50+ Free Things To Do In London (something for everyone)

From fascinating museums to fun filled playgrounds, cute animals to impressive landmarks, underground tunnels to climbing high – there are so many free things to do in London. You won’t need to spend any money in this amazing city to have a day to remember.

Many attractions require you to book a ticket in advance even though they are free. Check the website to make sure the details are up to date before you go!

Click on the links below to jump to the kind of attractions you like. 

Free Museums
Free Views
Parks, Gardens and Playgrounds
Tourist Highlights
MIscellaneous Ideas
Art Galleries
Animal Experiences

Free Museums

There are so many free museums in London, it’s hard to pick just a few to feature in this article. We’ve settled on the 15 museums below for a range of choice and interests.

1.) The Bristish Museum

Located in Bloomsbury, the British Museum is home to diverse exhibits include treasures like the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles, and ancient Egyptian mummies

3.) The Bank of England Museum

The Bank of England museum has interactive displays and question sheets for kids. Visitors can hold a gold bar and children can enjoy completing the money jigsaws. Don’t forget to take a selfie in front of the Bank of England which appeared in the movie Mary Poppins Returns.

4.) The National History Museum

You’ll find the Natural History Museum right nextdoor to the science museum. Don’t miss the Earth Hall which features the earthquake simulator and uses geology to tell the story of the Earth. The dinosaur section is also one not to be missed. It includes part of one of the first T-Rexes unearthed, as well as a triceratops skull.

Find out more at the Natural History Museum

5.) The Ragged School Museum

Experience Victorian Life at the Ragged School Museum

Find out what it was like for poor children living in London’s East End during the late 1800s.

6.) The National Army Museum

Learn about the history and current day activities of the Army at the National Army Museum. Don’t miss the soldier gallery with an immersive action theatre that shows you what life is like on the battlefield. Hear from the individuals who experienced it first-hand.

Kids can practise their army crawl underneath the Dingo truck in the solider gallery. Older kids will be interested in items from wars in the past including a saw used to amputate limbs at Waterloo and Florence Nightingale’s lamp.

8.) The Imperial War Museum

Interesting displays guide you through war stories from the First World War to the present day. They often have events aimed at families.

Find out more at Imperial War Museum

9.) The Museum of the Home

The The Museum of the Home looks at our relationship with the home during the past 400 years. It covers how people make homes, relax in them, clean and maintain them and lots more.

There are plenty of interactive galleries including the Domestic Game Changers gallery. A fun interactive display where you can discover everyday items in the home which have transformed the ways we live in our homes. Enjoy the gardens too. Kids can enjoy a bug hunt, a picnic and smell the herbs.

10.) The Design Museum

The Design Museum is the world’s leading museum on contemporary design. The top floor has an exhibition on changing design including products many adults will remember such as a the Walkman and VCR. There are fun activities for kids which include booklets with tasks to complete.

11.) The Museum of Brands.

Go through the time tunnel and see the consumer culture of Victorian times. Discover the most memorable products throughout the ages on the memory trail.

Find out more at the Musuem of Brands

12.) The National Maritime Museum.

The National Maritime Museum is at the bottom of Greenwich Park. One of the top things to see is the jacket Nelson was wearing when he was shot and killed at the Battle of Trafalgar.

For kids, there’s a children’s gallery aimed at under 7s that’s free during the week in term time but has a small charge at weekends and school holidays. There’s also activities for families and children in school holidays.

13.) RAF Museum

See over 100 aircraft at the RAF Museum including early planes to the latest jets. Enjoy sound and light shows. There’s also special section for kids, with replica planes and helicopters.

14.) The Hunterian Museum

The Hunterian Museum is the museum of Royal College of Surgeons. It’s full of strange body parts.  It features the anatomy and pathology collections of the eighteenth-century surgeon and anatomist John Hunter.

15.) The Sir John Soane Museum

Sir John Soane was the eccentric architect of the Bank of England. There are a lot of interesting and quirky arti facts at the Sir John Soane’s museum which are jam-packed into a fairly small house. Although the museum may be a little dry for kids, there are often family craft and storytelling sessions.

Free Views

17.) Parliament Hill

Located in Hampstead Heath, North West London, climb 98 metres to the top of Parliament Hill for views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Palace of Westminster, the Gherkin and the Shard. Take a picnic with you on a warm day.

18.) Primrose Hill

Next to London Zoo, in Regents Park you’ll find Primrose Hill Climb the 63 mete summit, take a picnic and see the views.

19.) Horizon 22

Horizon 22 is an observation deck located on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, one of London’s tallest skyscrapers. It offers panoramic views of the city and beyond, including iconic landmarks like the Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the River Thames. Opened to the public in 2023, Horizon 22 is free to visit but you’ll need to book your tickets in advance. 

