London has an array of activities and attractions that are completely free, meaning there’s no need to break the bank while visiting the city.
Among London’s dazzling collection of free tourist attractions, you’ll find urban parks, top-notch museums, iconic monuments, and vibrant street markets.
Seeking to explore the English capital without having to dig deep in your pocket? Then help is at hand with this thoughtful guide to the 9 best free things to do in London.
The Top 9 Free Things To Do in London, England
See Worldclass Art In London’s Free Museums
Most of London’s museums don’t charge an entrance fee, so you can discover world-class art and collections, interactive displays, and precious artifacts without breaking the bank.
Some of the best free museums in London are the Natural History Museum, home to 80 million objects dating back from billions of years ago, and the National Gallery with its 2,300+ paintings by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, Diego Velázquez, Sandro Botticelli, and Johannes Vermeer.
Visiting London with the kids? Then be sure to check the Science Museum. Treasures you’ll find here include Helen Sharman’s Space Suit, dating back to 1991, the Wells Cathedral clock, one of the world’s oldest clocks, and a Pilot ACE computer, from 1950.
Another kid-friendly (and totally free) museum in London is the National Maritime Museum, the world’s largest maritime museum. Here, little ones will love to discover an array of maritime treasures, such as items taken from the German Naval Academy Mürwik after World War II, several ship models, paintings, and flags.
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Experience The Vibrancy Of The Columbia Road Flower Market
Every Sunday, Columbia Road comes alive with a long-running flower market that is a feast for sore eyes. Established in 1869 as a Saturday trading fair, the market gathers small and independent traders selling a variety of colorful flowers, houseplants, herbs, bulbs, and shrubs from around the world.
Visiting the lively Columbia Road Flower Market, the biggest flower market in East London, is totally free. However, you’ll obviously need to pay for flowers if you want to buy them.
After soaking in the market’s buzz and vibrancy, head to the side streets to visit the area’s lovely cafés, independent restaurants, delis, shops, antique dealers, vintage stalls, and small galleries.
Address: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
Go On A Central London Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours are a great way of exploring London on a budget. Fortunately, there are several themed walking tours available in the city, each covering a different theme and neighborhood.
Seeking to discover the top landmarks of London? Then, opt for a “Classic London” walking tour. Want to discover the most Instagrammable places in the city? If so, a “Free Photographic Tour in Notting Hill” is the best bet.
Potterheads, on the other hand, will love to enjoy a 2-hour immersive Harry Potter-themed experience and discover all of the iconic buildings, streets, and neighborhoods that inspired JK Rowling and appeared in the films.
Just a friendly reminder that free tours don’t request any upfront payments. However, it’s common to tip anywhere from $5-$20 per person depending on how satisfied you are with the experience.
Recommended Read: Top 30 Things to do in London
Relax In London’s Lush Royal Parks
Green spaces and gardens abound in London. In the city, there are over 3,000 lush parks that provide the perfect backdrop for idle strolls, picnics, summer festivals, and other fun activities all year round. Plus, the majority of them are free!
The centerpieces of London’s park system are the eight Royal Parks of London. These are the Green Park, St. James’s Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, Bushy Park, and the Richmond Park.
While all of London’s Royal Parks are worth visiting, we recommend that you prioritize Hyde Park, an urban sanctuary adorned with 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow, and ornamental flower gardens.
Have some extra time up your sleeve? Then be sure to also check out the 410-acre Regent’s Park. There, you’ll find the largest outdoor sports area in London, an Open Air Theater, the London Zoo, and the must-visit Japanese Garden.
Now, in case you want to battle the crowds of travelers, Holland Park is the place to go. This lesser-known park features 22.5 hectares of gardens, including the dreamy Kyoto Garden, which is beautifully decorated with a bridge, stone lanterns, red Japanese maple trees, and a koi pond.
