Free Things to Do in London

Free Things to Do in London: Museums, Sights & Scenic Walks

London can be an expensive city, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy it. Many of the city’s best museums, parks, viewpoints and historic sights are free to visit.

If it’s your first time in London, or you’re simply looking for ways to keep your travel costs down, here are some of our favourite free things to do around the city.

1. Visit London’s Free Museums

One of the best things about London is the number of excellent museums you can visit without paying an entrance fee. Many of the city’s major museums offer free admission to their permanent collections.

• The British Museum – A great place to spend a few hours exploring ancient Egypt, Greece, Asia and other parts of the world. Don’t miss the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian mummies.
• Natural History Museum – A favourite with families, especially for its dinosaur and fossil collections. The building itself is also worth seeing.
• Science Museum – A good choice if you’re interested in space, aviation, technology and science.
• Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – One of London’s best museums for art, design, fashion and decorative arts.
• National Gallery – Right on Trafalgar Square, with famous works by artists including Van Gogh, Turner and Leonardo da Vinci.
• Tate Modern – Located beside the Thames, this is the place to go for modern and contemporary art.

Most permanent collections are free, although special exhibitions may require a separate ticket. It’s also worth checking whether you need to reserve a free time slot before visiting.

2. Enjoy Great Views of London for Free

You don’t necessarily need to pay for an expensive observation deck to enjoy the London skyline.

Horizon 22

Horizon 22 is on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate and offers some of the highest free views in London. On a clear day, you can see landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Tower Bridge and the Thames.

Entry is free, but booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Sky Garden

Sky Garden is another popular free viewpoint. Located at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, it combines an indoor garden with wide views across the City and the Thames.

Entry is free, but spaces are limited, so it’s best to reserve a ticket ahead of time.

Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park

For something outdoors, head to Primrose Hill for one of the best views over central London.

Greenwich Park is another good option. Walk up towards the Royal Observatory and you’ll have a great view across the Thames and Canary Wharf.

3. Walk Through London’s Historic Centre

You can see many of London’s most famous landmarks simply by walking around the city.

Start in Westminster, where you can see Parliament Square, the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey from the outside. From there, cross Westminster Bridge and continue along the South Bank.

The riverside walk takes you past the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern before continuing towards London Bridge.

Another enjoyable walk is around Tower Bridge, followed by a stroll along the Thames towards Borough Market.

Watch the Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of London’s classic free experiences. The ceremony takes place on selected days, so check the current schedule before planning your visit.

4. Explore London’s Markets

You don’t need to buy anything to enjoy London’s famous markets. They are great places to walk around, take photos and get a feel for different parts of the city.

Borough Market

Near London Bridge, Borough Market is a good place to browse fresh produce, bakeries, cheese shops and street food.

Camden Market

Camden is known for its lively atmosphere, independent stalls, fashion, food and street performers. You can also continue your walk along Regent’s Canal.

Covent Garden

Head to the Piazza to see street performers and musicians, then explore the surrounding streets and shops.

Leadenhall Market

This beautiful covered market in the City of London is worth a visit simply for the architecture. It’s also close to several major sights in the City.

Of course, the food and shopping aren’t free — but walking around and enjoying the atmosphere won’t cost you anything.

5. Save Money Getting Around London

Getting around London doesn’t have to be expensive either.

Use contactless payment.
You can use a contactless bank card or mobile wallet on London’s public transport. Depending on how much you travel, fare caps can help keep your daily costs under control.

Take a regular London bus.
You don’t always need a sightseeing bus to see the city. Some regular bus routes pass major landmarks and can be a cheap way to get around while sightseeing.

Walk between attractions.
Central London is more walkable than many first-time visitors expect. Places such as Westminster, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the South Bank can often be combined in the same day.

Carry a refillable water bottle.
London tap water is safe to drink, so carrying your own bottle is an easy way to avoid buying bottled water throughout the day.

Make the Most of Your Time in London

London is easy to explore independently, particularly if you’re staying in central London and don’t mind walking or using public transport.

For places outside the city centre, however, a private tour can make the day much easier. Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath are popular examples where having private transportation gives you more flexibility and avoids the need to work around several train or bus connections.

At My Way Travel, we can arrange private transfers, chauffeur services and tailor-made private tours in London and across the UK.

Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or returning to see more of the city, combining free attractions with a few well-planned private experiences can be a good way to enjoy more without making the trip feel rushed.

My Way Travel – Private & Tailor-Made Travel