Lots of Culture, No Cost
London is one of the world’s major tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year from all corners of the globe. Nonetheless, it has the reputation for being a little expensive, but don’t be too perturbed by this (largely accurate) preconception, you can always hunt down relatively cheap London hotels (check out Millennium surprisingly affordable deals on classy accommodation), and some of the finest museums and galleries in the world that are absolutely, completely free!
The British Museum
Packed with exhibits from around the world and from all ages of man, the British Museum is found a short walk from Holborn and Russel Square Tube Stations. Entry is free, and the first thing you’ll see when you enter the museum (aside from the foyer) is the Rosetta Stone. After that, you’d be forgiven for thinking the rest would be a bit of a letdown, but the Museum continues to be both astonishing and engaging.
The Egyptian collection is, of course, a highlight, but don’t forget to check out the Elgin marbles, and the massive stone status from the Assyrian Empire.
The National Gallery
With, perhaps, the most famous front yard in the world, the National Gallery overlooks Trafalgar Square and its famous lions. The Gallery charges for some of its visiting exhibitions, but all the permanent stuff is free, and if you’re into art, there’s no finer place to spend an afternoon – or even an entire day. Guided tours leave at 11.30pm and 2.30pm, and there’s an additional late tour on a Wednesday evening, best of all, the tours are free. Alternatively, with kids, there are special trails and activity sheets to follow to keep them, and you, entertained for hours.
The Science Museum
A short walk from South Kensington on the Piccadilly line is the Science Museum, which is currently undergoing an enormous renovation project. The Science Museum has examples (most of them working) of great scientific developments throughout time, starting with the engines that kicked off the Industrial Revolution. There are also exhibits on space flight (you can see inside an Apollo flight deck) and energy where kids can ask questions. Probably the best of all London’s museums when it comes to keeping kids entertained.
These three are just some of the free exhibitions around London, and that’s without mentioning the Tate Modern which has just started an enormous expansion and remains one of London’s major tourist sites. It’s not only about big museums and galleries though, London also boasts tiny one room museums like the Soanes Museums, and free classical musical recitals are scattered through the city, if you know where to look for them. It’s fair to say, there are not many places in the world with such high quality culture for such little cost.