Spuntino

Well kept secret, mainly because this delicious and well-priced food joint has no phone, takes no reservations and is pretty hard to find if you don’t know where it is. However, it’s no secret to those who know this American-style diner that the truffled egg toast is a must have.

Tottenham Court Road Tube Station

The tube map is not the only part of London’s transport which is seen as a piece of art. Visit this tube station for Eduardo Paolozzi’s mosaic masterpieces representing the variety of electronic shops opposite the station.

Tamesis Dock

The Embankment is a great place to see the River Thames, particularly with the large number of tourist attractions clustered together creating a particularly beautiful scene at night. However, this fun old barge is a great way to experience the view whilst enjoying the local atmosphere.

Phoenix Gardens

Quietness in the centre of bustling London is rare, but Phoenix Gardens provides a restful environment in the heart of Soho and Covent Garden. Originally one of five, and now the only one remaining, this community garden is looked after by volunteers. Take a small break here from walking and the crowds for a picnic or coffee.

Phoenix Gardens, London, UK by Ewan Munro

Columbia Road Flower Market

Every sunday this street becomes home to a large and loud flower market. Almost stopped in the 80s, this historic market was saved by the local community. With live music and small independent galleries and shops lining the market, walk along to enjoy the smells and sounds. Not the biggest secret, but often missed by tourists. Nearby to the Sunday Upmarket at Brick Lane, and also Spitalfields.

Summer Cinema Season

Although England’s summer is pretty short, full advantage is made with these outside cinema projections across London. Seeing a film when exploring another city always feels like a bit of a waste, but with impressive backdrops from Kew Gardens to a rooftop in Shoreditch, it’s a special viewing. However, blankets, scarves and coats should be taken with you because it is still England after all.

Cockney Bank Machines

Secret locations across parts of London, with one being located on Commercial Road. Unlike the usual trip to the bank, you can choose to have bangers and mash instead of pounds.

Katie is helping to start up a new online bookings website Hire Space a new website where people can compare venues online

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Changing of the guard/the Four O’Clock Parade

A tourist favourite, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace takes place every day throughout the summer at 11.30am. The ceremony involves the changing of five regiments of foot guards and takes about 45 minutes. It also features a band playing popular classical music.

If getting up early in the morning is too much of a struggle, consider the Four O’Clock Parade (also known as the Dismounting) that takes place at the Horse Guards building. All of the guards line up in formation and are inspected, before taking the horses back to the stables for the night.

Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, London / edwin.11

Street performers in Covent Garden and a walk through China Town

Covent Garden is a vibrant area with numerous bars and boutique stores. It’s great to wander around, but if you fancy some entertainment, the square is famed for its street performers and buskers. Covent Garden is centrally located and just a stroll from nearby China Town, which is worth exploring to take in the smells and vibrant atmosphere.

Art galleries

London features some of the world’s greatest art galleries and fortunately many of them are completely free. London’s best known gallery, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square houses one of the finest collections in the world. The gallery’s permanent collection contains western European paintings from 1250 to 1900. It’s a vast building and takes at least a day to explore.

The Tate Modern, probably the second most famous gallery in London, is housed in a defunct power plant.  The gallery exhibits an expansive collection of modern art, the quirks of which are mirrored in the unusual building.

Museums

Dubbed ‘one of the world’s best museums of human history and culture’, the British Museum hosts some of the world’s most famous objects, such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures – as well as Egyptian mummies and other fascinating artefacts. The museum is so large that it’s impossible to cover in one day, so it’s worthwhile picking up a map and planning what to see in advance.

South Bank

Home to the Tate Modern and the Southbank Centre, the South Bank has been regenerated into one of the most creative areas in London, hosting numerous festivals and events.  Most weekends the area is also home to very a popular street food market selling international cuisine.

There’s often live music being played outside of the Southbank Centre, as well as many buskers and street performers keeping crowds entertained. If you’re into photography, the underground skate park is a must-visit for some action shots.

There are many great things to do for free in London and the best way to find many of them is to explore the places you don’t know on foot. Summer is the best time to visit, with London serviced apartments available all season. If you don’t fancy any of the above, consider relaxing in one of the many parks London has to offer.

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