38 of the best fun and free things to do in London

It's almost impossible to run out of things to do in London. Befitting its status as one of the world's most beloved cities, it has an endless supply of landmarks, sights, activities, exhibitions, and more to enjoy.

However, our capital city also has a well-earned reputation as Britain's most expensive destination. Coupled with the cost of travelling into the city (although public transport within it is very cheap), a day out in London can bite financially.

Fortunately, there are plenty of completely free things to do in London. While many shows and attractions charge, there are some legendary ones that don't. You can make visiting London much cheaper by filling your time with some of the excellent activities in this guide, tailored for almost all tastes.

Free attractions and iconic landmarks

If you want to save money on a trip to London, that doesn't mean giving up on things worth visiting. Status and history don't automatically make a destination costly. Some of London's best free activities are tied to some of its most world-famous sights. 

Consider some of these awe-inspiring places in London that don't cost a penny.

1. Buckingham Palace

Nearest Tube station: Green Park (6-minute walk)

Few things are more London than the iconic centre of royal power. 

Going inside Buckingham Palace's State Rooms costs, with tickets often over £30 for adults. However, it's still a famously beautiful landmark with plenty to see and admire, with free access outside the gates.

In particular, many visitors recommend seeing the Changing of the Guard, a public showing, inspection, and march of Buckingham Palace's soldiers that costs nothing to watch and doesn't require booking. This takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11am.

2. Big Ben

Big Ben (or, to be specific, the Elizabeth Tower) is second in many people's minds when they think of London's many gems. Apart from being a classic piece of architecture and history, it's a perfect photo spot, very educational, and surrounded by other great things to do.

You can also hear the iconic chimes from Big Ben either on the hour or every fifteen minutes. No matter when you show up, it won't take you too long to hear the noise you came for.

3. Trafalgar Square

Nearest Tube station: Charing Cross (4-minute walk)

London also boasts one of the most famous public plazas in the world. Trafalgar Square is completely open to the public, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no toll or entry fee. Just a walk through unlocks some of London's most iconic sights.

Nelson's Column, the lions, and its range of fountains are only the most obvious joys of visiting Trafalgar Square. It also gets many street performers, particularly during free events on significant days (such as Christmas Eve or St. George's Day).

Furthermore, Trafalgar Square leads on to other attractions mentioned later on in this guide, such as the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.

4. London Paddington Station

Tens of millions of people enter London through Paddington Station every year, but it's not simply a functional part of Central London's infrastructure. It also contains a tribute to everyone’s favourite bear, named after the station and beloved by children and adults everywhere.

London Paddington Station has a bronze statue of Paddington Bear, along with a plaque, a bench with a mural featuring the character, and other tributes. Whether you come through the tube station or walk there deliberately to see it, it's a sentimental treat for many.

5. South Bank walk

Nearest Tube station: Many, but a good starting point is Waterloo

With how historic London is, you can spend hours just taking in the sights without spending a single pound. One of the best routes to get your fill of sightseeing is to stroll along the River Thames' South Bank.

You can plan your own route, or follow one of many online routes from enthusiasts, but most will take you on a delightful tour of the city's heart. See Westminster Palace, the London Eye, Shakespeare's Globe, the Southbank Centre, HMS Belfast, the Queen's Walk, the Shard, the National Theatre, and much more.

While going inside many of these attractions or buildings costs money, simply seeing their beautiful architecture and the waters of the Thames is a worthwhile activity in its own right.

6. The Houses of Parliament

Despite how remote and far-off British politics can seem, you might be surprised how accessible Parliament is. Not just for the rich, either, it's completely free to go inside Westminster Palace, containing the Houses of Parliament, under the right circumstances.

Parliament has a public viewing dock, and this is open for anybody to attend debates. Simply arrive when Parliament is in session (which unfortunately excludes most school holidays), typically from Monday to Thursday, via the Cromwell Green entrance. You will almost certainly have to wait in line, although an attendant can tell you how long a wait to expect.

If you want a more in-depth visit to Parliament, write to your MP. It's not guaranteed, but they can get you on the official 75-minute tour. It's worth noting that this may require up to six months' notice, and you have to be a UK resident to book.

