London on a budget – five free lesser known attractions to visit
A trip to London can certainly be a captivating experience, not least of all due to the range of world-class sights that are found there.
But while the UK capital is notoriously expensive to visit, it is possible to stick to a budget during your time there.
One of the easiest ways to reduce the cost of your trip to London is to get a great deal on your accommodation. There are a huge number of London hotels to choose from so shopping around can save you a great deal of money.
Saving money once in London however can be more challenging. Don’t worry though as there are plenty of free attractions to visit, some of which are well known and others that are less well known.
Below are five lesser known London attractions that are well worth a visit:
Centre of the Cell
If you’re keen to learn something while on holiday in London make sure you visit the Centre of the Cell in Whitechapel.
The first science education centre in the world to be located within a fully-functioning biomedical research laboratory, here you can get an insight into the day-to-day life of a scientist and how their work affects the world around us.
Using a range of exciting interactive games, virtual experiments and films, you will be able to find out how stem cells can treat burns and the impact cancer has on the body, among other things.
During term-time, the Centre of Cell is open Monday to Friday and is reserved for school and youth groups. In the school holidays, however, it is open to the general public so it may be a great place for a family day out.
Admission is free, but you will need to book in advance to guarantee entrance and there are a number of 90-minute slots you can choose from.
Wellcome Collection
Science lovers may also want to visit the Wellcome Collection. Describing itself as “a destination for the incurably curious”, the exhibitions explore the relationships between medicine, art and life.
A range of temporary exhibits are shown here, while the permanent display includes items collected by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Henry Solomon Wellcome, whom the museum is named after.
Located at 183 Euston Road, the attraction is a short distance away from Euston station if you are taking the Northern or Victoria tube lines. However, if you’re on the Circle, Metropolitan or Hammersmith and City lines, you will need to get off at Euston Square.
Fulham Palace
If you would like an insight into what life was like in London hundreds of years ago, Fulham Palace may be one attraction that you want to visit.
The historic estate in the south-west of the capital was owned by the Bishops of London for more than 1,300 years and was used as a country home until the mid-1970s.
Now, you can take in the stately rooms every afternoon between Saturdays and Wednesdays and learn more about the building’s history over the years, as well as wandering through the extensive botanic gardens. Once you’ve taken your fill of the sights you can stop by the cafe for a drink and bite to eat.
A trip here can certainly be an enjoyable experience for both families and couples and could make for a great day out during the summer.
In order to visit Fulham Palace, you will need to take the tube’s District Line and exit at Putney Bridge.
Cuming Museum
London is home to some world-famous museums and galleries but one you may not be too familiar with is the Cuming Museum. Situated in Southwark, central London the cultural institution contains three sections, the first of which provides an insight into the lives of father and son Richard and Henry Cuming, the two collectors who founded the museum.
The second gallery concentrates on the history of Southwark from Roman times to the modern day, while the third hosts temporary exhibitions that change every few months. A trip here could be great for families due to the range of craft activities and games on offer, as well as the various costumes children can try on.
Morden Hall Park
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the Morden Hall Park. Situated in south London, you can take in a colourful rose garden and wander along the banks of the River Wandle, before visiting two 18th-century watermills.
With so many free attractions in London, you certainly won’t be short of things to do no matter what your budget is.
Written by the team at travelsupermarket.com
