Although house and drinks prices are sky high in the Capital, there are plenty of things that can be enjoyed totally free. There are more than 3000 parks that are perfect for spending a sunny afternoon. A stroll around China Town in the height of summer is lots of fun. Or you can try a free walking tour of London’s famous bits of architecture. All of these are fantastic ways to spend a sunny day, but what can you do when it rains? Many of us head straight to the nearest cafe or pub to escape it, but believe it or not, there are plenty of ways you can spend a free rainy day in London.
Bring the Casino to You
One of the tried and tested ways to get out of the rain on a cold London evening is to pay a visit to the casino. For loyalty card holders it’s possible to game totally free of charge at some establishments. However, if you’re not a loyalty card member then it can all get a bit expensive. There are hundreds of online casinos that offer free spins for new members, which can be a great way to save some money but still get all of the enjoyment. Oddschecker has compiled all of the best free spin bonuses, so you can play until your heart’s content, or until you’ve got your VIP card. Online or mobile casinos are, of course, not going to protect you from the rain. So, combine this tip with the one below and whenever you reach a lull in proceedings, you can treat yourself to a few spins to pass the time.
Visit a Covered Market
London has a thriving market scene. Whether it’s the handmade vibes of the Hackney Makers Market, the incredible food on offer down Brick Lane, or the vintage gems on Portobello Road, there’s a market for just about everyone (in fact, there are 162!). However, when it rains, traipsing around a market can turn into more of a slog than a pleasure. On days like these it’s best to head to one of the city’s covered markets and there are a surprising number to choose from. Leadenhall Market is guaranteed to excite any architecture buff, thanks to its breathtaking fourteenth century vaulted ceiling, better still if browsing causes you to work up a thirst you can pop into the historic Lamb Tavern, which retains much of its original Victorian charm, without having to step a foot outside. The recently refurbished Stables Market in Camden Town is another great covered market, boasting plenty of affordable clothing, accessories and knick-knacks. There’s also a dedicated section for hundreds of street food traders, so you can grab lunch too.
Soak Up Some Culture
Covered markets are all very well on a rainy day, but if it’s bitterly cold, you might want to be somewhere with the luxury of central heating. Thankfully almost all of London’s galleries are free to visit! The National Gallery holds the largest collection and is conveniently located right on Trafalgar Square, so it’s super easy to access on bus, tube or foot. The building itself is rather special, so if you can stand the weather try to take it in from the outside first. Inside the building you’ll find a collection of more than 2000 pieces of artwork, ranging from the 13th century right up to the 20th. Art lovers will be in heaven wandering the gallery’s many rooms, but even those with little interest are sure to find something to excite them. The collection is so far ranging and encompasses so many famous artists, Da Vinci, van Eyck, Botticelli to name but a few, that everyone will find something familiar.
Take Your Tour Inside
Whilst almost all of London’s free walking tours take place entirely outside, it’s quite possible, with a little ingenuity and a bus ticket, to make up your own. The bus will be blissfully warm and dry (and the perfect place to play with those free spins). Better still, there are so many routes that you’ll never have to walk far to get to your next destination. Choosing your buildings is the most difficult, as only some are free to visit. Generally speaking churches are a good place to start as many allow you to visit for free. Galleries are also highly recommended as many are in beautiful buildings. Finally, London has many train stations that were designed by famous architects, although it might sound a little strange, a trip to King’s Cross Station can be great fun. The outside of the building is spectacular, but inside is a marvel too. Plus, Harry Potter fans can even get a snap of themselves at platform 9 3/4!