Free Things to Do in London

Looking to explore London without breaking the bank? You’re not alone—finding the best free places can feel overwhelming. But with a little guidance, you can discover the city’s hidden gems.

In this article, we’ve explored 25 of the best free things to do in London, including:

• Historic parks and gardens like Hyde Park & Greenwich Park
• Completely free museums including the British Museum and Natural History Museum
• Iconic landmarks, markets, and scenic walks that won’t cost a penny

Follow our plan to enjoy the best free activities in London, save money, and experience the city like a local. Adventure awaits—let’s get started!

Free Parks and Gardens in London

1. Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

Hyde Park, once a hunting ground for Henry VIII, is now one of the best free places to visit in central London. It’s famous for Speakers’ Corner, where free speech has been practiced for centuries.

The Serpentine Lake offers a calming walk, while Kensington Gardens holds treasures like the Diana Memorial and the Peter Pan statue. Many don’t realize that these London parks have witnessed royal processions, political protests, and even rock concerts.

• Hyde Park often hosts live music and cultural festivals.
• Kensington Gardens includes ornamental fountains and the Albert Memorial.
• A short walk leads to South Kensington museums like the Science Museum.

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2. St. James’s Park

St. James’s Park is the oldest royal park, bordered by Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and James’s Palace. It’s a perfect urban oasis with a picturesque lake, home to pelicans first introduced in the 17th century. The park offers one of the best free things to see in London: the Changing of the Guard.

Many visitors overlook that from its Blue Bridge, you can spot both Buckingham Palace and Big Ben framed beautifully.

• Pelican feeding happens daily, which kids love to watch.
• The Blue Bridge is a great photo spot.
• Plan ahead if visiting during school holidays, as it gets crowded.

3. Regent’s Park & Queen Mary’s Gardens

Regent’s Park was designed by John Nash for the Prince Regent, featuring elegant avenues and wide open lawns. Within it lies Queen Mary’s Gardens, home to an immense collection of 12,000 roses. This is one of the best free activities in central London, and it’s a short walk to London Zoo.

The park also hosted naval drills during WWII, a lesser-known detail that adds depth to its history.

• Visit in June when the rose garden is at its peak.
• Combine your trip with nearby Primrose Hill for views.
• Free play areas make it ideal for families.

4. Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park, once used for royal hunts, is one of London’s oldest enclosed green spaces. It offers sweeping free views across the River Thames toward St. Paul’s Cathedral. The park is home to the Prime Meridian Line and sits near the Royal Naval College, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a place where history, science, and natural beauty meet.

• Free picnic spots overlooking the city center.
• Short walk to Greenwich Market and the Cutty Sark.
• Great location to save money while exploring free places.

5. Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath feels wilder than other London parks, with rolling meadows and ancient woodland. Its 790 acres offer one of the best free activities: climbing Parliament Hill for panoramic views of the city, from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Walkie Talkie Building. It’s also home to swimming ponds, which have been used for centuries. Few know the Heath inspired works by poets like Keats and modern films like Notting Hill.

• Free swimming ponds open in summer.
• Adventure playgrounds and paddling pools make it great for families.
• Hampstead Village nearby is full of historic pubs.

Free Museums and Galleries in London

6. The British Museum

The British Museum, founded in 1753, was the world’s first free museum and remains one of the best free places to explore. It houses an immense collection, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and treasures from the Great Fire of London.

Few visitors realize its Reading Room once hosted Karl Marx. Exploring its galleries is one of the best free things to do in London for history lovers.

• Free tours highlight key artifacts like the Rosetta Stone.
• Visit early to avoid crowds in the Egyptian wing.
• The Great Court is a stunning architectural centerpiece.

7. The National Gallery

Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is home to over 2,300 works of British art and European masters. Founded in 1824, it was designed to be completely free for public access. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Turner’s masterpieces.

Many don’t know the building’s steps have appeared in James Bond films. This gallery remains one of the best free things in central London.

• Free lunchtime talks and tours available.
• Trafalgar Square is lively with street performers.
• Its location makes it a short walk from Covent Garden.

8. Tate Modern

Tate Modern on the South Bank is London’s powerhouse of contemporary art. Opened in 2000 in a converted power station, it quickly became one of the city’s best free places to visit. The Turbine Hall hosts monumental installations, while the top terrace offers free views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. Beyond its collections, the building itself is a striking symbol of modern London.

