Thames Path Walk
Here’s a great walk along the Thames Path between Hammersmith and Kew written by Hannah, a local London travel blogger. See Hannah’s other blog posts at Hannah Parry (http://www.hannahparry.co.uk/)
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How to use tech to travel on a budget when in London
Travel is, on the whole, getting cheaper. There are more flights to exotic locations, more hostels and guesthouses to stay in instead of hotels, and discount versions of all kinds of travel accessories to help things go smoothly. But jetting off to see the world can still be a costly activity. If you’re planning your…
Tips to make the most of ‘bleisure’ travel
It doesn’t quite roll off the tongue, but ‘bleisure travel’ is a term that’s becoming ever more familiar. The art of blending a business trip with leisure excursions is a great one to perfect, enabling even the most seasoned business traveller to get more from their time abroad and to achieve a healthy work-life balance.…
Ways to save money in London by using online services
London is home to some of the most historic and world-famous entertainment venues in the entire world, with thousands of tourists visiting the capital city each year to experience what we have to offer. Unfortunately, over the last few decades, it has become increasingly difficult for those of us who actually live in London to…
Thinking of popping the question? Here are 5 romantic places to propose in London for free
For people all around the world, London is high up on their list of holiday destinations, thanks to its wide array of iconic landmarks, range of stunning bars and restaurants, and awe-inspiring views. If you’re thinking of popping the question, London is certainly the place to do it. While the nation’s capital can be…
888poker LIVE London Festival – Everything you need to know
Source: 888poker via Facebook For card game fans in London, one of the most exciting events in the poker calendar has arrived and it is shaping up to be unmissable. The 888poker LIVE London Festival is running from November 22nd until December 3rd at Aspers Casino and will feature some of the biggest names…
The Best London Events in the Run-Up to Christmas
Photo Credit: Wikimedia / CC BY 2.0 It’s no secret that London has some of the top tourist attractions in the U.K., most of which you can visit throughout the year. But as the holiday season approaches, we see the city in a different light. The streets, squares and parks take on an almost magical…
Christmas lights tour 2018
Here’s a great free Christmas Lights tour, written by Hannah, a local London travel blogger. See Hannah’s other blog posts at Hannah Parry (http://www.hannahparry.co.uk/)
Londoners, Here Are Four Ideas for Entertaining on a Budget
There’s no denying that London is an expensive place to live. Rents are high, drinks don’t come cheap, and entertaining seems to cost 10 times more in the capital than anywhere else. It makes having friends and acquaintances over for the evening a pretty costly pastime. It can be enough to put anyone off having…
How to get free food and drinks in London
The bright lights of London are ones that attract millions of holidaymakers each year as countless tourists visit the nation’s capital to visit such historic landmarks as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral. But it’s not just the buildings that are steeped in history that are so attractive to people who are…
A Tour of London’s Most Famous Locations in Film and TV
London is a hotbed for tourists and one of the most visited cities in the world. In 2017, there were over 19 million visitors to the city, up 2.6 percent from the previous year. One of the main reasons why so many people want to go to the English capital is because of the…
2 London Tours You Simply Have To Try
Arriving in a new city can be a daunting experience. You’re thrown into a chaotic, alien place. A jumble of noise with people busily going about their business. City workers, heads in phones oblivious to everyone around them! Groups of happy shoppers with their bags of goodies! Families with screaming kids in tow! The din…
Plan your London trip with these free apps
London is one of the most happening spots on the planet. Everyone either wants to live or at the very least visit the city once in their lifetime. Therefore, it’s probably best to think about what you will need when the dream eventually becomes reality. Whilst planning a trip to the capital city of England…
Fun Team Building Ideas for Businesses in London
If you are looking to boost rapport in the workplace and to improve overall productivity, your business could benefit from bringing in team building exercises. Here are just a few team building ideas for businesses in London. Flight Club Shoreditch If you are looking for an activity that uses game play and state-of-the-art technology, the…
Interesting and weird places in London
London is most definitely one of the most visited and popular places in the world to holiday and indeed live. The top tourist spots in London ranging from the London Eye to the Tower of London, to Big Ben are well known worldwide. Every city in the world however has their own weird and wonderful…
The Best Free Sports Events In London
London, the capital city of England, is the destination for millions of people throughout the year for a number of different reasons. One of the main draws is the sporting events that regularly take place such as football matches and boxing events. These sorts of spectacles require you to pay if you want to watch…
Just how important is money while dating in London?
