PLACES FOR FREE IN LONDON
The traffic-free area around the Piazza at Covent Garden is a haven for buskers, who perform with permission from the Council. All have to pass an audition so the standard is high. Musicians, clowns and jugglers are the main attractions, but be warned: they often invite the audiences to participate
Tube Station: Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line
One of London's best free shows is to watch an auction
at one of the Big Auction Houses. Sales are of everything
from old master paintings and furniture to rock and roll
memorabilia and wines. Items are displayed for a few days
before sales, or you can sit among the dealers and watch
the auction itself
.
Sotheby's: 0207 493 8080 Christie's: 0207 839 9060 Phillips:
0207 629 6602 Bonhams: 0207 393 3900
Children will be enchanted by the Bethnal Green Museum
of Childhood. It is an Aladdin's cave of antique toys
dating back to the 18th century. There are dolls, teddies,
doll's houses, games, puppets, model railways and children's
clothing. Every Saturday, the museum runs free art workshops
for children aged 3 and upwards - each week takes a different
theme. Closed Fridays
Tube Station: Bethnal Green Telephone: 0208- 980 2415
The Royal Festival Hall hosts free music every lunchtime
except Sundays, when you can hear anything from classical
to African beats in foyer. On Friday evenings from 17:15
till 18:45, you can wind down after a week's hard work listening
to jazz. There's a bar and several places to eat, but you
don't have to order anything to enjoy the music.
Tube Station: Waterloo on Bakerloo Line
The British Museum located in Russell Square houses
an astounding six and a half million objects from Egyptian,
Roman and Greek antiquities as well as Japanese treasures,
coins and medals. One of the most acclaimed museums in Europe
definitely worth seeing.
Tube Station: Russell Square on Piccadilly Line
The Victoria & Albert Museum is an imposing
ten-acre decorative arts museum. Whether you are fascinated
by treasures from the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, by
things Gothic and Byzantine, or by furniture and ceramics,
the V&A will keep you mesmerised. Entrance is free but
you'll pass a glass booth where there is a forceful request
for a donation
.
Tube Station: South Kensington on Circle and District Lines
Telephone: 0207 938 8500
Hampstead Heath is an excellent place for a walk,
with 790 acres of woodland and grass. There are also three
ponds where you can swim for free. One is for women only,
secluded and surrounded by fencing and trees. There's a
men's pond and a recently refurbished mixed pond. All have
changing rooms with cold showers.
Tube Station: Hampstead on Northern Line for Hampstead Heath
and mixed pond
Kentish Town for men's and women's pond on Northern Line
Speaker's corner has been a lively forum for free
speech since 1872. It's held every weekend in the corner
of Hyde Park opposite Marble Arch, and come rain or shine
you'll find a rag-tag assortment of people spouting off
from their soap boxes. Religious and political enthusiasts
make the most noise, and the most contentious and spirited
draw the biggest crowd. Liveliest on Sundays.
Tube Station: Marble Arch on Central Line
For a debate with pomp and ceremony take a seat in the
public gallery at the Houses of Parliament. These
are much in demand so prepare to queue. The House sits Monday,
Tuesday and Thursday at 14:30, Wednesday at 10:00 and most
Fridays at 9:30.
Tube Station: Westminster on Circle and District Lines Telephone:
0207 219 3000
There's yet more pomp at the Central Criminal Court,
or the Old Bailey as it's better known. These are the country's
principal criminal courts, so you'll find at least one newsworthy
case being heard. There are 19 courts, but which one you
end up in is a matter of luck. No children under 14 are
allowed in. Security is tight. Large bags, cameras, mobile
phones and tape recorders are not allowed, and there is
nowhere to store any you might bring. The courts sit 10:30
till 16:30 Monday to Friday
Tube Station: St Paul's on Central Line
The National Gallery has one of the most world's
finest permanent collections of western European paintings,
dating back to 1260. It's a treasure grove of greats, who
include Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian and Rembrandt as well
as the Post-Impressionists and Picasso. Paintings are divided
chronologically, making any visit a journey through art
history.
Tube Station: Charing Cross on Northern and Bakerloo Lines
Leicester Square on Northern and Piccadilly Lines
For a more modern art experience, the Tate Gallery has
a permanent collection of British painting from the 16th
century to 1900. Free lectures take place most lunchtimes,
covering all aspects of the collection as well as major
exhibitions.
Tube Station: Pimlico on Victoria Line Telephone: 0207 887
8000
At the Bank of England Museum, within the Bank of
England, you can ogle gold bars, a unique collection of
bank notes and the pikes and muskets once used to defend
the bank. Examine the intricacies of note production, then
head for the dealing desk for live information on the money
markets. Closed weekends
Tube Station: Bank on Central and Northern Lines Telephone:
0207 601 5545
Finally not strictly free but still a bargain if you have a travelcard, the No 11 Bus goes past many of London's top sights. The route starts at Liverpool Street and goes past St Paul's Cathedral and along the Strand to Trafalgar Square (for the National Gallery), down Whitehall past Horseguards and Downing Street to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Cathedral, on to Victoria and the shops along King's Road in Chelsea.
