In the wise words of Mr Fresh Prince "Summer, summer, summertime. Time to sit back and unwind." Lounging by the pool for days on end has never appealed to me though so by unwinding I mean 'get up nice and early and fill your head with information'. Luckily I have some likeminded insomniac friends so these trips are anything but boring.

MORE: PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5

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Natural History Museum, London

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How could you not be fascinated by science? A field that dares to ask 'Why not?' and always pushes the boundaries of traditional thinking. The Science and Natural History Museums are some one of my favourite places in London to waste away an afternoon.

The geological Earth Sciences department is a treasure in of itself. As Carl Sagan brilliantly put it “The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.” It's fascinating looking through all the different materials knowing that elements of them are present within us all.

I also got a little moment of victory as the entire day Krissy and I were discussing whether dinosaurs had feathers. Turns out that birds are some of their direct descendants and that there were multiple species of feathered dinosaurs. So take note men! You can win an argument against women, they tend to find it hard to fight against facts 🙂

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V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum

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If science isn't your poison make sure to visit the the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design - The V&A. Housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects, it was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince www.bantuhealth.org/tadalafil-buy/ Albert. It's also right across the road so really, you have no excuses. At the time of our visit Clarks showcased a brilliant perspective into the history of shoes that I wish to share with you now.

Shoes are commodities and collectables. The luxurious and impractical shoes that clearly signal privilege and status have long been objects of desire. Today, a pair of shoes by Jimmy Choo or Prada is a more covered possession than any other item of clothing. Spending large amounts of money on a pair of shoes is pleasurable because it is excessive.

Throughout the centuries and across cultures, footwear has symbolised high social status. Often impractical in decoration and shape, these shoes make a clear statement that the wearer does not engage in manual labour. The design of shoes has created many identifiable symbols of supremacy and privilege, from the red heels of Louis XIV's court to the elaborately embroidered moccasins worn by the Iroquois elite. These shoes just like a pair of Loubouti ns today, show that the wearer belongs to an exclusive circle.

Height is perhaps the most conspicuous way that social status can be represented. High shoes make the wearer literally stand above the crowd, easily spotted and admired in a gathering. From the platform sandals of ancient Greece to today's sleek stilettos, increased height creates a teetering object of desire.

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STYLEGRAM

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If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out my latest lookbook for Topmans' Great Britain, Great Suits campaign. Alternatively check out my latest travel journal from Barcelona.

As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of our roundups please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #styledivision

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They say life is short but if you think about it it's actually the longest thing you'll ever get to do. I think what 'they' actually mean is life is too short to spend on things you don't care about. There's an amazing Lenin quote that goes "There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen." I got to experience this in full over the last few weeks as the cogs have started turning and my 2 year London experience is coming to a temporary close. With Brexit likely to disrupt countless lives over the coming year it's time to take control of my path and start a new adventure. But before I reveal the surprise here are some things you should check out in London this summer.

MORE: PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4, PART 5

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Hunterian Museum - Royal College of Surgeons

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A few month ago my friend Ollie and I visited the Hunterian Museum in Holborn as I feel that everyone has a deep fascination with anatomy. The Hunterian Museum boasts unrivalled collections of human and non-human anatomical and pathological specimens, models, instruments, painting and sculptures that reveal the art and science of surgery from the 17th century to the present day.

There's something surreal about the whole place as you're stood mere inches away from anatomical specimens that feel almost alien. Except they're not. They're real and existed on this planet at some point in time. Funny to think that once you strip away the makeup, clothes and day to day prejudices, we're all the same beneath the skin.

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Spend Time With Friends

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It doesn't really matter what you do in London but rather who you do it with. Even the most boring location can become the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of laughter and mindless exploration. Of course it never hurts to have a camera with you to capture those fleeting moments that are oh so rare in our busy and hectic lives. Krissy from INTERLACED // Kisses & Wires was of course on hand to spice up our afternoon with her insatiable laughter and a drive that would make Richard Branson blush.

