London is a city like no other, bursting with history, creativity, and a diverse cultural scene that’s always evolving. From its world-famous landmarks to hidden corners brimming with charm, there’s so much to discover, and the best part? Many of these experiences won’t cost you a thing.
Whether you’re a lifelong Londoner seeking fresh ideas, a budget-conscious traveler, or simply someone who loves exploring without limits, this guide has you covered. London may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it’s also packed with free attractions, events, and activities to suit every interest.
Home to millions, London is a patchwork of vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. The city offers something for everyone: tranquil parks for a quiet afternoon, lively festivals that showcase its multicultural heartbeat, and museums filled with treasures from around the world. Whatever the season, London’s energy is infectious, and there’s always something exciting happening.
Dive into this curated list of free things to do in London in 2025 and uncover the endless possibilities waiting for you in the capital.
Free museums in London
- Where it is: Exhibition Road, South Kensington
- What there is to do: Marvel at the famous dinosaur skeletons, explore the Earth galleries, and learn about the natural world.
- Who it’s best for: Nature and wildlife enthusiasts, families looking for a full-day activity, visitors to the city looking to see historic finds
- More information: Get visiting hours, special exhibits and membership details on the official museum website.
- Where it is: Great Russel Street, Bloomsbury
- What there is to do: Explore over eight million artifacts spanning human history, from the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies to the Parthenon sculptures and ancient Roman relics. Attend free talks and tours, engage with interactive exhibits, and visit rotating special exhibitions. The Great Court, with its stunning glass roof, is a must-see architectural highlight.
- Who it’s best for: Culture enthusiasts, history buffs, families, and anyone curious about global art, archaeology, and history.
- More information: General admission is free, but special exhibitions may require paid tickets. Visit the museum’s website for details on current exhibits, opening hours, and accessibility options.
- Where it is: Exhibition Road, South Kensington (behind the Natural History Museum)
- What there is to do: Dive into hands-on exhibits about science, technology, and space exploration. The Wonderlab gallery is especially popular with kids.
- Who it’s best for: Families, students, and aspiring scientists.
- More information: Browse all events, activities, exhibitions and galleries on their online calendar for a full view of what’s happening at the museum.
- Where it is: Lincoln's Inn Fields, Holborn
- What there is to do: Explore the fascinating former home of architect Sir John Soane, filled with an eclectic collection of art, antiquities, and architectural models, including the famous Hogarth paintings. The atmospheric candlelit evenings are a must-see.
- Who it’s best for: Art lovers, history enthusiasts, and architecture buffs.
- More information: Visit the museum’s website to book a free timed-entry slot and check for special events.
- Where it is: London Road, Forest Hill
- What there is to do: Enjoy a unique mix of anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments exhibits, plus beautiful gardens with panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss the famous overstuffed walrus, who even has its own Instagram account.
- Who it’s best for: Families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about world cultures.
- More information: Entry to the museum and gardens is free, but some special exhibitions may require a ticket. Check their website for updates on activities and seasonal events.
- Where it is: Grahame Park Way, Barnet
- What there is to do: Discover over 100 years of aviation history with interactive exhibits, historic aircraft, and immersive experiences like a 4D theatre. Outdoor playgrounds make it fun for kids as well.
- Who it’s best for: Families, aviation enthusiasts, and history buffs.
- More information: Admission is free, but some experiences like flight simulators may have a fee - usually £5 per person. Visit the museum’s website for more details and planning tips.
- Where it is: Romney Road, Greenwich
- What there is to do: Explore maritime history through fascinating exhibits, including famous ship models, navigational instruments, and artwork. Don’t miss the "Nelson’s Trafalgar" gallery, which houses his iconic uniform. Kids can enjoy interactive play zones like the "AHOY!" gallery, while outdoor spaces like Greenwich Park are perfect for a picnic.
- Who it’s best for: Families, history lovers, and anyone interested in ships, the sea, or Britain’s naval heritage.
- More information: Book free tickets on the official museum website and view current collections that are on display.
- Where it is: Cromwell Road, South Kensington
- What there is to do: Discover the world’s largest collection of decorative arts and design, from Renaissance sculptures to contemporary fashion. The museum also offers free talks, workshops, and exhibitions.
- Who it’s best for: Art lovers, design enthusiasts, and curious minds.
- More information: Entry is free, but some special exhibitions may have an admission fee. Check the V&A’s website for the latest details and to browse courses and events.
- Where it is: Kensington High Street, Kensington
- What there is to do: Immerse yourself in the world of design with thought-provoking exhibits on architecture, fashion, and product innovation. Free permanent displays showcase iconic designs that shaped the modern world.
