Are you planning a trip to London and looking for budget-friendly day out ideas? Then look no further. Here are 13 free places to visit in London, the most of which you will have never heard of before. Keep reading to discover further information about all of the places to visit in the capital.
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13 free places to visit in London, England’s capital
RAF museum
What is it? The RAF museum is the largest air museum in the whole of London and one of the biggest in the United Kingdom. With multiple hangars to explore as well as interactive experiences & simulators, this is a perfect free activity idea in London for a wet-weather day.
How long should I spend here? If you wish to explore all the hangars, I would recommend to plan around 3-4 hours for your visit. There are also toilets and a cafe on sight, if you wish to sit down and re-energize during your visit.
What are the opening times?
- November to February – 10:00-16:00
- March to October- 10:00-17:00
How to get here: The RRAF museum is located on the outskirts of the centre of London, however it is still accessible via public transport. Take the Northern Line to Colindale and walk. If you are wishing to travel by car, please note, the car park on site does charge a fee, however there are cheaper and free street-parking alternatives nearby, depending on time of day and length of visit.
Wallace Collection
What is it? The Wallace collection is an art-museum and tea room, which houses a collection of 15th-19th century artwork, which was gifted to Great Britain. The house is completely free to explore over both floors of the building.
How long should I spend here? I would recommend a stay of 1-2 hours, combining with a drink or bite-to-eat in the onsite tea-room.
What are the opening times?
- Daily from 10:00-17:00
How to get here: Elizabeth line to Bond Street & walk, No on-site parking available
Babylon Park
What is it? Babylon Park is located in Camden, directly opposite from the famous Camden Market. After strolling across the market and trying out various treats, head to the illuminated escalator, which will take you down to Babylon Park. In the amusement park you can play various arcade games and enjoy theme park rides, including an underground rollercoaster. Note: entry is free, but you need to pay for attractions.
How long should I spend here? I would recommend to spend 1-2 hours at Babylon Park.
What are the opening times?
- Daily from 10:00 until late
How to get here: Northern line to Camden Town, walk via Camden Market.
Kyoto Garden- Holland Park
What is it? The Kyoto Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden in Holland Park, which is completely free to visit. The best time of year to visit Holland Park is early spring, during the months of February and March. Not only are the visitor numbers a lot lower, meaning you can enjoy a relaxed visit, but you will also be able to spot blooming cherry blossom and magnolia. Keep an eye out for peacocks too!
How long should I spend here? A visit to the Kyoto Garden takes no longer than 15-30 minutes. It’s best to combine a visit with Notting Hill or the Design Museum.
What are the opening times?
- Daily from 07:30 until dusk
How to get here: District line to South Kensington
Tate Modern ( & Tate Britain!)
What is it? Tate Modern is an art collection in London, showcasing modern art and design. The entry to the main collection is completely free of charge, and you can also enjoy amazing views onto the River Thames from the viewing platform on the 10th floor of the museum.
How long should I spend here? I would recommend a visit of around 1-2 hours, depending on whether you want to visit the main, or also paid collections.
What are the opening times?
- Daily from 10:00 until at least 18:00
How to get here: Circle line to Blackfriars & walk
Design Museum
What is it? The Design Museum showcases the best of British Design and is a one of the best free places to visit in London. The permanent exhibition – designer, maker, user- showcases modern technology and there are also changing temporary collections, which are also sometimes free to visit.
How long should I spend here? I recommend a visit of 1-2 hours. There is also an on-site cafe for refreshments.
What are the opening times?
- Monday-Thursday 10:00-17:00, Friday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
How to get here: District line to South Kensington
Kensington Gardens
What is it? Kensington Gardens is a public garden with free entry, bordering on Hyde Park. It’s located next to the royal Kensington Palace and the Origin Kensington- a great place to enjoy an afternoon tea with amazing views onto the gardens and the palace.
How long should I spend here? You need around 15-30 minutes to walk through the gardens and orangery.
What are the opening times?
- Daily from 6:00-17:00
How to get here: Circle/District line to Bayswater
Are you looking to book a palace tour of Kensington Palace? Book your entry ticket HERE!
St Paul’s Cathedral
What is it? St Paul’s is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture and although you can pay to visit the cathedral, you probably didn’t know that you can also look around the inside for free. Instead of paying a tourist entry ticket, you can visit a service, and at the same time look around the internal architecture of the cathedral.
How long should I spend here? If you are visiting for a service, you will need to plan around 1 hour.
What are the opening times?
- Services daily at 07:30, 08:00, 17:00
How to get here: Circle line to Mansion House
Garden at 120
What is it? Garden at 120 is a 70m high viewing platform in London, with completely free entry. The best time of year to visit is during the spring or summer, when the roof-top gardens are blooming. From the rooftop, you can also enjoy amazing views onto the Walkie-Talkie, also known as the Sky Garden – one of the best free places to visit in London.
How long should I spend here? I would recommend spending around 30-60 minutes on the viewing platform.
What are the opening times?
- Winter 10:00-18:30, summer 10:00-21:00, Saturday & Sunday – 10:00-17:00
How to get here: Circle line to Monument
Barbican Conservatory
What is it? The Barbican Conservatory is located in Farringdon and is London’s second largest conservatory. If you’re looking for a free alternative to Kew Gardens, this is a great suggestion. You will not only find tropical plants inside the glasshouse, but also a bar and temporary art exhibitions too.
How long should I spend here? I would recommend spending around 30-60 minutes.
What are the opening times?
- Selected dates, free entry. Please prebook your timeslot here
How to get here: Elizabeth Line to Farringdon
Post Building
What is it? The Post Building is an office building with a free entry rooftop garden. This is truly a hidden gem and one of the best free places to visit in London. You can enjoy incredible views from the Post Building onto the skyscrapers of the city of London (Canary Wharf/Greenwich).
How long should I spend here? I would recommend spending around 15-30 minutes here
What are the opening times?
- Open 10:00-16:00 on weekdays
How to get here: Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Road
Science Museum
What is it? The Science Museum is a free entry museum, located in South Kensington. You’ll find the museum in the museums-district, around the corner from the Royal Albert Memorial and the Natural History Museum. The Science Museum invites you to explore a range of topics such as the history of science, aviation and space.
How long should I spend here? I would recommend spending 1-2 hours in the museum.
What are the opening times?
- Open 10:00-18:00 daily
How to get here: Circle line to High Street Kensington
Simpsons Mural
What is it? The Simpsons Mural is located on one of the walls of the Old Eagle pub in Camden. If you’re tall or agile enough, you can even jump onto the sofa of Homer Simpson’s sofa – exactly like in the cartoon series! This is one of the best photo spots in Camden , which people don’t known about!
How long should I spend here? This only takes around 5 minutes to visit
What are the opening times?
- There are no opening times as this is a public street
How to get here: Northern Line to Camden Town
Are you looking for further London travel tips and inspiration, including more free places to visit in London and day out ideas for under £10? Then click here for more inspiration for your next visit with day out ideas in London for under £10!
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