Free Things to Do in London
London is a city full of excitement, cool things to do, and a rich history. But guess what? You don’t have to spend any money to enjoy some of the best experiences the city has to offer!
Here are 12 awesome things to do in London that won’t cost you a penny—and they’re perfect for kids who love to explore, learn, and have fun!
1. Discover the Wonders of Nature at the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is like stepping into a giant treasure chest of fossils, animals, and even a massive blue whale skeleton! From dinosaurs to precious gems, this museum has it all—and it’s completely free to visit! You can even join a free tour or workshop to learn all about the exhibits.
Tip: You don’t need to book tickets in advance, but if you do, you can skip the line.
10 FREE London activities you CAN’T miss
Video by Love and London
2. Explore London’s Cool, Old Streets
Want to feel like you’re in a real-life treasure hunt? Walk around London’s winding, twisty streets. You’ll find hidden treasures, like funny signs and cool old buildings. Plus, you can follow free walking guides that tell you fun facts about the places you visit!
Tip: Movie lovers will love finding places where famous films like James Bond and Love Actually were filmed.
3. Check Out Some Modern Art at Free Galleries
London is full of amazing art, and you can enjoy it for free! The Tate Modern is huge, with artwork by famous artists like Picasso. The Serpentine Gallery and the Saatchi Gallery are smaller but just as cool, showcasing modern artists doing amazing things!
Tip: Want something quirky? Head to Walthamstow to see neon signs turned into artwork.
4. Relax in One of London’s Beautiful Parks
London is packed with parks where you can kick back, read a book, or just enjoy nature. Some parks even have free outdoor theater shows, sports games, and concerts!
Tip: Visit Greenwich Park and stand on the Prime Meridian, where East meets West.
5. Watch Street Artists in Leake Street Tunnel
Leake Street Tunnel is like an outdoor art gallery filled with amazing street art. Artists come here to paint giant murals, and you can watch them at work! Some famous artists like Banksy have even left their mark here.
Tip: If you love street art, check out Brick Lane and Hackney Wick too!
6. See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Ever wondered how soldiers change shifts at Buckingham Palace? The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a cool event with lots of marching, music, and colorful uniforms. It’s been happening for hundreds of years and is free to watch!
Tip: Arrive early to get a good view. The ceremony is at 11 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
7. Watch Fun Performances in Covent Garden
Covent Garden has been a place for street performers for over 350 years! You can see everything from acrobats to comedians, jugglers, and magicians. The performances are super funny, and the crowds are always fun to watch.
Tip: It’s nice to give a small tip to performers if you can—after all, they’re entertaining you for free!
8. Visit the Creepy Hunterian Museum
For fans of the weird and wonderful, the Hunterian Museum is perfect! It’s full of preserved animals, plants, and even body parts in jars! It’s a little bit spooky but totally fascinating.
Tip: This museum is closed on Mondays and Sundays, so plan your visit for a weekday!
9. Step Into a Fancy Old Manor House
Want to see how rich people lived a long time ago? Visit one of London’s gorgeous manor houses! You can check out the William Morris Gallery or the fancy Kenwood House to see beautiful art and gardens, and learn about history.
10. Enjoy Incredible Views of London
London has some seriously cool places to see the city from above! Climb up Parliament Hill or head to the Sky Garden for awesome views of the city’s famous landmarks. You can even spot the giant London Eye!
Tip: Book your free tickets for the Sky Garden online to get a spot.
11. Find the Wizarding World at King’s Cross Station
Calling all Harry Potter fans! At King’s Cross Station, you can find Platform 9¾, where the magical Hogwarts train departs. You can snap a photo with the trolley disappearing into the wall—just like Harry Potter!
Tip: The nearby St Pancras Hotel looks like it could be Hogwarts too!
12. Visit the Victoria & Albert Museum for Cool Treasures
The V&A Museum is a huge, free place to see all kinds of amazing artwork and objects from history. There are fancy dresses, old furniture, and much more!
Tip: Make sure to check out the beautiful rooms with stained glass and gold decorations—they’re stunning!