How to have a high-end holiday in London for less

Why pay top dollar for a luxury vacation when it’s possible to have it for less?

A high-end trip without a premium price tag is possible anywhere in the world, but your approach needs to be tailored to your destination.

Time it right

Notting Hill Carnival. Picture: iStock

London has some particularly busy periods with sky-high hotel rates, according to Paula Fitzherbert, a lifelong Londoner and the head of communications for the five-star hotels Claridge’s, Connaught and Berkeley.

They include June, during the Chelsea Flower Show, Ascot and Wimbledon, and the fashion weeks in February and September. These times asides, rates are least expensive on Sunday nights when occupancy is at its lowest.

“A stay could be half the price, compared with another day of the week and you’re likely to get free amenities,” Fitzherbert said.

The properties she represents try to offer Sunday night guests extras such as a bottle of Champagne, breakfast and a room upgrade.

James Manning, the global projects editor for Time Out London, encourages visiting either at the end of August or anytime in November. Flights and hotels are less expensive, and several noteworthy and free events take place.

One of the largest street festivals in Europe, Notting Hill Carnival, is in August.

Dine and drink smartly

Harrods. Picture: iStock

Skip white tablecloth dining.

Manning said some of London’s casual, affordable restaurants, such as the Taiwanese spot Xu, outperform many expensive Michelin-recognised joints in atmosphere and flavour.

To indulge in decadent cuisine for a bargain, head to a food hall in a luxury department store like Harrods or Selfridges, Fitzherbert said (she does, too).

“You can buy small portions of rare cheeses and handmade chocolates, and the stores often give out free samples on weekends,” she said.

She also suggested taking advantage of the widely available and attractively priced pre- and post-theatre menus at otherwise expensive restaurants like The Ivy and Savoy Grill and enjoying an evening drink at an upscale bar like the Connaught Bar for less than $20 (R300) – an order usually comes with olives, nuts and other snacks.

Find free or cheap culture

Tate Modern. Picture: iStock

Admission to most major museums, such as the Tate Modern, is free (special exhibitions usually have a fee), and venues such as Southbank Centre and Royal Opera House have free regular drop-in performances.

Time Out has a weekly update of the best free things to do in London.

Most West End theatres release reduced price tickets (around $25 – about R370) each morning for performances that evening.

Fitzherbert also recommended trying an off West-End show. Tickets can be half the price of the West End.

Go behind the scenes

Tower Bridge. Picture: iStock

At many institutions, you can go behind the scenes and have an exclusive experience without spending a lot.

The Natural History Museum offers behind-the-scenes tours of its preserved zoological collection for around $19 (R28o) a person. You can go backstage at the National Theatre and Royal Opera House for less than $20.

And for a slightly higher budget, a guided tour of operational areas at Tower Bridge – including the immense underground bascule chambers, a marvel of Victorian engineering – is around $63 (R930) per person.

Shop the markets

Portobello Road Market. Picture: iStock

Columbia Road Flower Market, in East London, and Portobello Market, in Notting Hill are prime destinations to buy one-of-a-kind collector-worthy goods at reasonable prices.

“They’re popular with celebrities, and the people watching can be as much fun as the shopping,” Fitzherbert said.

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