Free (or nearlyfree) LONDON

A weekend in the capital can be more wallet-friendly than you think

- ALICIA MILLER.

Hot restaurants, cool theatre and glitzy shopping – London has it all. But even if you’re on a budget, it doesn’t mean that you can’t stay in the city in style. You’ll find that it’s also packed with cheap eats, wonderful free activities and thrifty stays. Just follow our guide!

Market style

Who needs ‘official’ sights when there’s so much to see just wandering London’s streets? Head west to Portobello Road Market on a Friday or Saturday to peruse the antiques and bric-a-brac and have a haggle for a bargain. In the city centre, the under-the-radar London Silver Vaults is free to enter, and lets you get up close to precious silver platters and jewellery. In the trendy east of the city, Sunday’s Columbia Road Flower Market draws crowds for its beautiful blooms. On Saturdays at nearby Broadway Market, food is the star, and the artisan pork pies, doughnuts and cheeses will make mouth water. And of course, in the north, there’s the world-famous Camden Market – which has it all! 

BEST FOR SHOPAHOLICS

Visit Harrods for its lavish wares and huge food hall or Selfridges on Oxford Street for its designer shoe hall, and nearby Liberty for jewellery and fabrics - both sell surprisingly cheap souvenirs.

Bargain tours by bus