When dating, there are a lot of things that we like to have in common with our partners. Perhaps we want them to have a passion for travel, love black and white movies, or be really open to getting a dog. We also like to have some differences – perhaps we’ve spent our whole lives…
How to Eat for Free in London
Yes, there really are ways you may be able to eat for literally nothing in the UK’s capital city. But this isn’t easy. So before we get into how to eat for absolutely nothing, maybe we should concentrate first on ways to eat for next to nothing. Surprisingly, London’s street food can be incredibly cheap.…
The Best Free Festivals in London This Summer
London is a hugely popular city for tourists. Just look at the 2015 report published by the Office for National Statistic (ONS). The ONS data confirmed that London saw a record-breaking number of tourists as a massive 17.4 million overseas visitors headed to the capital, which was an increase of 3.5% when compared to 2013.…
4 Cool, Free Ways to Use Your Phone in London
Visiting London doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. If you are smart about it then you can get a huge amount of pleasure out of the UK’s capital without spending too much on it. So, how will you get started? This is a great city for using your phone to give you a lot…
20 top London attractions you can visit for free
Written by our guest blogger, Sam Butterworth, who is a writer and blog editor for Happy2Move Browse some original art at Bayswater Road Market Sunday at Bayswater Road Market sees hundreds of original examples of art and crafts for sale by talented artists. Take a stroll along this lively, leafy street in Kensington and enjoy perusing unique works…
Why You Should Visit Harley Street in London
If you have never heard of Harley Street, you’ll be interested to know that it is one of the most famous medical districts in the world. If you want to visit a street that has been graced with the presence of Florence Nightingale or Stephen Hawking, then you should visit this street located in Marylebone…
5 free romantic places to propose in London
Are you thinking about inviting your significant other into your heart and home, but not sure how to do it? Don’t worry – you’re not alone! The proposal has become a big occasion in recent times, and popping the question should be a really memorable moment for you and your partner. While there are plenty…
The Best Places to Visit In London For Free
There is no city in the world today that has more or better places to visit than London. Aside from world-class museums, nearly all of which are free, London has beautiful parks, captivating cemeteries, lively markets, remarkable viewpoints and stunning churches. Here are some of the best places to visit for free in London. National…
The Top 8 Free Things to Do In London
London can compete for the title of the most beautiful city in the world anytime. It is also one of the most intellectually stimulating. And you must know that half of that fun can easily be yours for free. Yes, London offers its best public services for free or at very affordable rates. Here is…
Free Ghost / Horror Tours in London
Are you looking for a scare? Perhaps you’re a horror nerd who loves to visit movie locations? Or maybe you’re planning ahead for Halloween and want to spook your friends? Finding scary spots in London can be a great way to experience the city for free, and there are a number of cool tours…
Southbank: London Culture without spending a penny
When you know how it’s done, there are just so many ways to get the most out of London without paying for the privilege that it’s amazing anyone pays for anything much at all. Today we’d like to focus on Southbank, which is a brilliant venue that you can spend hours in and not…
London at Xmas vacation
A lot of people want to go to London at Xmas vacation. This makes sense, given the tremendous popularity of London as a tourist destination in the first place. For some people, having a holiday vacation means finally having the time and the energy to travel in the first place. People who rarely get to…
3 Reasons Why Self –Guided Tours in London Rock
People are travelling and one of their favourite destinations is London. And, the majority of the world population is still new to vacationing. This is because the incomes being earned around the world are increasing. However, the world we are living in today is technology driven and this has made a lot of things accessible…
3 Good Reasons to Use a Meeting Room in Central London
There are several reasons to use a meeting room for business use. Most often, there aren’t enough meeting rooms in the office, they’re not large enough, or they lack the wow factor to impress prospective clients. Whatever the reason, a meeting room in central London is useful because of how easy it is to access…
Six London green spaces you probably don’t know about
A little oasis of tranquillity can be hard to find amid London’s world-famous hustle and bustle. But many such examples do exist, and most are free to visit – it’s just a case of tracking them down. We’ve all heard of the biggest and most famous picnic hotspots in London: Primrose Hill, Kew Gardens,…
Romantic Sightseeing Getaways in London For Free
London is one of those cities that never sleeps, bursting with energy and an endless array of things to do for free. It’s the perfect place for couples to kick back, relax and spend some real time together, without having to break the bank. Whether you’re an active couple, a pair of culture fanatics or…
Al Fresco in London: The Best Picnic Spots in the City
We’re in the peak of summer now, and London simply wouldn’t be London without swarms of residents sunbathing at Primrose Hill or Victoria Park. This weather also calls for a little al fresco dining (totally budget friendly) – so pack up your hampers, rustle up your favourite sandwiches and snacks, grab a cheap bottle and…
Best Places To See in London
London is one of the most popular tourist capitals, so it is quite difficult to give advice which you haven’t already heard somewhere else. So, we tried to compile a list of sightseeing gems that make the longest impression on the visitors, because, in the end, all we remember about our trips are emotions. List…
Free Summertime Activities in London
Every Londoner dreams of summer. It’s the time when mists and rains subside and the whole Jack The Ripper atmosphere gives way to sunny days and warm evenings. If you’re interested in spending a nice summertime weekend at the capital (but you’re a bit short on dough), this article is for you. It’s hard to…
Visiting London on a Budget
London has one of the richest cultural heritages in the world. London was once the capital of the world. And it still is in many aspects. Most of the current world can find roots in this truly ancient city. If you are visiting from America, the language code you will have to use in London…
Things to Do in London on a Rainy Day
If you are visiting London, you will want to make the most of your time in the city. Rainy days can put a dampener on your trip and you may feel like your options for activities are limited during bad weather. However, London is an amazingly diverse city with plenty of activities and attractions to…
Your Guide to London’s Top Bus Tours
Is your next holiday destination London, England? Are you looking to make the absolute most of your time and ensure you see all the top attractions? If so, a bus tour could be the best way to experience what London has to offer. The itineraries make sure to hit up all the top spots, plus…
Cockney rhyming slang: d’you know the Hampden?
