Free London

FREE LONDON THE

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN LONDON FOR

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NOTHING WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY SAM REVIVO

“London is a roost for every bird” - Benjamin Disraeli

“I can never bear being away from London, and when I’m there I cannot bear the idea of leaving” - Sam C. Wickett

“ “ HE WHO IS TIRED OF LONDON, IS TIRED OF LIFE - SAMUEL JOHNSON

“Oh, I love London Society! It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just what Society should be.” - Oscar Wilde

“London is the epitome of an international city, where old meets new. And where new-age creativity meets the classic, sophisticated charm that drew me to London in the first place” - Mohammed Al Fayed

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FREE LONDON

What draws me to London? Everything! London is the most exciting city in the world, and I love being in the heart of it. It is the only place on earth where you can be on a 12th century road, surrounded by 19th century buildings, and they are works of art. Beneath is an underground train track which takes millions of people where they need to go, every day. So much community, so much life, so much opportunity, right under our noses.

It is a world leader in finance, art and culture, a melting pot of ethnicity and religion, an oasis of history and it is amongst the most iconic cities on earth. Old meets new, skyscrapers meet ancient towers. From the classy south-west where the wealthy congregate, to the up-and-coming east end where artists and musicians collaborate.

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN LONDON FOR

But with all of these positives comes one negative, it is expensive, oh so expensive. From the up-market bistros who will charge you your house for a salad to the taxis, or as I call them, the most expensive conversation about Margaret Thatcher you’ll ever have.

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But don’t worry, London has its cheap side and it is surprisingly easy to find, which is where I come in. I have been travelling to London finding the very best in things to do for free in our nations capital, from markets to museums, parks to galleries. There is never nothing to do in London.

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So what are you waiting for, London awaits! Pack your bags, put on some comfortable shoes, and get up there!

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HYDE PARK

10 London has many amazing parks; Regents park, Battersea park and St. James park just to name a few. But one park stands head and shoulders above the rest, and that is Hyde Park.

Set on the border of the beautiful Kensington Gardens, and just a short walk from buckingham palace, Hyde park is a vital organ in London, home to sporting events, concerts and protests, most notably the live8 concert was held in the park. The park was also home to a big part of the run-up to the 2012 London olympic games in 2012.

But the parks best feature by a long shot is its world famous “speakers corner�. Every Sunday morning, the brave take to the stools as men and women rant to the crowds about politics, society, religion and philosophy.

Ranting madmen, joggers, couples, children, families, friends, animals, this place is a slice of life in London on a spring day. Great way to relax and unwind without spending money.

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9 THE BRITISH MUSEUM

Take a trip into the history of the British empire with this fantastic free museum.

This is a world class museum and a ‘must do’ for all visitors to London. However it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the volume of items in each exhibit. There simply isn’t time to appreciate everything which means that you end up breezing past 90% of the artifacts. My advice would be to pick up a map and work out what your priority exhibits are before starting You could spend your entire holiday at this museum and never see the same thing twice.

The exterior of the British Museum excellently maintains the heritage look, however when you stepped inside you are in a totally different world, the interior architecture of the building will make you stop and look at it for a few minutes.

No matter what era in history interests you, you will find something at the British Museum, that is for certain.

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8 PICCADILLY CIRCUS

The bright lights and hoardes of people convening in this world famous road junction are enough to convince any visitor that it is a circus. The place gives off a very Times Squareesque feel, but replace the glossy skyscrapers with beautiful victorian architecture and you have piccadilly circus.

Built in 1819, Piccadilly has become a cross roads that leads to several other locations.

In fact, visitors will find find shopping, theatres and other forms of entertainment.

Check out Ripleys Believe it or not, or enjoy a delicious meal, or even spectate the street dancers who perfom just infront of the tube station. Lit by its famous neon signs, and with the shaftsbury memorial fountain providing a place to sit for tired travellers.

Piccadilly circus has recently become the busiest square in London.

Great photo opportunities, culture and maybe even a street perfomance await you in this London Landmark.

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THE NATIONAL GALLERY Set overlooking trafalgar square, this gallery has the pefect location. And some really great art to accompany the location.

Some of the most famous artists of all time have exhibited their work here, artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gough and L.S Lowry have all had posthumous exhibitions at Londons favourite gallery.

Designed in 1832 by William Witkins, the building is just as stunning as the art it houses.

The National Gallery must be doing something right as over five million people visit every year. Making it the second most popular art gallery in the world behind the louvre in Paris.

You will run out of interest before this place runs out of paintings for you to see. For those with only a casual interest in art, I would recommend getting the 60-minute audio tour.

It gives you a bit of insight into the techniques that make a painting a work of art.

Whatever your artistic preferences, there will be something for you at the National Gallery.

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6 TRAFALGAR SQUARE

One of the most popular meeting destinations in London, and a famous site of sporting events, protests and more. Trafalgar Square is situated in the city of Westminster, originally named Charring Cross.

In addition to the iconic “Nelsons Column”, which honours a hero of the napoleonic war, there are many extravagant fountains. There are also numerous popular statues which make for excellent tourist photo’s, such as the two lions which guard Admiral Nelson.

Also the Plinths are a famous attraction, the first three plinths are statues of George IV, Sir. Charles James Napier, And Sir. Henry Havelock. There is also a fourth, empty plinth in the north-west corner of the square, it is known simply as “the fourth plinth”

Whether you’re watching the world cup, congratulation the British olympic team, celebrating the queens diamond jubliee or just taking in the sights and enjoying the atmosphere there is something for everyone in Trafalgar square I wouldn’t celebrate anywhere else,

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I asked 10 young people what London means to them...

