18 Free Things to do in London This Summer (2025)

Visiting London this summer on a budget? Or a local looking for free things to do? You’re in luck!

There are plenty of events and experiences this summer (2025) that won’t cost you a penny.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best free things to do in London this summer, including family-friendly activities like crazy golf, music festivals and scenic spots perfect for soaking up the season. So grab your sunhat (and maybe an ice cream), and start exploring the city without breaking the bank.

Visit the Museums

London has so many museums that are always free, so on a rainy day why not take advantage of one of the free museusms. 

There’s the well known free museums such as the British Museum, the Natural History museum and the Science Museum (book a free ticket in advance to secure entry). 

However, there are some hidden gems too. Check out the Bank of England museum  which is open Monday to Friday and no booking is needed. 

See Free Art Installations at the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival

The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival takes place between 22nd August and 6th September.

It’s London’s leading festival of free outdoor theatre and performing arts. See outdoor performances, installations, and artistic displays.

In 2025, the carnival takes place on 24th and 25th August. Celebrate Caribbean culture with parades, colorful costumes, infectious music, and mouth-watering food.

Join the crowds dancing to the beats of calypso, soca, and reggae while enjoying jerk chicken and other Caribbean food.

Celebrate 200 Years of Art with a Free Event in Trafalgar Square

As the National Gallery’s Bicentenary celebrations draw to a close, there’s a family-friendly celebration in Trafalgar Square on 26th July 2025 and everyone’s invited! This special event brings together creative voices from across all four nations of the UK.

Titled ‘The Triumph of Art’, the day will be a tribute to the power of art in all its forms. Starting with a Bacchanalian procession, the celebration includes live music, performances, hands-on workshops, meet-and-greets with beloved figures from the Collection — and a big birthday tea party to mark the occasion.

Kids can see and feed the animals as well as participate in the many other activities taking place.

See Contemporary Art at the Tate Modern

If you’re a fan of modern art, a visit to e Tate Modern is a must. This iconic gallery offers free entry and features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works from artists around the world.

Summer is a fantastic time to take in the panoramic views from the Blavatnik Building’s top floor. The observation level is free to access via the lift, and once at the top, you can relax with a drink and a snack from the bar while soaking up stunning views of the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Canary Wharf.

Kids Go Free At Theatres During August

Between the end July and the beginnign September, kids go free with a paying adult to the theatre. This happens every year so it’s well worth looking out for when the tickets go on sale in June.

Find out more about kids week.

Between 30th June and 17th August, you can see free cinema screening at the outdoor cinema in King’s Cross. 

Seats are on a first come, first served basis so you may need to get their early to secure a spot. 

There are some fantastic classics showing, so it’s well worth checking the website to see what’s on. 

Summer brilliant time to enjoy the outdoors, and London’s parks are perfect for a laid-back summer outing. Large green spaces like Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and St. James’s Park are the perfect way to spend a sunny day out. Grab a blanket, pack your favourite snacks, and picnic under the shade of the trees or by the water. 

Hyde Park, the largest of of London’s parks, is a great place for relaxing. Stroll through the park’s paths and look out for the fountains, statues, and memorials. Kids will love the playgrounds and open space to run around.

For something a bit different, head to Holland Park and explore the Kyoto Garden. This hidden gem is a beautifully designed Japanese garden and features koi ponds and waterfalls. 

Visit London’s Free Art Galleries

We’ve already mentioned visiting the Tate Modern but there are other amazing free art galleries too. 

Head to the National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain or see the Wallace Collection. 

Greenwich is a lovely part of London to visit in the summer and there are plenty of free things to do. For example, explore  Greenwich Park. Enjoy brilliant views of the River Thames and the Canary Wharf skyline from the top of the hill in the park.  There’s also lots of places to picnic and a playground for the kids.

Visit the The National Martime Museum which has free entry (book free tickets on the website before you go). The Queen’s House is another free attraction which you can book tickets for in advance. Inside you can see the iconic Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I.

Wander through Greenwich market and go and marvel at the Cutty Sark. You have to pay to enter the Cutty Sark but can see it from the outside for free. 

Watch The Feeding of the Pelicans at St James’s Park

St James’s Park is located right next to Buckingham Palace. It’s lake is home to a variety of bird species including pelicans which are fed at 2pm on most days. There’s a playground for kids too. St James’s Park will be part of the royal event Trooping the Colour which takes place on 15th June

Get a free ticket go to the Sky Garden – The Sky Garden in London is located at the top of the skyscraper nicknamed the “Walkie-Talkie” building due to its distinctive shape. Experience stunning views of London’s skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the Shard, the Gherkin, and the Thames River. Access to the Sky Garden is free of charge, but it’s essential to book tickets well in advance. There are also restaurants at the Sky Garden which you can also book.

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