London on the cheap

London is known across the globe as being one of the most expensive cities to live in and visit. Shows in the West End are likely to put you out £50 and the price of a cocktail is enough to give some people a heart attack. But there are many things available to see and do in the Big City that don’t cost a cent.

The Tower of London may charge a £16 entrance fee, but the Ceremony of the Keys is absolutely free. Every night for the last 700 years, the Ceremony has taken place as the Tower has been locked up for the night. The ceremony lasts 35 minutes and includes Yeoman Warders and haunting bugle music. Although it’s free, you do have to get permission to attend, best done through a written application submitted well in advance.

Anyone can visit the renown auction house known as Christies, even if they have absolutely no intention to buy anything. Over the weekend, the auction house displays art works on sale the following week or for more excitement you can visit while an auction is taking place. The first auction house was established in 1766 but moved to King Street, St. James in 1823. A second was opened on Brompton Road in 1975. Both are open to the public.

Tours of the Palace of Westminster cost £12 per adult and £5 for children during the summer months and absolutely nothing thereafter. While the Parliament is not in session the tours through the Lords and Commons Chambers, the Queen’s Robing Room and the Royal Gallery will cost you but anytime after September 29th, British residents can request tickets to the Prime Minister’s Question time or to climb the Big Ben tower.

Why watch legal dramas on television when you can observe them first hand at London’s Central Criminal Court? The old Bailey, as it is more commonly known, is located between St. Paul’s and Holborn and has been processing trials for centuries. The public gallery is open most days between 10:00 and 13:00 and between 14:00 and 17:00.

The Freemason’s Hall in Covent Garden was featured in the film the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and houses both a beautiful church and an informative museum. There are five free daily tours.