London UK: Five Favorite Free Attractions Print


Visiting the historic city of London can be a very expensive venture, especially during tourist season. Hotel prices are high, and in posh restaurants sky higher. Also, expect to dig deep if you go shopping in ritzy neighborhoods.

For senior tourists on budgets, the city also offers many of its most fascinating attractions at no cost. First of all, you can freely walk/jog/bike across Tower Bridge day or night. Here are a few other freebees: Buckingham Palace Gates: Regularly scheduled events include the famed Changing of the Guard ceremonies performed each day on the Horse Guards Parade grounds. The spectacular display happens at 11 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. Sundays.

The most attended ceremony is called Trooping the Colour in June. It’s free, and if you’re willing to shell out about $30 per person, you take a three-hour tour into the Palace and surrounding greenery.

Trafalgar Square: Busy gathering place for pigeons, tourists, students and locals. At the center is a tall column with the statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson atop. He commanded the British Navy to victory in 1805, but was killed during the battle.

Imperial War Museum London: Displays include uniforms, weapons, captured enemy equipment, life-size images of city bomb shelters, period aircraft and many additional interesting items from England’s historic past.

Old Royal Naval College: Visiting the magnificent Painted Hall is a step back in the nation’s colorful seagoing history. It was designed by famed architect Christopher Wren and completed just in time for Nelson’s state funeral.

St. Martin in the Fields: The original church structure was built in the 13th century on an ancient burial site. Go below to the Cafe in the Crypt, where early Londoners buried their dead. Now, it’s a lively restaurant and music hall with free daily concerts and many other events.