On top of that, Parliament is more stringent than many other destinations in London. You will need ID and to be smartly dressed, and there are security checks.

7. Tower Bridge

Nearest Tube station: Tower Hill (7-minute walk)

Without leaving the Thames, you can go across and through one of London's oldest and most striking landmarks. Many tours of London include Tower Bridge for a reason. It's a site of beauty, of history, of the old and the new together, and a lovely, free walk in its own right.

London sightseeing isn't truly complete if you haven't been across Tower Bridge once. See if there are any free walking tours on offer, whether self-guided with internet help or by a volunteer, and take your time. Wait around long enough, you might see Tower Bridge opening to let a ship through.

8. London Bridge and others

Nearest Tube station: London Bridge (1-minute walk)

While Tower Bridge is the most famous by far, it's not the only bridge to explore if you want free things to do in London. Cross the Thames in a slightly less famous spot, or even go back and forth multiple times and see attractions on both sides.

Remember, crossing on a plainer bridge gives you the perfect angle for a photo of one of the more famous ones.

9. Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

Nearest Tube station: King's Cross St. Pancras (2-minute walk)

Paddington isn't the only bit of pop culture in a London train station. Harry Potter fans from across the world don't want to miss the Platform 9 3/4 London attraction at King's Cross station.

Check out the iconic sign and stretch of wall that generations of young wizards have run through.

You can also browse at the nearby Harry Potter shop, and get your photo taken with an iconic piece of 1990s and 2000s literature and cinema, all surrounded by like-minded fans.

With how many fans there are, however, be prepared to queue for a while.

10. Sky Garden

UK residents and those from further abroad alike have probably heard of the Sky Garden since it became a viral tourist attraction. Despite its popularity, it remains totally free to visit. However, it does need to be booked in advance unless you have a reservation at a restaurant, bar, or café.

You might spend money when visiting the Sky Garden if you want to have a meal or a drink, but those are just optional extras. If you simply want to explore an indoor rooftop garden and enjoy breathtaking views over London, it's a cost-free way to add beauty and fun to your trip.

11. Horizon 22

Nearest Tube station: Liverpool Street (6-minute walk)

Not as involved or as packed as Sky Garden, but still offering the same aerial views, Horizon 22 is London's highest free viewing platform. It's situated to give you a stunning view of and over many iconic landmarks.

Similar to Sky Garden, you do need to book free tickets for Horizon 22. They even have large group-exclusive tickets, perfect if you're taking a large family trip or meeting up with a great many friends in the city.

12. Covent Garden and its street performers

Nearest Tube station: Covent Garden (1-minute walk)

Covent Garden is an iconic region in its own right, even though it's not as standout a landmark as somewhere like Buckingham Palace. There's plenty to explore there, although you sadly can't get into places like the Royal Opera House for free.

If you are in the mood to take in a show, then Covent Garden is a hotspot for many of London's street performers. These are widely available to all, and as they happen right there in public, there's no need to book or buy tickets. It is customary to tip if you've enjoyed a show, however, so bear that in mind.

13. Services at St. Paul's Cathedral

Nearest Tube station: St Paul's (3-minute walk)

Sightseeing at St. Paul's requires a ticket, which is cheaper to pre-book online than to buy on the door. However, it's not completely off-limits to people who don't pay. If you're a person of faith, or simply fancy seeing what happens in the historic building, its services are free and open to all.

There are typically up to four daily services at St. Paul's Cathedral, with morning prayers, up to two Eucharists, and evensong at 5pm. Special occasions or services may require tickets. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a more spiritual example of free things to do in London, a service in one of Britain's most famous cathedrals is a good way to go.

14. St Dunstan in the East

Blending history, beauty, and nature, St. Dunstan in the East is a public garden set in the bombed-out ruin of an old church. Despite its name, it's not found in the East End. Instead, it's one of the City of London's most beloved landmarks.

The church existed for almost a thousand years, just about surviving the Great Fire of London and the First World War, only to meet its end in the Blitz. Since the 1970s, it's been a public-access park, still around the remains of the church, that doesn't require booking or tickets and opens at 8am.

