Free/cheap things to do in London
 

My 19yo DS is studying in London for 6 weeks and then hosteling in Europe for 10 days. Cost is an issue in coordinating activities with other students on a variety of budgets. They have many afternoons & weekends free so he's trying to find low cost options.
They are cooking most nights and staying in the Bloomsbury area.

Most of the museums are free. Here are some other ideas

http://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/free-london

http://www.londonforfree.net/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/201...s-to-do-london

http://www.visitlondon.com/tag/free-attractions

http://www.londontown.com/London/London-for-Free

That looks terrific! Thanks!

Yeah, for top museums in London finding one with no admission fee is easy:

Tate Britain
Tate Modern
National Maritime
V&A
Natural History
Imperial War
British
National Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
British Library

That's a start.

I love the Sir John Soane Museum which is also free. Also there are lots of student discounts for reduced priced theater tickets, particularly for places like the National.

Just exploring London neighborhoods is fascinating - and that is always free.

Also they shouldn't miss some of the major churches - for history and architecture - esp Westminster Abbey (numerous tombs of British monarchs) and St Paul's. Also definitely have a look at the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and the Horseguards parade (cavalry).

I studied in London (Bloomsbury, actually) for a semester in college, and we went to tons of plays and musicals. When you're there as a student, you have the flexibility to run by and see if there are any reduced tickets available the day of. It was 1999 when I was there, but we'd get tickets for £15 sometimes. Not free, but a great deal compared to full price!

Of Russ's list, my favorites are the National Portrait Gallery and the V&A, but they're all definitely worth a visit.

http://www.speakerscorner.net/

Speakers' Corner at Hude Park's northeast tip - by Oxford St is one great free entertainment in London - Sundays most active.

Just exploring London neighborhood outdoor markets is fascinating - and that is always free.

Yes Camden Locks on weekends, London's most popular outdoor market venue and just a neat area

and Portobello Road on Saturdays and Sundays (not sure both dsays) is another really popular one

and Petticoat Lane - in the dreary east side is the best people watching possible - and ear-listening to as the Cockney accents yell out "10 for a fiver" or about a bag one was selling "the more you put in it the more it holds" - London's outdoor markets are free entertainment!

What great suggestions, thank you so much!

Imperial War Museum is closed for renovations I thinkparts of it are opening in June or July

I'm surprised his student contacts in London haven't already made him aware of:
http://www.timeout.com/london/cheap-london

Thanks PatrickLondon. Can't believe I forgot TimeOut.
He's only been there since Monday but seems to be getting more comfortable each day.
You have all been so kind & helpful. I appreciate this forum so much. Thank you.

Eyemom84,many freebies in London are suggested on this interesting blog:

http://www.tiredoflondontiredoflife.com/

Your daughter should love London...

On a pleasant day, just walking in any of the major parks or along the Embankment is a treat -- and free. Grab a sandwich and a drink from Marks and Spencer or Sainsbury's and you're set for the day.

Free lunchtime concerts at St. Martin in the Fields. Buskers at Covent Garden Market. The half-price booth at Leicester Square for theater tickets.

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is free - pageantry to the hilt.

On Sunday, the Columbia Road Flower Market is open in the lively (not dreary) East End (NOT East Side) http://www.columbiaroad.info/
The whole street is full of flower stalls and you get lots of Cockney banter from the stall holders. Towards the end of the day, they sell the flowers off cheaply.
Also in the East End is Spitalfields http://www.spitalfields.co.uk/
with the market and several interesting shops and restaurants. There's also a magnificent Nicholas Hawksmoor church, Christ Church.

I'll add Bricklane to the list of Sunday markets mentioned here. At Notting Hill Arts Club, Rough Trade mounts a free showcase every Saturday.

And of course, London is dotted with gorgeous parks. Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens in Regent Park. St. James Park is another impressive open space.

Covent Garden is the scene of a very active street entertainment - buskers always there and free of course unless you want to put some change in their hats.

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