Free things to do in London
London is a notoriously expensive city, so much so that it seems like £100 magically disappears from your bank account every time you leave your flat. When I first came to London as a student, it quickly became a priority to budget as much as possible and I was soon an expert at finding the cheapest ways to explore the city.
Whether you're saving up to pay your extortionate rent or want to enjoy the city without opening your wallet, these are some of my favourite free things to do in London.
The Wallace Collection
London is famous for its museums, especially the huge collections at the National Gallery and the V&A. However, there are a lot of underrated, smaller museums that are just as exciting to visit. One of my favourite galleries in all of London is the Wallace Collection in Marylebone. The ornately decorated stately home feels like walking onto a set for Bridgerton. It's the perfect place to have a quiet afternoon and take in some spectacular works of art. The Wallace Collection is home to Fragonard's famous painting "The Swing" and several Rembrandts.
The permanent collection is free to visit, but you can pay to see the special exhibitions or have afternoon tea in their gorgeous courtyard cafe.
Marylebone, W1U | wallacecollection.org
Queen Mary's Garden at Regent's Park
Regent's Park is a very well-known green space in London, but most people stay near the entrance, ignoring one of the most beautiful free gardens in the city. If you haven't ventured further into the park yet, I highly recommend making your way to Queen Mary's Rose Garden, especially in spring and summer. Thousands of meticulously arranged roses line winding paths and peaceful fountains, creating an idyllic escape from the bustling city.
Regent's Park, NW1 | royalparks.org.uk
Horizon 22
One of the best ways to appreciate London is from high above the busy streets. However, skyline views of London, either from restaurants or ticketed viewing platforms, often come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, Horizon 22 offers the highest free public viewing platform in the city. Even if you spent a little more than expected at dinner, you can still catch a spectacular sunset over London's most iconic landmarks along the Thames without worrying about going over budget.
City of London, EC2N | horizon22.co.uk
London's Guildhall
No matter how long you live in London, there are always new things to discover. This summer, I stumbled upon the London Guildhall on a walk from St. Paul's Cathedral and was shocked that I had never visited it before. I was in awe as I wandered through the grand, historic building and found ancient Roman ruins and the oldest public library in the city that feels like something straight from Harry Potter. There is also a fascinating collection of paintings showcasing London throughout history that bring the city's long, storied past to life.
City of London, EC2V | cityoflondon.gov.uk
Friday Lates at the National Gallery
The National Gallery is an incredible museum, but during the day it is often overrun with tourists who make it difficult to fully appreciate the art on display. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience or just want to see your favourite paintings in a new light, the Gallery is open a few extra hours every Friday until 9 p.m. Whether you're planning a romantic date night or looking for unique after-dinner plans, there's something magical about spending an evening in a quiet gallery surrounded by stunning works of art.
The Gallery is always free to visit, including the Friday Lates.
Trafalgar Square, WC2N | nationalgallery.org.uk
Angel Comedy Fridays at the Camden Head
If you're looking to change up your usual pub nights or just want a midweek pick me up, pop into the Camden Head for a free comedy show by the Angle Comedy Club. They host a different comedian every night and the lineup isn't announced beforehand, so you never know who will perform. Previous comics include James Acaster and Aisling Bea, so you might get to see some familiar faces performing new material or up-and-coming comedians before they get their big break.
Angel, N1 | angelcomedy.co.uk
TfL's Walk London
When walking around London, you'll sometimes see circular plaques on the pavement labelled with different symbols or historical information. I always wondered what these were and recently discovered that they're part of TfL's Walk London network. For anyone trying to get their steps in, TfL has the entire city mapped out in walking paths that take you past the most iconic landmarks and some hidden gems.
If you're visiting for the first time, you can follow the Jubilee Walkway to easily see the sights in Central London on foot. If you're a Londoner, you can embark on the London Outer Orbital Path which takes you through country parks and historic landmarks along the circumference of the city. The walks can be downloaded for free as PDFs or on the Go Jauntly app.
Various locations | tfl.gov.uk
Kenwood House in Hampstead Heath
From the quaint village to the sprawling green spaces, Hampstead Heath is one of the most peaceful areas of London. If you're not sure where to start when exploring the Heath, I highly recommend starting at the Kenwood entrance in the northern part of the Heath and exploring Kenwood House.
You may recognise Kenwood House from the film Notting Hill and it's no wonder this historic stately home was used as a movie set. The house and surrounding grounds make you feel like you've travelled back in time and offer a picturesque setting for a walk or a picnic. The house is free to tour and I always leave wishing I had a pink library like the one that has been preserved in the home.
A short walk away, you'll reach the Kenwood Viewpoint with a stunning view of the London skyline framed by the park's rows of trees and grassy meadows. It's a great place for people (and dog) watching and to take a moment to soak in the city.
Hampstead, NW3 | english-heritage.org.uk
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