London on a Shoestring: 15 free things to do
- The editorial team
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 15 hours ago
Think London will smash your budget? The city's sights, from royal parks to world-famous museums, don't have to cost a single penny. Here is your ultimate guide to 15 amazing things to do in the British capital that are absolutely FREE.
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The British Museum
Home to a staggering collection of over eight million objects, the British Museum is a treasure trove of human history. As you step into the magnificent Great Court, with its stunning glass and steel roof, you begin to grasp the scale of the place. Beyond the world-famous Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures, seek out lesser-known treasures like the intricate Lewis Chessmen or the hauntingly beautiful Sutton Hoo burial mask from Anglo-Saxon England. Insider Tip: The main entrance on Great Russell Street can be very busy; try the quieter Montague Place entrance at the back for quicker access.
Entry to the British Museum's permanent collection is free for all visitors.
Some temporary exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.
It is recommended to book a free timed entry ticket in advance, especially for popular times, to guarantee entry.
Address: Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG
Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn
The Natural History Museum
Instantly recognisable by its grand Romanesque architecture—a "cathedral of nature"—this South Kensington institution is a visual marvel inside and out. Look closely at the terracotta carvings and you'll see that the west wing is decorated with living species and the east with extinct ones. While the breathtaking blue whale skeleton, "Hope," is the star of the Hintze Hall, don't miss the Earth Galleries, where you can experience a simulated earthquake. For a curious detour, find the "Spirit Collection" to see specimens preserved in jars, including creatures collected by Charles Darwin himself.
The Natural History Museum offers free general admission.
There are charges for some special exhibitions and events.
To ensure entry, especially during busy periods, it's recommended to book a free ticket online in advance.
Web: www.nhm.ac.uk
Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD
Nearest Tube: South Kensington
The Science Museum
Next door to its historical neighbours, the Science Museum offers a journey through human ingenuity. This multi-levelled space is a playground for the curious. Stand beneath real rockets in the 'Exploring Space' gallery, marvel at the evolution of flight with historic planes suspended overhead, and be sure to visit the "Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries" on the first floor—one of the largest and most significant medical collections in the world. Down on the ground floor, you can feel the heat from the giant, powerful steam engines that powered the Industrial Revolution.
Entry to the main galleries of the Science Museum is free.
Some special exhibitions, experiences like Wonderlab, and events may have separate charges.
It's recommended to book free general admission tickets in advance.
Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD
Nearest Tube: South Kensington
Tate Modern
Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern's very structure is part of its appeal. The cavernous Turbine Hall hosts large-scale installations that push the boundaries of art. Take the lift to the viewing level in the Blavatnik Building for a superb, free 360-degree view of the London skyline, then head to the café for a coffee with an equally impressive vista of St Paul's Cathedral across the Millennium Bridge.
The general displays at Tate Modern, including the collection of modern and contemporary art, are free to enter.
Some special exhibitions, such as major retrospectives, require a separate ticket purchase.
Tate members have free and unlimited access to all exhibitions and displays without needing to book.
While entry to the main galleries is free and doesn't require booking, it is recommended to book tickets for exhibitions in advance, especially during busy periods.
Address: Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
Nearest Tube: Blackfriars, Southwark
National Gallery
Guarding Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is an essential stop for any art enthusiast. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by its 2,300 paintings, consider following the "30 must-see paintings" guide on their website. See world-famous works like Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' and 'The Arnolfini Portrait' by Jan van Eyck. Don't overlook the Sainsbury Wing, which houses the earliest Renaissance collection, providing a quiet, contemplative escape from the bustling main galleries and the famous square outside.
Admission to the National Gallery in London is free for its permanent collection.
Some special exhibitions may require an additional fee.
It is recommended to book a free ticket in advance to guarantee entry.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
Nearest Tube: Charing Cross, Leicester Square
Changing of the Guard
This is British pageantry at its most iconic. The ceremony sees The King's Guard hand over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace. Listen closely to the regimental band; alongside traditional military marches, they are known for playing surprise pop songs. For the best views, avoid the dense crowds at the palace gates. Instead, stand on The Mall or near the Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk, where you can see the guards and the band up close as they march past. Check the schedule online, as it runs daily in summer but on alternate days for the rest of the year.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade is free to watch. No tickets or reservations are needed.
