london free attractions???

ry111

ive been looking through some previous threads and people have mentioned free attractions in london like Bukingham palace - changing the guards, british museum etc.

I want to know the locations, like the nearset tube stations so I can plan my journey and visit the places that are nearest to each other and then go to the next attraction.

I have tried to look around but im just getting confused. Can anyone suggest any intresting places to vist and its location please. I will be taking a 7 and 12 year olds.

Also some people have mentiones the thames cliper - is this free? I will be using the day travel card.
Thanx in advance

sjpkgp

Yes, I can see why an itinerary which maximises journey/locations would be good, and doubtless someone may respond with this (if so, I will be pleased to note the details). Clearly, the Science Museum and Natural History and V & A museums are a bit of a must being next door to each other - and my 4 kids aged 4-12 like them, all free (south kensington on the tube) and not that far from Buckingham palace. We also quite like the Museum of London (London Wall) and the Bank of England Museum (Threadneedle st) both near to each other (Moorgate, Bank, Barbican tubes close). Again, both free. My third recommendation would be a Thames trip up to Greenwich, where the Royal Naval Museum is (free) and it is just a really nice place with parks and the likes for a picnic. The Thames boats/clippers are not free, but if you have a travelcard, they used to knock something off - some of them go fast so it is a bit of a thrill after all of that museum stuff. My final votes are for the Imperial War Museum (lambeth Nrth or Elephant & Castle) and the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green (again both free but not near each other, nor anything else particularly)
Unless you are very lively, you won't do all of the above in a day (and you wouldn't want to unless you fancy museum fatigue), although you could focus your efforts in the museums on stuff the kids would like and whizz round to this stuff directly - it is always worth asking at the desks when you get in (or phone them in advance) what there will be for kids, as sometimes special activities are available at certain times.

We usually intersperse our museum visits with greenery (parks) and walking (south bank being a particular fave).

I haven't included any of the art galleries (some of which are free) because my kids would rather see paint dry than dry paint. If I had to rank them (enjoyment factor), I would go science museum, mus of childhood, imperial war - of course none of these are conveniently close !

We are quite avid money savers, so we also check out the vouchers on the go (50% off pizza hut etc.) and buy soft drinks/crisps at Tesco express etc. and snack whilst transferring from place to place. The prices in the museum cafes are, well, pricey. Also, I think kids are free on the tube. Anyway, hope this helps. Perhaps others will add their insights.
sal xx

ry111

thanx for the reply

I will be visiting for 2 days. More travel on the first day and less on the second. Would you happen to know if its cheaper to buy travel card or use the oyster. (2 adults 2 child). Can I get child to travel free with travel card or do i need the oyster?

I was thinking of getting the travel card for first day and oyster on second?

Im using my tesco clubcard to get free entry for madame tussauds and now im also thinking of getting cheap tickets for either the london eye or the dungeons (ebay or 241 tickets)

jamespir

science museums free as is the british museum and the museum of the bamnk of england

savemoney

I love a cheap holiday around London, love to see natural history museum, Hampton court etc, I been wanting to for 40+ years cant afford to stay in London especially with a family now

bluenose1

I have found this a fab site to plan for my visit, includes all free attractions.
It tells you the nearest tube / buses for each attraction.

http://www.londondrum.com/

I have begun planning my itinerary with it.
www.londondrum.com/planner/itinerary.php?c=londoneyeXXbigbenXXhousesofparliamentXXhamleysXXbuckinghampalaceXXharrodsXXstpaulscathedralXXlondondungeonXXnaturalhistorymuseumXX

davetrousers

Refer to the TFL website for tubes buses etc.

Clippers are expensive imo. No not free, about £4 each for 1 journey I think.

Prices in museum cafes aren't cheap, but bearing in mind you haven't paid to get in are OK.

kb36

Under 11's go free on the tube if they are travelling with you, for your 12 year old you can buy a paper travel card for a £1.00 (might be £2.00 I can't remember) as long as they too are accompanied.

Wildside

ry111 wrote: »

ive been looking through some previous threads and people have mentioned free attractions in london like Bukingham palace - changing the guards, british museum etc.

I want to know the locations, like the nearset tube stations so I can plan my journey and visit the places that are nearest to each other and then go to the next attraction.

I have tried to look around but im just getting confused. Can anyone suggest any intresting places to vist and its location please. I will be taking a 7 and 12 year olds.

Also some people have mentiones the thames cliper - is this free? I will be using the day travel card.
Thanx in advance

Try this site, lot's of info on things you do for free
http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/free-london

If you fancy a walking tour around London Bridge area there is a free audio one you can download, not sure about your seven year old, they could find it a boring.
http://www.discoverlondonbridge.co.u...20Audio Tour

Natural History & Science museums are suitable and fun for both ages.