- Who it’s best for: Designers, creatives, and anyone curious about how design impacts daily life.
- Special exhibits: See exclusive exhibitions on Barbie, Tim Burton, Wes Anderson, fashion, nature and art throughout the year; note that most ticketed exhibits will charge a fee, but general admission is free.
The best free parks and outdoor spaces in London
- Where it is: Central London, near Knightsbridge and Bayswater
- What there is to do: Enjoy walking or cycling through vast green spaces, visit the Serpentine Lake, and explore the Diana Memorial Fountain. Seasonal activities include free outdoor concerts and winter events.
- More information: Check the Royal Parks website for events and visitor information.
Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill
- Where it is: North London, near Camden and Marylebone
- What there is to do: Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, visit the Open Air Theatre (ticketed), or enjoy panoramic city views from Primrose Hill.
- More information: Visit the Royal Parks website for updates on events and facilities.
- Where it is: North London, near Hampstead and Highgate
- What there is to do: Explore miles of woodlands and meadows, swim in the free natural bathing ponds, and climb Parliament Hill for some of the best views of London.
- More information: Visit the City of London’s Hampstead Heath page for details on trails, to book a swimming slot or to see what seasonal activities are happening.
- Where it is: South-West London, near Richmond
- What there is to do: Walk or cycle through the largest Royal Park in London, home to herds of wild deer, ancient trees, and the Isabella Plantation with its beautiful flowers.
- More information: Check the Royal Parks website for updates on wildlife and seasonal activities.
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- Where it is: South-East London, near Greenwich
- What there is to do: Explore the park’s beautiful gardens, visit the famous Prime Meridian Line, and enjoy stunning views of London’s skyline from the hilltop near the Royal Observatory.
- More information: See a map of the park, discover things to do and find the closest food options on the official park website.
- Where it is: North London, near Finsbury Park station
- What there is to do: Take a walk around the ornamental gardens, enjoy the free fitness trail, or bring children to the playgrounds and splash pad. The park offers an array of activities year-round, including:some text
- A boating lake
- A skatepark
- Table tennis tables
- Netball courts
- A running track
- Tennis courts
- More information: Visit the Haringey Council website for event updates.
- Where it is: East London, near Bethnal Green and Hackney
- What there is to do: Wander through the scenic parkland, enjoy free outdoor fitness equipment, or attend free festivals and events like All Points East (some parts ticketed).
- More information: Check the Tower Hamlets website for historical information on the park, see community events and submit as a volunteer.
- Where it is: South-West London, near Chelsea and Battersea
- What there is to do: Relax in the tranquil gardens, enjoy riverside views, or visit the Peace Pagoda. There are also free play areas for children.
- More information: Visit the Wandsworth Council website to see what’s available in the park, view their dog control map and learn more about facilities such as the zoo and children’s playground.
- Where it is: South London, near Clapham Junction
- What there is to do: Enjoy wide-open spaces for picnics, sports facilities, and a large pond area. The common also hosts free summer festivals and events.
- More information: Visit the Lambeth Council website for upcoming events and to learn about booking tennis courts or other sports facilities.
Free art galleries in London
- Where it is: Bankside, London
- What there is to do: Explore world-class contemporary art with works from renowned artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. Enjoy the stunning Turbine Hall installations and a variety of rotating exhibitions.
- Who it’s best for: Art enthusiasts, culture seekers, and families looking to spark creativity.
- More information: Entry to the permanent collections is free, but special exhibitions may charge an admission fee. Check their website for current events and exhibition details.
- Where it is: Trafalgar Square, London
- What there is to do: Immerse yourself in over 2,300 paintings from the mid-13th century to 1900, including masterpieces by artists like:some text
- Van Gogh
- Caravaggio
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Monet
- Turner
- Henri Rousseau
- Vermeer
- Who it’s best for: Art lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in European art.
- More information: View the must-see paintings before you go so you can make the most of your visit.
- Where it is: Kensington Gardens, London
- What there is to do: Discover contemporary art exhibitions, installations, and cultural programs across two galleries: Serpentine Gallery and Serpentine Sackler Gallery.
- Who it’s best for: Art enthusiasts and those interested in cutting-edge contemporary culture.
- More information: Get access to their free digital guide and learn more about their artists and mission on their website.
- Where it is: St. Martin’s Place, London
- What there is to do: Explore the rich history of British portraiture with portraits of famous historical figures, celebrities, and cultural icons from various periods, including the Tudors, Victorians, and modern-day figures.
- Who it’s best for: History buffs, art lovers, and those interested in British culture and famous personalities.