• Free activities include daily guided tours.
• Great stop for families thanks to interactive exhibits.
• Combine with a South Bank walk for scenic views.

9. Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is one of London’s most iconic attractions. It opened in 1881 and showcases the natural world through millions of specimens. Highlights include dinosaur skeletons, a giant blue whale in Hintze Hall, and Charles Darwin’s collections.

Many don’t realize the museum also has an earthquake simulator. It’s one of the best free activities, especially during school holidays.

• The Wildlife Garden outside is a hidden gem.
• Kids love the dinosaur gallery.
• Free entry makes it a perfect way to save money.

10. Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum, sometimes called the Albert Museum, is dedicated to decorative arts and design. Founded in 1852, it offers completely free access to treasures ranging from medieval armor to fashion collections.

Its Cast Courts hold replicas of monuments destroyed in the Great Fire or inaccessible today. Many don’t know the museum was built to inspire craftsmen in the industrial age.

• Evening events often feature free live music.
• A short walk connects it to the Science Museum.
• The courtyard café is one of the oldest in London.

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Free Landmarks and Attractions in London

11. Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard)

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the monarch and one of the most iconic free places to admire in central London. Visitors flock to see the Changing of the Guard, a colorful ceremony dating back to the 17th century.

This tradition, with its marching bands and guards in red tunics, remains one of the best free activities in the city. Few realize the palace stands on the site of a former mulberry garden.

• Arrive early to secure a good view.
• The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes.
• Horse Guards Parade also hosts guard change ceremonies.

12. Tower Bridge (walk across)

Tower Bridge, built in 1894, is one of London’s most photographed landmarks. Crossing it on foot is completely free and offers sweeping views of the River Thames. Many confuse it with London Bridge, but Tower Bridge’s bascules (lifting sections) are unique feats of Victorian engineering.

It has even appeared in films from James Bond to Harry Potter. Walking across remains one of the best free things to do in London.

• Check the schedule to see the bridge lift.
• A short walk connects to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• Great photo spot, especially at sunset.

13. Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, sit along the Thames River and symbolize British democracy. Big Ben, officially the Elizabeth Tower, was completed in 1859 and has become London’s most famous clock.

Though tours inside require tickets, admiring the Gothic architecture from outside is completely free. Many don’t know that the tower’s bell cracked just two months after it was installed, giving it its distinctive chime.

• Best views are from Westminster Bridge.
• Downing Street is a short walk away.
• Visit at night for dramatic lighting.

14. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square, created in the 1840s, commemorates Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. The square is dominated by Nelson’s Column and surrounded by fountains, statues, and the National Gallery.

It’s one of the most vibrant free places in London, known for its gatherings, protests, and Christmas lights every December. Street performers keep the area lively, while hidden gems like St. Martin-in-the-Fields church host free music.

• Great for people-watching and street performers.
• Visit during Christmas for the famous Norway spruce.
• Free walking tours often start here.

15. Covent Garden (street performers)

Covent Garden has been a hub of entertainment since the 17th century. Once a fruit and vegetable market, it is now famous for its arcades, neon signs, and daily street performers who put on professional-level shows for free. Kids love watching magicians, acrobats, and musicians perform in the central piazza.

It’s also home to the London Transport Museum (paid) and quirky shops, including a Harry Potter shop.

• Street performers usually gather near the main piazza.
• Great free activities include window shopping and people-watching.
• A short walk leads to Leicester Square and the London Underground hub.

Free Markets to Visit in London

16. Borough Market

Borough Market, near London Bridge, is one of the oldest markets in the city, with roots back to the 12th century. It’s a great place to wander for free, enjoying the smells and sights of artisan food stalls. While sampling is encouraged, many don’t realize the market was featured in Harry Potter films. Exploring here is one of the best free things to do when looking for lively places to visit in London.

• Go early to avoid crowds.
• Free samples are often available at stalls.
• A short walk leads to Southwark Cathedral and the Thames Path.

17. Camden Market

Camden Market is a collection of markets near Camden Lock, known for its alternative culture, street food, and eclectic shops. Opened in the 1970s, it’s now one of the top free places to explore in central London. Beyond shopping, it’s also famous for live music and street art. Many don’t realize Camden was once home to Amy Winehouse and remains tied to London’s musical heritage.

