London for Less: Affordable Adventures Every Busy Mum Should Know

When it comes to entertaining kids, London is one of the best cities in the world, and there are literally thousands of attractions, activities, and sites that will keep them busy and engaged for hours.

However, London is also a very expensive city, and the cost associated with some of these drawcards can quickly add up – especially when you include entry fees, paying for transport to get there, and related purchases such as food and souvenirs.

The good news, though, is that London isn’t just for those with deep pockets. Indeed, with a bit of thought and planning, you can enjoy this incredible city without breaking the bank.

It doesn’t matter if you are visiting there from another country like Australia or the USA, are coming down from north of the Watford Gap, or live somewhere within the Circle Line; there are plenty of things to do in England’s capital that should suit your budget.

Here are five tips every busy mum should know:

London has many free attractions

One of the best things about London is that many of its top attractions don’t cost a penny. You don’t need to spend big to see the city’s rich history, culture, and famous landmarks, because many of them are free.

The British Museum, for one, is a must-visit destination as it offers a fascinating journey through the history of the world. You can see everything from Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone, and there are lots of interactive exhibits your little ones will love.

Another great spot is the Natural History Museum, where dinosaur skeletons and a life-sized blue whale model will leave the kids wide-eyed with wonder. Alternatively, right next door to that is the Science Museum, which has hands-on exhibits, space displays, and a fantastic play area for younger children.

If you or the kids are into art, the National Gallery and Tate Modern both showcase some of the world’s most famous paintings and contemporary masterpieces and again, they are both free to enter.

Affordable Family-Friendly Activities

Aside from these free activities, there are a number of family-friendly activities you can do in the city.

Staying on the artistic scene, Sip and Paint London with Pinot & Picasso is an affordable and entertaining way to enjoy an artistic evening out.  It is based in Shoreditch and even has sessions aimed at children (without the Pinot, of course!).

Another thing you can do without breaking the bank is to take a ride on the Emirates Air Line cable car which offers spectacular views of London’s skyline for a fraction of the price of the London Eye.

If you or your little ones love animals, forget visiting the expensive London Zoo and, instead, head to Hackney City Farm. Here, you can meet pigs, goats, and donkeys for free, while elsewhere, Vauxhall City Farm is another hidden gem that offers close encounters with adorable farm animals at no cost.

For the cost of just a few pounds, you may want to hop on a Thames Clipper boat. Doing so will enable you to enjoy a scenic trip along the river, which provides stunning views of Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the Tower of London.

Walk Along the Thames

London is one of the most walkable cities in the world, and some of its best sights can be seen on foot, particularly around the South Bank, where you can soak up views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.

Along the way, street performers will add to the lively atmosphere, and you should find plenty of affordable food stalls. Try to navigate your way to the Square Mile, where you can see landmarks like the Shard and HMS Belfast.

If your family loves markets, Borough Market is a great place to wander around, and you’ll find lots of food options and free food samples here. Elsewhere, Camden Market is another budget-friendly spot you should check out, as it has quirky shops, cheap eats, and a great vibe.

Parks and Playgrounds

You might not be aware of this, but London comprises around 40% of green space, with more than 3000 parks contained within it.

They make the perfect places to explore some of the city’s most beautiful landscapes and provide somewhere for kids to play and burn off energy.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are two of the eight Royal Parks, and they are both fantastic spots for a picnic.

Additionally, Regent’s Park also has a fantastic playground and acres of wide-open spaces, which are ideal for kicking a ball around or relaxing on the grass, while the Diana Memorial Playground is a dream come true for little ones with adventurous spirits, as it features a massive wooden pirate ship and plenty of climbing frames.

But for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden. In this tranquil Japanese-style garden, you will find waterfalls and peacocks roaming freely, which provides a peaceful escape from the city buzz.

West End Theatre and Entertainment

If you are on a tight budget, you might think that seeing a West End show might be a luxury you can’t afford. But, there are actually some ways you can snag cheap tickets.

Websites like TodayTix and the TKTS booth in Leicester Square offer discounted last-minute tickets for some of the best shows in town. So, a good tactic is to hang around them when the shows are about to start.

If you would rather not pay for a theatre experience, be sure to head over to Covent Garden, where you should see regular free performances from talented street performers who put on incredible acts throughout the day.

*This is a collaborative post