Enjoying the capital needn’t break the bank. From swimming to cinema, scroll down to discover the best cheap days out in London for under £10
Words Joy Montgomery
Cheap Days out in London
SEE A SHOW AT SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE
Get in the middle of the action and experience Shakespeare’s plays the authentic way at The Globe, where you can purchase standing tickets for a mere £5. With the open sky above you and the stage at arms reach, it’s truly the best way to truly soak up the atmosphere. Just remember to bring a waterproof in case the heavens decide to open…
HAVE A GIGGLE AT ANGEL COMEDY CLUB
This Islington-based comedy institution has grown from a once a week gig to a seven day fixture, supporting both new talent and big name acts. The best part? It’s free entry every night, so get there early to secure a seat.
CATCH A FILM AT PECKHAM PLEX
It might not be the most glamorous or shiny cinema in London, but by god is Peckham Plex the best value for money. The six screens offer both big blockbusters and art-house films for the sum of £4.99, all day every day. You are welcome.
TALK TO THE ANIMALS AT SPITALFIELDS CITY FARM
Think you can’t do farmyard fun in London? Think again. Spitalfields City Farm is located right in the heart of the big smoke and offers visitors a chance to meet characters including Twiglet the sheep and Derek the donkey. The perfect escapism for both big and little kids.
DISCOVER A PAGE-TURNER AT DAUNTS BOOKSHOP
This is no ordinary bookshop. Discover the stunning oak balconies, conservatory ceiling and stained glass windows of Daunt’s Bookshop on Marylebone High Street. A true book-lovers paradise.
TRY AN ALTERNATIVE WALKING TOUR
Most native Londoners wouldn’t be seen dead joining in one of the city’s many overpriced bus or walking tours, however The Alternative London Walking Tour offers something a little different. Established to showcase east London’s creativity, this £10 entry tour offers views of a huge range of uncommissioned artworks alongside insights into important historical and cultural events that have made the area what it is today.
JOIN IN THE HEAVENLY SONG AT ST PAULS
Witness the heavenly acoustics and soaring interiors of Wren’s masterpiece at St Paul’s Cathedral’s Choral Evensong. Usually sung by the Cathedral Choir, Choral Evensong is one of the most-loved services at St Paul’s and the only one which is led almost entirely by music.
RIDE THE OLYMPIC SLIDE
Take a trip down ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest public artwork, and experience London’s skyscape in an entirely new way. The Slide twists and turns 12 times, including a tight corkscrew section and ends with a 50 metre straight run to the ground. In the exhilarating 40-second trip, riders are expected to hit speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.
queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
TAKE A DIP AT HAMPSTEAD HEATH PONDS
Experience the tranquillity of open-air swimming at Hampstead Heath’s swimming ponds. For a mere £3 you can take a dip in either the ladies, mens or mixed pools and enjoy getting your exercise and fresh air fix at the same time.
SEE LONDON FROM THE WATER WITH THE THAMES CLIPPER
The Thames Clipper is the fastest and most frequent fleet on the river with departures from major London piers every 20 minutes. Stretching from Putney to Royal Arsenal Woolwich, the speedy boat service allows you to experience London’s landmark from the water and is a unique way to visit the many riverside attractions it has to offer.
thamesclippers.comEnjoyed cheap days out in London? Check out London’s best cheap eats here