That’s ‘the Hampden roar’, of course – or ‘the score’ to non-Cockneys. Don’t worry if you feel like you’ve already fallen at the first hurdle, though; given how many alternatives exist for almost every phrase in rhyming slang, you’d be just as likely to hear ‘Bobby Moore’, ‘Jude Law’, ‘Ali McGraw’ or any of a…
London in Springtime
Lots of people all around the world are going to travel in order to enjoy London in springtime. London is one of the most famous travel destinations in the world in any season, of course, and this is not going to change any time soon. However, some cities are going to be especially beautiful at…
Tips for Online Business Development In London
Moving forward through 2017, online business development in the UK looks to continue moving ahead as one of the most vibrant and forward thinking purveyors of online business in the world. In the face of Brexit and the last vestiges of the global recession, the UK’s online commercial activities have stayed strong and enjoyed…
Building your own Business in London
London has always been, and remains a great place to do business. The population mix and cultural diversity makes the city a buzzing environment for commerce and innovation. Being situated at the heart of the world’s most iconic cities makes London one of the most strategic locations for you to build a business empire. The…
London At Christmas in 2016
London is an exciting place to visit any time of the year, but it becomes even more magical during the winter when preparations are being made for Christmas. The whole atmosphere of the city changes and there are many things that you can see and do that you would not be able to in a…
London in Winter
Many people all around the world are trying to prepare for winter in whatever way they can. Winter is not a time for celebration for many people. There are individuals who consider winter to be their favorite season of the year. However, London in winter is not a particularly joyous occasion for a lot of…
Halloween in London
It’s time to bite into the guide for the celebration of Halloween in London. This year, we will be celebrating Halloween on Monday 31st October and it goes without saying that London is bursting with some superb events to make you sink your fangs into. After carving your creepy pumpkins and transforming your white bed…
Walk the Circle Line
This free walk has been written by Gavin, who is a freelance writer and the creator of Sketches in Travel, a travel and lifestyle blog that looks to inspire and entertain its readers to explore destinations such as London. He is available for other writing work, contact him via email. ‘Set yourself some challenges’, I said to myself. ‘Push…
The Hidden History of Curzon Street
The History of Mayfair Built during the mid 17th Century, Mayfair is now one of the most exclusive areas in the West End of London; boasting several major corporate headquarters, a substantial amount of luxurious residential properties, upmarket shops and London’s largest concentration of five star hotels and restaurants. Mayfair is named as such after…
Free London Walks app – TrailTale
London is full of so many interesting historic locations, and there’s a new app that helps you discover them! TrailTale is a free app for both iOS and Android that helps you find hidden gems all around London. TrailTale offers 11 different self-guided walks (many more to come) that take you all around London. London…
Ways to Mix and Match outfits In The Streets of London
Much like choosing an online casino at which to play real money casino games in London, mixing and matching outfits is no simple task. Both are not activities that any one individual is born having the relevant skill set to accomplish. Rather it takes training. More training and less talent will make you an expert…
Architectural Masterpieces of London for Free
While there are many architecturally amazing cities in the world, very few integrate modern steel and glass with historic thatched roofs and black and white timbers as well as London does. What other city has an enormous permanent Ferris wheel in the middle of town? The best part of this edifice admirer’s dream city is,…
Boudiour Inspiration for 2017
The master bedroom is a sanctuary. Far from just a place to sleep, it has become a refuge from everyday life. This is why it’s so important to make sure your bedroom best reflects your personality. If you’re finding your surroundings dreary, why not give it a fresh lick of paint, or get that dream…
Making the most of the end of summer in London
Although the nights are starting to get darker earlier, there is still a good deal of warmth left in the London summer. And so why not make the most of the light by organising a few social activities before people start hibernating for the long, cold and dark winter months. Here are few ideas. Host…
Top tips to living in London: where to buy and how to add value
You don’t have to be a millionaire to live in England’s capital. There are plenty of affordable one and two bedroom properties located less than a 30-minute journey from the city centre. If a property is bought in the right area and some simple steps are taken to increase its value, it could be a…
London’s free secret attractions
London is an amazing city; there’s so much to do! And, best of all, some of it costs absolutely nothing! While you can go around the monuments you’re so familiar with, there are a few things off the beaten path that can entice visitors to seek them out. In order to save yourself some time,…
Five of the best package getaways from London
With the world’s busiest single-use runway at Gatwick Airport and the highest volume of international traffic at Heathrow, every year sees millions of holidaymakers depart the skies of London to take a well-deserved break from the norm. However, organising flights, transfers, accommodation and insurance can be a difficult and time-consuming process, which is why more…
The best free apps for travelers in London
Whether you are a foreigner traveling to London or a local, no doubt that in order to keep your idle times when on the road, one sure thing to break the boredom is through your mobile phone. Indeed, with the innovations of smartphones nowadays, entertainment applications are certainly the first things we all look up…
Tips for getting the best London theatre tickets
Every day, for the past 30 years people have been coming to me to buy tickets for West End show – even at the weekend a friend or family member will call me and ask for tickets – “because you can get good tickets right? Simon?” Well yes, I can. And every day for the…
Flight Delayed? Places to visit near Gatwick Airport
The trouble with airports is that everyone sees them as a link; a checkpoint you need to pass through in order to get somewhere a little more desirable. Well, if you’re checking into Gatwick any time soon, it might be worth taking a look around its surrounding areas rather than zipping off on your next adventure. At best you’ll…
Free walks around East London
Newham Council have developed four free local audio walking tours around east London. free local audio tours Perhaps worth doing before it gets too much like a building site out there, what with the olympic developments going on. Life in London (part of www.londonforfree.net)
Free Aboriginal artist exhibition
The October Gallery is holding an exhibition this month from the 11th of September to 11th of October. SAMANTHA HOBSON: Our life … is land … is culture At 27, Samantha Hobson is one of a handful of young celebrated Aboriginal artists exhibiting widely both in her native Australia and overseas. Life in London (part…
Accommodation and day trips
Q: We intend to come into London on 1st or 2nd August and we will have free time until Tuesday 5th August.Do you have any suggestions for good but inexpensive accommodation in or near London My wife and I would be interested in possible tours or a Thames cruise in or around London.We have seen…
