AdminThere’s no shortage of things to do in London, from visiting historic sites to checking out the latest exhibits at world-famous museums. But let’s face it: a lot of the best stuff in the city comes with a price tag.
Fortunately, there are plenty of free things to do in London that are just as engaging and exciting as the paid attractions. From exploring world-famous landmarks to strolling through beautiful parks, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the city without spending a penny.
Here are our top 10 free things to do in London you never knew.
1. Changing the Guard – Ceremonial Events
Buckingham Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, in part because of the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This ceremony is a world-famous event that takes place at the Palace daily.
The Changing of the Guard is a ceremonial event that dates back centuries. It involves the exchange of the Queen’s Guard, who are responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace and other royal residences, with a new guard. The ceremony is conducted with great precision and is a spectacle that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Visitors can watch the world-famous ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, where the Queen’s Guard will stomp around in time to music in a display of pageantry. The ceremony takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11am (and every day in the summer).
If you’re planning on visiting Buckingham Palace, be sure to check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard ceremony so you don’t miss it!
2. The National Gallery
The National Gallery is one of the world’s great art museums, with a collection that includes works by some of the most famous painters in history. The museum is located in Trafalgar Square in London, and admission is free.
The National Gallery has a wide variety of paintings on display, ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to Impressionist canvases. In addition to the paintings, the museum also has a sculpture garden, which is open to the public.
The National Gallery is an excellent place to learn about art history, and it is also a great place to simply enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful paintings. If you are visiting London, be sure to add the National Gallery to your list of places to see.
3. British Museum
The British Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world. It is located in the heart of London and is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the globe. The museum is a popular destination for art lovers and tourists alike.
The British Museum houses a wide variety of art from different cultures and periods. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, pottery, and much more. The museum is also home to the Rosetta Stone, which is one of the most famous artifacts in the world.
What’s more, admission to the museum is completely free. This makes it the perfect place to spend a day if you’re on a budget. No wonder it makes our list of top 10 free things to do in London you never knew. There are plenty of free tours available, or you can simply wander around at your own pace. Either way, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
The British Museum is a great place to learn about different cultures and their art. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and tours. A museum is also a great place to simply admire the beauty of the art.
So if you’re looking for a fascinating and educational way to spend a day in London, be sure to add the British Museum to your list of must-see attractions.
4. Tate Modern
We can’t talk about the top 10 free things to do in London you never knew without mentioning the Tate Modern.
The Tate Modern is an internationally renowned art museum located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. One of the four Tate galleries in the UK, it is home to the national collection of British art from the 16th century to the present day, as well as a large collection of international modern and contemporary art.
The Tate Modern is housed in a converted power station, which was originally built in the early 1900s. The building was adapted for use as a museum in the late 1990s, and since then it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.
The Tate Modern is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and admission is free (except for special exhibitions). Timed tickets are required for entry, and advance booking is recommended. The museum is accessible from the Blackfriars and Southwark Tube stations and by bus routes nos. 40, 63, 100, 381 and 344.
Whether you’re a fan of contemporary art or not, a visit to the Tate Modern is a must when in London. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, and the collections on display are truly world-class.
5. St James’s Park
If you’re looking for a breathtaking park to visit in London, St. James’s Park is a perfect choice. This royal park is full of history and beautiful scenery and is a great place to spend a day exploring.
The park is surrounded by three palaces – St. James’s Palace, Westminster Palace, and Buckingham Palace. The Memorial Gardens, which sit beside Buckingham Palace, are a major attraction in the park. The park is also home to the 7-mile Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk and provides a habitat for various animal species, including foxes, ducks, and pelicans.
St. James’s Park is one of the most visited parks in London and is a great spot to people watch. The park is especially busy on weekends when Londoners and tourists alike flock to the green space to relax, read a book, or have a picnic. The park is also a great spot for runners, as it is located on the route of the annual London Marathon.
