Here are the 15 best things to do in London for free for locals and visitors

London is renowned for offering some of the world's finest cultural and historical experiences completely free of charge. From sprawling Royal Parks and world-class national galleries to historic landmarks and hidden rooftop sanctuaries, the capital provides extensive options for budget-conscious exploration.

This curated guide highlights the premier free activities in London, combining major national museums with lesser-known local treasures to help visitors plan a cost-free itinerary.

Outdoor things to do in London for free

1. Spot pelicans in St James Park

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Website

Contact details: +44 300 061 2350

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 5 am to 12 am

St James's Park, the oldest of London's Royal Parks, is famous for its resident colony of pelicans, which can be seen near Duck Island. The park features meticulously maintained flowerbeds and diverse birdlife. Standing on the Blue Bridge offers exceptional panoramic views of the lake, with Buckingham Palace to the west, Whitehall and the London Eye to the east.

Pro tip: The pelicans are fed daily between 2:30 pm and 3 pm near the cottage on Duck Island, which is a popular event to watch.

2. Cycle through Regent’s Park

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Website

Contact details: +44 300 061 2300

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 5 am to 4:30 pm

The Outer Circle loop around Regent's Park is a flat, 4.4 km circuit popular with both recreational cyclists and road racers. Early mornings (before 7 am) are particularly quiet, with minimal vehicular traffic. The route passes elegant Regency terraces and parklands. A short detour to the north leads to Primrose Hill, which offers a brief climb culminating in panoramic views over the London skyline.

Pro tip:

Securing bicycles to explore Queen Mary's Gardens on foot is recommended, especially in June and July when the rose gardens are in peak bloom.

3. Have an afternoon picnic at Clissold Park

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 8356 3000

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 7:30 am to 6:30 pm

Situated in Stoke Newington, Clissold Park is a family-friendly green space featuring twin lakes, mature trees, and formal gardens. The park offers quiet picnic spots along the water alongside free-to-visit animal enclosures housing deer, goats, and aviary birds. A restored 18th-century mansion house sits at the centre, housing a café.

Pro tip:

The park features a children's play area and a summer splash pad; visiting during early morning or late afternoon avoids peak weekend crowds.

4. Hike across the diverse terrains of Hampstead Heath

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7332 3322

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours

Hampstead Heath spans 790 acres of hilly woodland, meadows, and swimming ponds in North London. The walking trails lead through varied terrain, from quiet wooded glades to open grassy hills. The key attraction is Parliament Hill, which provides protected panoramic views of the city skyline, including the Shard, St Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye.

Pro tip:

The natural paths can become muddy during wet weather, making sturdy, water-resistant footwear advisable.

Art and cultural things to do in London for free

5. Admire free exhibitions at the Tate Modern

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7887 8888

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm

Tate Modern is housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the Thames. The permanent collection of international modern and contemporary art is displayed in thematic groupings rather than chronological order. A key highlight is the public viewing terrace on the top floor of the Blavatnik Building, which offers panoramic views across the river toward St Paul's Cathedral and the City of London.

Pro tip:

The galleries are extensive; focusing on a single wing or theme during a visit allows for a more detailed and relaxed experience.

6. Browse historic books at the British Library

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Website

Contact details: +44 330 333 1144

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 9:30 am to 8 pm
• Friday: 9:30 am to 6 pm
• Saturday: 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm

The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom, housing millions of items. The Sir John Ritblat Gallery (Treasures of the British Library) is open to the public without booking, displaying rare manuscripts such as the Magna Carta, Shakespeare's First Folio, and handwritten lyrics by The Beatles. The facility also offers study areas and hosts literary exhibitions.

Pro tip:

Large bags and food are not permitted in the exhibition areas; lockers are provided on the lower ground floor for storage.

7. Explore the collection of 16th-century paintings at The National Gallery

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7747 2885

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm
• Friday: 10 am to 9 pm
• Saturday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm

The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square houses a collection of over 2,300 European paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The Sainsbury Wing displays early Renaissance and medieval works, leading into galleries featuring 16th-century masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci’s 'The Virgin of the Rocks'. The rooms are arranged in chronological order, allowing visitors to observe the historical development of artistic techniques.

Pro tip:

Utilising the mobile audio guide or scanning the QR codes adjacent to the paintings provides valuable contextual details on artistic symbolism.

