Monument, Cannon Street
The museum's most famous attraction is popular for a reason. The London museum also holds the famous Rosetta Stone and other unmissable artefacts.
Where: Russell Square, Bloomsbury
Address: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG
Nearest tubes: Tottenham Court Road, Russell Square
George Eliot, Henry Moore and Karl Marx are all buried at the Victorian Highgate Cemetery, which is one of the UK's most picturesque mausoleums.
When: tours 11am-3pm on weekends
Where: Archway, Highgate
Address: Swains Lane, Highgate, London N6 6PJ
Nearest tubes: Archway, Highgate
Go to the Big Chill Bar and have a cuppa by the famous DJ while dancing at this relaxed London bar.
Where: Dray Walk, Bethnal Green
Address: 91 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London E1 6QL
Nearest tubes: Aldgate East, Aldgate East
Tickets sell out fast, but there are hundreds of films to choose from during the October festival.
Where: South Bank
Address: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XT
Nearest tubes: Waterloo, Southwark
This is the highest point in London, offering brilliant views.
Where: Hampstead Heath, Hampstead
Address: Highgate Road, Hampstead, London NW5 1QR
Nearest tubes: Tufnell Park, Kentish Town
87. Grab a bargain Burberry
Find the fashion outlet store in East London for knock down prices.
Where: Chatham Place, Hackney; Hackney Central, Islington
A great place to meet new people and grab a late-night snack.
Where: Bethnal Green
Address: 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
Nearest tubes: Aldgate East, Aldgate East
89. Take a cheap tour bus
Many London bus routes take in the sights just like the tour buses. Try route 3, which runs between Crystal Palace and Oxford Circus.
90. Walk along the canal
Grab an A-Z or just follow your instincts. You can reach Limehouse from Camden along Regents Canal in a couple of hours.
Another big tourist hotspot, every June the Queen's Guards put on a show and you can join the crowds on the Mall.
Where: Buckingham Palace, Westminster
Address: Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A 2AX
Nearest tubes: Charing Cross, Westminster
Laze away the day on the boating lake and admire the imposing palace.
Where: Wood Green, Highgate
Address: Alexandra Palace Way, Highgate, London N22 7AY
Nearest tubes: Bounds Green, Wood Green
Or go on the oldest line – the Metropolitan Line.
Where: Paddington
Address: Praed Street, Paddington, London W2 1RH
Nearest tubes: Paddington, Lancaster Gate
94. Do the Circle Line pub crawl
Have a drink at the first pub at each of the 27 stops, or use a Monopoly board as an alternative pub crawl.
Outside the cinemas in Leicester Square you can see hand imprints of Jude Law, Ian McKellen and Arnold Schwarzenegger among others.
Where: Leicester Square, Theatreland
Address: Leicester Square, Theatreland, London WC2H 7NG
Nearest tubes: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus
Van Gogh's masterpiece is a permanent hanging in the London gallery.
When: 10am-6pm
Where: Embankment, Charing Cross
Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DS
Nearest tubes: Charing Cross, Leicester Square
This is a huge festival in London every February, with parties going on from Trafalgar Square to Chinatown itself.
When: Early February
Where: Charing Cross for Trafalgar Square festival, Westminster
Address: Trafalgar Square, Central London, Westminster, London WC2N 5DS
Nearest tubes: Charing Cross, Leicester Square
Any trip to London should involve at least one meal of fish and chips. The Golden Fish Bar has specials for around £5.
Where: Farringdon, Covent Garden
Address: 102-104 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 3EA
Nearest tubes: Farringdon, Chancery Lane
99. Recreate the Beatles on Abbey Road
Visit the iconic zebra crossing in the flesh and retrace the steps of the Fab Four.
There are plenty of Irish people in London to celebrate with and each year Trafalgar Square fills up for music and dancing, as well as local pubs getting in the spirit.
When: Sunday closest to March 17th
Where: Leicester Square, Charing Cross
Address: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DS
Nearest tubes: Charing Cross
This is at the Royal Academy. It doesn't work, but remains a piece of British history.
Where: Piccadilly, St James's
Address: Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
Nearest tubes: Green Park, Piccadilly Circus
