You may be tired of the old cliché that students are broke but we certainly aren’t! We know how good it feels to get a good bargain and even better when you can enjoy a fantastic day out for free. It seems that everyday we read more and more about how expensive it is to live in London and while it can be expensive, we’ve rounded up some fantastic was you can enjoy our beautiful city for absolutely nothing!
Visit the Sites
London has within it some of the most-loved and well known landmarks. You can go to visit places like Trafalgar Square, Soho, Big Ben and Nelson’s Common and take many photos with your friends.
National Museums and Galleries
Did you know that in 2001 all National Museums and Galleries in London were made free? Yes that’s right, you can go to magical places like the British Museum at look at its many exhibits, have fun with interactive displays at the Science Museum, or enjoy the works of some of the world’s most famous artists at the Tate Modern, all completely free of charge. Even the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich, the home of time, is free. This is only a tiny selection of the many National Museums and Galleries that you can visit for free.
Enjoy London’s Famous Parks
London has so many wonderful parks and open spaces which you can use to relax and enjoy the sunshine. The views of the BT Tower from Richmond park, from Alexandra Palace or from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park are simply breathtaking and possibly the best in London.
Some of London’s more popular parks get very busy and offer free programmes. For example, this year you could meet the England rugby squad at Regent’s Park or go for a guided walk through any of London’s Royal Parks. This can be easily booked and are totally free.
London Markets
Perhaps a nature-based guided tour of the Royal Parks isn’t for you. Instead, you could visit one of London’s many famous outdoor markets. There are various markets scattered all over London and each really does give you a taste of the unique cultures and atmospheres to be found in different areas in London. London’s Spitalfields and Chrisp Street markets hold regular free events that cover everything from seasonal festivals to displays of local artists’ works. And perhaps the famous of all London’s markets is Camden Market which really has to be seen to be believed. Sundays are when it is busiest, when you will find a whole host of weird and wonderful smells, tastes, fashions and music. Camden Market is so big that you probably won’t be able to explore it all in one day. You can of course look around the market for free and even haggle with some market traders to get some great discounts. But the name of this guide is free – so, with a bit of charm and a nice, big smile you may be able to blag some free food at around 6pm, the market’s closing time. Speak (nicely!) to some of the people selling food and more often than not they’re happier to give it away then to throw it away. In fact, Camden is such a bustling place we recommend you dedicate a good few weekends to really take it all in. In keeping with its multi-cultural feel, Camden is also home to many fantastic English language schools.
More Free Food!
As well as Camden Market there are a number of places you can get food for free in London. Sounds unbelievable I know, but read on. Followers of Hare Krishna, a religion, can often be found all around London. They are well known for providing very high quality vegan lunches outside many of London’s University campuses. All they ask for in return is a small donation to their course, the amount of course being entirely up to you. However, you may not enjoy lining up for free food with other students, so how does free food from some of London’s most famous landmarks sound? Well, you can even get free food from Harrods! The Harrods Food Hall regularly has free samplings as well as promotional launches of some of its finest ranges. You’ll even be able to find a nice drop of wine to wash it all down with. Head to any Majestic Win Warehouse in London as they all have free tasting sessions available.
Free Nights out
Comedy nights are always great fun and they are hugely popular. Despite this, entry prices are often free – promoters instead choosing to draw people to the bar with free admission. Free comedy nights are available at venues all over London. Head to the Grafton Arms on Grafton Way for the Warren Street Comedy Therapy, or the Red Lion in Soho for Scabby Tabby, every Wednesday. If you need some comedy to put you in the mood for Mondays – which we all hate – then you should head for Off the Cuff at the Rosemary Branch, Islington, for some truly side-splitting comedy from a highly recommended all-female group of comediennes.
Free TV and Radio Show Recordings
The recordings of many television and radio shows take place in front of live TV audiences. The BBC in particular champions the free entry to such recordings and you can get tickets for shows such as The News Quiz and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Tickets are allocated by ballot, which are free to enter, at the BBC website.
Movie Premieres
Yes that’s right, you can mingle with the world’s glitzy high flyers…well, at least from behind a barrier you can! All of London’s film premiers held in Leicester Square are completely free to attend and you’ll be able to see your favourite stars walking along the red carpet.
Free Sporting Events
Amateur spot is huge across the capital and on any Sunday there is a huge choice of free and fun sporting events to go and watch. The best way to find out about these events is through your local paper. Dog Racing – The Dogs – is another great night out. Entry to places like Walthamstow and Crayford tracks is free and even if you decide to only spend bet a total of £5 over several races, you will still have a really great time. The Dogs is a very entertaining free night out. Feel like taking part in a free sporting activity yourself? Then get your skates on – literally! There are several group skates around London which are fantastic ways to meet new people and give you a unique view of our wonderful city. Groups include Friday Night Skate and Sunday Rollerstroll. Anyone is welcome to go along and enjoy the fun.
London is full of markets and with a little research you can find one to suit any need. The most famous are probably Camden for its alternative and gothic culture, and Borough Market for delicious fresh food and produce. Of course purchases won’t be free or necessarily cheap, but these places have a reputation for showing true Londoners in situ and giving an idea of the local culture. The goods on sale are cheaper than you’ll find in shops throughout the city and in the case of foodstuffs it’s not unusual to be offered samples.
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Just keep making good posts.
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Fabulous site! I will most definitely recommend you to my buddies. Please carry on with the amazing updates. Are ya on Bebo too??
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Finding the right place to live in London is vital.
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Interesting comments, I did not know this blog and found it by clicking on something else. It’s allready in my bookmarks so you will see me back soon.
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i would love to be giving a chance to come to london free
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Hi Aniagu.
We do regularly have scholarship places for students who want to study in the UK. All you’d need to do is book your flight and accommodation and away you go! Contact us for more details.
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There’s some good things to do here, i like the south bank for a walk as there’s always so much going on. I also like to try and find quirky things to do that are free or cheap, you just have to surf the web for 10 mins to find them all. timeout website is always a good shout.
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Hi Allen.
I really like the South Bank too and was lucky enough to work there for a while. There’s always something new to see and the book market is always worth a quick peek. Failing anything interesting to do, it’s always nice to look out over the Thames in the sunshine!
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Hi Miki, glad to hear you’re going to try these tips out – Harrod’s Food Hall just has to be experienced!
Hi Helena, I love Camden too – so many great places to go out and I’ve been going to Camden Market for years. Dan
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I really love Camden Market!
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Cool, will try when arrive in london.
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Very nice!
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