It’s official: London is one of the world’s most expensive cities. From £8 pints to eye-watering restaurant bills, it’s easy to think visiting the capital is unaffordable. But the truth is, some of the best experiences in this magnificent city cost nothing at all. From world-class museums to beautiful parks, trendy markets to stunning city views, there’s no shortage of free things to do in London.
Many of these free things to do in London can also be combined with paid attractions, especially if you use National Rail’s 2FOR1 deals when travelling into and through London by train with Thameslink.
Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend, or a longer stay, this is your ultimate guide to the best free things to do in London.
Free things to do in London: parks and outdoor spaces
View of the London skyline and Old Royal Naval College from Greenwich Park
One of the best ways to experience London without spending a penny is to explore its iconic and beautiful parks and open spaces. These areas offer greenery, history, and some of the city’s best views.
Golders Hill Park Zoo
This small zoo, which is completely free to visit, is a real hidden gem in London. It’s home to deer, flamingos, donkeys and a handful of smaller animals, making it a relaxed and unexpected stop, especially if you’re enjoying a day out with children. The surrounding park and gardens are just as lovely, with a formal flower garden, playground, tennis courts, and even a deer enclosure. This quiet park feels completely undiscovered, despite being easy to reach by train, simply take a Thameslink to Brent Cross West or West Hampstead Thameslink.
Hyde Park
Enjoy a stroll through Hyde Park, one of London’s largest green spaces. Walk around the Serpentine lake, spot wildlife, and enjoy people-watching from one of the many benches. Hyde Park also hosts events and concerts, adding cultural value to your visit.
Regent’s Park
Home to formal gardens, tree-lined avenues, and open lawns, Regent’s Park is perfect for a relaxing day. During spring, the Queen Mary’s Gardens bloom with over 12,000 roses, making it one of the most photogenic spots in London. What’s more, Regent’s Park is home to London Zoo, where you can see all your favourite animals, from penguins to lions.
Hampstead Heath
For a more rugged outdoor experience, head to Hampstead Heath. Wander among its ponds, meadows, and woodlands before climbing to Parliament Hill, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the London skyline. Hampstead Heath is also home to some of London’s best outdoor swimming spots, including natural bathing ponds and a 60-metre Lido.
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park combines fascinating history with breath taking scenery. Walk to the top of the hill for panoramic views across the Thames to Canary Wharf, and the Royal Observatory. The park is free to enter and provides a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. If you want to head inside the Old Royal Naval College, entry is free, and you can get discounted tickets for the Painted Hall when you show your train ticket.
Primrose Hill
For a quick, free vantage point over London, climb Primrose Hill. The views of the city skyline are particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset, and the surrounding streets are charming to explore afterwards.
Free things to do in London: museums and galleries
Jenny Saville’s The Anatomy of Painting at the National Portrait Gallery / Image credit: Jenny Saville
London is home to some of the world’s most celebrated museums, many of which offer free entry. Spending a day exploring the city’s cultural heritage is one of the best ways to enjoy free things to do in London.
The British Museum
Step into centuries of history, from Ancient Egypt and Greece to Asia and the Americas. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and the Elgin Marbles. It is one of the most visited free museums in London for a reason. What’s more, when there are paid exhibitions, you can often save up to 50% when you travel by train.
Tate Modern
Located on the South Bank in a converted power station, Tate Modern offers large-scale modern and contemporary art installations. Even if modern art isn’t your usual choice, the museum’s building and riverside location make it worth a visit.
Tate Britain
Dedicated to British art from 1500 to the present day, Tate Britain features works by Turner, Hockney, and contemporary artists. Its free galleries provide a deep dive into the nation’s artistic heritage. If you want to enjoy the paid exhibitions, you can often take advantage of discounted entry when you travel by train.
National Gallery
Situated in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is home to over 2,300 paintings, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Turner. It is one of the best free things to do in London for art lovers and anyone interested in culture, or just a quiet, contemplative afternoon.
Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2025 at the National Portrait Gallery / Image credit:Elena Bianca Zagari
National Portrait Gallery
Next door to the National Gallery, this artistic treasure trove celebrates British history through portraits of famous figures. From monarchs to writers, artists, and activists, the collection offers a unique lens on the nation’s cultural identity.
Natural History Museum
Dinosaurs, geology, mammals, and interactive exhibits make the Natural History Museum a highlight for families and adults alike. Entry is free, and the Victorian architecture adds a sense of grandeur.
Science Museum
Hands-on and immersive, the Science Museum offers free exhibits on technology, space, health, and industry. It’s educational but fun, and perfect for children or adults seeking interactive experiences.
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
The V&A is the world’s leading museum of decorative arts and design. Explore fashion, ceramics, furniture, and more, all without paying an entry fee.
Museum of London
Learn the story of London from prehistoric times to the modern day. Free entry and fascinating exhibits make this museum a must for anyone interested in the city itself.
Free things to do in London: markets and culture
The Southbank Centre
London’s markets offer more than shopping, they are cultural experiences in themselves. Strolling through these vibrant areas is one of the best free things to do in London.
Borough Market
Even if you don’t buy anything, wandering among the food stalls at Borough Market is a feast for the senses. Watch chefs at work, sample free tasters, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Borough Market is less than a one-minute walk from London Bridge station, making it the perfect place to start or end your visit.
Read more: London Bridge restaurants: 10 of the best places to eat around London Bridge
Columbia Road Flower Market
Open on Sundays, this market is packed with colourful flowers and plants. The street is lively and exciting, and just walking through is an experience worth having.
