Enjoy London in an Environmentally and Budget-Friendly Way

No trip to the United Kingdom is complete without a visit to London. If you’re lucky enough to visit when the weather is divine, give your holiday a more environmentally friendly boost by walking as much as possible. When walking isn’t an option, do as the locals do and hop on the Underground. Discover some more ideas for ways to enjoy London in an environmentally, budget-friendly way.

Shop At Spitalfields

The oldest market in London, Spitalfields, makes a great stop on your green London getaway. Vendors such as Elements by Nature offer handmade jewellery that mimics forms found in nature. V4Vintage offers high quality and well-maintained secondhand items ranging from handbags and silks to beaded garments.

Besides the shopping, you’ll also find daily events and more than 15 restaurants and cafes in the market, so bring your curiosity and appetite. Using the Underground, you can take Liverpool Street Station on the Central, Hammersmith and City, District, Circle, and Metropolitan lines to get your artistic fix seven days a week.

Sleep Soundly in the Financial District

Staying at an IHG hotel in the fringe area of London is one of the better choices when you’d like a good night’s sleep.

Hotel Indigo London – Tower Hill is at 142 Minories, moments from Aldgate Square or Tower Bridge Underground stations. The hotel is a 10-minute walk to the London Tower, and its proximity to Paddington means that a day trip to Windsor Castle is a breeze. Bonuses include free and fast Wi-Fi, complimentary passes to Virgin Active Gym next door, and a fully loaded mini-bar with waters, sodas, breakfast, and candy bars on the house. 

Eat At Noa’s 

Eating plant-based foods is more than a trend at Noa’s. Their motto is “food that loves life,” so no wonder their clients love them back.

The menu is no frills, but the dishes are sure to leave you feeling full. Start with a base of either quinoa or wholemeal couscous, and from there, the fun begins. The fillings available quite literally go around the world with everything from the vegetable coconut curry Sri Lanka to Mexican chipotle-roasted squash. The Lebanese boasts baked falafel, spiced chickpeas, and red pepper hummus. Grab this item in a wholemeal wrap, and you’ve got a perfect picnic to enjoy in the fresh air.

Reach Noa’s by either Bond Street or Marble Arch on the Underground. When you leave, catch bus 274 at Dorset Street for a 10-minute ride to Hyde Park. You’ll get off at Stop D.

Join the Club and Get Free Meals

As a bonus, if you plan on eating several vegetarian meals in London, be sure to buy the Leafcard. When you spend five pounds at a select restaurant — and you’ll find hundreds to choose from — you’ll get your main course for free. For budget and environmental-savvy travelers, this purchase is a no-brainer.

No matter where you wind up dining, sleeping, or shopping, it’s safe to say that one of the best souvenirs is knowing you’ve done your part to care for London, especially when doing your part leaves more funds for the next adventure.