Continuing our Britain on a budget series here we check the possibilities of visiting London for an affordable weekend break.

It may not seem like the most economical place to visit, but spending a weekend in London on the cheap without breaking the bank is, contrary to popular belief, entirely possible.

Getting to London

The low cost carriers flying from the major UK hubs and Ireland make flights to London, here a highly recommended method of travel, increasingly affordable as the competition hots-up between the providers.  Consider flying with UK based EasyJet, British Midland or Ryanair into London Gatwick. The low cost provider Flybe is currently expanding, providing air-only choices or packaged weekend deals that include flights, hotels and cars for hire.

Unfortunately UK residents are ineligible for the travel benefits afforded by international British Rail Passes, but UK tourists who want to arrive in London via rail can take advantage of the Rail Rovers network. Best of all, National Rail has exciting 2 for 1 London deal options on a whole selection of restaurants, attractions, admission fees and shows.  Check out the websites and search for the best off-peak rail travel deals.

Also do not forget to check out coach travel, as there are some very economical travel opportunities that will take you right into the heart of the capital.  The national coach companies are also very competitive with their pricing.  For example, a return ticket from Edinburgh to London is currently available for £30 from National Express.  It is recommended that those options be considered before you decide to drive yourself to London.  That option can be both time consuming and stressful for the driver, and by the time you have paid for your parking, an expensive choice.

Where to Sleep – Simple Stays in London for Less

Accommodation prices of course vary significantly in the capital, but cheap hotel deals, even in the centre of London, are still possible to find.  The Tune hotel chain, a well known and modestly priced hotel chain in Asia, makes its debut in the UK in August 2010.  They are offering very reasonable room rates, starting at only £35 a night in central London.  Easy Hotels, another global no-frills chain, provides simple furnished rooms at sensationally low prices throughout London.

If you are of the younger generation then why not take advantage of one of the several (YHA) Youth Hostels that are available within walking distance of many of London’s main attractions.  Under 18s can stay for £15 per night and the hostels have catering facilities and somewhere to socialise.  If you are older do not despair, you can also stay in a YHA establishment for a mere £20 per night.

The city has plenty of affordable family-run bed and breakfasts everywhere, even in the centre of London, for cosy stays in larger rooms and hearty breakfasts. Plenty of B&Bs offer affordable options, and many websites list such accommodation according to price and landmark to help you locate the best one for you.

Cheap Eats in London – Fine Frugal Dining

London 2 for 1 offers a selection of restaurant coupons applicable to UK tourists.  Time Out divides London’s frugally fine dining finds into region, price and cuisine. London is a multicultural city blending a multitude of cuisines. Time Out recommended Korean, Japanese and other Asian food is less pricey to buy in London, and restaurant choices include the Chipotle, Necco and Koya and can include two meals with drinks for less than £40.  Less expensive vegetarian choices include the Beetroot and South Indian Sagar.  Organic food lovers can opt for the J & A Cafe.  Princi serves Italian-inspired dishes.

Inexpensive Excursions – What to See for Free

Attraction admission prices in and around London sure can add up, particularly for a family, even over a single weekend.  However, a London Pass is available to UK residents who are visiting London and allows you to gain admission to attractions such as the Tower of London, Churchill Museum, London River Cruise, and Hampton Court Palace and several more – free of charge. The London Pass even allows you to bypass the queue, saving both time and money.  Other free sites of note are the Ceremony of Keys at the Tower of London, Sir John Soane’s Museum, Kenwood House, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Hogarth’s House.

With some internet research and careful planning a visit to London need not be an expensive trip.  So why not start today and plan a weekend break or a longer holiday and explore the capital.