Art Galleries: Immerse yourself in the delights of London independent art galleries. Visit the Photographer's Gallery, the UK's primary venue for contemporary photography and The October Gallery with its cutting-edge exhibitions dedicated to international artists. Details: www.photonet.org.uk; www.octobergallery.co.uk

Brick Lane: Brick Lane has the highest concentration of curry houses in London, so it is the perfect place to enjoy the UK's favourite dish Chicken Tikka Masala - yes, that's right, the Brits love a good curry. Our favourite is The Muhib, 73 Brick Lane (Tel: 020 7247 7122).

Comedy Club: Every Saturday night, the Chuckle Club offers cheap beer and the creme of up and coming British comedians. Need we say more- Details: www.chuckleclub.com

Drinking: A night out in London can easily cost a week's wages. However, are you timing your drinking to coincide with happy hour- Numerous bars have happy hour from 5-7pm, with The Langley, Sway and Sugar Reef slashing the price of drinks and bar food by 50%. Details: www.thelangley.co.uk  www.swaybar.co.uk  www.sugarreef.net

English National Opera: Despite what you may think, opera is not just about middle-aged men donning tuxedos and shouting 'Bravo!' The English National Opera is striving to shake off its stuffy upper class image and appeal to the masses (well, to those not wearing jeans, t-shirts and trainers anyway) and with tickets priced from as little as £10, there's no better time to experience a little operatic delight. Details: www.eno.org

Fuller Brewery: The Fuller Brewery has a one and a half hour brewery tour divulging how the traditional method of brewing interlinks with the latest technology to create the perfect pint. Sampling is encouraged - how else can you ensure the perfect pint- Details: Tours cost £5 and run every Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fri at 11am, midday, 1pm and 2pm. Booking is essential (Tel: 020 8996 2063).

Greyhound racing: If you enjoy a flutter on the dogs, head on down to Wimbledon Stadium London's premier racing venue. Races run every 15 minutes and entry starts from £5 - everyone can afford a flutter! Details: www.wimbledonstadium.co.uk

Horse riding: "You can horse ride in London-" I hear you scoff. Well yes, you can. Ridgway Stables offer courses for new and experienced riders in and around Wimbledon Common and Richmond, two areas of outstanding natural beauty. Details: www.ridgwaystables.co.uk

Ironmonger Row Baths: Spoiling yourself does not have to cost the earth. For £6.70, you can shake off the stresses of city life in Ironmonger Row baths. The baths boast a steam room, three hot rooms and an icy plunge pool and, for an extra £20, you can get a 30-minute massage. Details: www.aquaterra.org

Jack the Ripper Tour: Summer is here, so grab those walking shoes and join one of London's famous walking tours. Step back in time to 1888 when the women of Whitechapel lived in fear of Jack the Ripper, Britain's most notorious serial killer.  Who was he and how did he elude the authorities- Details: Cost £5.50 www.walks.com

Kew Gardens: Kew Gardens, also known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of London. Listed as a World Heritage Site, and housing over 40,000 plant species in three acres of land, this breathtaking oasis is only a short distance from central London. Free-guided tours are available daily at 11am and 2pm. Details: Admission £7.50 www.rbgkew.org.uk

London Loop: If you want to flee the concrete jungle, but you dont have the time or money to escape to the countryside, then don your walking boots, grab your travel card and walk a section of the London Loop - a 150-mile circular route along the edge of greater London. The walk takes you through residential areas, along rivers and canals, across public parks and even the odd farmers field. Details: www.ramblers.org.uk

Markets: Tantalise your taste buds with some traditional British fare at Borough Market, Jamie Oliver's favourite farmers market. With fresh bread, cheese, fish, cider and wine from all over the UK, this market is a delight for food lovers. Alternatively visit Old Spitalfields Market, which has over 250 stalls devoted to clothes, antiques and crafts. Details: Borough Market, Southwark Street; Old Spitalfields Market, Commercial Street.

National Sound Archive: The National Sound Archive, in the British Library, provides a truly unique way of recapturing history. Its one million discs and 185,000 tapes of sound and video recordings include such gems as The Beatles live on radio and Winston Churchills first speech to the House of Commons as Prime Minister. Details: www.bl.uk

Oxo Tower: The Oxo Tower, on the South Bank, is one of London's best-known landmarks. The view from the bar and restaurant is superb and it is the perfect place to celebrate something special. Gentlemen, Valentine's Day is fast approaching! Details: www.oxotower.co.uk

Pre-theatre menus: If you cannot afford a three-course meal in a top restaurant, but you still want to sample the delights of good food, take advantage of pre-theatre menus. Widely available in restaurants all over London and priced from as little as £12.50 for two courses, there really is no better time to eat out. Recommended: Bank Westminster, 45 Buckingham Gate, Tel: 020 7379 9797.

Quins: The NEC Harlequins are one of London's leading rugby teams and if you want to experience the thrilling atmosphere of this gentlemen's sport, wrap up warm and take to the stands of Stoop Memorial Ground. Details: www.quins.co.uk

Royal Festival Hall: The Royal Festival Hall hosts classical concerts and performance art shows. During February, there are performances from the Philharmonic Orchestra and WAI, a New Zealand group producing modern Maori music. Details: Tickets from £8, www.rfh.org.uk

Sothebys: The opportunity to watch a piece of art, or an item of jewellery, sell for millions of pounds in a matter of seconds, in one of the leading auction houses in the world, is an opportunity not to be missed. Bidding is not mandatory, so go ahead and enjoy the fun of the auction room. Details: www.sothebys.com

TV tickets: If you are hooked on a particular British TV show, why not get your hands on some free audience tickets. Tickets to shows such as Top of the Pops and Big Brother are available FREE from www.bbc.co.uk/whatson/tickets and www.applausestore.com

Upstairs at the gatehouse: This fringe theatre, located above a 13th century pub, presents classic revivals and contemporary drama. During September, there are performances of Perfect Pitch and Playhouse Creatures. Details: www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com

Vinopolis: Join a Vinopolis tour of the world's major wine producing regions. Saunter through France, Italy, Australia and California and sample fine wine as you stroll. This is truly one of the UK's most exciting interactive attractions. Details: Admission £12.50 www.vinopolis.co.uk

Waterloo Bridge: There are many beautiful views in this magnificent City, but few as spectacular as the view of St Paul's, the London Eye and the Palace of Westminster from Waterloo Bridge.

Xtra information: If you are looking for more ideas on what to do and see in London check out our UK destination page.

Yoga: Yoga classes are an excellent way to exercise the body and calm the mind. Classes run all over London and, for those of you short on time there are even classes at lunchtime. Call your local gym for details or do a search on Google for your nearest session.
Zzzzz: The only thing left to do is get some sleep!

For more to see and do in Lonon visit www.ukgrapevine.com