London Travel News 10/04/2010

From flat-out freebies to food, planning and parks, tips for how to save a few pounds in London Town.

11-17 October, it's time to get your (bespoke) drink on with seminars, classes and bar tours all over the city.

The original path of the 2012 Olympic marathon was to have run through economically depressed east London, but has now been re-routed through the far more touristy center — and to Eastenders' considerable chagrin.

A beautiful Tudor corner of London's Smithfield neighborhood, near the Tube's Barbican station.

This city-wide festival from the Greater London Authority runs 1-10 October. Exhibitions, performances, lectures and more will explore possibilities for the future of London Town.

From 4-18 October, this festival will celebrate food in London with films, special restaurant menus, celebrity chef-prepared dinners on the London Eye, free events at Spitalfields Market, and much more.

Held 13-28 October, tickets are on sale now. The big features: Black Swan, Never Let Me Go, and from director Mike Leigh, Another Year.

Always wanted to buy an Olympic village? Well, for a a mere 500 million pounds, now's your chance!

As of 24 December, the controversial M4 bus lane (deemed "not effective") will be re-opened to traffic until the 2012 Olympics begin. Once they're over…so shall be the lane.

English Heritage and Mayor Boris Johnson are celebrating 20 years of successful building conservation with a new book, "Saving London."