Explore the city, London experiences,
January 07 2025
London is jam-packed with history, culture and green spaces. And when you visit, many of the most popular attractions also do not charge for entry. In fact, with so many fantastic free attractions in London, the hardest part is narrowing down your wish list.
That’s why we’ve created this guide. You can use it to browse many of London’s free things to do, including exhibitions, parks and historic sights. It’ll give you more than enough to enjoy the best that London has to offer — all without spending a penny.
London is known for being the home of world-class museums — and many of them are free to visit.
The British Museum is the most visited free tourist attraction in England, welcoming 5.8 million visitors in 2023. Its exhibits include the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, with a huge number of fascinating pieces on show.
Famous for its dinosaur skeletons and absorbing exhibitions about the natural world, the Natural History Museum is perfect for all ages. Why not stop by for a few hours?
The Victoria & Albert offers incredible collections of art and design from across the globe. On your visit, you’ll see everything from fashion to decorative arts on show.
The Imperial War Museum — located just south of the River Thames — gives you the chance to explore Britain, Europe and world wartime history. There is a great range of interactive exhibits and thought-provoking displays on offer.
The Tate Modern is a contemporary art gallery. When you visit, you’ll get free access to its permanent collection — all housed in a striking building on the South Bank.
If the weather’s good, why not take in some of the best outdoor free attractions in London?
Top of the list is the iconic Hyde Park. It’s a gorgeous outdoor area right in the heart of London, close to Oxford Street, Mayfair and Buckingham Palace. Ideal for a picnic or brisk walk.
Visit London’s wilder side by heading over to Richmond Park. Located in the suburbs of West London, it’s a vast open area of trees and open spaces — see if you can spot some of the local deer.
South of the river, you’ll find Greenwich Park. While the park is fantastic in its own right, it also has superb views over the skyline of the capital.
Holland Park is a break from the bustle of central London. It’s near upmarket locations like Kensington, with its stunning Kyoto Garden attracting visitors all year round.
Another of the city’s royal parks is Regent’s Park. It’s a beautiful area of open greenery set in the northern part of central London. Visit for London Zoo, winding paths and the rose gardens.
These landmarks are all must-sees on any visit to London. Plus, they’re free.
If you’re at Buckingham Palace, make sure you visit at the right time to see one of the most famous free attractions in London. The Changing of the Guard happens multiple times per week and shows off British pageantry at its finest.
Another fantastic free central London attraction is a trip to Trafalgar Square. Gaze up at Nelson’s Column, browse the museums and galleries, or simply people-watch in one of London’s busiest squares.
Of course, you need some photos to show off back home. What better than Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament? Try walking a little way over Westminster Bridge for the best shots.
Any time of day is a great time to visit Covent Garden. There, you’ll find street performers, artists, magicians and musicians all entertaining the crowds. It’s also a brilliant stop for lunch, dinner or a quick bite.
Another key part of the London skyline is St. Paul’s Cathedral. Visit during the day for close-up views of the fantastic architecture, or at night to see the building lit up in all its glory.
See some of the world’s most famous masterpieces without spending a penny.
The National Gallery, located on Trafalgar Square, is home to several of the world’s most important and influential works. Artists including Van Gogh, Da Vinci and Monet call it home.
The Tate Britain is the place to see the best of British art history. There are free permanent collections with occasional visiting attractions.
The Wallace Collection is a fabulous free attraction in London, housing stunning paintings, decorations and architecture.
In East London, the Whitechapel Gallery is a great place to see some experimental and cutting-edge contemporary art pieces.
Looking for something more unique? Try one of these hidden gems.
A visit to Leadenhall Market lets you explore a traditional covered market with seven centuries of history. It’s a great spot for photos!
For a free London attraction with a view, head to the Sky Garden. It’s a free observation deck, set at the top of a skyscraper, with London’s highest roof garden and views over the city.
Little Venice is a lesser-known London attraction — but it’s still well worth a visit. Head west of central London to see this lovely area, filled with cafes and activities, where multiple waterways meet.
Hogarth’s House is a museum dedicated to the famous satirical artist, William Hogarth. It’s set in a beautiful house in Chiswick, the former home of the art maestro.
London is home to tonnes of world-famous attractions. And as we’ve seen, you can see many of them free of charge. If you need somewhere to stay in the capital, browse the range of relaxing, cosy and centrally located Thistle Hotels.
