10 Fun things to do in London

This month your top ten travel tips offer you a mix of the best free and paid for, fun things to do in London. Here's your concise guide to the British capital in July, 2008.

Jazz in the Park

If you take a stroll through Regent's Park there are two things you need to do. First of all print off a map to avoid getting lost in this expanse of open space. Secondly take yourself to the free, weekend jazz sessions at the band stand - near the cafes and Rose Garden of the Inner Circle. There are some great jamming sessions lined up for every weekend in July and also, the first free weekends of August too. Set against the scenery of the boating lake and weeping willows, this is the perfect place for chilling out or a date with that on the road romance.
The Royal Albert Hall

The innards of this venue are beamed around the world to millions of viewers every year – be it to expose the Proms, the Black Rock Tennis Masters or the back bone defying Circ de Soleil. Hands down – it's pretty spectacular and with tickets starting at a mere £5, it's a venue which is accessible to all. It was of course built in memory of Queen Victoria's beloved husband – Albert, and his presence can be seen throughout. The organ here is the second largest musical instrument in Britain and boasts 9999 pipes. Interestingly enough, the privately owned boxes retail at over £1 million – on the rare occasion that someone sells on a 999 year lease. This is all just a snippet of what you'll learn on the daily tours so take a look at the website and book your introduction now. It's only £8 and one pound less if you're a student.
The London Bridge Experience

I'd recommend this if you don't get easily irritated by bad acting, screaming school groups and low budget special effects. It's fun in a tacky way and some of the actors are very entertaining – however the constant repetition of an overworked script has begun to wear some of the cast down. The best part is the tomb circuit at the end - where strobe lighting is mixed together with body-less heads, heavy breathing extras and a whole host of spooky initiatives that together, quicken the heartbeat of even the most jaded traveller.
Greenwich Playhouse

The strength of this attic theatre lies in the variety of the productions showcased here. It's currently staging a translation of the Presnyakov Brother's Terrorism - which involves metaphorical suitcases, dry humping and old ladies inadvertently provoking the explosion of a gas filled, adulterer's flat. It's not everyone's cup of tea but the lucidity of it may well draw you in and at £9 for backpackers, it's worth the investment, and the evening. Terrorism is playing until July 20 and will be followed by The Killing of Sister George. This one involves a popular actress who behind the scenes is an alcoholic, nicotine addicted, egotistical sadist. Look out for it between July 22 and 27, 2008.
Rise - London United

On July 13, 2008 there's going to be a free music festival in Finsbury Park – North London. It's a great annual gathering and it has a great aim too – to celebrate the diversity of UK cultures and discourage racism. Expect fifty acts spread over five stages and a lot of musical love, coming your way from noon onwards. Sounds include Indie, Soul, Hip Hop, Rock and World Music, which means there's something for everybody. The big name on this year's line up is CSS – so expect to be entertained by some enthralling, hip grinding, Brazilian beats.
London Walking iPod Tour

When you see Londoners on the tube, they appear rude, insular and unfriendly. Don't hold this against them because after all – quiet, alone time in a city like London is a valuable commodity. If after a while you too begin to feel the sensory overload and can't face the social interaction required by regular city tours - then here's a great idea. Download a tour onto your MP3 player, print off a map, plug yourself in and see the city at your own pace. I tried out the City and Southbank walking tour from walktalktour.com and it wasn't half bad. For less than a tenner you can download a bite size, historically accurate guide and a simplified map - that might just keep you on track.
Evolving Art at Monument

You lucky things can see cutting edge art in the public domain throughout July and all the way up to December. Better yet this cultural denominator is free to view and depending on the British summer, can be enjoyed outdoors in the glorious sunshine. Take yourselves to Monument tube station and look out for a 21 metre mural when you exit the station. This modern masterpiece showcases the city skyline, how it changes from season to season and the historical high jinx of the British capital. It was painted by London children, young people and adults as part of a wider education programme and it's a real treat to see.
Tours Around the Houses of Parliament

Every summer the British Government has an extended holiday. Two months in fact. This might not be great for Britain as the elected leaders swan off on luxury breaks but it is great if you're a tourist who would like to see inside the Houses of Parliament. During this summer opening you can buy a ticket for a guided tour of the House of Commons and the House of Lords too. The grandeur of both, coupled with the ornate interlinking corridors is something that won't be easily matched by any other governmental tour. You can make the most of this experience between July 28, 2008 and September 27, 2008.
Ballet Flamenco

This Spanish spin on traditional ballet is in fact mind blowing and well worth the excursion to the surrounds of Angel tube station. Sara Baras is the unquestionable star of the show and when I say she shuffles across the stage in a successive series of muscle defying, heel to toe taps, I mean it. Traditional Flamenco is turned up a notch to a temperature that sizzles and audience numbers definitely reflect this. This lady has presence, an indomitable spirit and that little flair of Diva that everybody loves. Her dancing entourage are pretty good to. It runs for an hour and forty-five minutes without an interval, you'll find it at Sadler's Wells Theatre and tickets start at a very modest £10.
More London Free Festival

In previous months this riverside amphitheatre has laid on complimentary movies for all but in July things are being jazzed up with an onslaught of free music. You don't have to book – just show up and if you're there before they reach capacity, you're in. Free treats are laid on every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday throughout July and the talent on show is both established and fresh faced. Come August the line up will morph into free theatre but for the summer month of July, it's more of a melody based treat. Lunch time sessions run from 12.30pm to 2pm and in the evening the slot is 6.30pm - 9.30pm. Take a look at the website for the day to day, musical comings and goings.