Free Things To Do In London
Many people visiting London are concerned by its expensive reputation. However, there are actually plenty of free things you can do and see in London without paying anything.
These options range from galleries and museums to walking tours and free music events. Here are a few options to help you decide what to do on your London trip.
Art Galleries
London offers some exceptional galleries, including the Tate Britain and Tate Modern. The former displays British art from the 1500s until the present, while the latter focuses on more contemporary art.
Inside the Tate Modern
The huge inside hall of the Tate Modern
Those aren’t the only free art galleries you can see in London, however. The Wallace Collection, The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square and the National Portrait Gallery are all an excellent choice.
Museums
All the major museums in London are free, with special exhibitions requiring a paid ticket. The British Museum, Museum of London, Natural History Musuem, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum, Geffrye Museum and Horniman Museum are all open to the public and house some truly fascinating collections.
Westminster Abbey
There’s never a charge to see the inside of Westminster Abbey, though a donation is encouraged, so that the Abbey can cover its costs. Worshippers can see the beautiful choral Evensong service at five pm every weekday except Wednesday and three pm on the weekends.
The entrance to Westminster Abbey
No! You can't come in! Me fooling around at the entrance...
The right side of Westminster Abbey
More magnificent Westminster Abbey
Royal Parks and Gardens
If you’d like some time in a beautiful outdoor setting, there are a number of lovely Royal parks and gardens in London. One favorite spot for many is Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens, located in Regent’s Park.
Trafalgar Square
One of the best visitor attractions in Britain, Trafalgar Square was first designed and constructed in the first part of the nineteenth century, and is a local tourist attraction with sights including the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column. If you happen to be in London in December, check out the fantastic Christmas tree donated by Norway each year.
Entrance to Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square Fountain
1 of 4 Magnificent Lions guarding Nelson's Column
Nelson's Column
One of Nelson's Lions from the side - BIG BUGGER!
St. James’s Park is another popular choice, offering great views and photo opportunities of Buckingham Palace. In addition, there’s the ever famous Hyde Park, an enormous area including the famous Peter Pan statue and Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.
Changing of the Guard
Almost every visit to London includes a trip to see this long lasting military tradition, when the Queen’s Guard changes inside Buckingham Palace’s gates. This happens every day at 11:30 am during the summer months, and every other day during the winter - arrive early to see the ritual from outside the gates.
Street Markets
Buying isn’t free, but just wandering through London’s famous street markets costs nothing. Enjoy Greenwich Market, Portobello Market, Camden Market, Old Spitalfields Market and many more, all over London.
The South Bank
From this area of the River Thames, you can see an enormous number of famous London landmarks, including the Globe Theatre, the London Eye, and the Tate Modern. Look for free walking tours to help you enjoy the South Bank even more.
Street Performances
Check out Convent Garden Market’s West Piazza every afternoon to see the street performances, or on the weekends along the South Bank. All these performers are licensed and have auditioned for the honor of performing here, and they love a good audience.
Tags: free, free activities london, galleries, london markets, london parks, museums, royal sights