Posts by author Nina Derham
A stroll through the National Portrait Gallery won't cost you a penny. Photo: HerryLawford
Eating and drinking in London may not be as easily affordable as in some other European cities, but the city is one of the world’s most generous when it comes to art. Yes, Cheapos, you can gorge on free art in London until your cultured minds can take no more. From the big name galleries » Read more
The Dickens Inn has a series of unique balconies where you can sip a drink. Photo: SpirosK
When living abroad one of the things I missed most about London was the comfort and coziness of a traditional pub (especially the Sunday roast!). Spain has its tapas bars and Germany has its breweries. Brazil has its botecos and Morocco has its tea shops. But what England does really well is the traditional old » Read more
A cozy pub is always a good idea during the holiday season! Photo: chas
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The Christmas lights are sparkling, the temperature has dropped and London town is starting to feel oh so very festive. While there are tons of “official” Christmas activities to partake in over the next few weeks, you’ll find that many (like the plethora of ice rinks that have popped up in all corners of the » Read more
Warming up at Gordon's Wine Bar in London. Photo: Olga Pavlovsky
Valentine’s Day is upon us again and love is in the air. So come on Cheapos, it’s time to pull out all the stops and show that special someone you care with a romantic (and budget-friendly) day out in London! Call your sweetheart, book an affordable hotel in the heart of London, and follow along for » Read more
Hampton Court is turning 500 in 2015. Photos: David Stanley
London is a lively city year in and year out, every season bringing with it new openings, events, and activities. 2015 is set to be no different, so whether you’re planning a first time visit or a return to a city you know and love, here are 10 reasons why you should plan a visit » Read more
A typical Sunday roast with gravy and all the trimmings. Photo: Ewan Munro
While Brits are not famed for their culinary finesse, there is one dish that most would take with them to a desert island—the Sunday Roast. London is famed for its pub culture of pints and conversation, and many of these taverns also serve good food. Sunday afternoons is when the kitchen creates a tasty feast » Read more
The London Pass can help you save. Photo: Protocol Snow
While many of London’s most interesting sights, such as the national museums, are completely free to visit, there are still those “must-see” places that come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’ve got your heart set on sailing over the city at the London Eye, delving into its gory depths at the London Dungeon, or » Read more
Flying above Gatwick Airport. Photo: Phillip Capper
Arriving at one of London’s five major airports often feels like it’s just the beginning of your journey. You still need to navigate your way through the city’s 1,572 square kilometers, while attempting not to waste time and money. But the time it takes to get from the airport to your hotel can increase massively » Read more
Photo: newplasticmachine
A 24-hour tube service is something London has most certainly been missing. While taking the night bus is a cultural experience of sorts, it’s by no means the most direct route home, often involving hours spent hanging around bus stops in the freezing cold. On arrival of said bus, expect to pile in with a » Read more
Checking out the scene at the Columbia Road Flower Market. Photo: Magnus D
Summer may have drawn to a close (sob!), but despite the return of early nightfall and grey skies in London, there’s a sure fire way of injecting a bit of color into your weekend—a visit to the Columbia Road Flower Market! Stocking up on flowers In what has to be the city’s most vibrant market, » Read more
The historic Trocadero building will soon be home to a new budget hotel with over 500 rooms. Photo: Hazrulnizam Rosle
If you’ve ever been one of those tourists who snaps an iconic photo in front of the lights in Piccadilly Circus, you’ve probably also seen the Trocadero building, an enormous Edwardian edifice which sits between Shaftesbury Avenue and Coventry Street. Over the years the building has been home to many different things, most recently an » Read more
Totally Thames Festival is a highlight of September happenings in London. Photo: Garry Knight
The River Thames links London together as much as it also marks out that oh-so-important north / south city divide that locals feel so passionate about. But this month, the Thames Festival Trust, who have organized many exciting events along the river over the last 16 years, is embracing the importance of our river even » Read more
For a charming slice of London, it's hard to beat an afternoon exploring Islington. Photo: Alan Stanton
Tackling London’s top sights and busiest central areas is one thing, but if you really want to get under the skin of this city, you need to eat, drink and shop in the areas where locals actually live. Islington is one of north London’s jewels in the crown, a lively corner where some of the » Read more
