London offers a vast array of free activities for visitors and residents, ranging from world-renowned museums to lesser-known cultural curiosities. The following guide details specific locations and experiences that are available at no cost, based on information provided in the source materials.
Major Museums and Galleries
Several of London’s major cultural institutions offer free entry to their permanent collections. These are popular options for those seeking educational and artistic experiences without a fee.
- The British Museum: Visitors can learn about British and world history at this institution. It is listed among the great museums of London that are free to enter.
- Natural History Museum: This museum allows visitors to explore dinosaurs and is highlighted as a suitable option for children.
- Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A): Known for its beautiful exhibitions, the V&A is another major museum offering free entry.
- Science Museum: A great choice for those with children, offering interactive and educational exhibits.
- Tate Modern: Described as an incredible building full of art displays and sculptures from around the world. It is noted as a free option for art lovers.
- Tate Britain: Located at Millbank, this museum showcases a variety of art in a gorgeous building. It is open from 10 am to 6 pm and features sculptors from Henry Moore and diverse paintings. It is described as a "must" for art lovers.
- National Portrait Gallery: This gallery displays portraits of important historical figures, with over 11,000 original works. It is located at St. Martin’s Place and is open from 10 am to 6 pm, with extended hours until 9 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. It is noted as a great free thing to do in London at night. Access is convenient via the underground to Charing Cross or Leicester Square.
- National Maritime Museum: Located in Greenwich, this museum offers free entry.
- Imperial War Museum: This museum features 400 exhibits of World War artifacts and is free to enter.
- Wallace Collection: Located in Hertford House, this is described as a quirky free museum. It features displays on science, medicine, life, and art, and is a collection of personal items belonging to Henry Wellcome, a privileged man in the Victorian era. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm and offers a collection of fine and decorated art pieces dating back to the 18th century.
- Saatchi Gallery: This gallery shares contemporary works from international artists.
- Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre: Located in the City of London, this venue offers two attractions for the price of none: a top-notch art gallery and a preserved Roman Amphitheatre from Londinium.
Quirky and Unusual Museums
For those seeking something off the beaten path, London has several smaller, eccentric museums, though some have specific eligibility requirements or suggested donations.
- Sir John Soane's Museum: This is the eccentric home of the 19th-century architect who designed it. The house is filled with hidden panels, classical sculptures, and an ancient sarcophagus. It is free for everyone to enjoy.
- Foundling Museum: This museum uncovers the history of London’s first children’s charity. Entry is free, but only for individuals under 21 years of age.
- God’s Own Junkyard: Described as a neon paradise, this location showcases vibrant, retro signage from decades past. It is free to visit, but visitors are encouraged to buy a coffee at the onsite cafe to support the museum’s continuation.
- Viktor Wynd Museum: A collection of the bizarre, featuring mummified animals, taxidermy, and a jar of Amy Winehouse’s cigarette butts. This is not free to visit, but tickets are available for £4 on Thursdays.
Historic Homes and Architecture
- Science Museum (Steam Engine): Within the Science Museum, visitors can check out IMAX presentations and Science shows. A specific highlight is learning about the power of steam from a huge red Mill Engine from 1903. This museum is located on Exhibition Road and is open from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Shad Thames: This is described as one of the most interesting and least-known spots for photography. It offers a taste of how London used to be, distinct from the brightly coloured streets of Notting Hill. Located south of the Thames between London Bridge and Rotherhithe, the area features converted Victorian warehouses, towering buildings, and overhead bridged and gantries spanning the cobbled walkway. It is a charming step back in time where visitors can feel London’s past come to life.
Markets and Food
- Leather Lane: Primarily catering to office workers and students, this market offers a wide range of cuisines, including traditional British fare, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Mexican street food. Visitors can enjoy street food like chicken shish and Persian kebab. The market has a bustling, no-frills atmosphere focused on tasty, quick, and inexpensive meals. It is also a place to pick up plants, handbags, and footwear.
- Covent Garden: Located between St. Martin’s Lane and Drury Lane in the West End, this district is home to plenty of restaurants and food stalls. It is a perfect place for dinner before a West End show. Visitors can explore independent stores, browse craft markets, and enjoy a pint at one of the quirky pubs in the area.
Libraries and Reading
- The British Library: Located on Euston Road, a short walk from Kings Cross, St Pancras International, and Euston train stations, the library is open from 9.30am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, closing at 6pm on Fridays and 5pm on weekends. Visitors can view historical items such as the Magna Carta and original Beatles lyrics. There is no onsite parking, so public transport is recommended.
Outdoor and Unique Locations
- Little Venice: Named by Lord Byron, this area is London’s answer to Venice. Visitors can stroll past narrowboats and floating cafés on a network of London’s canals.
- Word on The Water: A floating bookshop selling secondhand books from a converted 1920s Dutch barge moored on the Regent’s Canal.
- Mayflower Pub: Claimed to be the oldest pub on the Thames, this is where the Pilgrim Fathers had their last meal before sailing for the New World in 1620.
- Pelican Stairs: A secret alley leading to a tiny beach on the Thames. The neighbouring pub, The Prospect of Whitby, dates back to 1520. During the Victorian era, an estimated 150-200 corpses a year washed up here.
- Birdwatching: Birdspotting is available at various locations including Hampstead Heath (red kites, buzzards, birds of prey), Walthamstow Wetlands (kingfishers), River Lea (warblers), and Barnes’ London Wetland Centre. This activity is completely free.
- Hampstead Heath: A location for seeing red kites, buzzards, and other birds of prey.
- Walthamstow Wetlands: A spot where visitors might see a kingfisher.
- River Lea: Known for warblers.
- Barnes’ London Wetland Centre: Features an enormous array of different birds.
- Red Phone Boxes: Although not used as much nowadays, red phone boxes are dotted around London for photos. A blue Police Phone Box can be found outside Earl’s Court Tube Station, used in the BBC series Doctor Who.
- Leicester Square: A bustling square described as a British Times Square. Visitors can explore the expansive M&M store and various souvenir stores.
Transport and Walking
- Transport of London Museum: Located in Covent Garden, this museum offers free tickets for children.
Entertainment
- Big Belly Comedy Club: Located in Covent Garden, this club offers comedy shows. Tickets include a free drink from Monday to Thursday.
Conclusion
London provides a diverse selection of free attractions, catering to interests in history, art, architecture, nature, and food. From major national museums like the British Museum and Tate Modern to quirky smaller venues like Sir John Soane's Museum and God's Own Junkyard, there are options for all tastes. Many of these locations are accessible via public transport, with specific underground stations noted for easy access. Visitors can explore historic areas such as Shad Thames, enjoy birdwatching in parks, or browse markets like Leather Lane, all without an entry fee.