Free culture and history sites

Apart from its own lived history, London is home to impressive collections of art, historical artefacts, books, and so much more. Whatever your preferred subject, from history to economics, there is a museum, gallery, or other collection that will provide you with hours of entertainment and education.

These sites can be ideal for family travellers, who can combine an enriching trip with some hard-and-fast education, all while keeping kids occupied for lengthy periods of time.

All of these museums, galleries, and libraries make their permanent collections free to visit, but specific exhibits or collections might carry an extra charge.

15. The British Museum

 Nearest Tube station: Tottenham Court Road (6-minute walk)

London is privileged enough to have a world-renowned and discussed institute and history at its heart. Although the British Museum has come under increased scrutiny in recent years, it remains a comprehensive walk through history, culture, and more, with a world of expertise available to help educate further.

It's not required, but it is heavily recommended to book free tickets before your visit to the British Museum. This gives you priority entry during busy periods and doesn't cost anything.

16. The Imperial War Museum

Nearest Tube station: Lambeth North (6-minute walk)

While potentially a more sober topic that might not fit all trips, especially if you're visiting London with kids, the Imperial War Museum is still a very worthwhile and informative day out. It's a comprehensive look at the UK's wars since 1914, tracking not just the military side of things but the civic, civilian, and world-changing consequences of conflicts.

The Imperial War Museum is a charity, and its London site (as well as its IWM North sister museum) is completely free to visit. If you want a money-saving trip that still packs a punch, a look around the collections here is hard to forget.

17. The Natural History Museum

Nearest Tube station: South Kensington (5-minute walk)

Although it's more specific than some other London museums, the Natural History Museum remains one of the most visited attractions in the entire city. It has a world-winning collection of specimens and artefacts, tracing life from the microscopic to the massive.

The Natural History Museum is an unforgettable day out for dinosaur fans, animal lovers, ecologists-in-training, or potential microbiologists. It's open almost every day from 10am-5:30pm, including school holidays, and ranks among London's best free museums.

18. The National Gallery

Nearest Tube station: Charing Cross (5-minute walk)

This exquisite art gallery is home to almost 700 years' worth of artwork, both from Britain and further afield. You can see the works of da Vinci, van Gogh, Rubens, Rembrandt, Turner, and many more in their free exhibitions.

It's next to many other famous sites, making it a perfect destination to base a trip around or include as an extra leg. There are many London galleries to choose from, all with their own strengths and advantages, but you're unlikely to regret taking a trip to this one.

19. The National Portrait Gallery

Nearest Tube station: Charing Cross (5-minute walk)

Adjacent to the National Gallery, this is a smaller, more niche choice celebrating one specific and beautiful form of art. In the National Portrait Gallery, there are thousands of paintings and drawings of people from all across the world and all throughout history.

While it is more focused than the National Gallery, there's also some significant popular appeal to the National Portrait Gallery. Going around, you'll almost certainly recognise people you know or have heard of, rendered there beautifully in art.

20. Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

Nearest Tube station: South Kensington (5-minute walk)

There are three Victoria and Albert Museum sites in London, spread across South Kensington, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Bethnal Green. The museum as a whole is named for two of Britain's most iconic monarchs, and celebrates art and culture stretching back centuries.

While more specific exhibitions require paid tickets, the permanent gallery is as cost-free as the other museums on this list. Learn about music, literature, visual art, and so much more in one of the most beloved free museums in London.

21. Tate Modern and Tate Britain

Nearest Tube station: Southwark (10-minute walk) and Pimlico (8-minute walk)

Two museums from the Tate Group, both of which have their main galleries open to the public for free. The Tate Modern is on the former site of the Bankside power station, near Blackfriars tube station, and hosts one of the UK's biggest collections of modern and contemporary art. Check out everything from street art to sculpture from the likes of Matisse, Rothko and Dali.

Tate Britain is a gallery of more historical art, taking a look at many of Britain's most iconic and beloved artists. It's one of the most visited art museums in the world, driving endless foot traffic to its Millbank location.