8. See contemporary art at the Serpentine Gallery

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7402 6075

Operating hours:

• Monday: 12 pm to 6 pm
• Tuesday to Friday: 10 am to 6 pm
• Saturday to Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm

The Serpentine Galleries consist of two exhibition spaces situated in Kensington Gardens: Serpentine South and Serpentine North, separated by a short walk. Serpentine North features a modern extension designed by Zaha Hadid, hosting contemporary installations and experimental media. Serpentine South presents modern and contemporary art exhibitions, while its lawn hosts the temporary Serpentine Pavilion commissioned each summer.

Pro tip:

While admission is complimentary, voluntary donations support the galleries' public programmes.

Entertainment-related things to do in London for free

9. Watch buskers in Covent Garden

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7420 5856

Operating hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm
• Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm

Covent Garden’s central Piazza is a historic venue for street theatre and musical performances. Buskers and street performers must pass a rigorous audition process to secure a licence, ensuring high-quality acts ranging from classical musicians to magicians and acrobats. The performances are free to watch, with tip contributions accepted at the end.

Pro tip:

The variety of performances peaks during the afternoon, specifically between 2 pm and 6 pm, particularly on weekends.

10. Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

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Website

Contact details: +44 303 123 7300

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm

The Changing of the Guard is a historic military ceremony held outside Buckingham Palace. The event features soldiers from the Household Division marching in traditional tunics and bearskin hats, accompanied by a full military band. The ceremony begins at 11 am, though securing a viewing spot near the palace gates or the Victoria Memorial by 10 am is recommended. The schedule generally runs on select days (usually Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), subject to weather conditions.

Pro tip:

Visitors must remain behind the designated security barriers and avoid blocking the official parade routes of the marching guards.

11. Catch some live music at the Southbank Centre

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 3879 9555

Operating hours:

• Monday: 10 am to 6 pm
• Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 11 pm

The Southbank Centre is a major cultural complex hosting regular free public performances in its foyer spaces. The 'Futuretense' programme showcases emerging musicians and bands, offering free live gigs in an informal setting. The centre also hosts regular festivals, art installations, and community workshops that are open to the public without charge.

Pro tip:

The riverside steps and terraces are excellent spots for bringing a packed lunch while enjoying views of the Thames.

12. Drop by The Old Blue to catch free gigs

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7739 7033

Operating hours:

• Monday: 1 pm to 12 am
• Tuesday to Wednesday: 12:30 pm to 12 am
• Thursday: 12:30 pm to 1 am
• Friday to Saturday: 12:30 pm to 3 am
• Sunday: 12:30 pm to 12:30 am

The Old Blue Last in Shoreditch is a historic public house renowned for hosting free live music showcases. The venue has a reputation for hosting early gigs by artists such as Arctic Monkeys and Amy Winehouse. The upstairs performance room is intimate and can fill quickly, meaning heavy outerwear is best left at home due to the lack of cloakroom facilities.

Pro tip:

The surrounding Shoreditch area features prominent street art and independent food markets, ideal for exploring before the evening performance.

Other fun things to do in London for free

13. Peek inside God’s Own Junkyard

Website

Contact details: +44 20 8521 8066

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: Closed
• Friday to Saturday: 11 am to 10 pm
• Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm

Located on an industrial estate in Walthamstow, God’s Own Junkyard houses an extensive collection of neon signs, movie props, and vintage signage. The collection features salvaged signs from film sets, including 'The Dark Knight', alongside custom art pieces. The venue is free to enter and contains an indoor café, the Rolling Scones.

Pro tip:

The vibrant displays are popular for mobile phone photography, though professional DSLR cameras and tripods are not permitted without prior booking.

14. Visit the Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7418 2000

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 9 pm

The Crossrail Place Roof Garden is an enclosed park situated above the Canary Wharf station. The garden is positioned directly on the Prime Meridian line, with the planting designed to represent the Eastern and Western hemispheres, featuring species such as Japanese maples and American sweet gum trees. The garden is sheltered by a striking timber lattice roof structure designed by Foster + Partners.

Pro tip:

Visiting the roof garden can be combined with a walk around the West India Quay docks or shopping in the Canary Wharf malls.

15. Explore Roman history in the London Mithraeum

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7330 7500

Operating hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am to 6 pm
• Sunday: 12 pm to 5 pm

The London Mithraeum, situated beneath the European headquarters of Bloomberg, is an archaeological exhibition displaying the remains of a Roman Temple of Mithras. The underground ruins are presented with immersive sound and light installations that recreate the atmosphere of the ancient temple. The exhibition features Roman artefacts discovered during excavations, including the oldest handwritten financial document found in Britain, dating to 57 AD.

Pro tip:

While admission is free, booking an entry time slot online in advance is highly recommended to secure access during busy periods.