| Student's Destination - London

There will be 28 sports on the Olympic Games programme in London in 2012 and around 10,500 athletes.  The host city for the XXX Olympiad was chosen on 6 July 2005 at the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, when London eventually succeeded in the fourth round of voting, taking 54 votes from a possible 104, against stiff opposition from four other candidate cities: Paris, New York, Moscow and Madrid..

There are hundreds of things to see and do in London that won't cost you a penny. From riding in a flight simulator to watching Changing of the Guard, there are some amazing experiences to be had. Plus, don't forget that most of London's Major Museums and Major Art Galleries are free too! Here's our pick of some of the best free activities in London.

London Attractions

Changing the Guard

For a display of British pomp and ceremony, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. This is where one section of Queen's Guards exchanges duty with the old guard. The guards are dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, and the ceremony is set to music.

To catch the ultimate royal experience, stand outside Buckingham Palace at 10.45am and again at 11.40am to watch the mounted guards ride out of the palace and down The Mall. It takes place every day from April to July and then alternate days the rest of the year. Visit the Royal website for a full schedule.

The Ceremony of the Keys

A tradition for the past 700 years, this ceremony takes place every evening at the Tower of London. The Chief Yeoman Warder, wearing a long red tunic and Tudor bonnet, and carrying a candle, locks up the main gate and delivers the keys to the Resident Governor of the Tower. Tickets are free, but need to be booked up to two months in advance by written application.

Sir John Soane's Museum

Sir John Soane was an architect and collector of curios. During his lifetime he amassed some remarkable antiquities from all four corners of the globe. These are now on display in Sir John Soane's Museum, which is his former home - and gives a real insight into the life of this extraordinary Victorian gentleman.

Kenwood House

Britain is known for its sumptuous stately homes, and Kenwood House does not disappoint. Perched on the edge of rolling Hampstead Heath, the house has stunning white stucco façades. Inside you'll find one of the most magnificently decorated libraries in the world, as well as the Iveagh Bequest - a collection of exquisite paintings by Rembrant, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough.

Geffrye Museum

A very unique experience, the Geffrye Museum gives a fascinating insight into the domestic lives of the British middle classes from the 1600s to the present day. Explore a series of room sets, complete with furnishing and textiles from each era. ­The museum itself is located in 18th century almshouses, and also has a renowned walled herb garden.

Hogarth's House

Hogarth was a celebrated artist and satirist, whose work, such as A Harlot's Progress, A Rake's Progress and Marriage-a-la-Mode, mocked 18th century society. As the name suggests, Hogarth's House is where he lived before he died in 1764, and it's here that you'll find the most extensive collection of his prints on public display.

Bank of England Museum

The charming Bank of England Museum traces the history of the bank from its foundation by Royal Charter in 1694 to its role today as the the country's central bank. There are gold bars, coins and banknotes, as well as many items you might not expect to find...

RAF Museum

Take to the skies on a free day out at the RAF Museum. There are over 80 aircraft on display, together with uniforms, weapons, photographs and more. Plus, there's a Battle of Britain sound and light show, a helipad, and even a Red Arrows flight simulator, if your nerves can handle it!