Five things to do for free in London
Over the past few months we’ve been finding you five free things to do in popular city break destinations across Europe and this week we’ve decided to look a little closer to home. Everyone knows that London is one of the world’s most expensive cities, but luckily it is has many free sights and attractions too. So, if you know where to go and where to look you could spend a great budget weekend in our capital.
Museums - London has a museum for just about everything and what’s more, most of them are free. Some of the best known free ones include the Victoria and Albert, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Museum of London. Some of the more quirky include the Horniman, the Museum of Childhood and the Geffrye Museum of interior design.
Art galleries - London is home to some of the most famous art galleries in the world, housing some very famous pieces of artwork by some of the greats; Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Turner and Degas. And the great news is that it’s free to see most of them. Some of the best free galleries include the Tate Britain, the Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.
Southbank Centre - London’s Southbank Centre located on the River Thames and close to the London Eye, is a great place to head for free entertainment in the city. The centre often hosts free concerts, exhibitions and festivals, check out the website to find out what’s on.
Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace - Perhaps Britain’s most iconic tourist attractions - the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is absolutely free too. This colourful ceremony which occurs in front of the Queen’s residence takes place every other day (see schedule for dates) at 11:30am and is definitely a must see sight.
Covent Garden music and street theatre - London is known for its theatre, but you don’t have to spend a fortune at the West End to be able to appreciate it. The capital has a great street theatre scene, especially around Covent Garden. Visit for free concerts, mimes, acrobatic acts, magic shows and comedy.
