Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast on the Thames at sunset.

Cheap Day Out in London: How to Spend the Day on £50

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South Western Railway March 27, 2026 7 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Things to do in London in the morning
Exploring London in the Afternoon
Things to do in London in the evening
Want to extend your stay? Best places to stay in London on a budget
Plan your London day out with South Western Railway

Is a cheap day out in London really possible?

London is often seen as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but if you know where to look, you can still enjoy a full day of sights, food and experiences without spending a fortune.

Riverside strolls, hidden gems, bustling streets and affordable eats are just a few of the countless ways to experience London on a budget. If you’re visiting London and want to make the most of your day without a budget to spend, have a look at our guide Free Things to Do in London.

Or, if you’re travelling alone and looking for ideas to explore the capital, check out our guide Solo Activities in London for inspiration, perfect for a single adventurer.

Arriving at London Waterloo by train places you right in the heart of the city, ready to explore.

Here’s how to spend a memorable day in London on just £50.

Things to do in London in the morning

Big Ben and Westminster Bridge overlooking the River Thames on a cloudy day

Leaving London Waterloo train station, your adventure begins. The city stretches out before you, full of energy and possibilities. Morning light glints off the Thames, street performers start tuning their instruments, and the aroma of fresh coffee and baked pastries drifts from cafés along the South Bank.

All of London’s morning opportunities lie ahead, ready to be explored.

Cheap breakfast in London

Every great day out begins with breakfast and in London you don’t have to spend a fortune to fuel your adventure. Just steps from London Waterloo, Waterloo Café offers freshly made sandwiches like ham and cheese for £3.50 or a crispy bacon for £3.20. Pair it with a hot coffee starting from £2.50, and you’re ready to set off on your day. Other affordable options include Balance and The Bankside Café, perfect for grabbing a quick bite.

Estimated spend: £6
Budget remaining: £44

Free sightseeing in London

After fuelling up at Waterloo Café, wander a few steps to the South Bank and let the morning unfold along the River Thames. This vibrant stretch is alive with activity, offering some of London’s most iconic sights for free. The riverside path gives you spectacular views of the city skyline and along the way, you’ll spot the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe and the striking architecture of the city across the water.

Street performers, artists and musicians often line the promenade, providing a lively soundtrack as you explore. Pause to watch, snap photos, or simply soak in the atmosphere. Walking along the river in the morning light is the perfect introduction to London.

Estimated spend: £0
Budget remaining: £44

Cheap London Attractions

Continue your riverside stroll until you reach Tate Modern, one of the world’s most celebrated art galleries. Housed in a striking former power station, the building is an architectural marvel even before you step inside.

The gallery’s permanent exhibitions are free to visit, giving you the chance to explore a wide variety of modern and contemporary art without spending a penny. Even if you’re not an art expert, wandering through the vast gallery spaces and immersive installations is a memorable experience. Don’t miss the viewing terrace, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral across the river.

Other examples of cheap attractions nearby include The Cinema Museum, where tickets are around £15, and The Clink Prison Museum, with entry around £11.

Estimated spend: £0
Budget remaining: £44

Exploring London in the Afternoon

London skyline with the Walkie Talkie, Cheesegrater, and Gherkin above the Thames

The afternoon has rolled around, bringing with it the perfect moment to grab a bite and uncover something new, all while keeping within your £50 budget.

Best lunch deals in London

After enjoying the art and views at Tate Modern, the next stop is refuelling with some of London’s food and drink deals. A short stroll along the South Bank brings you to vibrant lunch spots where flavour and affordability meet.

Wahaca is perfect for a lively midday bite. Tacos come fresh off the tortilla press, with options like Buttermilk Chicken, Beef Gringa, or Pork Pibil, all reasonably priced around £8. Pair your meal with a refreshing soft drink for about £4 and you have a tasty, satisfying lunch without breaking the bank. The buzzing atmosphere, zesty flavours and relaxed vibe make it a perfect spot to refuel. For another affordable option nearby, Voodoo Chicken serves up equally delicious meals that keep your budget intact.

Estimated lunch spend: £12
Budget remaining: £32

Cheap Experiences in London

After enjoying lunch at Wahaca, it’s time for a bit of fun and adventure. Just a short walk from the South Bank, The Floor is Lava Experience at Immersive Gamebox brings the hit Netflix show to life in an exciting, interactive experience.

In this high-energy obstacle course, the floor is “lava,” but don’t panic, it’s the pretend kind, not the stuff that melts shoes. Motion tracking, projection mapping and interactive touchscreens keep you on your toes as you jump from platform to platform. Expect a lot of laughter, a few dramatic leaps and maybe some questionable landing skills.

At £21 per person, it’s slightly more than anything you’ve spent so far, but with £32 still left in your budget, it’s an unforgettable way to spend your afternoon and make the most of London’s fun side without breaking the bank. Another option at Immersive Gamebox, priced the same, is the Angry Birds Experience.

Estimated spend: £21
Budget remaining: £11

Things to do in London in the evening

Tower Bridge at sunset with boats on the Thames.

The afternoon winds down and London transforms. Streetlights reflect off the Thames, the buzz of the city shifts to a lively evening energy and the scent of evening meals drifts from restaurants and markets alike. It’s the perfect time to relax, enjoy some good food, and soak up the city’s nighttime charm while keeping within your £50 budget

Cheap Dinner in London

Wandering from the South Bank, Chinatown opens up like a hidden pocket of flavours and colours. Noodle & Beer is a favourite spot where you can enjoy an affordable evening meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or atmosphere. Imagine tucking into crispy beef jerky for £10.80, chicken wings for £8.80, or chicken bites for £8.80. The chatter of diners, the warm glow of lanterns and the sizzling sounds from the kitchen make every mouthful feel like part of your London story.

The evening settles over London and it’s time to wander back toward Waterloo station, feeling the satisfaction of a day well spent. Riverside strolls, free sights, tasty meals and playful adventures have shown that London doesn’t have to be expensive to be unforgettable. A £50 budget has taken you through a full, vibrant day, leaving you with the perfect mix of experiences, fun, and flavour to remember.

Estimated dinner spend: £11
Final Budget remaining: £0

Want to extend your stay? Best places to stay in London on a budget

If one day in London isn’t enough, there are plenty of budget-friendly places to stay overnight.

easyHotel London Victoria – starts at £65 per night

London Tolworth Hotel – starts at £60 per night

Travelodge London Central Euston Hotel - starts at £63 per night

Smart Hyde Park View – starts at £25 per night

The Peaceful London Retreat – starts at £70 per night

Staying longer gives you the chance to explore even more of the city, from the highlights covered in our guides like 48 hours in London, to other spots perfect for spontaneous day trips out of London by train.

SWR Rewards

You can avail of special offers and deals on attractions, hotels, restaurants and more in London with SWR Rewards.

Plan your London day out with South Western Railway

Exploring London on a budget is even easier when you travel by train. Discover cheap train tickets by going off-peak and passengers with a Railcard could save even more, while those travelling in a group could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.

Our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex return tickets give you extra flexibility if plans change on the day. For additional savings, check your eligibility for Railcards and Discounts.

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