How to have fun with no budget
We know that maybe the title is not very eluding at this moment, so let us explain the series a little bit. We have proposed to offer you three articles that involve all the great and free things that you can try, watch and listen to while being in the capital city of the United Kingdom. This includes old travellers, new visitors, Londoners and other people that happen to spend a longer or shorter period of time in the British piece of heaven. And yes, you have read well: they are all for free. So money is not an excuse anymore. Just save some time to enjoy all of them in a relaxing way. Thus, you will turn your holiday or weekend into an amazing and unforgettable experience.
Today’s article regards mostly those touristic objectives that are free to watch. So let us start by recommending the famous Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. It takes place every day, during the evening, when the Chief Warder locks at 21.53 pm sharp the gates of the Tower. The end of this beautiful procession is announced by the music of a trumpeter. Although the whole ceremony lasts around 10 minutes, this tradition imposes itself by its long lasting practice for more than 700 years. The Chief Warder still guards the Tower and nowadays it also has the role of a tour guide for those history passionate visitors. Unfortunately the tours are not for free and they have to be booked a few months in advance.
But let us focus on the bright side and talk about another great touristic objective: the British parks. London offers you some of the most beautiful and protected green spaces in the world. The entrance is free. Battersea Park (SW11 4NJ) does not only provide amazing sights, but also the possibility to see, for free, the Pump House Gallery and other sculptures that are spread across the park. There are also paid sport activities and a zoo for those thrilled children. Bushy Park & The Longford River (TW12 2EJ) is one of the majestic Royal parks. You will be astonished by the sight of those clear rivers and that green grass. You have to pay a fee only if you want to visit the Hampton Court palace.
Hampstead Heath (NW3 7JR) is known for its wild sights and infinite variety of activities. Here is the best place to enjoy a great picnic with your friends, do jogging, ride a bike, it is a perfect play field for children and also a fine location for those that want a quiet place for a relaxing reading session. Holland Park (W8 6LU) offers an intimate alternative to the lively Central London area. If you are ever in the need of an elegant, yet free view, do not hesitate to take your walks in this particular green area. During the summer time, you might have the pleasant surprise of hearing music from the various concerts and shows that are being held out in the open.
We have saved the best park at the end: Hyde Park (W2 2UH). It is our favourite because of its beautiful memorials of Princess Diana and those splendid Italian Gardens. The various statues and the entertainment possibilities have turned it into one of the most colourful and joyous play and walking spaces in London. Besides the attractions, you are free to play all kind of sports: football, cycling, tennis, rollerblading, horse-riding and many more. Of course, the list of parks does not end here. You can also try: Kensington Roof Gardens (W8 5SA), Regent’s Park (NW1 4NR), Richmond Park (TW10 5HS) and St James’s Park (SW1A 2BJ).
Another free category of fun things to see in London implies the multiple annually outdoor events. Most of them are held in the famous Trafalgar Square (WC2N 5DS). This is the place where you can see and participate to all kinds of celebrations. Some of them are organised by the Mayor of London, others are represented by regular and known festivals. But both of them have in common the successful mix of music, dance and theatre. The most famous annual celebrations are: the Chinese New Year, St Patrick’s Day, St George’s Day, Wimbledon Charity matches and the Christmas representations. And all of this for free.
For a more cultural approach, you can also enjoy for free the events that take place at Southbank Centre (SE1 8XX). Some of them involved poetry recitals and book readings. The area also gives you the opportunity to view it beautiful surroundings and the amateur skateboarders and bike riders. You can also do some free spotting when it comes to the glamorous life, especially if you like to know everything that is happening in the celebrity world. You can take free pictures while in Leicester Square. This is the place where most of the cinematographic premiers take place and when the starts make an appearance on the red carpet.
