An Afternoon in London For Under £10

08 June 2021  -  Omega

So you’ve booked one of our brilliant-value coach breaks to London - maybe to watch a top musical or to discover one of the city’s most iconic attractions - and now you’re wondering what to do during your free time without breaking the bank?

Luckily we’re here to help with our round-up of top activities to enjoy for less than £10! With so much to do in the big smoke, we’ve sorted our favourites into handy categories so no matter what your interests, there is something for everyone. 

Free Museums and Galleries

London might be one of the very best cities in the world when it comes to museums, but did you know that over 25 of them offer free entry?! From the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum to the Tate Modern and the Museum of London, they all offer a wonderful way to while away the afternoon as you discover the best of the capital’s culture. 

Spendies: souvenirs from the gift shop! We’ve got our eye on the Great Suffragette tea towel for £8 from the Museum of London. 

Helpful info:

Natural History Museum

Address: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD

Timings: Open everyday 10am - 5.30pm

Science Museum

Address: Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2DD

Timings: Open Weds to Sun 10am - 6pm

Museum of London

Address: 150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN

Timings: Open Weds to Sun 10am - 5pm

Tate Modern

Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Timings: Open everyday 10am - 6pm

Secret Gardens 

We’re sure you know about Hyde Park with its lovely deck chairs overlooking the Serpentine, but maybe you’d like to really unwind and dodge the crowds on your next visit? We’ve dug out a few hidden gems so you can discover some of London’s most secret gardens. 

Nestled in leafy Hampstead, The Hill Garden and Pergola is an absolute beauty to explore. Designed as a pleasure garden to host Gatsby-style parties, think quiet walkways entwined with vines, ornate pillars and opulent pergolas; a true example of faded grandeur with plenty of shady spots to park yourself down with a good book. 

Head east for other hidden treasures including the Barbican Conservatory (a true oasis in the city), Sky Garden; London’s highest public garden and St Dunstan’s in the East; a serene pool of green in the middle of a ruined church where trees grow through the window like something out of Jumanji! The best thing? All of these are free! 

Spendies: a relaxing afternoon isn’t complete without a cuppa and a cake! Treat yourself to a Chelsea Bun and a Chai Latte from Gail’s Bakery for £6.

Helpful info:

The Hill Garden and Pergola

Address: Inverforth Close, London NW3 7EX

Timings: Depends on season, refer to their website. 

Barbican Conservatory

Address: Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

Timings: Refer to their website to book your free time slot. 

Sky Garden

Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

Timings: Refer to their website to book your free time slot. 

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

Address: St Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 5DD

Timings: Open everyday 8am - 7pm

An Unusual Attraction

Quite possibly our favourite category! Get off the beaten track and explore one of London’s more quirky attractions. Start at God’s Own Junkyard, which is tucked away in an industrial estate in Walthamstow. This bright beacon is absolutely teeming with vintage neon signs, old film props and retro lights. It’s a kitsch-lovers wonderland!

Spendies: all that browsing at this neon nirvana sure works up a thirst! Luckily there is a wonderful Gin Palace called Mother’s Ruin opposite. Grab a G&T for £8. 

Helpful info:

God's Own Junkyard

Address: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, London E17 9HQ

Timings: Open Fri & Sat 11am - 9pm and Sun 11am - 6pm

The Best Walks

Fancy stretching your legs after the coach ride to London? There are plenty of wonderful walks around the capital. One of our favourites is along The Regent’s Canal. The tranquil waterway unfurls around the city and passes the vibrant Camden Lock, a stunning collection of waterside mansions and ZSL London Zoo, all the way to Little Venice. You could even walk one way and grab the waterbus (a Rosie and Jim-style narrowboat) back - starting from just £7. 

Spendies: refuel after your walk with a visit to the Waterside Café; London’s first ever floating café that serves up all-day breakfast and afternoon tea. Try the smoked salmon and cream cheese panini for £9.90. 

Helpful info:

Waterside Café

Address: Warwick Crescent London W2 6NE

Timings: Open Tue to Sun 9am - 5pm

The Greatest Views

Whatever the weather, the London skyline sure is a looker! Head to the top of Greenwich park to gaze out across Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers, or take a stroll up Primrose Hill to be rewarded with sweeping views of Central London. We’ve mentioned Sky Garden before but it’s worth another look for the stunning vistas from the top of the Walkie Talkie building. If you’re heading to the Southbank then take a moment while crossing Waterloo Bridge to grab that classic photograph of the London Eye and Big Ben. Finally, a little beverage at the wonderful One New Change offers unrivalled views of St Paul’s dome. 

Spendies: fancy taking in the view with a drink in hand? Head to the roof terrace at Madison’s Restaurant & Bar at One New Change. A glass of Rosé will set you back £10 but it’s worth it for the view, and hey; you’re on holiday!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our shortlist of affordable activities during a London getaway. We opted for a £10 allowance for refreshments, treats and souvenirs but you could even do all of the above for free! Tell us which appeals to you most of all in the comments below. 

Helpful info:

Madison Bar

Address: New Change, London EC4M 9AF

Timings: Open everyday 12pm - 1am