A trip to London doesn’t need to be expensive, in fact, there are loads of places to visit and activities to take part in at no cost whatsoever!
Amongst the iconic landmarks, you’ll find free festivals, exhibitions and some skyscrapers where you can soak up the incredible views for free.
The Now Building – Outernet
Immerse yourself in a dazzling world of light at the Outernet. Located next to Tottenham Court Road Station, this free, public space boasts stunning LED displays in its expansive 4-storey high venue.
Known as the Now Building, this vibrant hub is packed with captivating light and visual displays, cultural experiences and even some entertainment thrown in for good measure. Made up of 5 connected LED screens, the 4k east, west and north walls and 8k ceiling make this space 16k+ resolution!
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Simmer Down at the Southbank Centre
Monthly
Get ready to groove! Simmer Down is a free monthly reggae party at the Southbank Centre and everyone’s invited!
It’s all about good vibes, great tunes and bringing people together to have a blast. Think of it as a big, happy dance party with seriously cool reggae and revival music. You’ll meet awesome people, shake your stuff and just soak up all that joyful energy. So, grab your dancing shoes and get ready to feel the irie spirit – it’s going to be a seriously fun time!
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Visit one of TFL’s Tiny Parks
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Fancy a little green escape amidst the London hustle?
You know, those tiny patches of nature popping up across London’s transport network? They’re called Tiny Parks, and honestly, they’re a breath of fresh air! Next time you’re waiting for a train, or just have a spare moment, why not pop to see one? It’s a completely free way to unwind and soak up a bit of greenery.
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See the King’s Guards
No tourist trip to the capital is complete without seeing the changing of the guards. Head to Buckingham Palace on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to see this quintessentially British display of ceremony and tradition. Carried out by soldiers on active duty to guard the King, the sight of their famous bearskin hats and red tunics is familiar in our imaginations. Accompanied by a full military band playing everything from traditional marches to modern pop and musical numbers, this lively military tradition is not to be missed.
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Get the perfect picture at God’s Own Junkyard
God’s Own Junkyard is home to Europe’s largest collection of vintage neon signs. Here you will find signs from a number of movies which have appeared next to some of Hollywood’s greatest stars. This is an ideal spot for those who want to get that perfect Instagram shot in a unique and quirky setting.
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Pet the animals at Vauxhall City Farm
A hidden treasure among the bustling streets of London, Vauxhall City Farm is one of the oldest and most central farms in the city. This is a great place to keep the whole family entertained. You can simply pet the animals that approach the fences or purchase food to feed them.
There is also an on-site cafe for the hungry humans! Vauxhall City Farm is open 10:30am – 4:00pm and entry to the farm is free, although donations are encouraged.
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Find the original Roman City Walls
The walls which protected the original City of London were built by the Romans around 1800 years ago. While little remains of the original wall which stretched almost 3 miles long, parts of it can still be found across London at no cost. Glimpse the original ruins in the grounds of the Museum of London (which you can also enter for free), the Barbican Estate, a hotel courtyard on Coppers Row in St Alphege Gardens and just off Wood Street. Surprisingly, the most impressive location to explore the Roman ruins is Tower Hill Tube Station.
On the westbound platform, you can find a small cutting in the modern station wall, revealing a section of Roman wall beneath. Above ground, you’ll find a large chunk of the wall looms over the tube station entrance and in the garden, there’s an original Roman statue.
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Barbican Conservatory
While actors tread the boards below, the Barbican Conservatory is an unexpected oasis that sits in stark contrast to the brutalist architecture of the Barbican estate. The 23,000-square- foot conservatory is the second biggest in London. It surrounds the Barbican’s fly tower from which scenery is lowered into place for productions below. Planted between 1980 and 1981, it houses around 1,500 species of established plants and trees – many rare and endangered. Tranquil pools accommodate koi, ghost, and grass carp from Japan and America, as well as other cold-water fish. A serene spot amid the bustle of the city.
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Find hidden treasures at The British Library
As the UK’s national library, The British Library has a collection of more than 170 million items, from all ages of written civilisation. Here you can find everything from Jane Austen’s notebooks and handwritten lyrics by the Beatles, to Leonardo da Vinci’s manuscripts and the Magna Carta. There is plenty to keep anyone entertained, whatever your interests.
Whilst in the area you can also visit Platform 9 ¾, where you can push a trolley into the magical world to board the Hogwarts Express!
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