- More information: Plan your visit and learn more about their current featured artists on their website.
- Where it is: Whitechapel High Street, London
- What there is to do: Explore contemporary art from emerging and established artists in a beautifully restored space. The gallery often hosts installations, exhibitions, and live performances.
- Who it’s best for: Art lovers, modern culture seekers, and visitors interested in East London’s arts scene.
- More information: See upcoming exhibitions and events, learn about venue hire and see what’s screening on the gallery website.
- Where it is: Southbank Centre, London
- What there is to do: Enjoy contemporary art exhibitions, ranging from large-scale installations to multimedia presentations, often showcasing experimental and thought-provoking works.
- Who it’s best for: Art lovers, creative thinkers, and fans of contemporary installations.
- More information: Entry is free for the permanent collection, though special exhibitions may require a ticket. Check their website for upcoming events and exhibitions.
- Where it is: Ramillies Street, Soho, London
- What there is to do: Explore cutting-edge photography exhibitions from both renowned and emerging photographers, with a focus on contemporary and experimental works.
- Who it’s best for: Photography enthusiasts, creative minds, and anyone interested in visual storytelling.
- More information: Admission is free to some exhibitions, while others may charge a small fee. Check their website for exhibition schedules and events.
Iconic landmarks and cultural walks
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
- What: Watch the iconic ceremonial procession outside the palace.
- When: Select days, typically at 11:00 AM (check the schedule online).
- Where: Buckingham Palace
- Why visit Southbank: Take a scenic riverside walk past landmarks like the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Millennium Bridge.
- Where: Southbank stretches roughly from Westminster Bridge (near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament) to Tower Bridge
- What: A unique experience to London, you can cycle or walk down the canal paths to get a glimpse at the narrowboats moored along the water, see local artists’ work on the buildings in the area and make your way to Victoria Park for a picnic or pub stop.
- Where: East London, located in the borough of Hackney. It sits along the River Lee Navigation Canal, near the southern edge of Victoria Park and adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market
- What there is to see: Wander through charming streets, spot colourful houses, and explore market stalls (free to browse).
- Where: Located near Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove stations
- What: Take a self-guided tour of Shoreditch to discover vibrant murals and graffiti from local and international artists. Plus, Brick Lane hosts a long-spanning street market on Sundays that hosts vintage vendors, food stalls and more.
- Where: Shoreditch, East London
- What: Admire the fountains, sculptures, and iconic Nelson’s Column. It’s also a hub for free festivals and events, and is nearby many other landmarks you’ll likely be visiting on a day out.
- Where: Central London
Free events and concerts around the city
- When it is: 2nd February, 2025
- Where it is: East of Trafalgar Square to Chinatown
- What there is to do: Experience traditional lion dances, music performances, and cultural activities marking the Lunar New Year - the Year of the Snake!
- When it is: March 17, 2025
- Where it is: Trafalgar Square
- What there is to do: Enjoy Irish music, dance, and food in a festive celebration of Ireland's patron saint. Remember, if you plan to indulge in a few pints, leave your car overnight in a safe space or opt for public transport!
Eid Festival in Trafalgar Square
- When it is: June 8, 2025
- Where it is: Trafalgar Square
- What there is to do: Celebrate the end of Ramadan with a vibrant festival featuring food stalls, live music, and cultural displays.
- When it is: June 2025 (Dates to be confirmed)
- Where it is: Trafalgar Square
- What there is to do: Enjoy free performances from top West End musicals and shows in an open-air setting. The event attracts up to 70,000 visitors from across the UK, making it the largest free event of its kind, featuring 60 shows and 500 performers.
- When it is: August 24-25, 2025
- Where it is: Notting Hill
- What there is to do: Join Europe's largest street festival celebrating Caribbean culture with parades, music, and food.
- When it is: September 13-21, 2025
- Where it is: Various locations across London
- What there is to do: Explore architecturally significant buildings usually closed to the public. Last year, the festival allowed access to sites across the city including closed Victorian subways, cemetery chapels, cinemas, galleries and unique homes.
- When it is: October 2025 (Date to be confirmed)
- Where it is: Trafalgar Square
- What there is to do: Celebrate the Festival of Lights with performances, food, and cultural activities.
- When it is: November 8, 2025
- Where it is: City of London
- What there is to do: Witness a historic parade marking the inauguration of the Lord Mayor, featuring floats, bands, and fireworks.
Christmas Lights Switch-On Events
- When it is: November to December 2025
- Where it is: Various locations
- What there is to do: Attend festive ceremonies across London as iconic streets and landmarks illuminate for the holiday season.