Parks, Gardens and Playgrounds

20.) St James’s Park

St James’s Park is situated in front of Buckingham Palace and is described as the most Royal of the Royal Parks. Walk through the park from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square and stop off at duck island. Duck island is a lake full of ducks, swans (including black swans), some geese and pelicans! See the pelicans being fed at 2.30pm each day. For kids there’s also a playground with sandpit, swings, slide and more.

21.) Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most famous royal parks, covering 350 acres in the heart of the city. Look out for its features  landmarks like the Serpentine Lake, Speaker’s Corner, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.

22.) Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens is a historic royal park in London, adjacent to Hyde Park, covering 265 acres. Originally part of Hyde Park, it became a separate space in the 18th century and is home to Kensington Palace, the Italian Gardens, and the Albert Memorial. Highlights include beautifully landscaped gardens and the iconic statue of Peter Pan,

23.) Diana Memorial Playground

Photo by Mark Ahsmann 

Located next to Kensington Palace, Diana Memorial Playground is a great place to take children.

Dig in the sandpit underneath the huge pirate ship. Follow the sensory trail and enjoy the slides, bridges and tee pees. There’s plenty of seating for grown ups who can relax while their kids play.

24.) Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park has lots of space to picnic and run around, a great playground, flower gardens and a boating lake. Head for the top of the hill to see magnificent views of the park, the River Thames and Canary Wharf.

25.) Holland Park

Holland Park is a small but pretty park in Central London, located near Kensington High Street.  There are squirrels, rabbits, foxes and resident peacocks that roam the park so keep your eyes open. The squirrels are tame and come very close almost begging for food.

There is a wildlife pond to investigate, lots of different birds and  two species of bat. There’s woodland and open grassy areas, formal gardens and informal gardens. There is also a well maintained play area.

26.) Regents Park

Regent’s Park is just north of Central London and is the home to London Zoo. Some parts of the park back onto the zoo and you can even glimpse some of the animals. It is a large park, with a large lake home to ducks, geese and swans.  Like other London parks it is a good place to spot very tame squirrels.

27) Battersea Park

Take a walk around another in London’s park on the south bank of the River Thames. See the peace pergola, fountains, lakes and the lovely views across the river.

Find out more at Battersea Park

28.) Crystal Palace Park

Crystal Palace Park is a 30 minute train journey out of central London from London Victoria. However, if you’re a dinosaur fan or based in South East London, Crystal Palace Park is well worth a visit for a day out. The highlight is the life sized dinosaurs but there’s also a free maze, a skate park, a free farm and a free museum which is open on Sundays,

Find out more at Crystal Palace Park and how to get there.

29.) Richmond Park

Situated in South West London, Richmond Park is the largest of London’s park. If you’re lucky you may spot a deer. Kids will love the playground at Petersham Gate.

30) Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Located in Stratford, south east of London and set across 100 acres, there’s lots to explore at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. There are five trails you can follow, including an art trail and children’s trail.

Kids will enjoy the playgrounds and splashing in the fountains. A favourite is the Tumbling Bay play area with rock pools, sand pits, treehouses, wobbly bridge, slides and swings. The Pleasure Gardens area features climbing swings and a large sandpit. 

Tourist Highlights

Check out some of the top tourist highlights not to be missed!

31.) The Changing of the Guard

The Queen’s Life Guard change daily on Horse Guards Parade at 11:00 Monday to Saturday and at 10:00 on Sunday’s. There is also a Dismount Parade on the forecourt of Horse Guards at 16:00. Many people wait to watch the changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace. However, there are several other viewpoints to watch the ceremony.

Find out the best places to watch the Changing of The Guard.

32.) The South Bank

A stroll along the South bank is a great to experience the fun and hustle and bustle of the city and see iconic landmarks including Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament. It stretches between Lambeth Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge on the south side of the River Thames. There are often street performers including human statues and  magicians.

33.) Watch Tower Bridge Open

Tower Bridge opens about 800 times every year. Check on the website in advance to see what time the bridge will open and what vessel will be passing through.

Find the Tower Bridge Lift Times

34.) Embark on a Free Walking Tour

Visit many of the city’s landmarks on a Sandeman’s walking tour with a local guide. Walking tours are a fantastic way to delve into a new city. Although the walking tour is free, the tour guide earns their money with tips, so if you like the tour show your appreciation.

Miscellaneous Ideas

Here are a few ideas which don’t fit neatly into a category

36.) Take a Free Harry Potter Tour

If you’re a Harry Potter fan take a free guided Harry Potter walking tour or if you prefer to walk independently a free self guided Harry Potter walking tour.

