We have all heard the old adage, “You get what you pay for.” While that may be true most of the time, there is also an old saying that tells us “There is an exception to every rule.”
Well, we can positively proclaim that there are exceptions, and we know this is true because the last time we were wandering around good old London Town, we found these five unforgettable experiences that don’t cost a dime. Sounds like a good example of another thing that people often say, “The best things in life are free.”
But while getting there may not be free, we have discovered a great place to find a Cheap Flight to London. So check it out, and let’s get started exploring these fantastic freebies.
1. Hyde Park
The entire park is gorgeous, but we particularly loved the spot just inside the Marble Arch on the northeast corner of the park. This has been a haven for public speaking, debate, and discussions for several centuries. It was already well established by the time the right to do so was passed into law in 1872. That was when the Parks Regulation Act guaranteed the freedom to assemble and speak openly in the park without fear of retribution.
Many historic figures such as George Orwell, Karl Marx, and Vladimir Lenin have taken a turn at oration from a soapbox at Speaker’s Corner, and the tradition continues to this day. In fact, it may be going as strong as it ever was.
At the other end of park, we took a walk around the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial, where a giant golden Prince sits gazing toward the concert venue that bears his name. Then, just a bit farther along is Kensington Palace. Many royals, including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, have made this their residence for nearly 400 years.
2. The Tower Bridge
This is likely the most famous of London’s thirty-three bridges over the Thames, but don’t make the mistake that so many people do and call it the London Bridge. It is definitely not falling down, and it is not in Arizona.
That’s right, that London Bridge was bought by Robert P. McCulloch in 1968, dismantled, shipped across the Atlantic, and reconstructed in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Kids may still love to sing the song, but we doubt that they know they are singing about a span that now crosses the Colorado River after it leaves the Grand Canyon.
Walking across the Tower Bridge is free, but you might have to wait on the draw bridge that allows larger boats on the Thames to go underneath. It is also possible to visit the steam engine room and a glass walkway, although there is a fee for that.
3. Big Ben
This just might be the best known clock in the world, or at least the most recognizable from all of the pictures. That must be because it is nearly impossible to resist taking photos of it. The Westminster Bridge, which also often gets mistakenly called London Bridge, is the perfect spot for a stunning portrait of Big Ben.
Ben’s name originally referred to the largest of the bells in the tower, but over time it came to include the entire structure of what is actually called Elizabeth Tower. These days, most people only associate the name with the clock. The rest of the building below houses the British Parliament and is also home to one of the royal residences, the Palace of Westminster.
4. Buckingham Palace
For almost two centuries British sovereigns have moved into Buckingham Palace upon ascending to the throne. So, with a bit of luck, it might be possible to spot Queen Elizabeth, or perhaps one of the princes that live in the palace going about their business.
However, there is a much better chance of seeing the famous Changing of the Guard, since that happens almost every day. But even if you miss that, the palace is most certainly worth a visit to simply walk around the grounds and watch the goings on at the world’s most renowned royal residence.
5. Abbey Road
Here we found a very different version of royalty, the Rock and Roll kind. The Beatles recorded what many of us consider to be some of the greatest music ever put to tape in this converted old townhouse.
For eight years this was their home and almost every song of theirs was recorded here, but it was called the EMI Recording Studios at that time.
Then the four lads from Liverpool released the album they named after the street. Soon after that the name of the studio was officially changed to Abbey Road.
While we were there, and we’d guess this is almost always going on, several groups tried to recreate the famous album cover of the four Beatles walking across the street. We didn’t try because we were short two Beatles.
(Special Bonus) Ride a Double Decker Bus
OK, it may not be completely free, but it costs less than two pounds and no trip to London can be considered complete without at least one ride. It is a great way to take a break from walking and there might be no better way to see the sights such as Piccadilly Circus, Saint Paul’s Cathedral, and The London Eye.
With all of these great ideas to fill your time in London, you will want to make planning the trip as easy as possible. That is why it is best to find everything, all of the flights and hotels in London (الفنادق في لندن), available to be booked at the same time and in the same place. And all at the best prices.
And when everything is booked, and all that money is saved, there should be a little left over for the incredible things that London has to offer that are not free.
Which might make for an exception to the rule of “The best things in life are free.”
David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com
We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.
