London is a vibrant cultural city that attracts many visitors. And yet, it's a fact that paying visits can be expensive. Don't worry, you can see many of London's must-sees for free. What's more, the city is full of beautiful parks, and many major museums are free. Follow us to discover the 15 free things to do in London!
1. Free activities in London: discover the Free Tour
There are many different ways to visit London for free. The best-known is the Free Tour London, which takes you to the city's main architectural treasures. However, there are many other free guided tours:
- the British Museum
- a visit to Soho,
- discover the alternative life of Camden,
- chills guaranteed in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper,
- relive the history of British rock.
Tip from Petit Futé : to see the Changing of the Guard, book the Free Tour for 10am. Other time slots won't allow you to attend this great moment, but there's nothing to stop you coming back another day if you have the time.
2. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Let's talk about the changing of the guard! This is obviously a great moment to experience in London, and it's totally free. See you in front of Buckingham Palace at 11am! Please note, however, that the ceremony starts at 10.45 am. Troops even start gathering at 10.30 a.m., the ideal time to watch the whole operation and get a good seat.
The article to read: What to do, what to see, what to visit in London? 17 must-do activities!
3. Visit the British Museum, London's top free activity!
Among the top free things to do in London, the British Museum is a must. Its immense hall, called the Great Court, is superbly crowned by a glass dome. It is one of the oldest museums in the world, housing a magnificent collection of antiquities, ranging fromancient Egyptian treasures, including mummies, to prehistoric and medieval objects.
4. Discover London's must-see places on foot
There's nothing like a bit of walking to admire London's various strategic landmarks for free. These include:
- Big Ben,
- Buckingham Palace,
- Picadilly Circus,
- tower Bridge,
- the Houses of Parliament,
- Trafalgar Square,
- the London Eye.
Even if you're not planning an interior visit (for which you'll have to pay), you can still take in the sights and immortalize your stay with some great photos.
Good to know: if you're spending Christmas in London, you'll find plenty of entertainment in Trafalgar Square.
5. Free activities in London: stroll along the River Thames
With a length of 346 km, part of which is in London, the River Thames is a great place to take a stroll. Since your goal is to promote free activities in London, forget about cruising on the Thames! On the other hand, there's nothing to stop you taking a stroll along the river. Romantic and offering superb views, it's a leisure activity that's sure to please young and old alike.
6. Discover the collections of the Royal Air Force Museum free of charge
The Royal Air Force Museum is a free museum dedicated to the history of aviation and the Royal Air Force. Over a hundred aircraft, seaplanes, helicopters and more are on display. An impressive collection housed in the various hangars of a former airfield. Attractions include a reconstruction of the Blériot XI. And don't miss the Battle of Britain Hall. The museum also features exhibitions of photographs, uniforms and films... In short, there's enough to keep you busy all afternoon. The children themselves are usually delighted.
Good to know: the museum has a reconstruction of the Blériot XI, a light monoplane from the early XXᵉ century.
7. Recharge your batteries in London's finest parks
There are many urban parks in London, each as beautiful as the next! Among the best-known, don't miss Hyde Parkthe largest in the city center. Of course, St James's Park, with its lake and wooded areas, is also a must. We also recommend :
- Regent's Park,
- Richmond Park,
- Greenwich Park.
Good to know: St James's Park is one of the world's most beautiful urban parks. Impossible to miss!
8. Free activities in London: Harry Potter film locations
These are the best free visits to make in London for Harry Potter fans young and old! You'll find a host of filming locations, immersing you in the magical world of the young wizard:
- King's Cross Station: it was from here that Harry boarded the Hogwarts Express bound for the magical school!
- St. Paul's Cathedral: the staircase leading to the divination class.
- The Australian Embassy: see the Gringotts bank from the outside, free of charge.
- Leadenhall Market: a setting used for the Crossing Road, home to a number of stores.
It's a great way to see London for free and have fun doing it!