Address: Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA
Nearest Tube: Green Park, St James's Park, Victoria
Hyde Park
Once the private hunting ground of King Henry VIII, this vast Royal Park is London's green lung. Go beyond a simple stroll and discover its history. Renting a boat on the Serpentine lake costs money, but watching the hardy Serpentine Swimming Club take their daily dip, whatever the weather, is a free spectacle. Stop by Speakers' Corner, a symbol of free speech for over 150 years. In winter, the park hosts Winter Wonderland, which you can enter for free at off-peak times to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Address: London, W2 2UH
Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch
Kensington Gardens
More formal and tranquil than its neighbour Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens is perfect for a peaceful afternoon. It is home to Kensington Palace, the Serpentine Galleries, and the ornate Albert Memorial. Seek out the whimsical Peter Pan statue; its creator, J.M. Barrie, lived nearby and had it erected secretly overnight in 1912 for the children of London to discover on May Day morning. Also, find the Round Pond, a famous spot for sailing model yachts for generations.
Address: London, W2 2UH
Nearest Tube: Queensway, Lancaster Gate, High Street Kensington
Greenwich Park
For one of London's most spectacular views, make the climb up the hill in Greenwich Park. From the Royal Observatory, you get a breathtaking panorama that sweeps from the Old Royal Naval College to the gleaming skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. Stand astride the Prime Meridian Line (Longitude 0°), marked on the path outside the observatory gates. But the park has more secrets: seek out The Wilderness, a deer enclosure that is home to Red and Fallow deer, and look for signs marking the sites of ancient Roman and Saxon burial grounds.
Address: Greenwich, London, SE10 8QY
Nearest Tube: North Greenwich (then a bus), or Cutty Sark (DLR)
Sky Garden
While a trip up The Shard is costly, entry to the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street is completely free. This lush public garden offers stunning panoramic views from its viewing terraces.
Free visitor tickets must be booked online, often weeks in advance. If you miss out, a cheeky alternative is to book a table at one of the bars for an early morning coffee or late evening drink; while not free, it's a way to guarantee access and see the city lights twinkle.
The Sky Garden itself is a public space, and access to the main visitor areas is free.
You must reserve a free ticket online before your visit.
Due to its popularity, tickets are often booked up quickly, so it's recommended to book as early as possible.
Web: skygarden.london
Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF
Nearest Tube: Monument
Borough Market
A feast for the senses, Borough Market is London's premier food destination. The real joy is in wandering the aisles under the beautiful glass and iron roof of the main hall, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Look for the doorway to the Globe Tavern, used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'. While Saturday is the busiest day, a visit from Wednesday to Friday offers a slightly less hectic but equally delicious experience.
Web: boroughmarket.org.uk
Address: 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Portobello Road Market
Made famous by the film 'Notting Hill', this world-renowned market stretches for two miles. The main event is on Saturday, but a visit on a Friday offers a great atmosphere with slightly smaller crowds. The market changes character along its length: start at Notting Hill Gate for antiques, then wander north for street food, fashion, and vintage finds under the Westway flyover. Don't forget to explore the side streets with their iconic pastel-coloured houses.
On days other than Saturdays and Fridays, limited stalls are open.
Opening hours:
Monday-Wednesday 9am-6pm
Thursday 9am-1pm
Friday-Saturday 9am-7pm
Sunday closed.
Web: portobelloroad.co.uk
Address: Portobello Road, London, W11 1AN
Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove
Camden Market
Camden is a sprawling collection of markets: find vintage and gothic fashion in the Stables Market, with its atmospheric horse tunnels and statues; browse crafts by the canal at Camden Lock; and discover eco-conscious traders at Buck Street Market, built from shipping containers. The energy here is infectious, fuelled by street food, live music, and shops with outrageously decorated facades.
Web: www.camdenmarket.com
Address: Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF
Nearest Tube: Camden Town, Chalk Farm
Leake Street Arches
Tucked away in a tunnel beneath Waterloo Station lies London's largest legal graffiti wall, first brought to fame by Banksy's "Cans Festival" in 2008. The Leake Street Arches is a vibrant, ever-changing canvas where the smell of spray paint hangs in the air as artists create new masterpieces over old ones. It is a living gallery, and you might even see artists at work. It offers a raw, dynamic expression of street culture, a world away from the formal galleries.
Address: Leake Street, London, SE1 7NN
Nearest Tube: Waterloo
Little Venice to Camden Walk
Escape the city's traffic by taking a tranquil walk along Regent's Canal. Start at the picturesque Little Venice and admire the colourful houseboats. The two-mile towpath walk to Camden is full of sights and sounds: you'll pass the grand Regency villas of Regent's Park, glide by the Feng Shang Princess floating Chinese restaurant, and as you near Camden, you'll pass the Snowdon Aviary where you can hear the exotic birds of London Zoo—a genuinely unique city-centre experience.
Address (Starting Point): Blomfield Road, London, W9 2PF
Nearest Tube: Warwick Avenue
