On the banks of the River Thames lies London, one of the most historic and culturally vibrant cities in the world. Not surprisingly, more than 30 million tourists visit it every year, and therefore, London Heathrow International Airport is the busiest.
Planning a trip to London without spending a fortune? This article will provide you with a guide to the best free activities in London, perfect for families and kids, along with essential tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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What Is London Most Famous For?
The British capital has many features that make it stand out. If you are going to visit it, here are some important facts you should know:
- Historical Monuments: The city has numerous monuments such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben.
- Cultural Institutions: London has world-renowned museums and galleries, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
- Theaters: The West End is London’s famous theater district, known for its outstanding productions and musicals.
- Parks and Gardens: London has many parks and gardens, such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, St James’s Park and Kew Gardens.
- Education: Home to some of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions, such as University College London (UCL), the London School of Economics (LSE) and Imperial College London.
- Fashion: The city is a global fashion center, home to London Fashion Week and famous shopping areas such as Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Harrods.
- Events and Festivals: London hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Notting Hill Carnival, the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks at the London Eye.
A Guide to the Best Free Things in London for Tourists
Watch Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
If you are passing through London you can’t miss the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony at the grand Buckingham Palace. For approximately 45 minutes, the Royal Guard on duty is replaced by a new guard. Here are some important details:
- Schedule: Daily at 11:00 AM between April and July. From August to March, it is held every other day, except on rainy days, when it may be canceled.
- Location: Main entrance of Buckingham Palace.
- Participants: The Royal Guard includes mounted and infantry troops, dressed in their traditional uniforms of red tunics and black bearskin hats.
Photo by Debbie Fan on Unsplash
See Street Art at Leake Street Arches
Also known as the “Banksy Tunnel”, Leake Street Arches is a popular spot for street art in London. Located under Waterloo Station, it has the longest legal graffiti wall in the city. The tunnel is like a canvas where street artists from all over the world come to paint and show their work. The art is constantly evolving as new pieces replace old ones. Here are some highlights:
- Historical significance: The tunnel was once a forgotten railway arch, but has been transformed into a hub for urban art. It has even attracted famous artists like Banksy.
- Creative community: The arches house independent restaurants, bars, and entertainment spaces to celebrate urban culture. Enjoying food and drinks and even participating in graffiti workshops are free things to do in London.
- Accessibility: The space is open to the public, making it easy to visit and admire the art.
Attend Free Concerts at St. Martin-in-the-Fields
If you’re attracted to neoclassical architecture, you’ll surely be amazed by the 192-foot-tall tower of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, a Church of England parish church. Located on the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster in late medieval times, it is dedicated to St. Martin of Tours. Here are some other important details:
- The current structure was built in a neoclassical design by James Gibbs between 1722 and 1726.
- It is famous for its classical music concerts, including the Crypt Lates concert series and the Candlelight Concerts.
- It has a crypt cafe and a store offering gifts and religious items.
- It offers regular religious services, including masses and worship services.
Cross the Abbey Road Zebra Crossing
If you are a fan of The Beatles you have probably wanted to visit the Abbey Road crossing, famous for being the cover of the hit album of the same name. Near the crossing is the famous Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles recorded many of their albums. Many fans visit this popular tourist attraction to recreate the famous walk across the crosswalk. Here are some details about this iconic location:
- Location: St John’s Wood, at Abbey Road and Grove End Road.
- Album Cover: The photo was taken on August 8, 1969, and has become one of the most famous album covers in music history.
- Live Camera: There is a live webcam that streams 24 hours a day, allowing fans around the world to watch the crossing in real-time and observe visitors recreating the iconic photo.
Photo by Art de Cade is licensed under CC BY 2.0
See London’s Skyline from the Sky Garden
Take the best panoramic views of London’s skyline from the Sky Garden. It is located in the building known as “Walkie Talkie” at 20 Fenchurch Street, in London’s financial district. Spending the afternoon on its terraces or in its gardens is one of the free things to do in London. Here are some facts about this amazing observation point:
- Panoramic views: Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and iconic landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the London Eye.
- Restaurants and bars: There are several restaurants and bars in the Sky Garden, where you can enjoy a meal, a drink, or even afternoon tea while taking in the views.
- Free admission: Admission to the Sky Garden is free, but advance reservations are required, especially on weekends and peak times.
