Free London

Museums & galleries

There is a world-class collection of free national museums, including the British Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Science Museum and Natural History Museum. See our section on London’s museums and galleries for more information.

Events

Free events such as outdoor film showings, lunchtime concerts and arts festivals take place throughout the year, including the famous Mayor’s Thames Festival, the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival and the historic Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Parks & open spaces

Then of course there are eight centrally-located royal parks (www.royalparks.gov.uk), and many huge open spaces such as Hampstead Heath in North London and Epping Forest just on the outskirts; it’s hard to imagine you’re even in the city. On top of this there’s fantastic architecture to enjoy and a growing number of walkways (Golden Jubilee walkway, South Bank, Thames River Path) and cycle paths (www.londoncyclenetwork.org) to explore. 

And all this without spending a single penny!

For a comprehensive listing of FREE activities in London, see the London for Free (www.visitlondon.com/city_guide/budget/f_free_intro.html) section on VisitLondon’s website, or their new parks and open spaces (www.visitlondon.com/city_guide/outdoors/) section with loads of great ideas on how to enjoy London’s free outdoor spaces and events.

Prepare to be surprised!

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If you are planning a trip to London travel as the locals travel using an Oyster Card. It really is the essential "buy before you leave" product. You can use Oyster on ALL London underground, wbuses, Docklands Light Railway and trams, and on many regular train services within London.

 For full details and to order click here (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-GB/detail.aspx?ProductCode=T105)