Fitzroy House open for visits
Fitzrovia dates back to the 18th century and has been for many years well known for its writers and artists. From H.G. Wells and George Orwell, to Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf – its inhabitants have left an indelible mark. Although it is well known that the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw resided in Fitzroy…
Bodies under streets and wheels in the air
Thought these two recent announcements might be worth sharing. Firstly, the Museum of London and the Times news have worked together to create a map showing places in central London where there are skeletons still buried. Its a fascinating map and you can zoom into certain areas. No signs of any body parts, though the…
Jack the Ripper files to go on public display
For those interested in Jack the Ripper, the police files and related pieces of evidence are to go on public display from May 2008 at the Museum in Docklands. More about it here. Life in London (part of www.londonforfree.net)
Motorcycle tracks in London
Q: Is there a motor cycle speedway track in London, If so where is it. Location Australia A: I’m not aware of any in London but there are two that are only a couple of hours drive away: – Donington Park – Silverstone Here’s a link for more info, http://www.hottrax-online.com/product_info.php?products_id=15228 _ _ _ _ _…
Group day tickets
Q: Thank you for your site with friendly suggestions. As a teacher, I will visit London with a group of 30 students and I was surprised by the expensive tickets for tube. We are staying 4 days. Can you tell me more about Group Day Tickets (for groups of 10 or more). Is it a…
London at Easter
Q: I liked your site! But I wounder if Easter is a good time to visit London? I saw that you liked it! Thats how I found your site but I suspect that everything is closed during Easter? Museums and shops? My husband and I are planning to go the 20-23 of March. But are…
Oyster cards from overseas
Q: The Oyster pass for the trains/buses. Can you buy one in London or can you only buy online? Online is hard for me as they want a UK address and I don’t have one. Location New Zealand A: You can buy an oyster card for immediate use from any tube station when you arrive…
Getting into London for the bus tour
Q: Hello… First off, I VERY much enjoy and appreciate your excellent web site. Not so the sites for National Express bus or British Rail. On 10 March I would like to come to London from the vicinity of Fordingbridge, Hampshire, and spend a day taking your wonderful bus tour. To take the bus would…
Tea for a group
Q: I will be in London with 25 of my students in mid-April. Looking for inexpensive ways to explore with them so that they can EXPERIENCE London – rather than just do the “tourist” thing… Also looking for a nice place to have tea with my young ladies… any suggestions would be most helpful and…
The London Pass
Q: I’ve read about the London Pass, online. It’s 117 euros with travel (tube regions 1-6)for 6 days. Would this be somehthing worth purchasing? I don’t know how much a tube trip costs… so.. 🙂 Thanks! Location missouri, usa A: Understanding London’s public transport fare structure would probably be considered a degree level course in…
Upcoming Events
This time of year, I receive lots of emails from people asking me for tips on what to do in London over the christmas / new year period.Here’s a website which might be of use. It’s called Upcoming. Simply go to it and search for London, England (under “where?”). Life in London (part of www.londonforfree.net)
London’s winter fair
This weekend, the annual Bankside Frost Fair is happening down alongside the Thames near Shakespeare’s Globe. 400 years since it was first held, its really worth checking out and of course its free. Its been running for the past 5 years and seems to get busier every year. Last year they had reindeers for the…
New years Day
Q: We will be arriving in London on New Years Eve and wonder if there are any attractions/shops/museums open in London on New Years Day. A: Yes, most places should be open in London on New Years Day, though if you have some specific museums in mind it might be worth checking on their websites.…
London Pass v Oyster Card
Q: When comparing the London Pass + travel to the Oyster card – which repreesents the best value for money? We are a family of 5 (youngest is 12) A: You don’t say how long you are going to be in London for so let’s assume you’re here for 3 days for price comparison purposes.…
Great museum – shame it isn’t free
It was great to see that the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden has finally re-opened. I remember visiting it many years ago and if its as good now as it was back then, its definitely a great day out especially if you have kids, big or small. Unfortunately, its £8 for adults to enter,…
Bunhill Fields
I only discovered this wonderful place earlier this year when my new job took me to a different part of London. And what a great find it is. Part old burial ground dating back to Saxon times (though most of the remaining graves are from the mid 1700’s onwards), it sits nestled behind some busy…
A scooter commuter
Earlier this year I changed jobs. And so, dreading the prospect of travelling for at least an hour each way by bus to my new offices, I had to find another way of making the daily commute to work. Arise, the trusty scooter. Now I have to say that before this year, I had never…
An eventful 8 months in London
Yes, its been a long time between blog posts. But like the red cups, I’m back. So much has changed in my life in London since I last wrote: I’ve started a new job with a new employer, I’ve taken to riding a scooter to and from work and I’ve become involved in setting up…
UK Currency
Q: What is the currency used in London? I see every that the Euro is referenced, but I thought London used GBP? I have never been to Europe before, and I am trying to understand everything, or at a little before I get there Thank you. A: Yes, the currency in London is Pounds Sterling…
Lord Mayors Show
Q: I will visit london during 9nov-13nov, how’s the weather during this period? is this a rainy season? do i need to bring wind-breaker? when is the lord mayar day, i know usually is during nov but what date? A: The 2007 Lord Mayors show will be on Saturday 10th November from 11am. More info…
A bus trip for a 5 year old
Q: I am taking my 5 year old granddaughter to London for the first time in October. We only have about 2 hours for sightseeing before going to the theatre. She would love to ride on a bus. Any suggestions for a bus tour. A: This will depend a bit on which part of London…
Windsor Castle and GAY
Q: Can i travel to windsor castle just for 1/2 day? is there a bus tour for this trip? what are cheapest hotel near the victoria coash station? where is GAY pub? A: 1 – Travelling to Windsor Castle, and bus trips there You might find some chargeable organised bus tours from central London to…
From Victoria to the US Embassy
Q: I`m visiting london on september 4th because in the up-coming months I have an appointment at the american embassy in london to get my visa to go back to america,so I just basically need to know how far it is from the national express coach station at victoria station to the embassy on foot…
Beatles places in London
Q: I used to have a list of Beatle places you could do a self-guided walk of, i.e. Abbey Road, the store, etc. Do you have a link to anything I could use for this? I can’t find my list and we leave next week…aaahhh… Thanks! Peace. Unfortunately not at the moment. However, I believe…
Walking in Chelsea
Q: Any interesting walks around Chelsea, Knightsbridge? A: Try this walk – from a different site to mine. http://www.london-footprints.co.uk/wkchelsearoute.htm _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ London for Free FAQs (part of www.londonforfree.net)
