London

Taking a city break doesn't have to be expensive, especially if you use our 'top things to do for free in London' guide to make sure you get the most out of the capital.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Claimed to be the 'world's greatest museum of art and design', the Victoria & Albert Museum offers a range of exhibitions from traditional artefacts to modern popular culture. A perfect day out for the entire family. 

Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL. Opening hours daily 1000 - 1700

Somerset House

Not only is what is inside Somerset House worth a visit, but the grounds, in which the 16th-century building stands are also breathtaking. A range of events and exhibitions are held at Somerset House, from contemporary dance events to London Fashion Week. Take a visit in summer to enjoy the picturesque grounds and fountains or in winter to take advantage of the outdoor ice rink.

Somerset House, The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA. Opening hours:

The Scoop

The Scoop at More London is an outdoor sunken amphitheatre which holds free theatre, music, film and local community events all throughout the summer months (weather permitting of course).  The Scoop is free admission for anyone, as long as there's a seat, you can sit down and enjoy the show.

The Scoop, City Hall, 110 The Queen's Walk, SE1.

Barbican Centre

If you're looking for a day of diverse culture, then the Barbican Centre is definitely worth a visit. It's the Europe's largest multi-arts venue and offers a wide range of free events from art, music, theatre, dance, film and creative learning events. The Barbican Centre is also home to the London Symphony Orchestra.   

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Opening hours - Monday - Saturday 0900 - 2300. Sunday and Bank Holidays 1200 - 2300

British Museum

Offering a vast collection of world art and artefacts in one of the most magnificent buildings in London. The Museum's permanent collection houses eight million pieces of artwork and artefacts. It's amongst the largest and most comprehensive in existence.

British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG. Opening hours: open daily 1000 - 1730

British Library

If you're a bit of a book worm then you need to plan in a visit to the British Museum during your stay in London. Hosting nearly 150 million publications, the British Library holds a copy of every book ever published in the UK and Ireland. Entrance to the library is free, however, some exhibitions and tours are charged separately.

British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1. Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 0930 - 1800, Tuesday 0930 - 2000 Friday 0930 - 1800, Saturday - Sunday 1100 - 1700.

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament

As one of the most iconic buildings in London's skyline, you can't take a trip to London without seeing Big Ben. Technically the building is free to enter and you can go and watch debates etc, however, there are some limitations and there can often be quite large queues to enter the building, especially for the Prime Minster's question time. This all said, viewing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from Westminster Bridge on the banks of the River Thames can be just as good as going inside.  

Ben Ben and Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge Road, Parliament Square, London, SW1A 0AA

Meat Liquor

Fancy what has been described as 'one of the best burgers in the world'? Then Meat Liquor is definitely worth a visit. Meat Liquor specialises in burgers, chicken wings and chilli dogs, it's now becoming an extremely popular restaurant, so much so that you can't make a booking you simply have to turn up and queue.

Meat Liquor, 74 Welbeck Street, London, W1G 0BA

Brick Lane

Fancy a walk round an urban Sunday morning car boot or eclectic markets? Well Brick Lane has all of this tied up in one area. Famous for its curry houses, Brick Lane also offers a range of warehouse art galleries from up and coming artists.

Brick Lane's nearest tube stop is Aldgate East

Bourough Market

If you're thinking of taking a stroll down the banks of the River Thames, then you should think about stopping off at Borough Market. Situated just off Borough High Street, the market offers a diverse variety of independent British and international food sellers - perfect for a summer's lunchtime picnic on the banks of the Thames.

Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL.

The Roof Gardens

One of London's most impressive venues The Roof Gardens are situated a hundred feet above Kensington High Street and they're stunning. If you're a keen gardener or simply enjoy beautiful scenery, then you should definitely think about making a reservation for lunch or dinner. The views from the terrace are stunning, so even if you're just popping in for a drink, you wont be disappointed.

The Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA.

Richmond Park

Situated 30 minutes outside of Central London, Richmond Park is not only an idyllic setting for a picnic or a stroll but it also offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Richmond Park is the largest of the Capital's eight Royal Parks and the biggest enclosed space in London. Plus, if you walk up to The Mound then you can use the telescope to see a magnified view straight through to St Paul's Cathedral and all across the city.

Richmond Park, Holly Lodge, London, TW10 5HS

With so many things to do and see in London this is on a scratch on the surface of some of the fantastic events and places to visit in the Capital. For more information on sightseeing tours and travel tips, go to Visit London.

Coach Station addresses:

London Victoria Coach Station: 180 Buckingham Palace Rd, Victoria, London, SW1W 9TQ

London Colonnades: Unit 6/7 Colonnades Walk, 123 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH

London Golders Green: 1 Golders Green Road, Golders Green, London NW11 8DY

Thinking of taking a trip to the big smoke? Then take a look at our fantastically low fares direct to the capital. All the one-way fares listed below are our lowest FunFare prices available online until 15 June 2013. The standard return fares are available online, by phone or any outlets 14 days in advance. 

 

Sample savings Take a look at our fantastically low fares direct to the capital. Fares exclude £1 booking fee.		One-way Limited fares Online only		Return 14 day advance fares
Leeds to London		£5.00		£24.00
Southampton to London		£5.00		£19.00
Nottingham to London		£5.00		£24.00
Portsmounth to London		£6.00		£19.00
Bath to London		£7.00		£20.00
Gloucester to London		£7.00		£20.00
Cheltenham to London		£7.00		£20.00
Norwich to London		£6.00		£18.00
Sheffield to London		£5.00		£18.00
Bristol to London		£5.00		£20.00