London is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. While it’s often considered an expensive city, many of its top attractions are free, offering visitors a budget-friendly way to explore. From world-class museums to sprawling parks and famous landmarks, here’s a detailed guide on the best free things to do in London, including how to get to each location – Enjoy!!!
- Explore London’s Free Museums and Galleries
Many of London’s top museums and art galleries offer free admission, allowing visitors to dive into history, art, science, and culture without spending a penny.
The British Museum
One of the most famous museums in the world, the British Museum houses an extensive collection of art and artefacts from across the globe, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Greek sculptures.
- How to Get There: The museum is located in Bloomsbury. The nearest Tube stations are Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) and Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines).
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours on Fridays.
The National Gallery
Situated in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery offers an impressive collection of European art, including works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Turner. The gallery’s highlights include Sunflowers by Van Gogh and The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube stations are Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines).
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and open until 9:00 PM on Fridays.
Tate Modern
Located on the South Bank, the Tate Modern is a must-visit for contemporary art lovers. The museum, housed in a former power station, showcases modern and contemporary works from artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube stations are Southwark (Jubilee line) and Blackfriars (District and Circle lines).
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The Natural History Museum
Perfect for families and science enthusiasts, the Natural History Museum features exhibits on dinosaurs, volcanoes, gemstones, and more. Don’t miss the iconic skeleton of the blue whale in the main hall.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube station is South Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines), just a short walk from the museum.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:50 PM.
- Visit Iconic Landmarks and Historic Sites
London is home to numerous landmarks that are not only famous but also free to visit.
Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard)
Though you need tickets to tour the inside of Buckingham Palace, watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony is free and a quintessential British experience. The ceremony takes place in front of the palace, featuring the Queen’s Guard in traditional uniforms and bearskin hats.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube stations are Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines) and Victoria (Victoria, Circle, and District lines).
- Ceremony Times: Usually takes place at 11:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (check the schedule as it can vary seasonally).
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most famous landmarks. While there’s a paid exhibition inside the bridge, you can still walk across it and admire its stunning views of the River Thames for free.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube station is Tower Hill (District and Circle lines).
- Opening Hours for the Walk: Open 24/7 for walking across the bridge.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Though you can’t tour Big Ben without pre-booking (and tours aren’t free), the exterior views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are iconic and worth seeing. Stand on Westminster Bridge or along the Thames for perfect photo opportunities.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube stations are Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, and District lines).
- Enjoy London’s Beautiful Parks and Gardens
London is famous for its green spaces, where you can relax, picnic, or stroll while enjoying nature and impressive landmarks.
Hyde Park
One of London’s largest parks, Hyde Park offers wide open spaces, beautiful gardens, and the Serpentine Lake where you can rent a boat in the summer. It’s also home to the Diana Memorial Fountain and Speakers’ Corner, a historic space for public debates.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube stations are Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line) and Marble Arch (Central line).
- Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 AM to midnight.
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park offers stunning views over the Thames and the City of London. It’s also home to the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian Line, where you can stand between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube station is North Greenwich (Jubilee line), but you can also take the DLR to Cutty Sark.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to dusk.
Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill
Regent’s Park is known for its beautiful gardens, including the Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, and is home to the London Zoo (which requires a ticket). For stunning panoramic views of London, walk up to Primrose Hill, located just north of the park.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube stations are Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line) and Baker Street (Jubilee, Bakerloo, and Circle lines).
- Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 AM to dusk.
- Explore London’s Markets
London is home to several vibrant markets where you can browse food, antiques, and handmade goods. While buying things isn’t free, wandering through these markets and soaking up the atmosphere is a great way to experience the city.
Borough Market
London’s most famous food market, Borough Market is the perfect place to explore local and international food stalls. While you can purchase street food, you’re free to wander and sample the free tasters.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube station is London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines).
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, with peak days being Thursday to Saturday.
Portobello Road Market
Located in the heart of Notting Hill, Portobello Road Market is famous for its antiques and unique fashion finds. The market stretches along Portobello Road and is bustling with activity, especially on Saturdays.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube stations are Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle, and District lines) and Ladbroke Grove (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines).
- Opening Hours: Saturdays are the busiest, but some stalls are open Monday to Friday.
Covent Garden
Though Covent Garden is a shopping and dining district, its central piazza often features free street performances, from musicians to magicians. The Covent Garden Market also has shops and stalls to explore.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube station is Covent Garden (Piccadilly line).
- Opening Hours: Daily, though street performances vary in timing.
- Walk along the Thames Path
The Thames Path is a scenic riverside walk that takes you past some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Tower Bridge. You can enjoy the fresh air, river views, and city skyline, all without spending a penny.
- How to Get There: Start your walk from Westminster or Southwark Tube stations to explore different sections of the path.
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7 for walking.
- Visit Free Churches and Religious Sites
Some of London’s historic churches are free to enter, offering beautiful architecture and serene spaces.
St. Paul’s Church (Covent Garden)
Not to be confused with St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, also known as the Actors’ Church, is free to enter and offers a peaceful escape from the busy market nearby.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube station is Covent Garden (Piccadilly line).
- Opening Hours: Typically open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays, but times may vary.
Westminster Abbey (for Worship)
While tickets are required for a tour of Westminster Abbey, you can attend daily worship services for free, which is a wonderful way to experience this historic site.
- How to Get There: The nearest Tube station is Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, and District lines).
- Service Times: Worship services are held throughout the day. Check the official schedule for times.
Conclusion
London is full of free activities that allow you to experience the city’s history, culture, and beauty without breaking the bank. From exploring world-class museums and galleries to relaxing in beautiful parks and visiting iconic landmarks, there’s no shortage of things to do for free. With easy access via London’s extensive public transport system, navigating the city and discovering its treasures is both enjoyable and affordable.
If you need more tailor made choices for your free visiting experience in London – please don’t hesitate to contact me on info@passportismlondon.com