Top 10 things to do in London for free
The capital doesn’t have to involve lots of capital, with these great ideas…
1. Visit Dippy at the Natural History Museum
Dippy the diplodocus is back where he belongs, in the Natural History Museum, until January. The dinosaur exhibit here is world-famous and super-popular with kids and their accompanying adults. It’s also free - you’ve got to love London museums. We went recently and it was as magical as when I was a child. But note, it’s usually very busy. For more information, visit nhm.ac.uk.
2. Go deer spotting in Richmond Park
I have family who live close by here and Richmond Park is one of my favourite places to visit. The National Nature Reserve is home to 630 free-roaming Red and Fallow deer. Word of warning though, it’s now the rutting season, so keep your distance. For more: royalparks.org.uk
3. See the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
If the Queen’s funeral got you interested in royal traditions, watch the Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace – usually every day at 11am, although check times as they can change. The ceremony of the Queens’s Guard, in their scarlet tunics and bearskin caps is always popular, so arrive early. For more information visit here.
4. Travel through time at the Museum of London
I adore the Museum of London, where you can literally walk through the past along recreated city streets, from Roman days to the present. It’s such a great way of bringing history to life and kids love it. For more: museumoflondon.org.uk
5. Hold a bar of gold at the Bank of England Museum
Another great free museum is at the Bank of England, where you can learn all about the bank’s 300-year history and even handle a gold bar. There are half-term talks and activities for kids, too. This is on my list as it’s as near as you can get to Gringott’s. For more: bankofengland.co.uk
6. Watch movies at the BFI
Film buffs will love this one - the British Film Institute on Southbank, offers a free viewing service via its initiative Mediatheque. You can revisit classic film and TV from its 2,500-strong archive. Perfect for a rainy day. Visit bfi.org.uk/mediatheque
7. Enjoy the view from the Sky Garden
The best views are free views. The Sky Garden is a glass-domed indoor garden 155 metres high in the Walkie Talkie building, aka 20 Fenchurch Street. Free tickets are available weekdays until 6pm and weekends until 9pm, but book in advance. Visit skygarden.london
8. Take in a concert at St Martins in the Fields
This is such a lovely way to spend your lunch time. Listen to a free concert at the iconic London church in Trafalgar Square. It hosts regular lunchtime concerts from classical musicians. Visit stmartin-in-the-fields.org
9. Book an acting class at the Theatre Royal
Calling all aspiring actors, if you’ve always wanted to tread the boards, then you can learn from some of the biggest stars in the business, for free. If you are aged 16-30, you can take a free masterclass at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from huge stars like Damian Lewis and Idris Elba. For more: masterclass.org.uk
10. Ride the singing elevator in the Royal Festival Hall
Head to the Royal Festival Hall and enjoy one of its free displays and events, such as A Garland for the Queen exhibition on now, visit the roof garden, urban beach and sculpture fountains. Then take a ride in its singing glass lift, by artist Martin Creed. For what’s on, visit southbankcentre.co.uk
The British Travel List is the sister newsletter to The Royal List. It is a weekly guide to my favourite places to visit and stay around the country. I am an experienced travel and lifestyle journalist who writes for British and Australian newspapers and magazines and I am passionate about British travel. For more of my work, visit kerryparnell.com
LOVE this list and have done many of them, London or any City has many wonderful things to do, for free! Thanks for sharing it!