For a truly unique experience, go to the Sky Garden. Located at the top three stories of a skyscraper, London’s highest public garden treats visitors to fantastic views of the city from over 500 feet in the air.
Visit The Westminster Abbey
The Westminster Abbey is a Gothic-style church that has hosted 16 royal weddings since 1100. Regarded as one of the most important buildings in England, the abbey is the final resting place of notable British kings, statesmen, poets, scientists, warriors, and musicians such as Isaac Newton to Charles Darwin.
After you visit Westminster Abbey, be sure also to visit the Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster).
Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA
Check Out St Paul’s Cathedral’s Dome
St Paul’s Cathedral is a true architectural masterpiece designed by Christopher Wren. Dating back to the 17th century, this majestic Anglican church combines Neoclassical, Gothic, and Baroque elements.
The church’s highlights include the lead-covered dome —one of the world’s largest — and a crypt of the tombs of The Duke of Wellington, Christopher Wren, and Admiral Nelson, just to name a few.
Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
See The Changing of the Guards In Buckingham Palace
Located in the City of Westminster, in central London, Buckingham Palace was initially built as a large townhouse for Duke Buckingham in 1703 but was purchased in 1761 by King George III.
Queen Victoria made Buckingham Palace her official residence when she assumed the throne. Now, the palace serves as the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom.
Visiting the palace is paid for and only available to the public for a few months a year (between July and October).
However, it’s still possible to witness the spectacular Changing of the Guards before the palace. The ceremony happens every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:45 am and is free to watch!
Discover London’s Irreverent Street Art Murals
While London has plenty of world-class museums, the city also boasts plenty of street art that’s free for everyone to enjoy.
It’s possible to find colorful murals by renowned artists almost everywhere in the city. In the eccentric Camden Town district, on a walk between Chalk Farm, Camden, and Mornington Crescent metro stations, there’s an array of eye-popping graffiti. Be sure to stop by Hawley Street, which features a portrait of singer Amy Winehouse, a former Camden local.
Another great street art spot for those who love irreverent murals is the hip Shoreditch neighborhood. There, expect to see satirical works by Banksy, ROA, and Stik.
Take Insta-Worthy Shots Of The London Bridge
The Tower Bridge of London (also known as the London Bridge) is an engineering wonder that crosses the River Thames, in Central London. Officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1894, the bridge is crossed by over 40,000 people every day, and offers sweeping views of the Thames.
Marveling at the bridge (and photographing it) is completely free. The best views of Tower Bridge’s iconic site are either in front of the Tower of London on the north bank or in front of City Hall and Potters Fields Park alongside the south bank.
FAQ
Are there any free things to do in London?
The top free things to do in London are:
- See Worldclass Art In London’s Free Museums;
- Experience The Vibrancy Of The Columbia Road Flower Market;
- Go On A Central London Free Walking Tour;
- Relax In London’s Lush Royal Parks;
- Visit The Westminster Abbey;
- Check Out St Paul’s Cathedral’s Dome;
- See The Changing of the Guards In Buckingham Palace;
- Discover London’s Irreverent Street Art Murals;
- Take Insta-Worthy Shots Of The London Bridge.
What are the top free attractions in London?
The best free attractions in London are:
- London’s Free Museums;
- Columbia Road Flower Market;
- Central London Free Walking Tour;
- London’s Royal Parks;
- Westminster Abbey;
- St Paul’s Cathedral;
- Buckingham Palace;
- London Street Art;
- The London Bridge.
Is the Natural history museum free?
Yes. The entrance to the Natural History Museum is free.
What are the free museums in London?
The best free museums in London are:
- Natural History Museum;
- Science Museum;
- British Museum;
- London Transport Museum;
- Victoria and Albert Museum;
- National Gallery;
- Imperial War Museum;
- Royal Air Force Museum;
- Sir John Soane’s Museum;
- Tate Modern;
- Horniman Museum and Gardens.
- National Maritime Museum;
- Tate Britain.
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