9. Stroll through the sets of Love at first sight in Notting Hill
The same goes for the sets of the film Coup de foudre à Notting Hill. Head for the eponymous district, where you can see the door to Hugh Grant's house. With its colorful facades, it's a great place to stroll in London.
10. Admire the London skyline from Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is one of London's most popular parks, extending over 77 hectares of meadows and woodland. This vast natural area has been designed with the whole family in mind, with its outdoor swimming pool, petting zoo, athletics course and children's playground. From Parliament Hill, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the city of London!
The article to read: 15 capitals to visit around the world
11. Discover street art in the streets of London
East London is where you'll find the majority of London's street art. From Shoreditch to the side streets around Brick Lane, via Middlesex and Sclater streets, you can visit the British capital off the beaten track! Here, urban art takes on its full meaning, in a fairyland of colors and modern paintings.
12. Admire the panoramic view from the Sky Garden
Enjoy the best free view of London at the Sky Gardena skyscraper whose majestic floor is free of charge. In addition to incredible views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and all the city's other treasures, you can stroll through the superb hanging garden. Surrounded by glass walls and ceiling, it offers a unique perspective on the city.
13. Visit Tate Modern: one of the best free things to do in London
The Tate Modern is one of London's must-see places to visit over a 3-day long weekend. From Tower Bridge to the Tower of London, here too the view extends 360° over the capital. The Thames itself adds its own sparkling touch to this free, exceptional picture. Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso or Andy Warhol, discover the modern works of the world's greatest artists.
Good to know: The Tate Modern is one of the most visited modern art museums in the world, ahead of even New York's MoMA. In short, one of the best free activities in London!
14. See Comedy Shows at London's Theatre Royal
Facing the River Thames, notice this large concrete cube that turns from blue to purple. This vast, modern complex, whose first director was actor Lawrence Olivier, comprises three theaters: the Olivier, the Lyttelton and the Cottesloe. Theater is a famous activity in London, not least for its famous Comedy Shows. In addition to classic, ticketed performances, the theater offers a number of free events throughout the year, including music concerts. Would you like to try this out for free? Visit the Théâtre Royal every Monday evening, but be warned: you'll need a good command of English to understand the show! The program is varied and of high quality, including musicals, classical plays and avant-garde shows.
The article to read: The 10 best musicals to see in London
15. Marvel at the National Gallery, a free activity in London
North of Trafalgar Square, the museum, housed in an imposing neoclassical building, is home toone of the world's finest collections of paintings by Western European masters. Divided into four wings, the collections of over 2,000 works are arranged chronologically: from the 13th to the 15th century, the 16th to the 18th century and the 20th century. Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci are just some of the world's great painters on show at London's National Gallery. Lovers of great paintings will be delighted to visit this art world institution for free!
Free family activities in London
London is an ideal destination for travelling with children in Europe, without having to stray too far from France. Long journeys are not for them! Thanks to the Eurostar, this plane-free trip will be a real treat for the whole family.
Once there, you can explore the city's various parks, including Hampstead Heath. There are plenty of places for children to run around freely. Little Harry Potter fans will be delighted to discover the film locations. It's magical!
Afterwards, treat the whole family to an extraordinary spectacle, as the Royal Guards take to the stage in an orderly ballet. Their attire, combined with the perfectly executed steps, makes for a particularly entertaining experience.
Finally, you can set your sights on London's Natural History Museum, whose animals, both unusual and enormous, never cease to amaze children. The Science Museum 's interactive exhibits also make for a great free family visit to London.
From the changing of the guard to architectural treasures, London is a true gem to be contemplated without moderation. If you can, don't hesitate to visit during the festive season. The city lights up with its Christmas atmosphere on every street corner, transforming the city's districts into 100% fairytale-like. Have you been seduced by London? Then discover the 17 must-do things to do in England! There's no doubt that the whole country will seduce you in 1001 ways.
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