3 free views of London

Visiting London is often on many a bucket list; with its varied history, and beautiful buildings, to the many attractions.

The only downside; like many cities is, it is expensive.

But, It doesn’t have to be.

One thing I really love doing, is getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and seeing a view from up high, or afar. It gives you a different perspective on the place you are visiting, without thousands tourists elbowing their way through you to snap a photo.

During my time in New Zealand, I got to see cities like Auckland from the Harbour Bridge during a bungy jump, and The Sky tower, during a base jump. In Melbourne, I visited the Eureka Skydeck, and in Seoul, I visited the Seoul Tower.

In London, you pay between £27-£30 for a trip on the London Eye (Tip: book online to save 10%), and £25 to get a view from London’s highest building; The Shard.

 

However, a view of the Capital, doesn’t have to cost you anything (apart from your travel to get there of course). Here are 3 places you can get a free view over London.

1. Primrose Hill, North London.

Admittedly, I haven’t been here since the summer of 2010, but it was amazing on my last visit.

Getting there

Primrose Hill is on the Northern side of Regent’s Park. Grab an Underground to Camden Town (Northern Line) or walk through Regent’s Park (which is pretty too, and where the London Zoo is) Regent’s Park can be accessed from Baker Street, Regent’s Park and Great Portland Street.

Photos from a visit summer 2009 

 

Once you have finished relaxing in the sun, picnicking, reading, walking (or whatever you prefer to do). Take a stroll to either Regent’s Park, or nearby by Camden, where you can wander around the eclectic markets.

2. Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath, North London

A little further North from Primrose Hill, you will come to Parliament Hill, part of the expansive Hampstead Heath, which is one of the highest points in London, at 134m above sea level. It is a popular park for families, dog walkers and those that want to challenge their physical fitness by running up the hill.

Getting there: You can easily access Parliament Hill from Gospel Oak Overground Station, Belsize Park (Northern Line), and Camden Town (Northern Line). There are also bus connections from the city. The C2 bus which runs from Victoria station (Victoria Line), will pass through Oxford Circus, and Great Portland Street on the way.

I went to Parliament Hill, for the first time today. It was a windy, but a stunning Winter Day, with a good view of the city. Although busy with families and people out exercising, it didn’t feel too crowded.

 

 

 

For the Plane lovers amongst you; you can get a good view of flights heading into Heathrow, like this British Airways, 747

 

3. Greenwich Park, South East London

 

Greenwich Park is one of the largest Green spaces in South East London, and is one of the Royal Parks. It is home to the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory, where the Meridian Line is based, which is the Meridian line of the World is measured. Everything on Earth is measured as East or West of this line (pretty cool right?) AND, on your visit here at night, you can actually see the line shoot through London!

 

The park is open at 6am, and closes at dusk.

Getting there

The Cutty Sark (DLR) is the best way to get there; it is a short walk to the park, through the historic and quaint market town.

 

 

So, you don’t have to actually spend money (or much anyway) to see the Capital. Pack a picnic, and go for a walk up some of these beautiful hills and parks in London. Just make sure you check Transport for London, if you are using public transport, they often work on several lines at the weekend, and there can be delays and closures.