One day tour from Waterloo station
Q: Is it possible to board and pay for a bus tour from Waterloo Station to visit some sites in London during a one day layover? We will be arriving via the Eurostar at 09:30 am and flying out the following morning, and we would like to check our luggage at Waterloo, then visit a…
Cheap bus tour and places to rest
Q: Hi I’m going to London this weekend with my husband and one year old son. We want to take the free bus tour (which looks great). The thing is we usually carry my son in a back carrier – very handy for buses. Could you tell me if there is a handy park or…
Buying London Transport Visitor tickets online
Q:Would you please tell me where the shops are to purchase bus saver tickets? Am I able to purchase them online? We arrive late on a Saturday so won’t be able to buy them until the Sunday. This is such a great site and has been so helpful for planning our short 3 day stay.…
Beatles Tours
QUESTION Are there any truly comprehensive Beatles tours which include all of the highlights of their collective careers, especially where they were in London? ANSWER The most comprehensive Beatles tours I am aware of are provided by this company. http://www.beatlesinlondon.com/ I haven’t actually done them so can’t comment on just how comprehensive they are but…
An adventure in an NHS hospital
Hearing the usual reports in the press again about how underpaid nursing staff are and how overspent hospitals are – with huge amounts being wasted on IT projects – I thought I’d write about my adventure as an emergency patient at Kings College Hospital a few years ago. My saga started when my doctor phoned…
London pubs
This week is Community Pubs Week in London. Now, I love London pubs. They come in all shapes and sizes. There are the big “converted from a bank” trendy types where there are loads of different designer beers on tap but you’d struggle for a pint of Carling, the “tiny place on the corner” drunk…
Its not just on Big Brother
You’d have to have been living under a rock for the past week not to have heard about Big Brother and all the racist stuff going on. Now frankly, I detest the program and rarely watch it (and only do to remind myself how awful it is) but I’m actually surprised it has taken so…
New Year in London
Ah, new years eve. It brings back fond memories of watching the fireworks, drinking wine and then walking home in the moonlight. In Sydney. Sadly, its just not the same in London. The weather is probably the main reason. And prior to this year, so it seems, the fireworks in London were …… well, pitiful…
Shortened “free” bus tour
Q: I am absolutely thrilled by your bus tour of london as I have been looking for something like this. One thing I want to ask. I want to take my elderly mum on the tour next Tuesday and she can’t walk far. I don’t know these places and I wanted to ask if the…
Shortened "free" bus tour
Q: I am absolutely thrilled by your bus tour of london as I have been looking for something like this. One thing I want to ask. I want to take my elderly mum on the tour next Tuesday and she can’t walk far. I don’t know these places and I wanted to ask if the…
Christmas Shopping
Well, I tried. After doing my best to ignore the fact that christmas was only a matter of weeks away, I decided yesterday to try and get most of my off-line shopping done in one go. And then I chose to do it at PC World. For those who don’t know PC World in the…
Day trips to Stonehenge
Q: Are there tours to just Stonehenge or do you have to include Bath and Salisbury? A: This company seems to go direct to Stonehenge. http://www.stonehengetours.com/ Their web site says: We operate daily tours, departing from London which include Stonehenge and explore the surrounding area – rich in History, Myths, Legends and Mysteries. We also…
Free events at Christmas
Q: I am visiting London with 12 Dutch bilingual teenagers, (15-16 yrs) the week before Christmas. I would love to hear of any suitable (Christmassy) events during that week on top of the usual. Especially the ‘for free’ things. We are already planning St.Pauls Evensong. But I am short on any disco (ok, with a…
Icons of England
Yes, the list of English icons has been updated again. Now we have the likes of Winnie the Pooh, the V for Victory hand signal and …………… the English weather. The English weather?? An icon ?? Life in London (part of www.londonforfree.net)
Supermarkets, travelcards and routemasters
Q: Hello: I am going to London next 26th December and I have some doubts: – Is easy to find supermarkets in the center of London? To buy bread, water… – Is necessary a photograph to get a travel card for 3 or 7 days? – Where can I take the remaining Routemaster? I think…
Cheap haircuts
Q: Hi, can you please tell me if there is anywhere in London where I can get a free or cheap haircut. It has to be good, though. A: Try checking out the Vidal Sassoon School of Hairdressing at 56 Davies Mews, W1Y 1A7. Tel: (020) 7318 5202. They often run offers for cheap or…
Aussie food
One of the things I missed about “home” when I first moved to London many years ago was Aussie food. For the first few years, I’d plead with my parents to send me parcels containing cherry ripes, milo bars, violet crumbles and more. Then I discovered the Australia Shop in London. An aladdin’s cave of…
A little Hidden London
There are loads of places in London which tourists would probably love to see – if they knew they existed. One of my favourites is Postmans Park, at the Barbican. Lots of memorials to civilians who have lost their lives whilst performing heroic acts. Fishing people out of rivers, pushing them out of the way…
Life in a post office queue
There is no queue quite like a post office queue. Go into any post office in London at almost any time of the day and you will see a classic British institution – the queue. You rarely see them anywhere else these days. A long line of people just standing around, looking at their watches,…
Cheapest way from Gatwick to central London
Q: Are you able to tell me the cheapest way to come from Gatwich to Holborn station. We are 8 persons. A: I assume you mean by train. The cheapest way to get from Gatwick airport to central London is probably via any train except the Gatwick Express. Though the Gatwick Express is probably the…
Short term luggage storage
Q: We’ll be travelling in the UK in October/November. Can you assist with advice on where to store baggage for a day when we arrive in London? We’re arriving at Heathrow on an early morning flight and don’t book into our accommodation at Highgate until late afternoon. Any assistance much appreciated. A: Your best best…
London on heat
Why is it that it FEELS so hot in London when it is actually not any hotter than places like Thailand, Greece and Sydney that I have visited in summer? Reasons? 1 – London shops typically have crap air conditioning and refrigeration. I was talking about this with a cabbie yesterday. How come when you…
What to see on a 3 day visit to London
Q: I am visiting London with my kids for three days. I was wondering if you could tell me an efficient way to cover major attractions on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 between 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. We would like to see The Natural History Museum, Wax museum, London Tower, Big Ben,…
The fans deserved better
It’s interesting to read the Guardian’s comments about yesterday’s failure by the England football team. Suggesting we welcome them back as heroes. For failing, yet again? For progressing no further than they have previously? As an Aussie living in London, I will always support Australia in any sporting matches. So maybe my comments are a…
A great place to work
Last week, I had the pleasure of arranging a forum for around 50 work colleagues. Now, in many places, the options for a venue would probably include the local hall, a breakout room at the office and maybe some place no more than an hour’s bus or train ride away. But in London, the choices…