• Great spot for quirky photo opportunities.
• Street performers often appear along the canal.
• Easy access from Camden Town station on the London Underground.

18. Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is one of the best free activities for browsing antiques, fashion, and food. Established in the 19th century, it stretches over a mile and is the world’s largest antiques market. It became globally famous after appearing in the film Notting Hill.

While shopping can be pricey, walking the market and soaking in the atmosphere is completely free.

• Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest.
• Great for photography thanks to colorful houses.
• Street performers add to the lively vibe.

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19. Columbia Road Flower Market

Every Sunday, Columbia Road bursts into color with its famous flower market. Started in the 1860s, it remains a favorite free activity for Londoners and visitors alike. Even if you don’t buy anything, strolling among stalls of exotic plants and hearing the traders’ chants is a uniquely local experience. The surrounding streets feature vintage shops and art galleries that add charm.

• Arrive early for the best displays.
• Street performers often entertain the crowd.
• A short walk to Brick Lane offers more free places to explore.

20. Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market near Liverpool Street blends Victorian architecture with modern stalls. First opened in 1876, it’s now a hub for crafts, antiques, and street food. Many don’t realize the site was once linked to the Huguenot silk weavers who transformed East London. Exploring the market is one of the best free things to do when you want history with a modern twist.

• Open daily, with themed market days.
• Great place to save money on unique gifts.
• Located near Leadenhall Market and Shoreditch’s street art.

Free Walks and Views in London

21. South Bank Walk (London Eye to Tower Bridge)

The South Bank walk offers some of the best free views in London. Starting at the London Eye and stretching to Tower Bridge, it passes landmarks like the Royal Festival Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Tate Modern. This riverside walk is perfect for free activities, with street performers, book stalls, and art displays along the way. At night, the neon signs and city lights make it especially atmospheric.

• Great family walk with plenty of free places to stop.
• Combine with a visit to Tate Modern for contemporary art.
• Street performers keep the route lively.

22. Thames Path (Greenwich to Canary Wharf)

This section of the Thames Path runs along the river, offering peaceful views and historic sights. Walking from Greenwich Park past the Royal Naval College to Canary Wharf shows a different side of London. Few visitors know this route passes by shipyards once central to Britain’s naval power. It’s one of the best free activities for those who enjoy history and riverside scenery.

• Free views of the Cutty Sark ship.
• Walk includes both modern skyscrapers and historic buildings.
• Plan ahead, as some paths can be busy at weekends.

23. Little Venice & Regent’s Canal Walk

Little Venice, near Paddington, is a charming area of canals lined with colorful houseboats. The Regent’s Canal walk leads toward Camden Market and the London Zoo, making it one of the best free things to do for a day out. The canal was built in the 19th century for goods transport, but today it’s a tranquil escape from the city center.

• Free boat festivals often take place in summer.
• Street performers sometimes appear along the towpath.
• Short walk to Regent’s Park for more free places to visit.

24. Primrose Hill (city skyline views)

Primrose Hill, north of Regent’s Park, is a favorite spot for panoramic views of the city center. In the 19th century, it was preserved as a public open space, and today it’s one of the best free places to visit for skyline photos. From the top, you can see St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and even the Walkie Talkie Building. Famous writers like William Blake once praised its inspiring views.

• Visit at sunset for the best free views.
• Popular with locals for picnics.
• A short walk leads to Camden Market or Regent’s Park.

25. Hampstead Pergola & Hill Gardens

Built in the early 20th century by Lord Leverhulme, the Hampstead Pergola is a hidden gem in Hampstead Heath. This raised walkway and garden was once part of a grand Edwardian estate. Today, it offers one of the most romantic and best free places to visit in London. Its faded grandeur, overgrown vines, and peaceful atmosphere make it feel far from the busy city.

• Ideal for photography and quiet walks.
• Combine with Hampstead Heath for free activities outdoors.
• Visit in spring when wisteria covers the pergola.

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Free Things to Do in London: A Recap

Exploring London doesn’t have to cost a penny—these 25 free things prove the city is full of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. From iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to the peaceful greenery of Hyde Park, Greenwich Park, and Hampstead Heath, there are endless free places to enjoy.

Whether you’re fascinated by the immense collection at the British Museum, captivated by street performers in Covent Garden, or inspired by the skyline from Primrose Hill, London offers some of the best free activities in the world. Plan ahead, save money, and discover the very best free London has to offer.

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