London is one of my favourite cities in the world - there's always so much going on you can never get bored! Being a student, one of the best things for me is the amount of things you can do without spending a single penny. Here are some of the places I've visited this summer:
Sky Garden
Nearest tube: Bank/Monument
Situated at the very top of 20 Fenchurch Street, or 'The Walkie Talkie' as it's probably better known, at 34 floors and 155 metres up Sky Garden is London's highest public garden. It's completely free for anyone to go up and experience some sensational views across the capital, with the key landmarks subtly marked out for you on the glass panels. On a sunny day, the roof terrace is also open so you can even experience the garden in the open air.
While it is free to enter, there is also a reasonably priced café to grab a coffee and a croissant with a friend. If you're pushing the boat out and have a slightly larger budget, the Fenchurch Restaurant, Darwin Brasserie and Sky Pod Bar all offer culinary delights or cocktails to be enjoyed alongside London's glittering skyline.
Top tip: Book in advance. You can book up to three weeks in advance, however places fill up instantly so keep an eye on the website for when slots come available. Try booking out of season - the summer months are always busiest.
Tate Modern
Nearest tube: Southwark/Borough
The recently redeveloped national modern art gallery now boasts a 360 degree view across London on the 10th floor. While you're there it's also worth exploring the public exhibitions throughout the gallery, taking a walk through the Turbine Hall, and engaging with interactive video and art installations in The Tanks. As with all national galleries and museums, there is no admission fee, although visitors are encouraged to give a small donation and tickets can be purchased for major exhibitions.
Top tip: take the stairs from the 4th floor to the viewing platform otherwise you'll be left waiting for a lift for hours.
V&A
Nearest tube: South Kensington
This is quite possibly my favourite London museum! There are always exciting modern and relevant exhibitions on, especially based around fashion and popular culture - Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty was a personal highlight. While these exhibitions are usually ticketed, it's worth investing in a membership card that gives you unlimited free entry for you and a friend throughout the year - definitely worth if for the £35 card if you're under 26. You also get a load of benefits including a 10% discount in the renowned V&A shop. Otherwise, feel free to roam the free exhibitions and admire the impressive architecture. What's more, it's right next door to the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum so you can be a real culture vulture for the day.
Royal Academy of Arts
Nearest tube: Green Park
Borough Market
Nearest tube: London Bridge
Ok, so with Borough Market having such tempting delights on offer this trip probably wouldn't end up as entirely free (the doughnuts at Bread Ahead will make you weak at the knees). However, it's not exactly going to break the bank and we do need to eat after all - it's definitely worth a visit at lunchtime. Most of the stalls hand out free tasters too and if you are looking for a bargain then try visiting at the end of the day.
The Gardening Society at John Lewis
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus
Up on the roof of the John Lewis Oxford Street store from 27th May until 4th September 2016 is a delightful rooftop garden, a beautiful quiet and green haven to retreat to after a busy day navigating through the shoppers in Oxford Circus. It's free to go up and relax in the Secret Garden or you can buy a coffee or a lobster roll from one of the pop-ups. There's even yoga sessions there run by Fat Buddha at £10 a session every Thursday morning.
If you've got a MyJohnLewis Card, make the most of your monthly coffee and cake voucher and enjoy the view over London with a scone and a cup of tea one floor down after exploring the garden.
One New Change
Nearest tube: St. Pauls
The views up the top of this shopping centre opposite the famous St. Paul's Cathedral are some of the best in London. The panoramic view encompasses old and new London, looking across at everything from the Shard to the Tate Modern to St. Paul's Cathedral, which allows you to admire the original architecture. On the 6th floor there is also Madison's Restaurant and Cocktail Bar for after-work drink or a special occasion. Downstairs there are also a host of affordable chain restaurants such as Pho and Zizzi's.
Drinki
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| Free Singapore Slings for me and my friends in London last week |
If you're looking for a free drink in the capital, this app is definitely one to download. The concept is a very simple one: open the app and select a participating bar nearby. Check in to the bar through Facebook then show the barman who will confirm this and make you a free drink (pre-decided by the bar). This gives them publicity, brings in the crowds and allows them to try out new cocktails on the menu - which you get to enjoy for free!
The only downside is that you're only limited to one bar and one drink a night.
London's Royal Parks
I'm so lucky to live in a city with so many beautiful green spaces. London's Royal Parks are some of my favourite places to hang out for a cheap day out in the city with my friends - we normally bring along a picnic and catch up on the grass. It's also amazing how much wildlife there is in London of all places - Richmond Park is famous for its deer and you can even spot the odd Kingston Parakeet (rumoured to have escaped from London Zoo and made their dwelling in London's green belt). Meanwhile it's also fun to watch the geese and swans strolling around St. James's Park.
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