Brick Lane Market
On Sundays, Brick Lane hosts a mix of food, vintage shops, art, and curiosities. It is one of London’s most eclectic and photogenic markets.
Portobello Road Market
Famous for antiques, Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is a treasure trove of vintage finds. Browsing is free, and the surrounding streets are perfect for a leisurely walk.
Camden Market
Explore the maze of stalls under the railway arches and along Camden High Street. Street food, art, and music make it a vibrant destination for free exploration.
Free Concerts and Live Music
London has a strong tradition of free music, from lunchtime recitals to evening performances. Many churches, including St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, regularly host free or donation-based concerts featuring classical and choral music. Cultural centres and public spaces also run free live music events throughout the year, particularly in the summer months. It’s a great way to enjoy London’s creative scene without committing to an expensive ticket.
Free walking routes and viewpoints
A view of London from Primrose Hill
One of the best ways to enjoy free things to do in London is simply to walk the city. Many routes combine history, architecture, and scenic views.
South Bank Walk
From Waterloo Bridge to Tower Bridge, the South Bank offers street performers, riverside views, and access to free attractions like Tate Modern and the Hayward Gallery.
Regent’s Canal Walk
Wander from Little Venice to Camden along the Regent’s Canal. Barges, bridges, and water views make this an unexpectedly tranquil route. While you’re there, you can explore the London Canal Museum and make the most of discounted entry using your train ticket.
City of London Historic Walk
Hop on a Thameslink train to or from City Thameslink and explore the historic streets around St Paul’s Cathedral. Discover Roman remains, medieval churches, and hidden alleyways steeped in history.
Read more: The best things to do near Blackfriars after work
Greenwich Foot Tunnel
Cross beneath the Thames via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. It is a free and slightly quirky way to explore Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs.
Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park Combo
Start with a climb up Primrose Hill for city views, then walk through Regent’s Park for gardens and wide open spaces. This combination gives you a taste of London’s nature and skyline in one go.
Free things to do in London: neighbourhoods worth exploring
A free cinema at King's Cross in the summer
King’s Cross
King’s Cross and St Pancras are no longer just transport hubs. The area around the stations has been transformed into a lively part of London that’s ideal for wandering, and there's always tons of activities to capture your attention. Granary Square’s fountains, Regent’s Canal paths and the wide public spaces around Coal Drops Yard are all free to explore, while seasonal events from a wild spa to free cinema showings mean there's always something interesting to do. It’s a great place to stretch your legs after arriving in London by train and a reminder that some of the best free things to do in London are simply about seeing how the city moves and changes
Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross
You don’t need to be a die-hard Harry Potter fan to enjoy a visit to Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross station. The photo spot, marked by a luggage trolley disappearing into the wall, is free to visit and has become a popular stop for visitors of all ages. Queues can form at busy times, but even a quick look is fun, and King’s Cross itself is worth exploring, with its striking architecture and easy links to the rest of the city.
Eccleston Yards
Just a few minutes from Victoria station, Eccleston Yards feels calm and tucked away, despite its central location. The pedestrian courtyards, planting and independent businesses give it a relaxed feel that makes it ideal for a gentle stroll or a short break between sights. There are lots of boutique shops which are perfect for browsing, and trendy restaurants and bars for when you get hungry or fancy a drink.
South Bank
Walking the South Bank is one of the classic free things to do in London, and for good reason. Stretching along the Thames from Westminster towards Tower Bridge, it offers constant river views, historic landmarks and a lively atmosphere. You’ll pass street performers, public art and major cultural spaces like the Royal Festival Hall and Tate Modern, which you can dip into for free along the way.
Seven Dials
Tucked between Covent Garden and Soho, Seven Dials is made up of seven narrow streets meeting at a central point. It’s compact, characterful and well suited to wandering without a plan. Independent shops, historic buildings and quieter corners make it feel slightly removed from the surrounding bustle, making it a good option if you want a change of pace while staying right in the heart of the city.
How to get discounted entry for paid London attractions
While many of the best experiences in London are free, you can also combine them with affordable paid attractions if you travel by train.
Tower of London
Step into history with this iconic fortress. The Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warders, and the medieval architecture are highlights. With 2FOR1 entry when you travel by train, this landmark is much more affordable than you may have thought.
London Eye
Experience breath taking city views from this iconic Ferris wheel. With discounted entry, the price drops significantly, making it an affordable way to enjoy this famous London attraction.
Madame Tussauds
See lifelike figures of celebrities and historical icons. The museum is fun, quirky, and a classic London attraction. Get up to a third off your entry when you travel by train.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Home to sharks, turtles, and tropical fish. A family-friendly experience that can be paired with free attractions nearby on the South Bank. Claim up to a third off when you travel with Thameslink.
Tips for enjoying free things to do in London
- Travel by train: Enjoy discounted entry to some of London’s best attractions and paid exhibitions when you travel by train. Thameslink takes you into the heart of the city if you live in the surrounding counties, plus you can easily get around the city thanks to Thameslink’s connectivity through central London stations like London Bridge, London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and Farringdon.
- Start early: Arriving early at museums and parks helps avoid crowds and lets you make the most of your day.
- Combine free and cheap: Mix free museums, galleries, and walking routes with discounted paid attractions to get the best value and make the most of your visit.
- Book free time slots: Some free museums require advance booking for entry. Make sure to reserve your spot to avoid disappointment.
