London is a notoriously expensive city which likely deters people from visiting for a long period of time, however there are a variety of fun and free activities to do in London! While these suggestions are all family-friendly, they can be great for people of all ages.
Museums
There are countless museums in London that are entirely free of charge and provide a fantastic day out! The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum both provide an educational experience while offering interactive elements! These museums are located in Kensington which is a scenic place filled with delicious eateries and cosy pubs. Access to the galleries are often free, where you can wander around and admire the range of art on display.
Portobello Market
Located in Notting Hill, Portobello Market is immensely popular due to its range of market stalls and quirky items that can be found. The variety of stalls lining the road are endless, it is truly a treat looking through all of the things for sale. Additionally, there is an assortment of shops surrounding the market that are worth checking out, including The Travel Bookshop, which featured in the hit film Nottinghill and can be found at 142 Portobello Road.
Holland Park
If you are somebody that is interested in exploring some of the beautiful parks that London has to offer, Holland Park is a must-see. This park is situated in Kensington and boasts an impressive array of gardens. One of these is the Kyoto Garden which is decorated with authentic Japanese stone statues and water features, giving this space a serene and tranquil feel. Additionally, this park has a Dutch Garden which is coated in vibrant tulips amongst other horticulture and makes for a beautiful photography spot. Holland Park is an excellent location for a walk, and you may even be able to spot one of the six peacocks that live within the grounds.
Camden Market
Camden Market is a must-see destination adored by many. If you are interested in vintage clothing, handmade decor or records, definitely add Camden Market to your to-do list! This market has a wide variety of stalls to look through, plus there is a range of eateries and food trucks surrounding the market making it an excellent place to stop for a bite to eat.
The Changing of the Guards
If you’re interested in doing some typically touristy things while visiting London, then you have to go and see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard takes place at 11am from Monday to Saturday, and at 10am on Sundays. We recommend getting to the palace early to ensure that you are able to get a good spot! After this, why not take a stroll through Hyde Park?
The View from Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is an incredibly popular location amongst tourists and locals, known for its impeccable view of the London skyline. Many people bring a picnic to Primrose Hill and spend the afternoon enjoying the marvellous views. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to see the parrots of Primrose flying around!
St James’s Park
Strangely enough, many of the parks in London are famous for the unusual animals that make these locations their homes! Like the peacocks in Holland Park and the parakeets in Richmond Park, St James’s Park is home to a number of pelicans! The pelicans are said to have been first introduced to the park in the 1960s as a gift from the Russian Ambassador, and have since accumulated fans from all over.
The Conservatory at the Barbican Centre
The conservatory is a well-loved location in East London, known for being a great location to take Instagram photos. Located within the Barbican Centre, the conservatory was opened in 1984 and is home to over 1500 species of plants – horticulture enthusiasts will love this hidden gem.
Hackney City Farm
If you’re visiting London with children or animal lovers, consider visiting Hackney City Farm. This farm is entirely free of charge and is home to a variety of animals, including donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, geese, and ducks! All of the animals at this farm are friendly, and many of them will come right up to the fence. This farm also has a small onsite cafe which serves a variety of hot drinks and food!
See the Shoreditch Street Art
Shoreditch is famous for its vibrant and colourful streets, many of which are covered in intricate and beautiful street art. Much of this art is located on Rivington Street which is also home to one of Banksy’s infamous graffiti paintings, making this a great place to start. There is no one route to take when investigating the Shoreditch street art, which is what makes this a fantastic activity to do free of charge. Alternatively, there are also free guided tours that take place regularly! To book yours, visit this link.