Never one to say no to a spot of shopping we explored Soho and Oxford Street, doing our best to imitate 500 Days of Summer (Honey, the taps don't work!) and spending way to much money on Aesop's luxury hand creams. Having a magazine allows me a unique perspective on the nature of materialism. You can always have more stuff but it won't make you any happier. Surrounding yourself with people that make you laugh. Now that's luxury.

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STYLEGRAM

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If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out my latest lookbook for Topmans' Great Britain, Great Suits campaign. Alternatively check out my latest travel journal from Barcelona 🙂

As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of our roundups please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #styledivision

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Now that the clocks have changed you really have no excuses for staying inside. Even if you live in a smaller city you can always find some free things to do as it's the people you spend your time with that are important rather than the activity itself. Make sure to check out the first part of this post or 15 Free Things To Do In London if you ever find yourself in the capital.

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Explore Covent Garden

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My most recent lookbook was based around Covent Garden as this area has seen huge rejuvenation efforts in the last century. Covent Garden was actually known as a red light district as brothels and taverns increased in popularity hence the erection of the market helped organise the area. The market is always teeming with entertainers or art installations to keep your visit interesting and I would also recommend grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the little cafes and drinking in the atmosphere.

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Visit An Exhibition

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There are always plenty of artists looking to find an avenue for their voice so take a few minutes and have a look at some free exhibitions around your city. The latest one I visited has been Annie Leibovitz's 'WOMEN: New Portraits' which reflects the changes in the roles of women today as captured by Annie herself. What impressed me most about her photography was the ability to capture that fleeting moment or a unique element about the subject. Something I'm going to start striving for in my own photography.

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Sky Garden Yoga

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There's no greater feeling than starting your morning off with a little bit of Yoga, especially if that's the view you walk out to. Sky Garden is at the top of the Walkie-Talkie. The 38-storey building is the fifth tallest in London and although the looks and design leave a lot to be desired you're not going to leave underwhelmed. The yoga classes start at 6:30 AM and you have to book beforehand but the feeling of rejuvenation and lightness you have after finishing is worth all those unnecessary minutes spent in bed. You can find out more HERE.

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Visit a Gallery

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As with exhibitions mentioned above it's always ace to visit a gallery, pretend you know how to talk about art and generally not take the entire experience too seriously. I recently visited the RCA 'Work in Progress' Show that showcased a huge variety of student art from paintings to sculpture to moving art. It was great to see individuals trying to find their voice through mediums they have available although there was a guy who literally drew an outline of a frog as his final piece and I wasn't sure whether he was serious or not.

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If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out my latest photography post where I explore the iconic Canary Wharf. As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of my next roundups please contact anton@thestyledivision.com or tag your post with #styledivision

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London has it all, nobody can argue with that. Unfortunately, it also has a reputation for being one of the world's most expensive cities to visit or live in. The cost for a family of four to enter a popular attraction in London can easily rise above £100 and the cost of a week in the UK capital can be immense. Add food, accommodation and other little bits and pieces and the cost of a break in London can seem daunting.

This should't put you off, as for every overpriced attraction there is an equally good one that will cost you absolutely nothing. From some of the most popular museums in the world, to urban parks and free tours, London has much to offer the thrifty traveler. If this sounds too good to be true, read on to find out 15 fantastic things to do for free in London.

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1. The British Museum

The British Museum in Bloomsbury is one of the oldest in the entire world. The collections here are vast and varied and including permanent exhibitions focusing on the age of discovery and a morbid exhibition exploring death and disease throughout the past centuries.

Other items include a prosthetic toe from the year 600BC and the legendary Parthenon 'Elgin' Marbles. The museum can easily keep you entertained for a few hours or even a full day which makes it great value for (no) money.

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2. Free Walking Tour

Walking around London is one of the best things to do in the city and, of course, costs absolutely nothing. If you have a good guide book and like an adventure, why not plan your own route including a number of attractions that you would like to see up close.

If this all sounds too complicated then check out the free walking tour courtesy of New London Tours. The tour starts at Covent Garden and ends at the Houses of Parliament, lasting over two hours and taking in Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square along the way.

