8 Free Things To Do in London

London, the capital of the UK, bursting with culture, history, and charm. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of exciting things to explore in the city without spending a penny! From world-famous museums and art galleries to festivals and beautiful parks, London has something for everyone. Here are our top 8 recommendations for amazing free things to do in this iconic city!

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LONDON'S SECRET GARDENS & PARKS

London is home to many parks and secret gardens waiting to be explored, offering a sense of discovery and tranquility in the heart of the city. With so many hidden gems to choose from, we've narrowed down our top 5 favourites:

1. Richmond Park – Known for its wide open spaces and abundant wildlife, Richmond Park is a natural haven, particularly famous for its free-roaming deer. With sprawling meadows, serene ponds, and wooded areas, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful escape into nature.

2. The Kyoto Garden (Holland Park) – A stunning Japanese garden nestled within Holland Park, offering a serene space filled with koi ponds, waterfalls, and beautifully pruned trees. It’s a tranquil oasis that transports you to Japan, right in the heart of London.

3. St. Dunstan in the East – A hidden treasure in the city, St. Dunstan in the East is a historic church now in ruins, overtaken by ivy and lush greenery. It’s an enchanting, peaceful spot where nature and history blend seamlessly, offering a quiet retreat from the city noise.

4. Greenwich Park's Secret Garden – A lesser-known gem within the iconic Greenwich Park, this secret garden is filled with vibrant flowers and offers fantastic views of the city skyline. It’s a peaceful place to relax, away from the usual crowds.

5. Postman’s Park – Located near St. Paul’s Cathedral, this charming little park is home to the touching Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, dedicated to those who died while saving others. With its peaceful surroundings and poignant tribute, it’s a perfect place for reflection.

Each of these spots boasts its own unique charm, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Plus, they are all free to explore!

ART GALLERIES GALORE

London is heaven for art lovers, with numerous galleries and museums offering free access to their impressive collections. Here’s a list of our top free art galleries that are definitely worth a visit:

1. The National Gallery – Home to an exceptional collection of European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries, featuring masterpieces by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Turner, and Rembrandt.

2. Whitechapel Gallery – A hub for contemporary art, with regular exhibitions and a rich history of showcasing emerging artists.

3. The Courtauld Gallery – Known for one of the finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, including iconic works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Cézanne.

4. The Photographers’ Gallery – Specialising in photography, this gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions that highlight both established and up-and-coming photographers.

5. Tate Modern – A globally renowned modern art gallery, featuring works by iconic artists such as Picasso, Rothko, and Dalí.

These galleries offer incredible art experiences for free, making them must-see spots for anyone visiting London.

ATTEND A FREE FESTIVAL

Notting Hill Carnival

The streets of Notting Hill come to life with this annual free festival to celebrate Caribbean communities. Full of energy, colour, authentic Caribbean street food and live performances and music, this festival is not to be missed. It’s London’s biggest open-air street party. Expect delicious jerk chicken (you will have to pay for food)…

London Pride 

A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a colourful and vibrant parade, live music, performances, and festivities across central London. It’s an iconic event promoting inclusivity and equality that takes place in June. 

London BFI Film Festival

Although the London Film Festival is a ticketed event, it sometimes features free outdoor screenings of popular films in parks and public spaces, bringing cinema to the streets. Taking place this October, it's an event that all film lovers won't want to miss. 

LONDON EYE & SOUTHBANK CENTRE

While there is a charge to ride the wheel you can still enjoy the incredible views of the landmark and its surroundings for free. Walk along the South Bank of the River Thames and take in the views of the iconic wheel, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The Southbank Centre also has a lot to offer with free cultural events, art exhibitions and performances too. 

CHANGING OF THE GUARDS

For a taste of London's more patriarchal side, make sure you wake up nice and early to see this. The Changing of the Guard ceremony starts at Buckingham Palace. The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes between 11.00-11.45am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday – and it’s completely free. Spectators gather to watch the Queen’s guards carry out the ceremony. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place between three locations – Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Wellington Barrack so head to any of these places at the right time to watch!

Always check this website before you plan to go in case of any changes

FAMOUS FILMING LOCATIONS

 London is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and it's no surprise that it’s been featured in countless films and TV shows over the years. If you’re a film lover here are just a handful of famous filming locations in London that you can visit for free!

Bridget Jones Diary – Hidden under the arches of London Bridge at the Glove Tavern in Borough Market is the flat where Bridget lived and where many of the famous scenes were filmed and took place.

Harry Potter – King’s Cross Station Discover the magical Platform 9¾

Notting Hill – Portobello Road. Its colourful houses and market served as the backdrop for the film. The famous blue door where Julia Roberts' character lived is located on 280 Westbourne Park Road.

Skyfall – The Thames river & Westminster Station. James Bond fans will recognise several filming locations from Skyfall in London. One of the most iconic scenes was shot near the River Thames and Westminster Station is where many of the action sequences were filmed.

WALK AROUND THE MARKETS

You don’t have to buy anything but walking around London’s best markets are an experience in themselves. Taste the free samples of food and admire the antiques, jewellery and unique things on offer.

Check out the 

MUSEUMS

When looking for free things to do in the city, London’s myriad of museums come into play. The majority of permanent exhibitions in London, including the Natural History Museum, The British Museum, The Science Museum, The Charles Dickens Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum don’t charge an entry fee, and they’re packed full of worldly treats. In fact some of the most popular museums are free-entry.

London Travel Tips 💡

Purchase an Oyster Card or use Contactless Payment 

The Oyster card offers discounted fares on public transportation (Tube, buses, trams, and some rail services). Alternatively, you can use a contactless bank card or mobile payment (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) in place of an Oyster card.

Walk the City when possible 

London is a very walkable city, and many attractions are close to each other. Walking also lets you enjoy the city's neighbourhoods and streets. Use Google Maps or Citymapper to check walking routes between attractions. You can often save time and see more by walking.

Be prepared for the British weather! 

London’s weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to carry an umbrella and wear layers. Even in summer, bring a jacket, as temperatures can be cooler than expected.