When most people think of a caravanning trip in England, they think of the countryside, or perhaps a town or small city with a rich heritage. Few people think of making a culture packed trip to the capital by caravan. Unlikely though it may seem, there are five camping and caravan sites in London, some with excellent transport links. This one in Crystal Palace has excellent transport links, so you can be in central London in no time.

View of the South Bank

Trips to London are always fun, but can be very expensive. With a caravan, you can have a truly budget break in one of the best, most culturally rich cities in the world. Here are a few ideas for free things to do in London to get you started –

• Go to Covent Garden and look at the street performers. The streets around the market are lined with open air entertainment, especially in the summer months.
• Visit a museum. London museums are free, and contain the finest collections in the world. The British Museum and the National Gallery are both excellent choices and leaders in their field, or if you have children with you, the Science Museum and Natural History Museum are very child friendly – the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum had a particularly big impression on me when I was 6, and they’re still there.
• The changing of the Guard. Much loved by foreign tourists to London but almost ignored by the British, the changing of the Guard is a wonderful spectacle, reminding us of the rich history of the monarchy and the evolution of British government.
• A walk in the park. London boasts many excellent parks, and run a series of free activities in the summer months, from guided bat walks to dance festivals. Check what’s on at this website – http://www.royalparks.org.uk/events/
• Go to a street market. London’s best known street markets are Portobello and Camden, and they deserve their reputation as being fascinating places to spend a morning wandering around. There are also many more markets to be seen, especially the trendy Brick Lane and little known Petticoat Lane.
• See a free show. There are many free outdoor events around London, and the National Theatre holds free Foyer concerts most Saturdays. From here, you can also wander down the South Bank, from which you can see most of London’s major landmarks.

Always make sure your caravan insurance is in date, even if you’re going to a city!