MyVoucherCodes and Travelodge offer some advice on enjoying the English capital on a budget…

Whether you’re embarking on a romantic break in London with your other half, or taking the kids on their first trip to the capital, you don’t need to splash out loads of cash to have a good time in the Big Smoke. Although London is known for being pricey, we’ve rounded up a list of low cost activities to do while you’re there – without missing out on any of London’s eclectic culture either.

Brick Lane

Who says you can’t have a two course meal and drink for all under a tenner in the capital? Well in this East London neighbourhood you can. Nestled between Spitalfields and Whitechapel, this multicultural street is lined with curry houses and off license shops – not to mention 24 hour bagel shops like Brick Lane Beigel Bake and of course, a selection of mosques catering to the area’s prevalent Muslim community. A cheaper option than nearby Shoreditch, Brick Lane attracts a variety of characters from tourists and students to locals and professionals heading out for after work drinks.

Hampstead Heath

Make a trip up to this part of North London for lush countryside scenery mixed with spectacular views of the city centre. The perfect spot for a picnic, you can avoid the crowds and the costs while cashing in on the sights from a local’s perspective, there’s even a few swimming ponds if you’re feeling brave and fancy a dip. Walk up Parliament Hill for a lovely view of London’s skyline, and play eye-spy with landmarks such as St Pauls Cathedral, the London Eye, the Gherkin and the Shard.

Chapel Market

Although Notting Hill’s well known Portobello Market and Borough Market just off the banks of the Thames are popular places to stop by on a weekend, both have become less local and popular with tourists which also means more expensive. For a traditional London market with some history attached, stop by Chapel Market in Angel. From fresh fish and fruit and veg to household bargains and budget clothes and low cost antique jewellery, you won’t break the bank. On Sundays, the street, which covers two to three blocks of the area, plays host to Islington Farmer’s Market – a great option for foodies.

Covent Garden

Just because you’re in the heart of the city centre, it doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money to be entertained. There are plenty of free performances from street artists to outdoor entertainers, showing off a range of talents near Covent Garden Market. Afterwards, go for a stroll along the Southbank- just a 15-minute walk from the main square – and you can spend a cheap and cheerful afternoon taking in the city’s free museums and galleries, such as the Tate Modern.

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