Free/cheap family activities in London

[TaylorsMate]

Tentatively toying with the idea of eating at Gordon Ramsay’s at the end of July (spaces available) but because it’s so £££, any family activities in the day would have to be free or cheap!

I believe there’s a building that gives a view like the London Eye which can be pre-booked. Suspect there are no spaces now!

Are boat trips costly - is there a cheap one?!

All ideas welcome or even suggestions for a good meal location-wise close to anything cheap or free! Two adults and a 12 year old - TIA.

Sky Garden is the one you're probably thinking of. There are quite a few free viewing platforms like it that probs still have spaces. Horizon 22 is one and there's another one on Bishopsgate but I can't remember what it's called. Climbing up monument is cheap and nearby as well. All the main museums are free as you probably know.

Cheapest way to do a boat is probably an uber boat, you could go down to Greenwich for a wonder around ad back in again.

This is probably a stupid question, but what is an Uber boat and where do I get one from? Thanks.

Take the clipper (or uber boat, as suggested above, though never used them) to Greenwich, wander around and get something to eat at the market.

Okay, it’s not cheap, but you’ve got to eat lunch, Harrods food hall and then go wander around Kensington Gardens, walk across to the Diana memorial playground if you have dc that are young enough. Even a meal deal is going to be like £6-8 per person, so might as well spend £12 on a sandwich from Harrods and feel a bit fancy.

Loads of free museums. Pick what interests you.

Depending on their ages, up to 6-8, mine were thoroughly entertained just riding the tube and buses for a bit. We don’t have such things in Devon. 😂

Find playgrounds and have a picnic. Doesn’t always have to be from Harrods! Mine found city playgrounds to be a total novelty.

So, Horizon22 is the name I had forgotten - thankyou - but has no availability for date in mind.

Sky Garden may be an option but closest Ramsay rest will be 34 miles away according to Google so either the restaurant goes or the view 😬

@mindutopia OMG yes!!! Core memory unlocked - cannot believe that just came back to me!
DC LOVED LOVED the Memorial garden when she was younger. We always said we would return but never did. And we used to eat a Harrods sarnie pre-kids (from memory it was at the Café) so this may be a win too.

Off to google the distance between the two locations to see if do-able…

The uber boats are basically water busses, there are piers along the route. Where are you staying? What Ramsay are you going to?

Am I right in thinking the Sky Garden is really close to Bishopsgate( (GR restaurants)?

If so, too many choices now…

It’s a day visit, can either pop to London by train or car.

Just wanted to experience any GR restaurant really. No particular one.