Ten of the best: Things to do for free in London
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They say the best things in life are free - and even in one of the world's most expensive cities, London, there's plenty to see and do that won't cost you a penny...
London's best free attractions
- March off to see the Changing of the Guard<p> Head to Buckingham Palace where you can see the Changing the Guard ceremony for free. From May until July it takes place every day at 11.30am and on alternate days for the rest of the year, depending on the weather. The process sees a new guard exchanging duties with the old guard accompanied by a guards band. The music varies from traditional military marches to pop songs. It lasts around 45 minutes and is a must-see if you're visiting Buckingham Palace.</p>
- Make some friends at Mudchute Farm<p> As the largest urban farm in London and with free entry, it's well worth visiting Mudchute Farm. The farm is located in the Isle of Dogs with 32 acres of open parkland, horse riding, a huge range of plants, farm animals and a tea shop. Events taking place throughout the year include the Easter Parade, Summer Open Day, Christmas Fair and Spooky Halloween. What more could the kids and adults need from a free day out? Visit <a href="http://www.mudchute.org/" target="_blank">mudchute.org</a></p>
- Get some culture at the V&A Museum<p> Art and design enthusiasts will love the Victoria and Albert Museum, which celebrates 5,000 years of art from the UK and beyond. Its collections include fashion, photography, books and furniture among many others. Don't miss the world's oldest dated carpet in the Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art, silver and gold dating back to medieval times in the Whiteley Silver Galleries and the temple sculptures in the Buddhist Sculpture Gallery. Visit <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/" target="_blank">vam.ac.uk</a></p>
- Beatle along to Abbey Road<p> Music buffs should visit the famous pelican crossing where the Beatles posed for the cover of their album Abbey Road. Here you can do the same walk and feel like a rock star too! Further up the road is Abbey Road Studios where the band recorded many of their songs, including Love Me Do and All You Need Is Love. Arrive at St John's Wood tube station, where it's a five-minute walk.</p>
- Stand tall in Trafalgar Square<p> Home to Nelson's Column, the famous lion sculptures, the Fourth Plinth and lots of pigeons, Trafalgar Square is one of the capital's most vibrant open spaces and a must-see attraction if you're visiting London. Events like St Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year are celebrated here throughout the year and at Christmas, you can see the huge Christmas tree given as a gift from Norway. Close by you'll find Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, just a short walk away.</p>
- Spend some time at Greenwich Park<p> The whole family can enjoy a day out at Greenwich Park, where you can play Frisbee, have a picnic and check out the views of Canary Wharf, the River Thames and St Paul's Cathedral from London's oldest enclosed Royal Park. Other things to see around the park include the Greenwich Meridian Line, the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and the Old Royal Naval College. Visit <a href="http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/Greenwich-Park.aspx" target="_blank">royalparks.gov.uk</a></p>
- Check out the masterpieces at the National Gallery<p> The National Gallery has one of the greatest collections of Western European paintings in the world and it's free to visit. Here you can see Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Monet's Bathers at La Grenouillere and da Vinci's The Virgin of the Rocks. You can get closer to the paintings with free tours, trails and talks, plus it's located in one of the capital's most iconic settings, Trafalgar Square. Visit <a href="http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/" target="_blank">nationalgallery.org.uk</a></p>
- Soak up the atmosphere at Borough Market<p> This renowned gourmet food market is foodie heaven, with producers from all over the country selling fresh produce including breads, coffees, cakes, cheeses, ciders, meat and fish. There's international food too, with treats from as far as Mexico and India. Borough Market is open from Thursday to Sunday and is located near London Bridge and Southwark Cathedral. Visit <a href="http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/" target="_blank">boroughmarket.org.uk</a></p>
- Head over the bridge to the South Bank<p> Enjoy stunning views of some of the city's most iconic landmarks, like Big Ben, the London Eye and the River Thames from London's South Bank. You'll find restaurants, shops, art venues, theatres and street entertainment here for a fun day out the whole family will love. The riverside walkway is ideal for people watching and admiring some of London's most impressive architecture. Don't miss browsing amazing art at Tate Modern and walking the Millennium Bridge to get closer to the Thames. Visit <a href="http://www.southbanklondon.com/" target="_blank">southbanklondon.com</a></p>
- Get historical at the British Museum<p> If you're looking for one of the UK's best free attractions, it's the British Museum, where you can explore collections of art and artefacts ranging from prehistoric to modern times. There are trails for children, free activity backpacks and you can use the museum's library and art supplies free of charge. Don't miss the architecture of the Great Court (pictured), the Rosetta Stone and the Mold Gold Cape. Visit <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/" target="_blank">britishmuseum.org</a></p>
