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London on the Cheap in the School Holidays

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Samuel Johnson said that a man who is tired of London is tired of life.  One thing about London that is tiresome is how expensive it is.  But it is possible to have explore London within spending much, or anything at all.  With the kids!

As the summer holidays are coming up, here are some suggestions about where you could go on your day trip.  


Museums

From the Science Museum via the V&A, the Natural History to the Imperial War Museum.  London has museums covering every interest and every subject.  Many are free.  Rev T and the Tubblet recommend the Bank of England Museum. Complete with real gold bar.

Here's a selection of exhibits from the Imperial War Museum's World War One gallery:

Imperial War Museum

Imperial War Museum

Imperial War Museum

Imperial War Museum

Imperial War Museum

Imperial War Museum


Entertainers in Covent Garden

Fancy a West End show?  Me too, but not at the prices they charge!  If the weather is sunny, then you'll see all sorts of amazing mini-shows and street performers.  Please take some change to donate to the ones that entertained you the most.

Trails

I've seen elephants, buses, Faberge eggs, Shaun the Sheep and Olympic mascots on my walk to work and wandering about during my lunch break.  Print off a map and see London by visiting each one.   You can compete with each other about who gets to collect the most or finds them first.  Many of London's sights are close together so you see more if you walk.  Louise at Little Hearts, Big Love has a great account of seeing Shaun in the City.

Parks

London's lungs.  Plan your route so it takes in a park so you can have a picnic lunch whilst people watching.  (Weather permitting!)


Take the River Bus

There are five river buses that'll give you a completely different perspective on London.  Tickets are cheap compared to the tourist ferry's and you can use Oyster.  Have a look at Transport for London's website for routes and prices.  I still remember my first trip on the London River Bus with my mum and dad.  I was eight, which was a long time ago!

Well, that's one day sorted!  Hopefully you've got lots of ideas for the other ones.

And a short public service announcement ... 

All parents brace themselves for the school holidays. Keeping the children entertained is challenging whatever your circumstances.  If you've friends who'll find the school holidays more difficult than most, invite their kids round for play-dates or include them in an outing if you can.

Much of the support poor families rely on, such as free school meals, stop over the holidays.  Food bank usage increases. Please donate if you're able to.  No child should go hungry.

Have a wonderful time.  And good luck!  

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Posted by Tubbs

24 comments

  1. Anonymous1 July 2015 at 13:39

    Great tips! I love the sound of those trails. We've spent many a day marching around London. It's nice to be able to walk in a city after Bangkok's heat and unusable pavements. I never thought before about the extra expense school holidays must put on families. Thanks for the reminder.

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    1. Tubbs1 July 2015 at 22:21

      The trails are a great way to see London. I hadn't thought about the extra expense before we started the food bank. I figured I can't be the only one

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  2. jeremy@thirstydaddy1 July 2015 at 15:07

    Its good to see awareness about the free lunch many lose in the summer. Food banks do well around the holidays but are really pushed to the limit during the summer. Thanks for mentioning it

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    1. Tubbs1 July 2015 at 22:23

      My pleasure! Well, not really because I wish we didn't have to offer that ministry at all. It would be great if everyone had enough

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  3. Stephs Two Girls1 July 2015 at 21:29

    Good point about the food banks. I love that there's so much free to do in London - the Princess Diana Memorial Playground is a good one too!

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    1. Tubbs2 July 2015 at 12:26

      Hadn't thought of that one, thank you!

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  4. Unknown2 July 2015 at 13:22

    I love your message about food banks. It's very true and I'd never thought of it. I loooooove summer vacation! I enjoy having my kids home so much. We spend most days at the pool, baking together, blogging together or watching special shows. Too bad London is an ocean away because I would love to bring them to Covent Gardens. ;) #happyquacks

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    1. Tubbs3 July 2015 at 21:48

      You'll have a great time if you come! Your summer sounds lovely, enjoy it

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  5. LittleOandme2 July 2015 at 20:34

    We took my 2-year-old to London for his Birthday and he loved the river bus, fab way to travel! I agree on the street performers, I am also amazed at the at the talent of the buskers on the south bank.
    xx

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    1. Tubbs3 July 2015 at 21:49

      I always forget about thebSouth Bank, but you're right, it's a great place. Thank you for commenting

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  6. Unknown2 July 2015 at 22:57

    Brilliant tips. We have avoided a family trip to London because of the cost, but we re hoping to go next year so I'll keep this in mind!

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    1. Tubbs3 July 2015 at 21:52

      Glad to be of help. I hope you have a wonderful time when you do come

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  7. Anonymous3 July 2015 at 11:00

    I dont know why but I am scared of London. I grew up in the city in my country and I am use to people but something about London and my first experience there that made the place a bit overwhelming. I really need to go there are my passport expired and the embassy is there but I am too chicken to go! #sharewithme

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    1. Tubbs3 July 2015 at 21:54

      Travel in after rush hour during the week and leave before the rush home starts and it's not so bad. But I agree, the first time it can be so busy it's astonishing and overwhelming. Thank you for commenting. Looking forwards to,seeing your photos!

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  8. Anonymous6 July 2015 at 23:09

    Great post...I've already started making a list of all the places we want to visit this summer. London has so much on offer. One of my favourites is Southbank. There's a playground, lots of street performers, a carousel, great restaurants, etc. Thanks for linking up to #happyquacks x

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    1. Tubbs7 July 2015 at 10:25

      Thank you for hosting. The Southbank is excellent, we love wandering around there on a Saturday and seeing what we can see.

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  9. Super Busy Mum7 July 2015 at 20:19

    What a great post and I need to go to that museum!! Thanks for linking up with #MMWBH

    http://www.superbusymum.net

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    1. Tubbs8 July 2015 at 09:59

      It's fantastic. I was lucky enough to go during a private view so it was alot less crowded than normal. Thank you for hosting each week.

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  10. Let's Talk Mommy8 July 2015 at 02:21

    I haven't taken the kids to London yet but it's on my list to do and what great exhibits they have too. Great list here. London has so much to offer. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme

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    1. Tubbs8 July 2015 at 09:59

      If you travel after rush hour and get out before, it's a great place to wander about. Thank you so much for hosting each week.

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  11. Unknown8 July 2015 at 13:51

    Good tips- especially with the long summer hols on the way :) #bigfatlinky

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    1. Tubbs8 July 2015 at 21:36

      Thank you for hosting. See you next week and have a good one in the meantime

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  12. Helen - Blogging Beautifully8 July 2015 at 15:01

    Great post, I have never visited the Imperial War Museum but must as I think I'd really enjoy it (I've been brought up with a Dad who has an avid interest in the war!), thanks for linking up with the #bestandworst :-)

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    1. Tubbs8 July 2015 at 21:40

      The WW1 gallery is fantastic. As well as all the obvious stuff, they have information on Germany, the aftermath, the treatment of the injuried etc. I could have spent hours there. I didn't see the other floors as it was a private event. I want to go see Fashion on the Ration before it closes.

      Thank you for hosting. Have a great week

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