Introduction

London is one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in the world, with a history dating back to pre-Roman times. It is a bustling metropolis, home to 8.9 million people and counting, making it the largest city in the United Kingdom and one of the most populous cities in the world. London is famous for its iconic landmarks and world-renowned attractions, such as the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and much more. It is also known for its eclectic mix of cultures, from the classic English tea shops to the vibrant curry houses of Brick Lane.

London is also known for its rich and diverse nightlife, with something for everyone. Whether it’s a night out in Soho or Notting Hill, an evening at the theatre or an intimate dinner, you’ll never be short of options. London also offers a wide range of free and affordable activities and attractions, from world-class museums to open-air markets, making it perfect for budget-minded travellers.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best free activities and attractions London has to offer. We’ll also provide some top tips for getting the most out of your visit and where you can book some of the city’s most popular tours. So let’s get started and explore some of the best free things to do in London!

Exploring London’s Iconic Landmarks

Exploring London’s Iconic Landmarks

One of the best things about visiting London is exploring its iconic landmarks. Whether you’ve been to the city before or it’s your first time, there’s no better way to get to know London than by visiting some of its most famous attractions. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace, there are plenty of iconic monuments that can be visited for free. Here are some of our top picks:

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for any traveller. This 900-year-old fortress is home to the Crown Jewels, as well as Beefeaters, who have been guarding the Tower since 1485. The Tower of London is free to enter but you will have to pay for some attractions within it, such as the Crown Jewels exhibition.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of The Queen and has been since 1837. During summer months (July-September) visitors can take a tour around some of the State Rooms within the palace. During these months, visitors can also watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace for free.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a Gothic masterpiece that has been the coronation site for British monarchs since 1066. It is also home to many monuments and tombs dedicated to famous figures such as Charles Darwin, Florence Nightingale, Jane Austen and more. Visitors can explore Westminster Abbey for free but must pay to enter certain areas such as the Cloister and Chapter House.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic landmark in London and was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1675. The Cathedral has been home to many famous figures throughout history such as Winston Churchill who married his wife here in 1908. Visiting St Paul’s Cathedral is free but you need to pay if you want to visit certain attractions within it, including a climb up to the Golden Gallery at the top of the dome.

Exploring London’s Parks & Gardens

Exploring London’s Parks & Gardens

London is home to some of the world’s most beautiful parks and gardens. From lush green spaces filled with flowers to sprawling parks with lakes and ponds, here are some of our favourite spots for taking a peaceful stroll or having a picnic:

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest parks and is home to many attractions such as Speakers Corner which hosts debates and public speaking events every Sunday. Visitors will also find a lake, rose gardens and even a boating lake where you can rent a boat for an hour or two.

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens is one of 8 Royal Parks in London and is home to a variety of attractions such as Kensington Palace and The Serpentine Gallery. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful views from the Albert Memorial or take a peaceful stroll along the Long Water which runs through the gardens.

Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is another one of London’s Royal Parks and is home to many attractions such as London Zoo, Primrose Hill and Regent’s Canal. Visitors will also find beautiful flower gardens, open spaces perfect for picnics or relaxing strolls, cafés and even an open-air theatre during summer months.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of London’s most popular parks with locals and tourists alike. This sprawling park covers over 800 hectares and is home to woodlands, ponds and hills that offer spectacular views over London. Visitors can also take a peaceful stroll along the path which runs along the River Thames or take a dip in one of its 3 swimming ponds which are open all year round.

Touring London by Bicycle

Touring London by Bicycle

One of the best ways to explore London is by bicycle! With hundreds of miles of cycle routes throughout the city, it’s easy to navigate your way around without getting stuck in traffic or spending too much money on public transport. There are many cycle hire schemes available throughout London where you can rent bikes for as little as £2 per day or £10 per week. Here are some of our favourite cycling routes in London:

Barbican to Camden Town

This route takes you along Regent’s Canal and past some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard. It is a great way to get off the beaten track and explore some hidden gems in this historic part of town.

Victoria Park Loop

This route takes you through Victoria Park, one of East London’s most popular parks and home to many independent cafés and small businesses. It’s great way to experience East London’s creative vibes while enjoying some stunning views over London’s skyline.

Thames Path

This route takes you along the Thames Path from Battersea Park all the way up to Putney Bridge. Along this route you will pass some iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, The Globe Theatre and many more!

Greenwich Park Loop

This route takes you through Greenwich Park which is home to many attractions such as The Royal Observatory and The National Maritime Museum. It’s a great way to explore one of London’s oldest parks while enjoying stunning views over Canary Wharf and The City of London skyline.

Exploring Open Air Markets

Exploring Open Air Markets

London has plenty of open air markets that are perfect for finding unique souvenirs or trying out delicious street food from around the world. Here are some of our favourite open air markets in London:

Borough Market

Borough Market located near London Bridge is one of the city’s oldest markets with roots dating back to 11th century! This bustling market is perfect for finding unique gifts such as artisanal cheeses, freshly baked breads and other gourmet treats from around the world.

Notting Hill Farmers Market

The Notting Hill Farmers Market takes place every Saturday near Portobello Road Market and offers tasty treats such as cakes, pies, jams and much more made with locally sourced ingredients.

Broadway Market

Broadway Market located in East London is one of the city’s most popular markets with a fantastic selection of street food from around the world such as Mexican tacos, Greek gyros and more! It’s also great for finding vintage clothes and antiques from local traders.

Primrose Hill Market

Primrose Hill Market located near Regent’s Park offers a great selection of fresh produce from local farmers as well as artisanal goods such as jewellery, homewares and much more!

Booking Popular Tours in London

Booking Popular Tours in London

London offers a variety of tours tailored towards different interests such as history buffs or foodies so it can be hard to choose which one is right for you! To help narrow down your options we’ve listed two popular tours in London below so you can get an idea what they offer:

Westminster Walking Tour

This 2 hour tour takes you around some of London’s most iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and more! Your guide will provide interesting facts about each attraction along with fascinating stories about its history.

Jack The Ripper Tour

This 3 hour walking tour takes you through Whitechapel where Jack The Ripper committed his gruesome murders more than 130 years ago! Your guide will provide vivid descriptions about each crime scene along with evidence found at each location.