10 Free Things to do in London in 2026

2. Visit A-list movie filming locations

One of the best free things to do in London is visiting the filming locations from the most famous movies. For free, you can walk across the Millennium Bridge, which gained fame in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”, where it was dramatically destroyed in the opening sequence. The bridge also makes appearances in “The Da Vinci Code” and “Sherlock Holmes”. Even the imperfectly perfect Bridget Jones walked across it on her way to work. With a new Bridget Jones movie coming in 2025, who knows if she’ll cross any new bridges!

London’s landmarks also feature prominently in iconic scenes with the world’s most famous spy. In “Skyfall”, the MI6 headquarters, the Vauxhall Cross on the south bank of the Thames plays a key role. Bond also makes stops at Lambeth Bridge (where Harry Potter also appeared!), Trafalgar Square, and St. James’s Park. Include these spots in your free itinerary. If you’re a movie fan, why not book a Madame Tussauds Ticket to see your favorite stars, touch the lifelike figures, snap a selfie with them, and have loads of fun?

3. When in the Royal City, visit the Royal Parks

Visiting all of London’s Royal Parks would be an adventure – and you’d need a full day for some of them. Here’s just in short about our three favorites. Choose Richmond Park if you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city. This park offers a countryside feel within London, with wide open spaces and ancient woodlands. We recommend this as a half-day trip: first, explore the Richmond Riverside, then enjoy a coffee at Petersham Nurseries, a tranquil oasis resembling a typical English garden center, before strolling through the park. Nature lovers should also consider visiting Kew Gardens, home to over 50,000 plant species and known as the most biodiverse place on Earth.

If you prefer a more centrally located park, St. James’s Park and gardens are a must-visit. The park features a large lake with swans and ducks, and stunning views of iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Be sure to check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard – another free attraction in London! Just across from St. James’s Park is Hyde Park, also free to explore, with its vast green spaces and peaceful lakes. There, you’ll find the Serpentine and Speaker’s Corner – a historic location for public speaking. It’s the first and most famous spot for open discourse, where you can step up and share your thoughts (just remember to speak with good intentions, avoiding violence or hatred, and respecting others’ rights).

Fun fact: There are over 300 languages spoken in London, more than any other city in the world – don’t be surprised if you hear your mother language there!

5. Tour free art galleries and museums (even if it doesn’t rain)

Is it even possible? Free galleries and museums in London? Yes, it’s possible. London, as a global tourist hub, is committed to accessibility and cultural enrichment. That’s why many museums and galleries are publicly funded, making culture accessible to everyone. While many travelers visit museums on rainy days, consider including these institutions in your itinerary, rain or shine:

• The British Museum is a must-see, housing a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world and throughout history.

• Don’t miss the National Gallery when visiting Trafalgar Square. Here, you’ll find over 2,000 paintings, including works by Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Van Gogh.

• As you stroll along the River Thames, Tate Modern will be right in your path. Step inside to explore its expansive galleries dedicated to modern and contemporary art – perfect for fans of Picasso and Warhol.

• The Natural History Museum is a fantastic choice, especially for families. You’ll see dinosaur fossils, a blue whale skeleton, and stunning architecture.

• The Science Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and Victoria & Albert Museum are also worth a visit – and all are free!

6. Enjoy a free picnic in beautiful setting

Although the picnic has its roots in France, it has become closely associated with the English way of life. First, choose your picnic food. We recommend packing sandwiches, sausage rolls, boiled eggs, quiche (actually French!), and coleslaw. You can prepare it in your apartment, ask your hotel to pack it for you, or simply buy it at a local market or grocery store.

If the sun is shining, spread a blanket at Kenwood House or Greenwich Park. The Kyoto Garden, a Japanese garden in Holland Park, is also a beautiful picnic spot with its tranquil atmosphere. Vicky Park (Victoria Park) is hugely popular among Londoners, as it is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved public parks. Find a bench inside the park, in the Old English Garden area, or sit next to the lake to enjoy the water view. If the weather turns rainy, bring your food and enjoy it in one of the sheltered areas, like the Natural History Museum. There’s a picnic area on the lower ground floor, and if the rain stops, you can head outside to enjoy your meal in the museum’s beautiful gardens.

8. Join free seasonal festivals, parades or events

When organizing a festival, the city gives all the best he can. That’s why seasonal festivals, parades and special events are highly recommended to experience the spirit of the city you’re visiting. Throughout the year London has so many such events. Here’s a list of the ones you shouldn’t miss:

• St. Patrick’s day: a free event in March, including Irish traditional food, music, drinks and lots of fun.

• Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race: a thrilling rowing event held annually on the River Thames. It’s worth noting that London has a rich sports tradition and is home to many world-renowned stadiums, all of which you can visit on one of the London Stadium Tours: Tottenham Stadium, Wembley Stadium, Chelsea Stadium, or Emirates Stadium.

• Notting Hill Carnival: a great open-air festival for the end of summer.

• New Year’s Day Parade: what a lively and colorful spectacle that is! Every 1st of January thousands of participants from around the world gather to greet the new year in London. Arrive early to secure a good spot at some of these places: Trafalgar Square, where the key starting point of the parade is, or at Regent Street, since the parade passes through here offering great views of the performers.

• Diwali Festival: a great vibrant annual Hindu festival of lights, symbolizing triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The central point of this festival is Trafalgar Square.

10. Explore street art

Every corner of London has something to remember. Whenever you get the chance, enjoy street entertainers, street art, musicians, and other talented artists. It’s worth mentioning that London has an incredible graffiti scene. Make sure to explore The Graffiti Tunnel, London’s longest legal graffiti wall, located under eight former railway arches beneath Waterloo Station, or visit Brick Lane in East London, known for its colorful murals and street art, including works by the famous Banksy.