The great north v south debate
Apparently, last Wednesday night the Museum of London hosted a debate on north v south London. Another one of those London topics, like congestion charging and the state of public transport, that everyone seems to have a view on. Well, here’s mine. I don’t care. Never did care where in London I lived – north…
The peace and quiet of easter in London
I love being in London during public holidays. Easter and xmas are the best. Loads of local traffic simply dissappears and the stressed out, frantic and often unfriendly London locals are replaced by relaxed, dazed and confused tourists – whose major worry for the day isn’t about getting from one side of London to the…
A Big Decision
yep, after loads of thinking about it, weighing up the pro’s and con’s, I’ve decided to sell my car. It will be an interesting experience to be car-free, having owned a car since I was 17. But the fact of the matter is that I just don’t drive it. Its impossible to park in London…
The best and worst of London
The Sydney Morning Herald web site recently ran an article about The Best and Worst of British. It was actually about the fun and perils, well mostly perils, facing any young Aussie backpacker who ventures over to London for a working holiday. The “worst” fell into three areas: – accommodation and how expensive it is…
Free tours on International Tourist Guide Day
According to the BBC London web site, this weekend is International Tourist Guide Day. Just like guides around the world, London’s Blue Badge guides will be kicking off free walks around London on the hour every hour from 10am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Their walks usually cost around £5 per person, I think.…
The family records centre
I have recently started documenting and digging further into my family history (10 convicts and counting). Many of my ancestors came from England and so when I read that the Family Records Centre in Islington, north London was holding a free family history talk, I took the opportunity to go along to it. After encountering…
Leaving London – when and why?
Every year – usually between January and March, when the weather in London is grim – I think about heading back to Oz. And so it happened today. There I was, sitting at my laptop at 7 am on a cold and drizzly “day” (still pitch black, really, outside.) In accordance with my usual work…
English icons
http://www.icons.org.uk/ The Government has launched a web site to allow people to nominate their favourite English icons. Among those listed include the routemaster bus, stone henge, a cup of tea and the FA Cup. You can also vote for them at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4594660.stm Personally, my favourites are stone henge, the red phone box, the traditional circular…
Rail fares
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Passenger groups condemn rail fare rises another great reason for working from home as much as possible. Its incredible to think that people pay thousands of pounds a year to commute into London in cramped, smelly, unreliable trains. Give me buses anytime – and its one more reason for…
Similar christmas days
And so I spend my 13th christmas day in London. Every year I have the same classic English christmas and I love it. Lots of wonderful, traditional christmas food: turkey, veg and christmas pudding. Followed by watching films I have already seen but that seem strangely more enjoyable when watched on christmas day with a…
BBC NEWS | England | London | Routemaster makes final journey
There was nothing quite the same as travelling on the top deck of the number 12 routemaster to Peckham. The experience was even more surreal late on Saturday nights. I remember one such evening, getting the bus home at around 11pm from the west end. As usual, the top deck – in fact, the whole…
Christmas in London
Visit London – Christmas site As an Aussie, I have fond memories of baking hot christmas days – swimming in our family pool, riding my bike in the sunshine and playing football with my brother and mates. Sadly, I also have memories of “traditional” christmas dinners – hot roast ham, chicken, vegetables, gravy and my…
Things to do in London at Christmas
Q: we are off to London with 3 kids, 10, 12 & 17 for the week starting 12/26/05. Do you have any idea what fun things there are for kids for New Years Eve. A: This web site has lots of ideas. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _…
Getting to Stonehenge from London
Question: How do I get from London to StoneHenge & back, is it better to take a tour? Answer: I think it depends on how confident you would feel using public transport. I suggest it is perfectly safe to use but you may find it easier to take a tour, especially one that collects you…
Xmas eve Midnight service at St Pauls
Question: I would like to go to the midnight service at St Pauls cathedral on Christmas eve. Are there any restrictions as to who may attend? Thanks Answer: According to St Paul’s web site, the service is open to everyone. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _…
What can you say about the Elephant and Castle?
BBC NEWS | England | London | Dozens profit in cash-grab stunt The “elephant” has to be one of London’s worst eye sores. A big bright red building, badly in need of repair – though its been that way for years, it seems. I’m amazed that anyone ever shops there – still, its better than…
Jono Coleman presents BBC London Breakfast show
BBC – London – TV and Radio – Breakfast Show: 6am to 9am For all those Aussie ex-pats living in London – actually, for anyone, as you can listen to his breakfast show over the web. Life in London (part of www.londonforfree.net)
Trick or Treat, or just plain dangerous
Being an Aussie, I find it intriguing the way Londoners behave at Halloween. I mean, I live in south London – the place where the budget for decent street lighting ran out. So picture this scene – its 8.30 pm at night, dark and rainy. There’s a knock at my door – 2 young kids…
The last of the routemaster buses
link what a sad day for London. Along with red phone boxes, they typify the city – and are very popular not only with people who live here but also with tourists. oh well – another one down to mayor Ken. maybe one day they’ll bring them back again. Until then, they will only run…
From people who have been here
Who better to hear about London from than from other travellers who have been here. Life in London (part of www.londonforfree.net)
Abbey Road
I get lots of requests to add a Beatles walk to my web site and so its next on my list to do. In the meantime, this link may be of interest – its about peoples’ visits to the famous Abbey Road crossing. http://www.43places.com/places/view/201230 Life in London (part of www.londonforfree.net)
Commuters stranded near station
only in England ? Life in London (part of www.londonforfree.net)
Let’s talk about the weather
why not, most people in London do. It’s very odd. For a country so small in size, the weathermen spend a lot of time analysing it. Even the news bulletins for London provide an analysis of the weather across different parts of the city. Places that are less than 10 miles apart. It’s going to…
Why Australians come to London
BBC NEWS | England | London | City culture ‘lures Australians’ I have to agree with their reasons for coming here – to travel around Europe and enjoy London’s culture and museums. Shame they didn’t ask what they don’t like about coming here. It would probably be the food, crowds, prices and litter. Life in…
Travelling on the Underground
BBC NEWS | England | London | ‘Fix found’ on troubled Tube line ah, the Underground – as unreliable as ever. I see the northern line has been out of action for the past few days. My first job in London back in 1989 was in the city. That meant I had to use this…
Who am I?