Relaxing along the beach is just one of the affordable pleasures of Brighton. Photo: Pavlina Jane
Dare I say it, but London has been enjoying a great summer so far and long may it last. But sometimes we just need a change of scene, especially when temperatures are scorching. So if you’ve had enough of picnicking in the park or cooling down at London’s lidos, a day trip to Brighton might » Read more
Enjoy easy access to London's most familiar sights when you stay close by without breaking your budget. Photo: Dave Pearce
Location, location, location! If you’re visiting London for the first time you’ll want to be in the heart of the action, and the location of your accommodation is key. A wrong choice here could lead to long and costly journeys on public transport which will eat into your leisure time and budget. While hotels near » Read more
Brick Lane, packed with curry houses, is just one of the many sights in the City of London. Photo: Garry Knight
If you’re heading to London for work or just wish to explore the business heart of the city, then this is the area for you. However, unlike many urban hubs that see their business district shut down as night falls, London’s City area borders some of the most popular night spots in the capital, boasting » Read more
Serpentine Lido is an oasis in the middle of London for a swim in between sightseeing. Photo: Lasse Socker
If you happen to be in London for one of those rare but glorious sunshiny days, sometimes a park just won’t cut it. So why not consider one of the city’s great outdoor pools or even swimming ponds? It’s where you’ll find the locals cooling down and soaking up the sun. Park Road Leisure Centre » Read more
Kings Cross has undergone a major transformation in recent years, and it boasts an excellent location for finding budget hotels. Photo: Ewan Munro
Take a stroll through Kings Cross today, and it is barely recognizable from what it once was. In fact, it has now got its very own brand spanking new post code (N1C), and the first phase of the area’s redevelopment is open to the public, so you’re free to explore the new buildings, public squares » Read more
Getting a new look for your hair doesn't have to cost a fortune in London. Photo:Darin Caudle
You may have managed to find a great London hotel deal, but once you’ve checked in, London does have a way of extracting cash from you at a rate of knots. While there are ways and means to enjoy cheap food and excursions, I’ve always been stunned at how much you can be charged for » Read more
The conveniently located Crestfield Hotel offers a true bargain in the heart of London. Photo: EuroCheapo
Accommodation in London is getting increasingly pricey with every passing day. Rates can easily hover upwards around £200 to £300 per night, and sometimes it feels like you need to shell out hundreds of quid just for the “luxury” of a window in the city at central hotels in London. But don’t fret! There are » Read more
The funky communal areas are one of the highlights of Qbic hotels. Courtesy of Qbic.
Dutch hotel company Qbic opened its first property in Amsterdam in 2007, and its new London hotel is the next step in an ambitious expansion plan which aims to see 10 properties opened in the UK & Europe over the next seven years. It’s a hotel wth an intriguing concept, but will it catch on? » Read more
Getting around with an Oyster Card is an easy way to save big while visiting London. Photo: Paul Kitchener
London is a pricey city—there’s no denying it. But Cheapos can make their British pennies go further by following these frugal ways to enjoy the best of the capital. 1. Get an Oyster! First things first, don’t even think about stepping on a Tube or bus without an Oyster card. Fares are high enough without » Read more
Odeon Cinema at Leicester Square where admission is cheap on Tuesdays. Photo: Holly Haynes
Oscar season is upon us, and the lousy weather makes it the perfect time to cozy up and watch some of the latest releases. But in the age of downloads, going to the cinema in London has become somewhat of a premium experience, with ticket prices closer to those of the theater than a cheap » Read more
easyHotel has several central London hotels. Above, the South Kensington location, which we inspected in August 2013. Photo: Tom Meyers
EuroCheapo prides itself on sniffing out the best value accommodation options in a city, while more often than not, keeping the emphasis on family-run properties with character that add something to your stay. That said, the emergence of a different breed of cheap no-frills accommodation in Europe cannot be ignored, as these properties offer the » Read more
The Evening Standard is handed out for free daily after 4 pm. Photo: Dereksky
If you’re on the hunt for information about what to do in London or looking to catch up on the latest news, travel, style or beauty ideas, then you’re in luck. There has been an explosion of quality free publications in London (and across the UK) over the last few years. In addition to the » Read more