This is

YOUR VIEW “It’s my favourite city” - Reyzel, 20 “I love the creativity that London inspires” - Bradley, 18 “I feel at home when I’m in London” -Stephen, 19 “I love the people in London” -Beth, 19 “I always get excited when planning a trip to London” - Jess, 17

“History and architecture” -James, 18 “London is home to some of the best sport in the world” - Scott, 19 “I just love everything about London” - Harriet, 16 “There’s always a great atmosphere” -Jack, 18

“I’m really fond of the fashion in London” - Lucy, 17 What do

you think of London? Let us know at: yourview@freelondon.co.uk

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THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Step into the world of Charles Darwin in the fascinating collection of natural history. From the massive dinosaur fossils to the creepy crawlies, there is something for everyone at the Natural History museum.

Set in the stunning South Kensington neighbourhood, the musuem is housed by a beautiful gothic-style builing designed by Alfred Waterhouse.

As you walk thorugh the halls, keep an eye out for hidden gems, the museum has a wide array of artifacts covering millions of years.

The museum cover four zones: The red zone, blue zone, green zone and orange zone. The red zone revolves around geology, covering specimins of fossils, rocks and minerals. The green zone focuses more on basic life forms, plants, insects and bacteria have prominent attention in this section. The blue zone is the most popular of all the zones, this is probably due to it’s famous dinosaur exhibition, it also covers human history, from cavemen and the discovery of fire to the modern man and our advanced technology. There is also a mammal exhibition featuring an full scale replica of a blue whale. The final zone is the orange zone, best known for the darwin centre, which exhibits his diary, and other stories from his life and expeditions. The orange zone also includes a wildlife centre, it is the only place in the building where live animals are on show.

The first thing you see upon entering the museum is a large dinosaur skeleton, which really gives you an idea of what you’re in for. Which is a brilliant day out, wether it’s a family, first date or a solo trip, anyone and everyone will love the Natural History Museum.

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4 COVENT GARDEN

When I think of Covent Garden, two things come to mind, cornish pasties and street entertainers. But it’s so much more and so much better than that. A street performer isn’t a true street performer until he has played Covent Garden. And apparently this is relevant all over the world, not just in the UK, as artists and performers come from all over the world for just 5 minutes to impress the flocks of tourists. Expect to see jugglers, acrobats and dancers in their thousands. It is the only place in London where you can sit still and the entertainment comes to you.

As well as the talented performers and great food, Covent Garden has a uniquely fantastic atmosphere. The excitement of what’s just happend and the anticipation of what is about to happen. No two hours are the same in London, and no two minutes are the same in Covent Garden.

The local amneties give tourists something to do after the shows have finished for the day, local bars and cafe’s provide travellers and locals great British food as well as exotic foreign food from every corner of the globe.

If you’re from the UK or not, young or old, male or female, there is a show for your taste in Covent Garden, good things come to those who wait.

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ST. PAULS CATHEDRAL

The tallest structure at its time of completion, St. Pauls Cathedral in its current incarnation was designed by architect, Sir Christopher Wren and opened in 1708. A major sight on the London Skyline, this church of England is recognisable thanks to its famed dome, which is enclosed by spires. The location of several prominent events throughout its history.

Today it draws visitors who wish to marvel at the stunning architecture, or find a quiet spot for reflection. It is also the burial place of many famous British royalty and historic figures.

Architect Sir Christopher Wren, William Shakespeare and J.M.W Turner are just a few of the names buried in this iconic London landmark.

If you’re looking to endulge in religion, history, art or architecture, then St.Pauls Cathedral should definitely be in your London to-do list.

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SOUTH BANK

Probably the newest edition to the list, South Bank has surged into popularity over recent years for its contributions to Londons music, art and culture scene.

Situated in Southwark on the edge of the river Thames with great viws over Big Ben, Millenium Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, there are also distant views of the City of London.

There is a lot to see, do and eat in South Bank. The famous London Eye is just a short walk away.

There is always music playing, wether it be from buskers or the trendy bars. You can take a walk along the two square mile path also known at the Queens Walk. The Southbank Centre comprises the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Hayward Gallery. It is also home to the British Film Institute

Part of the southbank centre is the Queen Elizabeth hall, known locally as southbank skatepark, which has been used by the skateboarding community since the 1970’s.

Originally an architectural dead-spot, it has become a landmark of British skateboarding culture.

If you want to experience a new side to London, with talented artists, good music and even better food, then southbank will be right up your street.

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THESE ARE SOME OF THE PLACES THAT DIDN’T QUITE MAKE THE CUT

THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

Some of the most talented portrait artists in Europe come together in this beautiful victorian building. Find portraits of celelbrities, film characters and even members of the British royal family

BOROUGH MARKET

BARGAINS! BARGAINS! BARGAINS! Find fruit, veg and vintage clothing in this great local market just outside of London Bridge tube station.

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Great food, great stores and an unbelievable atmosphere dominate this old market street in Londons trendy shoreditch neighbourhood.

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ENJOY LONDON Cliche? Yes. Cringy? Maybe. But it’s true, the only way to really enjoy London is to, well, enjoy London. There are so many things that I have probably missed out . Maybe it is my fauly, or maybe these places just haven’t been discovered yet. There are an infinite amount of markets, side roads, junctions, galleries for you to explore.

So put down the map and the tourist guide, put your mobile phone away and just take a walk. You never know what you’ll discover. As you walk around you’ll see some of the worlds most iconic landmarks, but keep walking, by the time you’ve read this you would have already seen or planned to see these places. Just take a stroll, it’s free, a valid form of exercise and you’ll discover thing you never knew London had to offer. Craft your own London experience. Start your London adventure today.

You’re in the greatest city on Earth, enjoy it.

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London is the greatest city on Earth, enjoy it.