WIZZ MAGAZINE
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WORDS BY CLAIRE MARTIN
E x p l o r e
L o n d o n
f o r F r e e
Think the capital is too pricey? Think again.
Here’s our top free things to see and do
P L AC E S
ondon is all about excitement.
Though it’s not the cheapest city,
its Victorian architecture, squares
and parks offer up a free feast for the eyes,
and recent renovations to Leicester Square,
Exhibition Road and the South Bank have all
added new sparkle. There are plenty of ways
to enjoy the capital without breaking the
bank. Just follow this fab, free London guide.
BOROUGH MARKET
Located on the South Bank
near Southwark Cathedral,
this buzzy market (
pictured
right
)
dates to the 13th century.
Burgers, obscure fruit and veg, mouthwatering
baked treats and unpronouncable dishes?
They’re all here – and more – at this foodie
Aladdin’s cave. Taste the free samples,
breathe in the aromas and marvel at the
colourful produce. Thursday-Saturday,
boroughmarket.org.uk
FREE THEATRE
In the summer, The Scoop
at More London (between
London Bridge and Tower
Bridge) hosts gigs, musical
performances, theatre and film screenings at
its 800-seater sunken amphitheatre. It’s open
to the elements, so maybe bring along a brolly
and a sweater.
morelondon.com
COLUMBIA ROAD
FLOWER MARKET
Okay, you probably won’t
be walking away with
armfuls of free posies,
but this classic East End market is a must.
Every Sunday, the street is transformed
into vibrant oasis with everything from 10ft
banana trees, carnations and exotic flora on
display. From 8am-3pm.
columbiaroad.info
TIME OUT APP
Everyone knows that the best
way to properly get into the
rhythm of a new city is to ask
a local what they like to do.
Rather than accost someone on their way to
work, why not download the
Time Out London
app? Search by activity, area or date and
it’ll give up-to-date information for everything
that’s going on during your stay.
timeout.com
MEDITATION
If you’re on holiday, you
probably won’t feel too
stressed, but you should allow
time to relax and unwind.
Access your inner calm without denting your
bank balance at Inner Space, London’s
oasis of calm. Thirty-minute meditation
classes run every Friday evening in Covent
Garden and the City.
innerspace.org.uk
THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Plenty of London’s museums
have free entrance (although
there might be an additional
charge for some exhibitions),
but the one that tops every list is the British
Museum. Its two million-plus items embrace
world-wide cultures. Don’t miss Egypt’s
Rosetta Stone, Greece’s Elgin Marbles and
England’s Sutton Hoo Viking ship burial.
Open daily.
britishmuseum.org
CEREMONY OF THE KEYS AT
THE TOWER OF LONDON
One of the best things about London
is its pomp, pageantry and proud
sense of history. The Ceremony of
the Keys – the tradition of locking up the
Tower of London – has taken place every
night for 700 years. It’s free to watch this
ancient custom, with around 40 others, but
you’ll need to apply in advance.
hrp.org.uk
FRIDAY NIGHT SKATE
Want to make tracks, get
some exercise and meet
some cool new people?
Then Friday Night Skate is
for you! Meet at Hyde Park corner at 8pm
and you – with 100 other skaters – will
be whisked on a 10-15 mile route around
the city. All you need is yourself, some
skates, protective gear and a sense of
adventure.
lfns.co.uk
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