22. National Maritime Museum

Nearest Tube station: Cutty Sark (1-minute walk)

Britain has been a proud seafaring nation for centuries, and the National Maritime Museum explores and discusses how that history has shaped England. Museum entry is free, although it does have optional booking for free priority entry.

Covering everything from the Battle of Trafalgar to the Titanic to sea life, it's a perfect day out for history fans, sailing fans, or just interested passersby. While more focused than many other free museums in London, you'd be surprised by just how far-reaching its scope is.

23. Science Museum

Nearest Tube station: South Kensington (5-minute walk)

This is a more interactive, hands-on experience than many of the other free museums and galleries in London. It covers all manner of scientific principles and achievements, with exhibits and hands-on activities devoted to the natural world, the laws of physics, and even niche topics like video gaming.

Entry to the general Science Museum and many of its exhibits is free, but booking in advance is required. For more specialised exhibitions or workshops, you may need to buy tickets. While it is all-ages, it's an especially good place to bring kids on London trips, with lots scaled down for them to enjoy.

24. The British Library

Nearest Tube station: King's Cross St. Pancras (3-minute walk)

The defining characteristic of libraries is that they don't charge. However, the British Library belongs on a list of free things to do in London because of just how much it has to offer. This is true for London locals, other Brits visiting London, or people from further abroad indulging in UK travel.

There's plenty to see in the British Library, with some of its most vaunted books and texts including Beatles lyrics, Shakespeare's First Folio, and the actual Magna Carta. It's a vast collection of literature, history, and culture with original and brilliant texts you can't find anywhere else.

25. The National Army Museum

Nearest Tube station: Sloane Square (10-minute walk)

Going back further than the Imperial War Museum, the National Army Museum is the central museum of the entire British Army. It discusses the force's history, going back well before the 20th century.

It also focuses on other forces tied to the British Army, such as colonial-era regiments from India and other territories, as well as showcasing often underexplored areas like the Women's Royal Army Corps. While it may appeal more to some audiences than others, it's still a worthwhile piece of history freely available in London.

Please note that some areas, such as the children's soft play area, do cost money, and that they recommend booking for groups larger than 10.

26. Markets in London

Nearest Tube station: Depends on the market, check online

Obviously, buying something at a London market will cost you money. It will often be money well-spent, with delicious food, fantastic souvenirs, and much more available, but it won't suit people looking to spend as little as possible.

Luckily, just walking through one of London's iconic markets, such as those in Covent Garden, the Columbia Road flower market, or the Portobello Road market, is worthwhile in its own right. Even if you're not tempted to spend money, seeing the beautiful pieces on display is a very enjoyable way to spend time that costs absolutely nothing.

London's most beloved free parks

It's not just buildings, architecture, and city walks to enjoy on UK days out in London. There's also a vast array of London parks, spread out across the city, to enjoy some greenery and nature. All of London's royal parks and playgrounds are free to enter, as are most other well-known ones throughout the city.

27. Hyde Park

Nearest Tube station: Hyde Park Corner (1-minute walk)

Located near the Hyde Park Corner station, Hyde Park is one of London's most famous and popular parks. It's known as 'the people's park' and has a storied place in world history.

This park in London has a vast lake at its heart, and figures like George Orwell and Karl Marx have gathered at Speaker's Corner. Get some fresh air, enjoy a walk, and see a thriving part of British history in a single go.

28. Kensington Gardens

This park is possibly the premier site for nature lovers enjoying London days out. It has exquisite flower walks, fountains, and cultivated lawns, as well as more natural green space. It's also worth visiting with kids due to family-friendly attractions like the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.

29. Richmond Park

Nearest Tube station: Richmond Station (25-minute walk) 

Richmond Park isn't just a green space for families to visit. It's a nature reserve, a Special Site of Scientific Interest, and home to lots of things you wouldn't expect to find in London. From preserved historical plantations to herds of wild deer, there's easily a whole trip's worth of exploration in this park alone.

