LCC Broadcast News Room

Everyone loves a freebie.

Londoners and tourists to the capital are now flocking to attractions that don't cost a penny.

Research from the Association of Leading Visitors Attractions show places like the Victoria and Albert Museum who don't charge for some exhibitions have experienced a 10% increase in visitors in the last few months.

London is considered an expensive place to live, work and enjoy, but there are lots of gems to discover and experience without having to get your wallet out.

Here's the low down on some of our favourites.

Go Walking

The cheapest way to see London is on foot.  From Big Ben to the Tower of London, most of London's major tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other.

If you're searching for culture, why not head to the South Bank and walk past London's historical Globe Theatre, past the Tate Modern Exhibition for some art and then stop off for some delicious food at Borough Market.

Walk and Shop

There's a shop for every taste in London.  High Street fashion, sassy boutiques or expensive designer clobber are all within walking distance. There are so many places to start, but we suggest Oxford Street is a good place.  Nip into Carnaby Street and experience some retro magic or perfume paradise at Liberties.  Walk round the corner and you will find one of London's treasures - Hamleys.  The kids will have fun exploring the biggest toy shop in London town.  Bond Street  isn't far.  In 10 minutes you could be surrounded by designer delights. 

Happy Walking!

Markets Galore

Wandering around a London market is a fun way to spend the day and it's free. 

There are hundreds of markets to choose from. Ranging from local street markets  selling everyday household items through to specialist markets.

Whether you want to buy or browse, they are great fun to explore!

Here's a pick of the best.

Camden Market: One of London's more popular markets especially for those looking for something a little quirky. Part of it is open air, so make sure you wrap up warm. 

Open every day from 10 am and very busy on Sundays 

Nearest Tube: Camden Town

Spitalfields:  This is an LCC Radio favourite.  Young, quirky emerging designers flock here to sell their trinkets and unique clothes.  It's undercover, so if it's raining don't worry.  You can relax and choose from lots of restaurants, cafes and stalls serving fresh reasonably priced food.

Open: Wednesday to Friday, Sunday 9am to 5pm 

Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street

Leather Lane Market: It's one of London's lesser known markets - a great place for lunch and buying shoes, clothes, fruit and veg.  It's also near trendy Farringdon where a spot of lunch in one of the many reasonable gastro pubs would make a lovely treat. 

Open: Monday to Friday 10.30am to 2pm  

Nearest Tube:  Chancery Lane

COMPETITION: 2 TICKETS TO GIVEAWAY

Award winning actor Ian Glen makes his directorial debut and co stars with Lesley Sharp in a new production of Ibsen's 1881 classic Ghost.  It premiered last night at the Duchess Theatre and got rave reviews by our LCC Show Biz Reporter - Thomas Magill. 

What's it about?

Sam and Molly are mugged, leaving Sam murdered on a dark street. Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly who he learns is in grave danger. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of saving and protecting her.

Enter our competition and see Ghost today.

We are giving away two free tickets for the 2.30 pm matinee.  Answer the question below and we'll let you know who we think has given us the best answer in our 1 o'clock show.  Good luck!

If you were a ghost for a day what would you do?  (in no more than 30 words)

(Terms and conditions apply.  Please email news@LCCbroadcast.co.uk for more information.  Judge's decision is final).