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 - 9.30pm

Where: Regent's Park, Marylebone

Address: Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4NR

Nearest tubes: Regent's Park, Great Portland Street

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: Notting Hill Gate,

Where: From 4pm 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 £1.00.

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: XXXXXXXXXX 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

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.

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 £3.00 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 £5.00 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

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

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

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

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

Get fit or just have fun. Classes are held throughout London. The Pole Dancing School has four London locations from £15.00 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 £10.00.

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 £5.00.

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

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

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

Many London bus routes take in the sights just like the tour buses. Try route 3, which runs between Crystal Palace and Oxford Circus.

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

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 £5.00.

Where: Farringdon, Covent Garden

Address: 102-104 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 3EA

Nearest tubes: Farringdon, Chancery Lane

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