Free Things to Do in London, UK

76

By cassiekp

The National Gallery
See all 3 photos
The National Gallery
Source: nationalgallery.org.uk

London For Free?

London is rightly acknowledged as one of the most expensive cities in the world. However doing London on a budget is not impossible as there are plenty of free activities available, allowing you to save your hard earned pennies and indulge in a trip to the theatre. 

1. The National Gallery

Founded in 1824, the National Gallery houses more than 2000 paintings and boasts the greatest collection of Italian art outside of Italy. Highlights include works by Titian, Vermeer and van Gogh. Entry to the gallery is free though special exhibitions have an additional admission charge. 

Pssst! The National Gallery toilets are also among the nicest free loos in Central London!

The Blues and Royals of the Household Division
The Blues and Royals of the Household Division
Source: changing-the-guard.com

2. The Changing of the Guard

This iconic ceremony takes place at 11.30am every other day throughout most of the year and every day from May to July. The troops you see are not just ceremonial but serving soldiers, many of whom will have seen action. The responsibility of guarding the monarch falls to the Household Division formed of two regiments of horse - the Blues and Royals and the Lifeguards - and five regiments of foot: the Coldstream Guards, Grenadier Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards and Welsh Guards. The Blues and Royals and the Lifeguards can be seen outside Horseguards' Parade whilst the foot regiments change the guard outside Buckingham Palace. 

3. The British Museum

A national institution since 1759, opened for all "studious and curious persons", the British Museum today houses some of the most important historical artefacts ever discovered. And you can gaze upon them for absolutely no cost!   

4. The Parks

London's parks provide tranquil havens amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens together constitute the largest green space in Central London whilst Richmond Park, at 2,360 acres, is overall the largest of the Royal Parks - almost three times the size of Central Park - and houses a multitude of wild deer.   

A map of Hyde Park  and Kensington Gardens
A map of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Source: RoyalParks.org.uk

5. The Markets

London has an array of world famous street markets selling everything from antiques to cheese. Borough Market can be found near London Bridge and is a must for all self respecting foodies, whilst Camden Market sells a variety of arts and crafts and vintage clothing. Others not to be missed include Portobello Market and Brick Lane.

Comments

Spitalfields 16 months ago

Have you ever thought of the markets around London. There are plenty of things to do for free within a market. At Old Spitalfields Market they host many events which are for free. Antiques market, Fashion Markets and sport exhibitions. It's definatly worth looking at some of the markets within the London area.

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