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3. The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London opened in 1888 and has been fascinating visitors ever since. The building looks stunning from the outside but the stars of the show lie within the grand building. The attractions here include a full sized Diplodocus skeleton, an animatronic t-rex and literally millions of insects covering a whopping 17 miles worth of shelves. The museum is a great place for families and it really excites children of all ages. The permanent exhibitions are free but the temporary exhibitions often charge.

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4. Hyde Park

If the hustle and bustle of the streets of London are all getting too much, why not visit Hyde Park which is arguably one of the greatest urban parks in the world. The park covers an area of around 350 acres with plenty of grass, trees and its large lake at the center. There are areas for sports such as tennis and team games. If all of the activity makes you hungry, there are two licensed restaurants in the park which serve great food ranging from full sit down meals to a quick cup of coffee.

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5. Camden Lock Market

Although a market is only free if you don't buy anything, the Camden Lock Market deserves a place on this list due to the atmosphere here alone. The place is always buzzing with trendy, quirky locals and the markets are great to browse even if you don't want to spend a penny. Stalls range from vintage clothing and music to artwork and jewelery. The lock was opened in 1970 as a timber yard and the history is still apparent. The market is a great place to experience a London market and take some great photos.

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6. Changing of the Guard

This is a must do and should be on everybody's "London Bucket List", luckily it is also free. The display takes place at different times in different areas of Buckingham Palace but it is usually around 11:00am.

The changing of the guard is a great example of British tradition gone mad and makes for a great photo souvenir of a trip to the capital. The guards are of course dressed in classic Beefeater attire and complete the ceremonial changing to music. Changing of the guard also takes place at Windsor Castle.

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7. The British Library

A library may not sound like a thrilling day out for most people but the British Library is a library with a difference. The building, which is the national library of Britain, holds some of the most prized books and pieces of literature in the world including Shakespeare's First Folio and the original manuscripts of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Music fans will also be interested to note that the library is home to the Holy Grail of Beatles memorabilia, lyrics handwritten by John Lennon himself. The library also houses a number of exhibits throughout the year making it worth visiting more than once if you get the chance.

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8. The Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre is the largest of its kind in the world and is also one of the most popular. The center offers a large variety of performing arts from dance and spoken word to theater and musical performances. Throughout the year, the center sees around 22 million visitors who gather to watch a total of around 1,000 musicians. A number of the performances are free and provide a great opportunity to see great music in a fantastic environment at no cost whatsoever. The Southbank is also the location of a legendary skateboarding park and is a great place to sit and watch some high-risk maneuvers.

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9. National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery houses an immense collection of portraits ranging from the middle ages all the way to present day.

The subjects in the portraits include past kings and queens in all of their royal glory, popular musicians and movie stars all of which are portrayed across a variety of media from classic paintings to photography and even film. The permanent collections at the gallery are totally free for everyone.

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10. Somerset House

This impressive and beautiful Georgian building is a popular place to stop for a picnic and/or coffee whilst admiring the dancing water fountains. The attraction doesn't end there however and visitors should be sure to check out the stunning crafted staircases and the equally stunning views from the buildings balconies.

Occasionally, the catacombs of the building are open to visitors making the building even more of a must-see. The building is also home to a gallery of impressionist art but a fee does apply to visit this.

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11. The Bank of England Museum

The mysteries of the financial crisis and the billions that disappeared may not be explained in this museum but it sheds light on a host of other interesting aspects of the banking world. Items on shows include a host of vintage notes and antique bank furniture.

There is even an opportunity to life up a solid gold bar (although you won't be able to go anywhere with it). The museum is a good way to spend a few hours and has a small but well stocked collection that is bound to keep you intrigued.

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12. Big Ben

One of the most iconic sights in London, Big Ben (the name given to the clock tower's bell) is an obvious free attraction to enjoy in the capital. When the houses of parliament burned down in 1834, they were rebuilt ten years later and included a clock tower which is now known across the globe. Listening to the clock chime and taking photographs of the tower and the houses of parliament are one of the most popular and easily accessible things to do in the city. The tower makes a great sight at night with its four faces illuminated.

