London has a reputation for luxury which most people equate with spending money, but if you are savvy you can enjoy opulent experiences for surprising (even astonishingly) little money. And the trick is in layering…find one activity and then add several other nearby bargain experience and food offers to make a full day of it. To get started, here’s a curated list of ten luxurious activities you can indulge in for £20 or less.
1. Explore the Sky Garden
Experience panoramic views of London’s skyline from the Sky Garden, a lush indoor garden atop the “Walkie-Talkie” building. Entry is free, but advance booking is required.
- Address: 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 8AF
- Phone: +44 20 7337 2344
- Website: skygarden.london
- Nearest Tube: Monument (Circle and District Lines)
2. Indulge in Afternoon Tea at the Wolseley
Enjoy a traditional cream tea at the Wolseley, where you can savour scones with clotted cream and jam in an elegant setting for just £19.50. This is the budget alternative to the more pricey full afternoon tea but you get to experience the surroundings and service for less.
- Address: 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
- Phone: +44 20 7499 6996
- Website: thewolseley.com
- Nearest Tube: Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria Lines)
3. Attend a Performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Experience world-class theatre with £10 standing tickets at Shakespeare’s Globe, offering an authentic Elizabethan playgoing experience. This can be tough going as it’s difficult to stand for a 3 hour performance but you can leave at any time.
- Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
- Phone: +44 20 7902 1400
- Website: shakespearesglobe.com
- Nearest Tube: Blackfriars (Circle and District Lines)
4. Relax at the Peckham Coal Line Urban Sauna
Unwind in a unique urban sauna experience at the Peckham Coal Line, blending industrial heritage with relaxation for a modest fee.
- Address: 12-16 Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QL
- Phone: +44 20 7635 0000
- Website: peckhamcoalline.org
- Nearest Tube: Peckham Rye (Overground and National Rail)GetYourGuide+2Cheap Flights+2marketwatch.com+2
5. Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum
Explore art and design masterpieces at the V&A Museum, offering free entry to its extensive collections and exhibitions. If it is crowded on the ground floor take the lift to the upper floors which are more serene.
- Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
- Phone: +44 20 7942 2000
- Website: vam.ac.uk
- Nearest Tube: South Kensington (Circle, District, and Piccadilly Lines)
6. Cruise the Thames on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Enjoy a scenic river journey through the heart of London with the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, offering single journeys starting at £4.60 with an Oyster card. This is a public transit version of a much pricier private tour of the Thames. It doesn’t have the running commentary but you probably just want to take photos and admire the view.
- Website: thamesclippers.com
- Phone: +44 20 7001 2200
- Nearest Pier: Various locations along the Thames
7. Savour Gourmet Street Food at Borough Market
Delight in high-quality street food from various vendors at Borough Market, with many options under £10. This is a favourite spot with YouTubers so log on to see what they recommend. There are huge vats of paella which prove popular and there’s also the apple crumble stall…but I favour the pastries and doughnuts!
- Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
- Phone: +44 20 7407 1002
- Website: boroughmarket.org.uk
- Nearest Tube: London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern Lines)
8. Discover the British Museum
Explore global artifacts and exhibitions at the British Museum, offering free entry to its vast collections. The British Museum is probably the most crowded museum in London especially its Egyptian hall – so go midweek and out of the peak tourist season.
- Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
- Phone: +44 20 7323 8299
- Website: britishmuseum.org
- Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern Lines)
9. Enjoy a Concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields
Attend a free lunchtime concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields. This is beautiful church offering classical music performances. Downstairs there is The Crypt, a famous cafe serving home cooked food. It is modestly priced and self service.
- Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ
- Phone: +44 20 7766 1100
- Website: stmartin-in-the-fields.org
- Nearest Tube: Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
10. Wander through Kew Gardens
Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, with discounted entry of £12 for students and £19 for adults when booked online. The best bargain is their annual membership which is well worth it if you are able to visit regularly.
- Address: Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE
- Phone: +44 20 8332 5655
- Website: kew.org
- Nearest Tube: Kew Gardens (District Line and Overground)
Want to experience luxury for free? Many of London’s most iconic venues offer complimentary access to hidden gems. Keep an eye on event calendars for exclusive one-off free events at luxury locations like Somerset House and The Royal Opera House
Luxury in London doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. From cultural landmarks to unique relaxation spots, there is so much to do at far less than you would think possible.