If you are visiting St. James’s Park, be sure to take a walk across the Blue Bridge for stunning views of the lake and Buckingham Palace. The Horse Guards Parade Ground is another spot not to be missed. The park has many flowerbeds and acres of wide-open green space, making it a treat for nature lovers.
For more information on events taking place in the park, or for pelican feeding times, be sure to check the park’s official website.
6. Shoreditch Street Art
Another one of our top 10 free things to do in London you never knew is to see the Shoreditch street art.
This hip neighbourhood is home to some of the city’s coolest and most creative pieces of graffiti, from world-famous artists like Banksy to up-and-coming talents. So grab a coffee and explore the streets of Shoreditch to see some of the best street art London has to offer.
It is a great place to see some of the best street art in the world and to get some great photos for your social media. The street art in Shoreditch is always changing, so you never know what you will see when you visit. There are some great artists who have their work on display in Shoreditch, so you are sure to find something that you like.
Shoreditch is well known for its street art, and a visit to the area is a great way to see some of the best urban art in the world. The ever-changing nature of street art means that you never know what you’ll see when you visit, but there are always new and exciting pieces to discover. Whether you’re a fan of graffiti or just appreciate good art, a visit to Shoreditch is sure to be a memorable experience.
7. King’s Cross Station & Platform 9 ¾
Over 55 million people use King’s Cross Station in London every year. The station was built in 1852 and it has been used in many movies and TV shows. It is most famous for being the place where Harry Potter boarded the Hogwarts Express.
If you are a fan of Harry Potter, then a visit to King’s Cross Station and Platform 9 3/4 is a must. Located inside the station building, Platform 9 3/4 can be a bit discrete but the staff will help you find it.
Outside, you will find a luggage trolley leaning onto the brick wall, which is an ideal spot for taking photographs. There is also a small Platform 9 3/4 shop where you can buy some cool merchandise. The atmosphere is pretty fun and casual, and you can even get professional photographs taken for just below £10.
So if you are ever in London, be sure to check out Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station.
8. London Mithraeum
Although a lesser known attraction, the London Mithraeum is one of the top 10 free things to do in London that you never knew. In the heart of the City of London, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, lies a hidden gem – the London Mithraeum. This incredible site was once a Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras, and is now a fascinating museum and visitor center.
The temple was discovered in 1954, during construction work for a new office block. It was painstakingly excavated and then reconstructed, and is now open for all to enjoy. The museum tells the story of the temple and its discovery, and also of the Roman god Mithras and the cult of Mithraism.
The temple itself is an atmospheric and evocative space, and is well worth a visit. But even if you’re not interested in ancient history, the London Mithraeum is a great place to take a break from the busy streets outside and to learn something new.
Today, the London Mithraeum is open to the public and offers a fascinating insight into the Roman religion of Mithraism. Visitors can explore the temple’s ruins, view artifacts on display, and learn about the history of this ancient cult.
9. Big Ben
One of the best things to do in London is visit Big Ben. The clock tower is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and is home to the world’s largest four-faced clock. The chimes of the clock can be heard across the city. Visitors can take a tour of the tower and see the inner workings of the clock up close. For those who want to see the city from above, the tower also has an observation deck with stunning views.
10. British Library
The British Library is one of the world’s great research libraries, with more than 150 million items in its collections. It is also one of the United Kingdom’s premier cultural institutions, hosting exhibitions, events, and educational programs.
A visit to the British Library is a must for any lover of books and history. The library’s collections span centuries and include some of the most important documents and books in the world. The library is also home to many unique and rare items, such as the world’s oldest Bible.
A visit to the British Library is an opportunity to explore the history of the written word and to see some of the most important documents and books in the world.
Conclusion
London is a bustling city with plenty to see and do, but it can also be expensive. If you’re on a budget, don’t worry – there are plenty of free things to do in London that will keep you entertained. From museums and art galleries to parks and historic landmarks, there’s something for everyone.
So, next time you’re in London, be sure to check out o0ur top 10 free things to do in London you never knew. From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the city without spending a penny. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring!