37.) Get a Selfie Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station

If you are a Harry Potter fan, don’t forget to take a selfie at platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross Station.

38.) Hamley’s Toy Store

Hamley’s Toy Store is located on Regent Street. There’s 7 floors of toys so it’s sure to entertain kids. There are often toy demonstrations going on as well.

39.) Greenwich Foot Tunnel

Walk under the River Thames in the Greenwich foot tunnel. The tunnel links Greenwich to Island Gardens, Tower Hamlets.

40.) See the Street Performers at Covent Garden

Explore the market and watch the human statues, magicians and comedians.

Find out more at Covent Garden

41.) Camden Market

Mooch around and soak up the atmosphere of the fabulous Camden market. Look out for some of the amazing shop fronts.

42.) Step in the Granary Square Fountains, Kings Cross.

Granary Square is a traffic-free square The fountains change colour and have different squirt patterns. On a hot day, kids enjoy stepping into the fountains to keep cool.

Find out more at  Granary Square Fountain

43) Find Roman Temple Ruins at the London Mithraeum

The London Mithraeum is centred around the ruins of a Roman Temple. There are recently excavated Roman artefacts and contemporary art commissions as well. Although not specifically aimed at kids, children are provided with a trail to complete as you go round. There are events for families and kids during school holidays.

44.) St Dunstan’s Church in the East

St Dunstan-in-the-East is a church in London, originally built around 1100. Severely damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and again in the Blitz during World War II, its ruins were never fully rebuilt. Today, the remains of the church have been transformed into a tranquil public garden, with the walls old stone walls overgrown with beautiful  greenery.

Take the opportunity to take some unusual Instagram pics.

Art Galleries and Experiences

45.) Visit the Tate Modern

Entry to the Tate Modern is free. It displays contemporary and modern art from around the world. On top floor of the Blavatnik building, step out onto the terrace for amazing views of London. There are often events and exhibitions that you need to book for in advance on the website.

46.) Tate Britain

Explore artworks from 1545 to the present day at Tate Britain, Westminster. You can see many of the paintings for free, although there is an extra cost for some exhibitions. There are also family events such as story time.

47.) See the Artwork at Queen’s House, Greenwich

The Queen’s House, Greenwich is the former royal residence of Queen Anne of Denmark. You will need a pre-booked ticket to enter but entry is free. Highlights include the iconic Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth 1. Make sure to gaze up at the hall ceiling at the museum as well.

There are activities aimed at kids and families with events taking place throughout the school holidays. Do the family trail and check out the family challenges on the website before you visit.

48.) See the Laughing Cavalier at the Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection has paintings from the 15th to 19th century, with a particularly impressive collection of 18th century French artworks. There are family sessions which take place on weekends and school holidays. Kids may like the chain mail area, weaponry, and other strange gadgetry on show.

Located beneath Waterloo Station in London, Leake Street arches is home to stunning and constantly evolving street art and graffiti. The tunnel, originally popularized by a Banksy art project in 2008, has become a legal space for artists to express themselves and there are some amazing works of art to see here for free.

50.) Visit the National Gallery

The National Gallery is located in the heart of Trafalgar Square. See free exhibitions and paintings which include work from famous artisst such as Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gough. There are often activities on for kids during the school holidays. Check the website before you go.

Find out more at National Gallery

Free Animal Experiences

51.) Pet the farm animals at Coram’s Fields

 Coram’s Fields is a seven acre open space in the Bloomsbury area of Central London which includes a playground, sand pit, animal corner and a cafe.

52.) London’s City Farms

There are city farms all over London which are free to visit. Some ask for a donation. Here is a quick round up.

Vauxhall City Farm – Situated a short walk from Vauxhall underground. It’s a great place to meet farm animals. Sometimes you can feed them too.

Mudchute Farm – Located in the heart of East London, Mudchute Farm is free and great for kids. There are lots of farm animals including horses, goats, cows, rabbits, chickens, ducks, pigs, sheep and Ilamas.

Spitalfields City Farm has donkeys and goats. There’s also a vegetable, herb & wildflower gardens.

Hackney City Farm has some large pigs, goats and chickens.

Crystal Palace Park Farm in South East London. It offers something a bit out of the ordinary with its chinchillas, parakeets, snakes, and amphibians.

53.) See the Wildlife at Camley Street Natural Park

 Camley Street Natural Park is on the banks of Regent’s Canal in the heart of KIng’s Cross. It’s a two acre nature reserve which is run by the London Wildlife Trust. Here you can see birds, butterflies, amphibians and plant life right in the middle of the city.

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