probably a good thing to start with – I am an Australian who has spent the past 16 years living in inner London. When I first arrived, my immediate impression was how expensive everything seemed to be compared to Sydney prices anyway. That gave me the idea for my website, London for free, which I…
Changing the Guard
Q: Would they be Changing the Guard on Saturday May 17th at 11.30am? A:For information about times for Changing of the Guard, see this web site www.changing-the-guard.com _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ London for Free FAQs (part of www.londonforfree.net)
Fish and Chips
Q: WE WILL BE IN LONDON IN SEPTEMBER FOR ONLY ONE DAY. WHERE CAN WE GO FOR YOUR BEST FISH AND CHIPS? A: supposedly, the best place for fish and chips in London is a cafe called Fryer’s Delight. It’s in Theobald’s Road, near Red Lion Square (near Holborn). It is very popular with London…
Indoor London
Q: I will be going to London in late November of this year. There will be 18 of us (all family) ranging in ages 7-72. How cold is it normally that time of year? What are some things you can do indoors and still get the typical London experience? (This will be my 2nd trip…
Dracula
Q: my girlfriend is in LONDON for the next two weeks and shes very depressed and shes doing a thesis about Dracula so… is there anything in LONDON that might have something to do with Dracula that she could do? A: Here are a few Dracula-related things she might like to do: – visit the…
London in 9 hours
Q: While enroute to Athens, myself, my wife and two children (age 12 and 14) will have a nine hour stopover at Heathrow. Not being a fan of airports and since my kids have not been to London – would you think it possible for us to hop on an express train to Paddington station…
Football matches
Q: We are going to London on the 9th of April to the 12th, we want to see a fotbol match,do you know where they are and how much a ticket costs? A: have a look at the link below, which shows what matches are on during the time you will be in London. http://www.footballtickets.eu.com/football/football04.htm…
Day trips out of London
Q: What would you suggest for a one day trip outside the city? A: Depending on what you wanted to see – to see the seaside (Brighton), take a train – 1 hour journey – from Victoria. To see a castle – Hampton Court Palace – take a train – half hour or so journey…
Dollars into Sterling
Q: What is your best advice on converting currency? Should I do it before leaving the US? When in London where are the best rates available typically? A: I think the rate sterling to dollars is around 1.85 at the moment, which is better for the pound than it has been for some time. So…
Christmas Services in London
Q: When and where might my wife and I attend a nice Christmas or Christmas Eve church service? The religious denomination is not as important as knowing that the service will be in a beautiful setting with excellent music A: There are lots of churches around central London so your choice may depend on where…
Parking in London
Q: I have to come to London by car. Each country has different parking rules. Could you please explain me how to park a car in London? Is it a web site with London’s parkings? A: it depends where exactly you will be wanting to park a car. In central London areas (zone 1) there…
To Paris from London
Q: I would like to know how to travel from London to Paris what is the cheapest companies (bus, railway). A: going to Paris by coach and booking it in advance is probably the cheapest – see this link. http://www.nationalexpress.com/p.cfm?n=gel&agentid=elhm Eurostar is quicker but also usually more expensive (train from Waterloo). _ _ _ _…
London in 36 hours
Q: My wife and I are planning a trip to see our son, who is currently serving in Africa, in the Peace Corp. We have about 42 hr. layover in London between our arriving and departing flights. (This will be on the 2nd weekend in May.) My question is, what would you do if you…
Pubs with kids
Q: I have planned a visit to London in April with my wife and 2 children aged 16 and 12. Are their any pubs who will allow is in for a drink or if necessary to have a meal. A: you should be able to take your children into any pubs that have dining areas.…
Paddington not using Heathrow Express
Q: Is there an underground train or tube that I can take to Paddington? The Heathrow Express is quite expensive. Do you know how long it would take to get from Heathrow to Paddington by train? And if I get a travelcard…would that cover both busses and tubes/underground train? Actually, I ‘m not sure if…
Euros and Voltage
Q: can I pay in Euro in London and do I need an adapter for electrical sockets and which voltage do they have ? A: in some of the major shops you can pay in Euro, but most only take sterling. Yes, you will also probably need to bring an adaptor (not sure where you…
Walking from Big Ben to Piccadilly Circus
Q: For a fun quiz that I’m doing, can you tell me how long it would take me to walk from Big Ben to Piccadilly Circus if I took the route: Big Ben -> White Hall -> Trafalgar Square -> Leicester Square -> Piccadilly Circus A: I suggest it would probably take you 30 –…
Distances between Attractions
Q: A group of 48 adults and children are visiting London in June for 2 days we would like the children to see many of the main attractions in London. I cannot find a map that shows the distances between some of the attractions as some of the children are only 5 we need to…
Duration of Walks
Q: I was wondering how long both your “Royal and Political Walk” and “South Bank Walk” are? I’m young, and walk fairly quickly. A: if you start the royal / political walk from westminster tube station (opposite Big Ben), it would probably take you 90 minutes or so to do (just how fast do you…
Travel Cards
Q: How much does the tube pass cost? For how much time is it valid upto? We would like to have the tube pass valid for 10 days. A: there are lots of different types of fares – have a look at this site. http://tube.tfl.gov.uk/content/tickets/quickFares_2004.asp _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _…
Pubs and restaurants
Q: Give us some suggestions of your favorite Pubs, restraurants, sidewalk cafe’s, or anyother places to go. A: One of my favourite pubs in central London is the Dickens Inn, at St Katherine’s Dock. A suggestion for you for a fun evening out: – get yourself some free tickets for a Saturday night to the…
Top 5 must see places