Photo by Joseph Hwang on Unsplash
Join a Jazz Night at Effra Social in Brixton
Are you a jazz fan? If the answer is “yes”, London has a special place like Effra Social in Brixton, perfect for jazz nights. It has a cozy and friendly atmosphere, with a large beer garden, a large bar, and a dance room. It’s a great place to enjoy live music, cocktails, and craft beer. Here are some other details:
- Location: 89 Effra Road, Brixton, SW2 1DF.
- Event: The Junction Jazz Jam is a popular event hosted by local jazz musicians. It usually starts with a rehearsal session by the local band at 7:30 PM, followed by an open jam session where musicians from the audience can join.
Fun and Free Things to Do in London With Kids
Explore the British Museum Exhibits for Free
If you are traveling with children, the British Museum can be a good option. It is one of the most famous and extensive museums in the world. It treasures a collection of more than 8 million objects that summarize two million years of history and culture. Its highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies. Check out some important details:
- Hours: open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:45 PM. Admission is free, although some special exhibits may require a ticket.
- Activities: In addition to its impressive permanent collections, the museum offers a variety of temporary exhibits, lectures, and educational activities. It is an incredible place to explore and learn about the different cultures and histories of the world.
Photo by Tamara Menzi on Unsplash
Marvel at Dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park
South of London is Crystal Palace Park. This historic site is known for its impressive dinosaur sculptures created in the 1850s by sculptor Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins. They are some of the earliest depictions of dinosaurs and are displayed in an environment that simulates their natural habitat. Learn about some of the highlights:
- History: The dinosaurs were built for the 1851 Great Exhibition and later moved to the park. They are fascinating testimony to the history of paleontology.
- Activities: Take boat rides, wander through colorful gardens, explore an adventure playground, and traverse an enchanting maze are just a few free things to do in London with kids.
- Information Center: Learn historical and educational details about the sculptures and the park.
- Trails and Picnic: The park has walking trails and designated picnic areas, ideal for enjoying a family outing.
Spot Wildlife at Richmond Park Deer Enclosure
Do you know the largest royal park in London? Richmond Park has been home to over 630 red and white-tailed deer since 1637. Deer grazing helps protect the park’s unique landscape because it prevents tree branches from growing and keeps the land open. Here are some highlights of Richmond Park:
- Safety: Deer are wild and unpredictable animals, therefore visitors are advised to observe a minimum distance of 50 meters to ensure the safety of visitors and deer.
- Rut: The mating season for deer, known as the rut, is during the fall. Red deer and white-tailed deer compete for females. Bucks roar, grunt and clash antlers to fight off rivals and attract as many mates as possible.
Trek Through Regent’s Park
Nothing like a walk through Regent’s Park. Among its beautiful gardens is the Queen Mary’s Garden, famous for its impressive collection of roses. In addition, there are ample green areas perfect for relaxing at sunset. See other attractions included in the park:
- London Zoo: Inside the park is the London Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world and a fantastic place to visit, especially if you go with children.
- Sports activities: Regent’s Park offers facilities for various sports activities, including tennis courts, soccer fields and jogging areas. You can also rent boats for trips on the lake.
- Open Air Theatre: The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is an open-air theater that presents theatrical productions during the summer months.
Photo by Jacob Pretorius on Unsplash
Expert Tips for Visitors in London
London is a perfect place to visit with children. Here you will find many places and things ideal for them without spending much money. Here are some tips that can help you on your trip:
- Make sure you stay in central and quiet places, for instance, the Hyde Park area, north of Oxford St. or South Kensington. Check that the rooms have the necessary comfort for children and enough space.
- Rent a Baby Car to move around London according to your time availability and the activities you plan to do, especially if your child is still very young and uses the car. If your child is older and can walk some distance, public transport can be a good option, especially buses. In addition, children travel free on the London Underground up to the age of 11.
- Plan activities that suit your children’s age and ability. If they can’t walk as much as you, a good option may be the Hop on Hop Off sightseeing buses and boat rides on the Thames.
- Check that the places you will visit allow children.
- In case of an emergency, there are many Boots pharmacies in London where you can find all the basic necessities and medicines.
- Keep your phone handy in case of emergencies and for quick access to mobile data. This will help you contact family or emergency services when needed. Using Yoho Mobile eSIM is especially useful in cities where safety could be a concern, ensuring you stay connected and informed. Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