The other five royal parks

Nearest Tube station: Varies, see each park's entry for details

In total, London has eight royal parks, and they're all worth visiting at least once. Whether you make them the focus of a trip or simply a green excursion in between looking at other sights, there's plenty to enjoy at each and every one, even those that aren't as famous as the ones above.

To show the spread of parks, and how close you are to one at any point, here are the others:

30. St James's Park

It sits between three royal palaces and is home to a rare British pod of pelicans. Its nearest tube station is St James Park.

31. Bushy Park

A vast green space, the second-largest of London's royal parks. Its nearest train station is Hampton Wick, reachable from London Waterloo.

32. The Green Park

This park has the added advantage of being next to Buckingham Palace, making it perfect to fit into a longer trip. Its nearest tube station is Green Park.

33. Regent's Park and Primrose Hill

A park for flower enthusiasts, you can find plants of all kinds, including up to 12,000 roses at the right time of year. Its nearest tube station is Regent's Park.

34. Greenwich Park

One with global importance due to the Greenwich Observatory and the Greenwich Meridian, which marks the starting point of time zones. Apart from letting you walk past these landmarks, it also gives you fantastic hilltop views of the city. Its closest train station is Greenwich.

35. Battersea Park

Nearest Tube station: London Victoria (18-minute walk)

Battersea Park isn't a royal park, but it's no less fantastic a day out for it. It spans over 200 acres and boasts a boating lake, a promenade, and many other attractions.

Parking costs money, as do some attractions like Go Ape, but there's plenty else to do for free. There are adventure playgrounds for more active kids, or the London Peace Pagoda for groups of any age to enjoy.

Free things in London for kids

It's not just adults who need free things to do in London. While kids' travel can make a family trip to London expensive, there are ways to cut the costs when you actually arrive. Some of London's beloved activities are free, specifically for children or people under a certain age.

Note that adults might need to pay to take part in these activities. They're not totally free, unlike others in this guide, but still offer free tickets or spaces to some members of your group to help provide cheap entertainment in the capital.

36. Take a London bus

London buses aren't just a piece of transport infrastructure. The iconic red double-decker is almost a landmark in its own right. Even better, kids under 11 go free on them, with only older children and adults needing paid tickets.

You can combine transport with entertainment by taking these London buses, having them pull double duty as a part of your trip while they take you to your next free sightseeing location. There are plenty of travel resources online for navigating London, some of which specialise in double-decker bus routes.

37. Kids' Week in the West End

Nearest Tube station: Usually Leicester Square, varies by venue

This is a more time-limited activity than everything else on this list, but an exceptionally rewarding one if you can manage it. Since 1998, many West End theatres have run Kids' Week. This gives children aged 17 or younger free tickets to West End shows during large swathes of the summer holidays (usually much longer than a week).

There aren't fixed dates, so check each year, but it usually encompasses the end of July and most of August.

For this fantastic cultural opportunity, however, do note that they need to be accompanied by at least one adult with a paid ticket. Individual theatres or shows may have more specific requirements. Not all theatres or shows take part, and you need to book well ahead of time.

38. Southbank Centre’s Imagine Festival

Nearest Tube station: Waterloo (6-minute walk)

For more time-limited, free joy for children, there’s the Southbank Centre’s Imagine Festival. It runs for a little over a week per year during February half-term.

It is a charity-supported festival that runs free activities for young people every day, ranging from plays and performances to games, exploring, and much more. In particular, it runs activities targeted for certain ages, such as 9-11 or under-5s.

Not every Imagine Festival event is free. Some require paid tickets. However, every day has a host of activities completely free of charge. Even then, some may require booking in advance, so make sure to keep an eye on their website ahead of time to grab spaces for your children.

Capital-ise on everything London has to offer

Nobody's denying that London's an expensive city, but not every visit there has to cost an eye-watering amount. Whether you're a London resident or a visitor, you won't have come close to doing everything available in the city.

Just its free activities and attractions could fill hundreds of hours without you repeating yourself once. Plan a London trip carefully, and you won't have to pay for much other than food, accommodation, and transport.

So enjoy London's many free activities, many of which are at least as fun, enjoyable, and memorable as those you have to pay hand over fist for.