New York Habitat Blog

In the summer, there’s no place better to spend your time—without spending a lot of money—than on London’s South Bank. Whether you stay for a week or a month, you’ll find free things to see and do there every day—and New York Habitat will also help you save with rental accommodations in the area.

The warm weather brings with it a slew of summer festivals on the South Bank—and many of the shows and activities don’t charge admission. There’s free African and Caribbean dance outside Royal Festival Hall, as well as Brazilian, jazz, classical, swing and alternative music as part of late-night Fridays and lunchtime concerts. Look for live theatrical performances, outdoor movie screenings, comedy and acrobatics, and a temporary funhouse for all to enjoy.

Traveling with the kids? You’ll want to check out the Terrible Infants and Potted Pirates Workshop at the South Bank Centre for free live plays, improv and puppetry. Another big draw is the popular “appearing rooms” fountains for kids to play in—but be sure to bring along a towel, bathing suit and change of clothes from your nearby New York Habitat flat.

London Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom in Bermondsey (LN-409)

Stroll a bit further along the Thames and you’ll come to the impressively housed Tate Modern, with free permanent exhibits, changing video installations and a temporary bird-watching booth set up outside to see the peregrines (similar to falcons) nesting in its chimney. Close by is The Scoop, a sunken outdoor theatre that hosts free evening shows. This year’s schedule includes Greek drama and kids’ productions. If you keep an eye open, you may also catch the spectacular river pageant floating past as part of the ongoing Story of London festival.

If all of this non-stop, no-cost action makes you hungry, stop by the summer food market for some free samples of local, organic and traditional English foods. Then, with all the money you’ve saved, spring for a refreshing shandy, Pimm’s Cup or pint at the historic, riverside Anchor Pub.
To stay close to South Bank this summer, consider these New York Habitat vacation rentals:

· A gorgeous, gothic 2-bedroom rental in Bermondsey, Southwark (LN-409) on the tenth floor of a residential development with sweeping views of the Thames River, Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The building is surrounded by a communal garden, there are chandeliers and a balcony with seating, you can have use of the tennis courts and—get this—a free bottle of wine comes with rental! Open it on the balcony and drink in your view of London.

London Apartment 2 Bedroom in Lambeth (LN-711)

· A pretty 2-bedroom vacation accommodation in Southwark (LN-746) that comes complete with contemporary furnishings, wood floors, double beds, and floor to ceiling windows that let in the summer sun. To make you feel at home, this walk-up also has a doorman and security, laundry/dryer, and complimentary amenities such as soap, shampoo and a welcome pack!

· A stunning, modern 2-bedroom vacation rental in Lambeth (LN-711) on the second floor of a converted coffee or tea warehouse built originally in 1850. This chic, loft-style space has its walk-up entrance in the courtyard and comes with double beds, whitewashed brick walls, fireplace, Baltic pine flooring, and a roof terrace with seating under a vine-covered pergola. The flat sleeps five, but a baby’s crib can be supplied at no extra cost.

To get the most bang for your buck (or your British pound), stay in a New York Habitat accommodation near South Bank this summer. For a full itinerary, go to http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ —and leave a comment below to let us know which free events interest you!

South Bank not for you? Check out our other article about great deals in London:

- Low Cost London: Mayfair

1. Holiday Traditions—South Bank, London
2. Low-Cost London: Exploring the East End
3. Low-Cost London: Earl’s Court, Kensington-Chelsea
4. Low-Cost London: Mayfair
5. Take Me to the River: Along London’s Waterways

This entry was posted on Monday, July 6th, 2009 at 10:21 am in South Bank - Southwark. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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