Here in Britain we can’t resist a freebie. Whether you’re looking for museums, markets or amazing views, we’ll prove you really can get something for nothing. Read on to discover some of our favourite activities and things to do that won’t cost you a thing.
The V&A’s East London outpost is your access-all-areas glimpse into the museum’s vast collection. There are more than 500,000 works held here, across four floors – and you can enjoy one-on-one time with some of these incredible items thanks to the site’s new free Order an Object service. The size of this new spot means you can get up close to some enormous exhibits, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Kaufmann Office and a two-storey section of a London maisonette flat. On the other end of the scale, look out for more than 100 curated mini displays around the space, each with their own story to tell.
Admire masterpieces by Dalí, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko and Warhol at this iconic art gallery on the bank of the River Thames. Tate Modern is one of the world’s most iconic galleries featuring great British artists like Barbara Hepworth as well as 800 artists from more than 50 countries, all based at the former Bankside Power Station.
Wander through Notting Hill where you’ll find a world-famous antique market spilling over with fascinating wares, and pretty streets lined with colourful houses and local restaurants.
See some of the best views of London atop one of its newest skyscrapers. The Sky Garden is a bucolic viewing platform that’s free for all – just be sure to book a slot in advance.
London isn’t short of green spaces with royal history – and the best part is, they’re free to explore. From roaming deer in Richmond Park to the Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, there are stories to discover all over the city.
Many of London’s museums and art galleries offer free entry to their permanent collections. Typically, however, special exhibitions require a paid ticket.
London Museums with free permanent exhibitions include:
The British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, National Maritime Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), and the Imperial War Museum.
London Art Galleries with free entry and exhibitions include:
The National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, National Portrait Gallery, and the Wallace Collection.
Yes, access to the Sky Garden is free of charge between 10am-6pm on weekdays and 11am – 9pm on weekends. However, a free ticketed timeslot must be reserved in advance due to the attraction’s popularity.
London has a range of free attractions for visitors. Outside of museums and galleries, visitors can enjoy:
Free Parks & Green Spaces: Despite being a metropolis, London still has a great deal of extraordinary gardens and green spaces. Richmond Park is free to enter and is known for its herds of red and fallow deer. Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens and Kensington are both also free to enter, with parakeets being prominent in the latter.
Free London Markets: While you may be enticed to spend some money while you’re there, it’s also free to browse London’s many markets such as Borough Market, Spitalfields Market, and Camden Market.
Admire London’s Street Art: While you’ll find murals scattered across London, some parts are particularly known for their street art such as Brick Lane. Free to admire, these spots also make for some excellent photo opportunities.
Explore Film, Music & Movie Destinations: London has been the home of many prominent British musicians as well as serving as a backdrop across numerous TV series and film franchises. Many related locations are free to access such as Platform 9¾ from Harry Potter at King’s Cross.
