The nation’s capital has lots to offer. It doesn’t matter what your interests are. You’re sure to find a great day out whenever you visit London.
Many people mistakenly think a day full of activities in the city has to be expensive. What they don’t know is that there’s an overwhelming number of free things to do in London. Here are some of our favourites.
Hyde Park
This magnificent park in central London was once a hunting ground for Henry VIII and covers 350 acres. Now, Hyde Park is open to the public, who can use it to voice their points of view in the Speakers’ Corner, ride horses at Rotten Row or just enjoy a walk around the expansive grounds.
The British Museum
This fascinating museum features artefacts and exhibits from across the millennia. Despite being renowned worldwide for housing priceless objects like the Rosetta Stone, the British Museum offers free daily entry from 10:00-17:00, making it one of the most incredible free museums in London.
Tuesday series at the Royal Academy of Music
Visit the oldest conservatoire in the UK, where musical stars such as Katherine Jenkins and Jacob Collier spent their formative years. Their Tuesday series sees a different concert performed by students and staff each week. The best part? They’re completely free. However, tickets are compulsory and tend to disappear fast, so make sure you book well in advance!
The National Gallery
Home to the greatest paintings in European history from the 13th to the 19th century, there’s no free art exhibition in London quite like the National Gallery. It features classic pieces from masters like Monet, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. The best part? It’s open daily from 10:00-18:00, with free admission for all.
Explore Chinatown
Experience the far east in this buzzing hub of oriental wonder near Leicester Square. It’s famous for its many authentic restaurants and shops, but you don’t have to spend a single penny to enjoy a day out in Chinatown. It’s an area rich in history, architecture and east Asian decoration, making it an unmissable free attraction in London.
The Royal Institute’s Faraday Museum
Discover Britain’s most influential scientific pioneers and discoveries of the past 200 years at the Faraday Museum. With exhibitions for famous experiments, the history of the Royal Institute and – of course – the work of Michael Faraday, this museum is a must-see for anybody even slightly scientifically minded.
Walk around Covent Garden
If you like al fresco dining, iconic brands and gorgeous architecture, Covent Garden is one of the best free places for you to visit in London. Yes, a day of shopping and eating may be expensive, but this picturesque district is just as good for taking a long walk and feeling the pulse of the city.
Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a spontaneous performance from a street performer along Covent Garden’s famous piazza or see crowds swarming in or out of the theatre.
The London Mithraeum
Journey back through the ages into Roman London at the London Mithraeum. This ancient religious temple was excavated in 1954 and now sits under the Bloomberg SPACE. The site was the British place of worship of a mysterious cult that had its roots in Rome and extended across the world. It’s also home to other Roman artefacts and regular art exhibitions. The Mithraeum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Saturday between 10:00-18:00.
The Changing of the Guard
Among all the free activities in London, this iconic ceremony full of military pomp and parade stands as royalty. Two divisions of the Queen’s protectors, dressed in their traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, exchange responsibilities to the musical accompaniment of a regimental band. Catch the Changing of the Guard at three different locations: Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace or Wellington Barracks. There’s no perfect spot from which to see all three ceremonies but make sure you arrive early and find a good view, no matter which location you pick.
If you're still keen to experience some of the famous things to do in London that aren't free, but where a train ticket will get you a discount, we have a host of 2FOR1 offers you can take advantage of.