This is Cheapskate's guide to London, one of the
most expensive European capitals, featuring London's
free events, shopping, budget travel and much more!
December 08-January 09
Crimbo What's On: London Unwrapped
Nothing beats carols under an illuminated tree and the occasional free mince pie! Head to Trafalgar Square after 5pm, find a spot by the illuminated Norvegian fir and enjoy! For more festive events, visit www.viewlondon.co.uk/xmas_feat_events.asp. Enjoy! Additionally, take a look at London's official tourist site, www.visitlondon.com. If you register, you can access promotions, discounts and fab competitions. Come on, you know you want to!
Shopping ahead for Xmas/January sales
At the moment there are huge discounts in Argos, Bhs, Woolworths and in a host of other shops, in a bid to entice festive buyers, but after Xmas, the choice is bound to widen. Oxford Street is the usual mecca for bargain hunters, but try also High Street Kensington; most chains are there and there's a great Oxfam charity shop with top stuff! If you read this later in the month or in January, get down to Knightsbridge and bag a luxury bargain at Harrods!
Ice, baby
The Somerset House Ice Rink is open for business.
It's not cheap, but it's a wonderful experience, especially at
night when the courtyard is floodlit. Plus, free events are often on during weekends. Visit www.somerset-house.org.uk to find out what's happening.
Great Christmas Pudding Race
Head to Covent Garden's Piazza on 6 December to witness this annual race. It's a charity event with some celebs in attendance and goes on from 11.30. Is somebody going to make a fool of themselves? It's all for charity, though. Visit www.xmaspuddigrace.org.uk.
Geffrye Festive Fare
Find your festive spirit at this wonderful museum. The Christmas Past exhibition will give you a unique opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas. Entertainment includes Christmas stories, carols, a Christmas card workshop and a fair, plus the heart-warming Farewell to Christmas on January 6. Visit
www.geffrye-museum.org.uk.
New Year's Fun and Frolics
Huge inflatable snowmen, fat and jolly Santas and other festive characters parading in central London? It must be the New Year's Parade! If you manage to get up and go out on the 1st of January,
it's worth it. Visit www.londonparade.co.uk for more info and wonderful photos of past parades.
Attention: Event organisers, I'll advertise your event for free. Product pushers/websites are welcome, too, provided I like your stuff. Email [email protected]
If you want to browse Cheapskate's archive of freebies,
click on The Best of Cheapskate
