London may be an expensive city, but there are plenty of free attractions to soften the blow. Read on to learn more!

Discounts

If you are planning any day trips, the Great British Heritage Pass might be for you. It gives purchasers free entry to almost 600 public and private historic properties. Some sweets spots include the Kensington Palace State Apartments and Windsor Castle and half-price admission to the Tower of London. Rumor has it, it is cheaper to buy in U.S. dollars online, therefore prices below reflect it. To purchase before travel, go to: http://www.britishheritagepass.com/.

Four consecutive days: $58

Seven consecutive days: $84

15 consecutive days: $112

One month: $149

The London Visitor Travelcard offers unlimited travel on public transport. However, it is not available in the United Kingdom. It comes attached with discount vouchers. Contact a travel agent or visit www.britrail.net.

Three days travel in zone 1 and 2 for adults: $36 ($18 for children)

Seven days travel in zone 1 and 2 for  adults: $50 ($25 for children) 

Seven days travel in all zones for adults: $92 ($46 for 

Finally, a good website to check out for all types of free stuff in London is: http://www.freelondonlistings.co.uk/.

Free Attractions

London is a big town. That means each and every neighborhood has its own feel and flare. A good way to start a trip is to simply walk along the river Thames. You will be able to see some of the biggies from many points along the river. Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and Tower Bridge; they're all here. The Embankment gives the best view of The Gerken, Canary Wharf, Golden Jubilee Bridge and the Millennium Wheel. From Millbank, cop a gander at St. Paul's Cathedral, the second largest cathedral in Europe, and the building hosting art at the Tate Museum.

The main galleries of the British Museum are free. This museum is not to be missed because, as every world traveler knows, many famous monuments around the world were turned into blank spaces when their treasures were moved to the heart of the British Empire.

The House of Parliament's Strangers' Galleries are free to enter though entrance times are subject to change according to recess and sitting sessions. The House of Commons and House of Lords are prepared for freeloading visitors as well. For more information and times: www.parliament.uk/. 

There are numerous churches and cathedrals to visit. The ones with websites to refer to are also the same ones charging admission. Though the following places are 'free', a small donation is always requested. A few at the top of the list are Brompton Oratory, St. Bride's Church, St. Clement Danes, St. James's Church, Piccadilly, St. Mary Le Bow, St. Paul's the Actor's Church and Wesley's Chapel.

Like the churches, the historic buildings are almost too numerous to list. But, here are some of the freebies; the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Bank of England Museum, Guildhall.

The museums in this town are numerous as well. Some of the sights free of charge include; Bank of England Museum, Geffrye Museum, Imperial War Museum, Museum of London, National Army Museum, Serpentine Holmes Museum and the Theatre Museum.

And, of course, Hyde Park is worth a trip as well as the various royal gardens including the greenery surrounding Kensington and Buckingham Palace. If you have kids coming along, be sure to check out the Changing of the Guard. Those young at heart never seem to tire of pulling faces, attempting to crack the stoicism of the men on duty and taking pictures of it. The shenanigans happen daily at Buckingham Palace from April--August at 11:15 a.m. and on alternate days September--March. The same routine happens at St. James's Palace at the same times above and at House Guards Monday-Saturday at 11 a.m. and on Sunday at 10 a.m.