London, our capital city and somewhere we all think of as a bit touristy and often quite expensive too.  There are some fantastic places to visit in London, and it’s a fab place to go for a weekend away, but if you’re on a budget then you might not think of it immediately.  In fact, if you do it right, it is possible to have a trip to London that doesn’t put holes in your pocket and still have a great time and do lots.

Some of London’s sights can be expensive, that’s absolutely true, but others are a lot cheaper than you might think.  Here are a few ‘must see’ attractions that are absolutely free to visit:

Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament – Westminster
The houses of parliament’s official name is the Palace of Westminster, and it’s a pretty impressive building to look at whether you see it from afar or close too.  The clock at the top of the tower above the houses of parliament is called Big Ben, and it’s world famous chimes are known as one of the main symbols of London.

British Museum – London W1
This museum is huge, so if you go here you may want to either devote a whole day and take a picnic for lunchtime, or choose to visit just some of its headline attractions such as the Elgin Marbles for example.  If you can, take a look at their website before you go, especially if you will have limited time so you know what you specifically want to see.

Imperial War Museum – Lambeth
For those interested in war and the military this is a fascinating museum full of exhibits including much from world war one, the interior of an English home from the time, and much more.

Natural History Museum – South Kensington
An incredible museum full of collections from insects, early humans, and of course the dinosaurs.  Another museum where a visit to the website before you go can help you choose what to see.

Science Museum – South Kensington
This is definitely one that ticks the box for most people, with fascinating displays of technology and science through the ages.  There’s lots of hands on stuff for kids to do here too.

Victoria & Albert – South Kensington
A wonderful collection of decorative arts, from sculptures to paintings, and some of the most incredible collections of clothing and fashion through the ages to be seen anywhere.

Depending on the time of year you visit London, there are events and festivals from the University Boat race between Oxford and Cambridge which takes place on the Thames, to the London Marathon and the Notting Hill Carnival all of which are free to spectators.

Time Out Magazine is worth picking up before you go as it contains listings of free concerts, comedy, art exhibitions, films and it also has a weekly night pass which gives special offers to the reader and reduced or sometimes free entry to various night clubs on presentation of the pass.

Tags: cheap, day out, free tourist attractions, london, science museum, tourist, victoria & albert, war museum