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13. Platform 9 3/4

Although sadly, the Kings Cross platform marked 9 3/4 will not whisk you off towards the Hogwarts Express and on to Hogwarts, it still provides a great photo opportunity for Harry Potter fans.

Also at King's Cross station, Harry Potter fans may recognize platforms 4 and 5 which were used as locations for filming. There is also a Harry Potter shop at the station which is built to represent the shop of Olivander the wand maker.

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14. Hunterian Museum

If you have a morbid curiosity for dead things and the London Dungeons are out of your price range, then the Hunterian Museum is a free alternative worth considering.

The museum has a collection of creatures pickled in jars, deformed and crippled skeletons and exhibits exploring the past, present and future of surgery. Entrance to the museum is free with a suggested donation of £3.

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15. Science Museum

The Science Museum in London is the most visited in Europe and is also totally free. There are a number of great interactive exhibits here that will fascinate and educate adults and children alike.

Amongst the 15,000 plus items on display are the actual Apollo 10 command capsule and the early Stephenson's Rocket steam engine. The museum is free but the Imax theater and the Red Arrow's flight simulator will cost you.

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This post was written by the supremely talented Jan Meeuwesen from The Crazy Tourist. If you're thinking of taking a break somewhere make sure to check out his site first as it will be an invaluable resource for any traveller. For another great list that focuses on the capital make sure to check out the 25 Best Things To Do In London, it might give you some creative inspiration 🙂

Most of the images above were taken by Anton from Style Division so make sure to give him a follow on Instagram or Facebook using the links below:

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Our bustling city never sleeps and as the seasons change so do the events and attractions. From street food markets to pop up galleries and late night exhibitions, London has it all. The difficult part is actually choosing something to do and enjoying it to the fullest without worrying that you made the wrong choice. As a side note, the cover photo was taken by Laura McGregor and I'm kinda in love with it 🙂

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Columbia Road Flower Market

The Columbia Road Flower Market is one of London’s most visually appealing markets and buckets of flowers are on sale here every Sunday. I must admit, I haven't visited the flower market since the summer although now that the weather is picking up a return trip is definitely in order. During my last visit I picked up a little orange tree that has really brightened up my room so there's something on offer here for everyone. To get the best bargains turn up very early or just as the market is closing down (usually around 2pm) and grab yourself a deal.

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Mademoiselle Privé - Saatchi Gallery

Mademoiselle Privé, was an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery that showcased a journey through the origins of CHANEL's creations capturing the charismatic personality of Mademoiselle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld. The exhibition highlighted historical aspects of fashion such as Haute Couture, the re-editions of the High Jewellery "Bijoux de Diamants" collection and the timeless CHANEL N°5. Although the exhibition is now closed you can read more about it in this amazing piece by The Guardian.

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Mad About The Boy

Curated by Lou Stoppard, Mad About The Boy explores fashion’s obsession with youth, focusing on the way ideas of the teenage boy are constructed through specific collections and fashion images. The concept of neoteny is nothing new in fashion as youth is 'rewarded' with empty promises during a time of perceived infinite opportunities and creative freedom. The exhibition is on until next month at the London College of Fashion, Fashion Space Gallery so make sure to give it a visit if you're around Oxford Circus.

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Lumiere London Festival

Artichoke have a reputation for bold, groundbreaking outdoor arts events and they love to invade public spaces with extraordinary and ambitious art. The Lumiere Festival did exactly that with unique installations popping up all over London including Piccadilly, Regent Street and St James's, Trafalgar Square and Westminster, Mayfair, and King's Cross. The installations ranged from flying sea creatures to visual projections and a transformed Leicester Square that brought the area to life.

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If you enjoyed this post make sure to share it with your friends using the links below and check out my latest photography post where I explore the iconic Canary Wharf. As always stay classy and if you wish to be featured in one of my next roundups please contact anton@thestyledivision.com or tag your post with #styledivision

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