10 free things that will make you fall in love with London
There’s that famous phrase “tired of London, tired of life.”
But it’s not that we get tired of London’s countless entertainments and diversions—it’s just that sometimes our wallet does.
When that budget starts to bite, it’s worth remembering that the many things that London offers for free, can be every bit as inspiring as all of the paid stuff. In fact, when you start to account for all of the free things that visitors can take advantage of, maybe London isn’t so expensive as we always make it out to be. Here are ten ideas for starters.
The incredible view from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Photo: Frances Ambler
1. Fantastic views
This higgledy-piggledy, centuries old city can produce some great views. And you don’t need to pay to go up the Shard to experience the best of them. Primrose Hill (Chalk Farm tube) is a favorite spot for Londoners to gather for picnics, New Year’s and whenever you just fancy a picturesque view of this sprawling city. In south London, meanwhile, the view from up near the Royal Observatory is superb. But, if there’s one thing that’s bound to make even the most hardened Londoner a little misty eyed, it’s crossing over the Thames at night: with the London Eye, Westminster and the South Bank illuminated. It’s enough to make us believe we are actually living in a Richard Curtis movie, and that Hugh Grant is waiting just around the corner.
Related: Best views in London for free
2. The museums and art galleries
Being able to spend quality time with some of the world’s best artworks is an undeniable perk of London: all our national museums have free admission. But, as well as the headline grabber galleries such as the British Museum or the National Gallery, London has a whole host of smaller museums that are also free and great for exploring on one of London’s wet afternoons. Try the Sir John Soane’s Museum, the Wellcome Collection or the Wallace Gallery just for starters.
Borough Market is filled with fresh foods of all types. Keep an eye out for free samples! Photo: Craig Nelson
3. The markets
London’s markets have something to cater to all tastes, and offer brilliant people watching opportunities, even if you can’t be tempted by any of the wares on offer. Borough Market is a foodie’s delight (don’t forget to stock up on those free samples), while Portobello is a must for antiques lovers. We’ve sung the praises of Columbia Road flower market just recently, while both Spitalfields and Greenwich market are great places to check out independent makers.
Changing of the Guard is a must-see tradition. Photo: eGuide
4. The Changing of the Guard
While many of London’s traditions seem to come with a price tag attached, not so the ceremony of The Changing of the Guard which has been taking place since the nineteenth century, when Buckingham Palace became an official residence for Queen Victoria. It’s the ceremonial handover from one red-tunic and bearskin wearing, guardsman to the next and takes place at 11.30am each day from May to July and on alternate days during the rest of the year. More information here: get there early for a good view. And who knows if you’ll be lucky enough to see a dancing guardsman?
Brick Lane is a colorful slice of London. Photo: Gary Knight
5. Brick Lane
The Changing of the Guard is traditional Britain at its best, but a stroll down Brick Lane, highlights how London today is as much about its multiculturalism as its monarchy. Brick Lane is a great place to spot street art as it’s become a showground for some of the world’s greatest street artists. But it’s not just the artists that are hoping to be spotted, as you can’t miss the outrageous fashions sure to appear on a street style blog near you soon. Pop-up shops and events mean there is always something interesting to explore, and be sure to check out the free gigs from up-and-coming bands put on by the famous independent record store Rough Trade.
6. Book store browsing
London’s book shops are made for browsing. Hatchard’s, on Piccadilly, is the oldest bookshop in the UK, founded in 1797. There’s also a massive branch of Waterstone’s just down the road. Bibliophiles are sure to enjoy the huge new Foyles bookshop, recently opened on Charing Cross Road, a traditional area for bookshops. Look out for Cecil Court nearby: it’s a gorgeous Victorian street full of specialist book stores selling rare and antiquarian books, maps and prints. Finally, before you leave London, pop into Daunt’s on Marylebone High Street. The store is not only beautiful, but they’ve got an amazing array of travel titles that are sure to inspire some (more) wanderlust.
Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park every Sunday afternoon provides free endless entertainment. Photo: Craig Nelson
7. Speaker’s Corner
Speaker’s Corner—found in the corner of Hyde Park, nearest to Marble Arch—is considered to be the home of free speech. It’s been a focus for debate since 1866 and, every Sunday, speakers gather to have their opinions heard on what they consider to be the burning issues of the day. Historic speakers have included George Orwell and Karl Marx.
Regent’s Park is a nice place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. Photo: Craig Nelson
8. All the parks
And while we’re in Hyde Park, let’s celebrate the free wonder that is London’s parks. London has more green space than any other European city, and each space has its own style. Hyde Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park and Kensington Gardens make for a central London oasis, Hampstead Heath is a surprisingly wild space relatively close to central London. Victoria Park has a wonderful community feel, Richmond Park even has deer. Whether summer picnic or winter snowball fight, London life is all about its park life.
Related: 10 money saying tips for first-time visitors to London
9. St Martins in the Fields concerts
Once you’ve had your picture taken in Trafalgar Square and hung out at the National Gallery, there’s another treat to be discovered. St Martins in the Fields offers free lunchtime concerts in its beautiful Georgian interior. Feeling peckish? Head down to the crypt for a not free, but still very reasonable hearty lunch in the church’s cafe. For more free classical music in London, check out our guide here.
Walking along South Bank a great way to experience London on a weekend afternoon. Donald Judge
10. South Bank
And, finally, my personal favorite. A stroll along the South Bank will not only bring you great views of the river, it’s the chance to immerse yourself in a fantastic array of cultural opportunities. A stroll from Waterloo to Tate Modern (and it really will be a stroll, it gets far too try and rush it) passes delights such as the free lunchtime music on at the Royal Festival Hall, the secondhand booksellers outside the British FiIm Institute or the amazing Mediatheque archive within it, where you can watch over 2,500 highlights from the archive’s collection. There’s the OXO tower, full of independent designers and the Globe Theatre. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s always something going on round here to make you fall back in love with London again.
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The Borough market is a must when you are traveling in London, especially if you are a food lover. You will love this market!
Sandemans run a free walking tour which is really good