Everybody loves anything free, right? London gives residents and visitors alike many opportunities to enjoy this wonderful city at no cost – museums, galleries and other events. The Scoop is a venue beside the City Hall that offers a variety of free stuff, too. Apart from providing everyone with a space to just sit down and relax, you can enjoy a bit of entertainment and culture, too. Events ranges from film screenings, exhibits, concerts and community activities are often staged at The Scoop, especially in the summer. The best part of these events is the fact that they are open to the public and most likely free. You will need to check their website or sign up to their mailing list to get regular updates. If there is nothing then perhaps you might catch a sighting of London’s ‘infamous’ mayor, Boris Johnson, at the City Hall. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Pritaya Sriolong
The Scoop | Art & culture, Cinemas, Relaxing, Festivals & events | Free
2A More London Riverside,SE1 2DB | South-East
Film screenings Wed – Fri from 19:30
Relaxing & parks – All our local tips
Our favorite London local parks, bath houses, swimming pools and walks. This is where our London locals come to relax and chill out… London insider tips: always up-to-date!
Tip: Download our There are many moments in Londoners’ lives where we get very annoyed at the little things: people who stand on the left rather than the right of escalators for example (very annoying!) However spending a few minutes in Postman’s Park with the Watts Memorial will make any cynical Londoner re-evaluate the important things in life. Unveiled at the beginning of the 20th century, the Watts Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice is a haunting collection of ceramic tablets commemorating those people who sacrificed their lives for others. Along with the names of the heroes, the plaques record the stories of how they sacrificed themselves – often for total strangers. Some people drowned to save others, while others perished by fire or were trampled by runaway horses. The park itself is quite small and easily overlooked by tourists rushing to St. Paul’s or the London Wall. Personally, I think spending a half hour of reflection here will have more impact than any tourist destination London can offer. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Peter Hoffer
Postman’s Park | Relaxing | Free
Little Britain and King Edward Street | East
08:30 – dusk daily
Victoria Park Village (which obviously isn’t a real village) is a little leafy secret in East London on the edge of Victoria Park. Consisting of just the two shopping streets, Lauriston Road and Victoria Park Road, this ‘village’ feels somehow different. Perhaps it is the proximity to the park itself (which is Britain’s oldest public park, built in 1842!) or the lack of through traffic, but whatever it is, it is definitely working. House prices around the village are now sky high and the shops do tend to have an upmarket feel to them, but there is a very varied selection of (mostly) independent shops, pubs and restaurants. The Royal Inn On The Park has an excellent selection of draught beers and is packed for the very good Sunday lunch. The Lauriston has DJs and excellent pizzas to go with their beers. The Empress Of India is an great restaurant open for brunch onwards, serving meat from the award-winning Ginger Pig butchers across the road. For fish you can go to Jonathan Norris Fishmonger or if you don’t want to cook it yourself head across to the Fish House for a good old fashioned fish and chips! Coffee, cakes and snacks are to be found at Elbows Cafe, Amandine Café and Loafing; excellent Vietnamese can be had at Namo; Su Sazzagoni has traditional Sardinian food; Bottle Apostle excellent wines; The Deli Downstairs is great for fresh bread, cheese and hand made pies; while Haus makes sure your own home is tastefully decorated and furnished. Lovely. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Andrew Sidford
Victoria Park Village | Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants (Various)
Lauriston Road,E9 7HJ | East
Depending on location
Like many, you’ve sweated it out in Bikram after being enticed by one of the introductory offers circulating town. Although, after 90 minutes of gruelling poses in Delhi-like temperatures, you discovered the combination of trying to maintain consciousness and not slide off your mat was an upward battle you weren’t going to win. Rest assured dear yogi – there is an alternative. Jivamukti Yoga, located in Westbourne Park, offers an equally challenging workout except without the 40 degree heat and the threat of your neighbours sweat flicking in your face. Founded in New York, it is a form of Hatha Yoga performed to chill out music, while inked-up highly spiritual instructors effortlessly take you through the sequence while stopping to give a privileged few massages (and no, noises of appreciation are not acceptable!). A little warning for those downward-dog sceptics out there – it does rate quite high on the hippy thermometer – as the class opens and closes with chanting. Fortunately, there are no solo performances, and the awkwardness of this will fade, providing you don’t fall into a total euphoric state and shout an extra ‘OM’ once the class has clearly stopped. Happy chanting. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Jivamukti Yoga London
Jivamukti Yoga London | Relaxing | 10 days (introduction) £ 10
300 Kensal Road | West | +442089603999
Mon & Wed 07:00 – 20:45, Tue & Thu 10:00 – 21:00, Fri 07:00 – 20:30, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 18:30
Nestled in the centre of London lies Hyde Park – an oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Therefore, horse riding through the nation’s landmark park is undoubtedly such a special way to experience the park, and a more traditional way of experiencing London. The Rotten Row, the bridleways around Hyde Park, have been famous throughout England for over 300 years. Therefore, to continue this grand tradition, the Hyde Park Stables offer lessons and horse rides through the park all year round. Located just a few streets back from the park and down a cobblestone mews, the stables offer one-hour lessons which cost up to £59, in addition to 10-week courses and private classes. Beginners are welcome and can rest assured that the friendly staff are on hand to help, ensuring that the well tempered horses remain safely within the park at all times. Bookings are required in advance and gift vouchers are also available. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Hyde Park Stables
Hyde Park Stables | Relaxing | Group lesson £ 64.00
63 Bathurst Mews | West | +442077232813
Daily
