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The best free things to do in London
Museums, galleries, markets, parks and skyline views that cost nothing to enter, chosen from places real London creators have put on their maps.
Start with the British Museum for a first visit. Choose Hampstead Heath when the weather is good, or Sky Garden when you want the view without the climb.
Choose by mood
Best first visit
The British Museum
Best free view
Sky Garden
Best outdoor day
Hampstead Heath
Best quiet museum
The Wallace Collection
12 genuinely useful free London picks
Free refers to general admission or entry. Food, special exhibitions and optional activities may cost extra, so check the venue before setting off.
Bloomsbury#1Museum
The British Museum
Free permanent collection
Start in the Great Court, then choose one or two galleries rather than trying to finish the whole museum. Booking a free entry slot helps at busy times; special exhibitions can cost extra.
Recommended by bloomsburylondon, Living London History and Ana Sheppard
- 2Bankside#2
Gallery
Tate Modern
Free collection
An easy South Bank anchor with large-scale modern art and space to wander. The permanent collection is free; ticketed exhibitions are separate.
Recommended by thisissoho, jumpintothemap and Ana Sheppard
South Kensington#3Museum
Natural History Museum
Free galleries
The obvious family pick, but the building and earth galleries make it work without children too. General entry is free and an advance ticket can help during busy periods.
Recommended by the_victorian_society, fitzroviaquarter and jumpintothemap
South Kensington#4Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum
Free entry
The strongest choice when design, fashion and decorative art sound better than another general museum. The permanent museum is free; temporary exhibitions may charge.
Recommended by Ana Sheppard, bloomsburylondon and raisingislainlondon_
Trafalgar Square#5Gallery
The National Gallery
Free collection
A central London classic that fits into an hour or a whole afternoon. Pick a small group of rooms and leave time for Trafalgar Square outside.
Recommended by jumpintothemap, inchelsealondon and Lets Discover
London Bridge#6Market
Borough Market
Free to enter
Go for the atmosphere and a walk beneath the railway arches. Entry costs nothing, although anything you eat or buy does.
Recommended by jumpintothemap, Bowl of Chalk and londonf00die
The City#7Viewpoint
Sky Garden
Free timed entry
The best free indoor skyline view in this list. Reserve a free slot before you go because entry is timed and availability can disappear.
Recommended by jumpintothemap, Living London History and Lets Discover
Hampstead#8Park
Hampstead Heath
Free
Choose this when the day needs open space rather than another building. Walk up to Parliament Hill for one of London’s best free skyline views.
Recommended by jumpintothemap and Bowl of Chalk
Richmond#9Park
Richmond Park
Free
London at its least urban: wide grassland, old trees and long walks. Give it half a day and keep a respectful distance from the deer.
Recommended by jumpintothemap, Ana Sheppard and samaspeaks_
Marylebone#10Gallery
The Wallace Collection
Free collection
A quieter alternative to the biggest museums, set inside a historic townhouse. It is especially good for painting, armour and decorative arts.
Recommended by makeitmarylebone and Lets Discover
Euston#11Museum
Wellcome Collection
Free
A compact museum exploring health, science and what it means to be human. It works well as a thoughtful hour near Euston or King’s Cross.
Recommended by Ana Sheppard, Bowl of Chalk and bloomsburylondon
Forest Hill#12Museum and gardens
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Free general entry
Worth the trip south for an eclectic museum, gardens and views across London. General entry is free, while some exhibitions and activities charge.
Recommended by samaspeaks_, Ana Sheppard and Lets Discover
Before you go
What can I do in London for free?
London’s major permanent museum collections, many galleries, large parks, historic markets and selected viewpoints can all be visited without an entry fee. Some require a free timed ticket and may charge for special exhibitions.
Which London museums are free?
The British Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A, Tate Modern, National Gallery, Wallace Collection, Wellcome Collection and Horniman Museum all offer free general admission or free permanent collections.
What is the best free view in London?
Sky Garden is a strong indoor choice if you reserve a free timed ticket. Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath is the best option for an open-air skyline view without booking.
Do I need to book free London attractions?
It depends on the venue. Sky Garden uses timed entry, and some major museums recommend free advance tickets at busy times. Check the venue’s official website before travelling.
Keep the free day on your map
Open Lets Discover to see the creator recommendations behind these places and save the ones you want to visit.
Explore London on Lets Discover