Q: hi, could you tell me what is the top 5 must see places in london ? A: depends on your interest really. But I believe the top 5 tourist attractions are currently: – the London Eye – the Tower of London – The London Dungeon – Madame Tussauds – Westminster Abbey _ _ _…
Bookstores
Q: I have a question concerning bookstores in london.There’s supposed to be a street near covent garden where there are ”only” bookstores. the problem is that i cannot recall the name of the street. A: are you thinking of Charing Cross Road? It runs parallel to Covent Garden. There are other stores in the road…
Black museum
Q: How does one see the Black Museum? A: check out their site for information on opening hours and location http://www.touruk.co.uk/london_museums/black_cultural1.htm _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ London for Free FAQs (part of www.londonforfree.net)
London for first time visitors
Q: This will be our first trip to London and although we are in good health, I would like the advantage of some tour guide expertise. How would you view London if you were us and what are the sites that you would recommend. Some walking tours are fine . A: I would suggest you…
Travelcards
Q: What kind of travel card would you recommend for the underground tube if we will be there for 3 days? Or do you have any suggestion for us to move around besides using the bus. Anyway thanks a lot for the bus info. A: suggest you buy one day travelcards for each day that…
Where to stay
Q: We are planning to come visit London. There will be 4 adults. Do you have any suggestion as to where we should stay???? We don’t want to stay in a bad place but we don’t want to pay a lot of money to stay either. We plan to do a lot of sight seeing…
London at Christmas – 2
Q: I would like to visit London between 26.12-3.01.05. I am asking you if and which museums are opened in that period? I really hope that I can visit anything without being afraid that because holiday they’ll be closed. What about stores? Are they opened? I also like to visit London’s surrowndings. Are the buses…
221B Baker Street
Q: Is Baker Street 21B a real address or just an address in the Sherlock Holm’s stories? A: 221B Baker Street is a real address but Holmes is of course only a fictional character _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ London for Free FAQs (part of…
London in 3 days
Q: My Mother and I will be visiting London for the first time next May 2005 and will have three full days for sightseeing before heading to Dover for our cruise. I am trying to figure out how to plan seeing the many sights in three days. I would love to get your suggestions, as…
Medieval restaurant in London
Q: I heard about a restaurant near Tower of London where the waitreses are dressed like in XVI century and the food served there is the same or almost the same with the food served to Henry the 5-th, and in the same kind of dish.Do you know what am I talking about? If yes…
One day in London
Q: My sister-in-law, my daughter and I want to visit London for 1 day. Could you tell us what ticket for bus, tube, etc. we need to get everywhere and the whole day long? We have never been in London and want to see all typical tourist attractions. Ok, we know that one day is…
Christmas lights
Q: Whats the best way to see the christmas lights of london without having to pay to go on a tour bus ? A: you could get on any bus from Marble Arch that goes down to Piccadilly Circus. Then you will see the lights on Oxford Street and also Regent Street. Then get off…
London at Christmas
Q: I live in Spain. I will travel in London next Chrismas. I arrive in London 23 desember and return Spain 26 desember. What can I do in London at Christmas? A: just about everything will be open in London over Christmas, apart from many of the shops and public places on Christmas day, so…
In winter with a child
Q: Is it safe healthwise for me and toddler to visit London during winter? A: not sure where you are visiting from but if you are used to cold weather, you should be fine in London. It does have its cold days but as long as you and your youngster wear warm clothes, you should…
Harry Potter tours
Q: can you tell me, who provides a “harry-potter-tour” (visiting filming locations)? A: I believe a company called London Taxi Tours does these types of tours, but they aren’t free. I know you can see the sign for platform “9 and three-quarters” for free, at Kings Cross station. _ _ _ _ _ _ _…
From Gatwick for 4 people
Q: What is the cheapest transportation option for four (4) people going from Gatwick Airport in the UK to London (Citadines Apart’Hotel Holborn-Covent Garden? How much would a taxi cost? A: In my view, the cheapest way to get from Gatwick airport to Covent Garden is to get the Gatwick Express train into Victoria and…
London Eye
Q: which is the best way to obtain tickets for london eye A: http://www.ba-londoneye.com/ I would book directly with the booking office either online or by phone: Phone bookings can be made by calling +44 (0)870 5000 600. The queues for buying tickets in person on the day of your visit are usually quite long.…
Cheap accommodation
Q: my boyfriend and i will be honeymooning in london in late may. we have never travelled abroad. do you have a suggestion for cheap double accomodations? A: the Strand Palace hotel in the Strand (!) is, I believe, good value. It is also very centrally located. And there are several good value hotels also…
Free for Children
Q: are there any free places to take children in london during the half term. A: how about one of the many museums, which are free these days. There are usually some good exhibitions on for children at the science, transport and natural history museums during half term breaks _ _ _ _ _ _…
A weekend in London
Q:i am visiting london for a wk end and would like some help indeciding wot to visit. what are the must see attractions? I am going to the war museum and the london eye and oxford street for the shops but would like to fit in as much as possible. any help at all wouldbe…
5 days in London
Q: I am travelling to London for 5 days. I have never been to London and wish to experience a fair amount that the City has to offer.With only 5 days, i dont want to try too much that i cant appreciate anything. I would like to visit a museum, see a show, visit a…
London zoo
Q: How do I get to the zoological gardens in London? A: http://www.londonzoo.co.uk/londonzoo/findus.html Directions via tube: Northern Line to Camden TownCamden Town is the nearest tube station to London Zoo. Directions from Camden Town: (Northern Line)15 minute walk: Exit the station on the right-hand side and walk up the road called ‘Parkway’ (Royal Bank of…