London on a budget
You don't need deep pockets for a brilliant day in London. Mix the city's free highlights with a cheap market lunch and the odd low-cost attraction. Here's the inspiration — then spin a costed plan that keeps things affordable.
The British Museum
FreeHolbornThe Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon marbles and the Great Court — free and colossal.
Natural History Museum
FreeSouth KensingtonThe blue whale skeleton, dinosaurs and a cathedral-like Hintze Hall — free.
The National Gallery
FreeWestminsterVan Gogh's Sunflowers, Turner and 700 years of painting, free, on Trafalgar Square.
Victoria & Albert Museum
FreeSouth KensingtonThe world's leading museum of art and design, with a gorgeous courtyard café.
Tate Modern
FreeSouth BankModern art in a former power station, with the cavernous Turbine Hall installations.
Science Museum
FreeSouth KensingtonApollo capsules, Stephenson's Rocket and hands-on galleries — free entry.
Sir John Soane's Museum
FreeHolbornAn architect's house left exactly as in 1837 — sarcophagi, mirrors and Hogarths, free.
Sky Garden
FreeThe CityFree top-of-tower gardens with 360° views — book a (free) timed ticket in advance.
The Courtauld Gallery
Covent GardenA jewel-box collection of Impressionists — Manet's barmaid, Van Gogh's bandaged ear.
Tower Bridge Glass Floor Exhibition
Tower BridgeWalk the high-level glass-floor walkways and see the Victorian engine rooms.
Cutty Sark
GreenwichBoard the last surviving tea clipper and stand beneath its gleaming hull.
Kew Gardens
RichmondA UNESCO botanic wonderland — Victorian glasshouses and a Treetop Walkway.
Spin your cheap day
Turn these ideas into a timed, walkable plan — food, drinks and the best bits nearby. Pull the lever below.