Best Free Things To Do In London

At Plate & Place, we like to think we take the hard work out of the planning and have come up with the ultimate list of the best activities in London that won’t cost a penny; whether you want to explore the world-class galleries, explore the city’s picturesque parks, or simply find the best spot to immerse in the grandeur of the historic architecture – there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Read on for the best free things to do in London!

Changing of the Guard

This centuries-old tradition is as vital today as it was during the reign of King Henry VII. It’s incredible to think the ‘Changing of the Guard’ spans a staggering 520 years and counting. Luckily, for the history buffs out there, this traditional ceremony is entirely free to watch at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

During the ceremony, the ‘old guard’ is replaced by the ‘new guard’ which is accompanied by traditional marches as well as a military band. If you’re planning on visiting, it’s best to check times on the day to check there aren’t any last-minute changes. The typical schedule is Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10.45am. In addition, the ceremony lasts for an impressive 45 minutes.

Our tip is to get there early to have the best view possible and to ensure no one is obstructing your view.

Paddington’s London Home

The little furry bear that captured the hearts of millions is arguably equally iconic as any historical landmark in London. Paddington and London – quite simply – go hand in hand. And, if like us, you have been captivated by the beautiful filming locations seen in Paddington 1 and 2 you will know there is one street that is well-worth visiting.

The charming enclave of Primrose Hill was chosen as the location for the beloved home of the Brown family. The oh-so pretty, pastel-coloured homes always make an appearance on social media, and up close, you’ll discover the street is even more charming than on screen. You can find Paddington’s London home along Chalcot Crescent which is nearby to the many delightful coffee shops and independent stores of Primrose Hill.

We highly recommend a visit to Primrose Bakery for a spot of tea and a delicious slice cake. Paddington would approve, we think!

Kyoto Garden

The tranquil Kyoto Garden in the heart of Kensington’s Holland Park is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. This unique garden – donated by Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto back in 1991 – is an oasis of calm in charming West London.

You’ll discover quaint cobbled paths, beautifully tended trees, stone lanterns and a tiered waterfall which is the centrepiece of the garden. You’ll even find brightly coloured native Japanese Koi Carp fish in the pond below. It makes for the perfect afternoon, and best of all, it’s all for free.

The garden opens every day between 7.30am – 8pm.

In addition, if you want to make a real day of it, Holland Park is home to the exquisite Belvedere restaurant (located in the actual park) for a spot of exquisite Southern Italian cuisine. As the park is closed from 8pm you’ll find a discreet entrance to the restaurant on Abbotsbury Road.

Hampstead Heath

The rolling green meadows and woodland of Hampstead Heath is one of the most beloved areas of all of London. It’s a sprawling 800 acres and is the go-to area for residents on their daily run and dog walk, and over the weekends, the wide opens space is a magnet for groups and families. You will also discover some incredible vantage points with panoramic views of the city.

The heath has been an inspiration point for creatives over the years, and the lush green woodlands were even the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia.

We love nothing more than a gentle ramble over the heath (perhaps picking up a coffee beforehand at WatchHouse) and even taking a picnic on a dry day – just check the weather beforehand.

If you’re the intrepid type, you can even take a dip in Hampstead Swimming Ponds. Just note, during the summer months your spot will need to be booked, and although not free to use, is a reasonable £4.70.

Somerset House

The stunning sight of Somerset House, the Georgian-era masterpiece overlooking the River Thames, is as imposing as it is magnificent. The building is situated east of Waterloo Bridge and the perfect central spot in which to explore.

Somerset House is home to a myriad of cultural enterprises, businesses and must-see exhibitions. It brings together the best cultural innovators, and so keeping abreast of the current shows is a must.

We also think it makes for a great ‘free’ day if you’re happy to explore and simply take in the grandeur of your surroundings. Simply grab a coffee and find a spot in the central courtyard and watch the world go by. It’s particularly handy if you have little ones as there’s plenty of space to run around. We often notice people taking a good book to read or to catch up with friends. It’s a popular meeting place for sure, but on the weekdays, you are guaranteed to find your perfect spot.

White Cube Bermondsey

The internationally acclaimed White Cube in Bermondsey is Europe’s largest commercial gallery, and a must-visit for fans of contemporary art and the latest, word-of-mouth, exhibitions.

This beloved Bermondsey gallery first opened in 2011 and has been the venue for some of the most groundbreaking exhibitions of recent times, including Antony Gormley, Doris Salcedo, and more recently, Tracey Emin.

As a diverse space for cultural change and discussion, it makes for a great day out and because the space is so big, it never feels overly busy or rushed. You can really take your time over each piece. You also don’t have to pay a penny, and entry to the gallery is entirely free.

The location is also second to none, and there’s nothing better than grabbing a coffee or lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants and cafes along Bermondsey Street. If you manage to nab a spot, Chapter 72, is great for a post-gallery beverage and catch-up. 

Barbican Centre

The brutalist masterpiece of the Barbican Estate is a must-visit location, nestled right in the heart of the City of London. The juxtaposition of the brutalist architecture flanked by many of the city’s oldest, historic buildings is striking to see up close.

Over the years, many people have dismissed the ‘brutalist’ design choices as ugly, yet the ethos behind the Barbican was to unite and hold a space for people needing accessible and affordable housing, as well as hub for cultivating creativity and a space for the arts.

We personally love this area, and it’s one of the best central locations for a cheap day out. After wandering the Barbican Estate, you will discover the main hub – the Barbican Centre – home to world-class concerts and theatre. It’s also a space in which to work or relax; grab a seat and enjoy a good book, or simply watch the world go by.

On warm days, there’s nothing better than sitting outside by the central water feature. It’s a great spot to meet with friends, especially for its convenient central location.

Natural History Museum

The vast discoveries of the natural world can be explored in this groundbreaking and much beloved London museum where our 4.6-billion-year history comes to life. Famously, the dinosaur exhibit takes centre stage and is the aspect of the museum much adored by the younger visitors, however, the Mesozoic era isn’t the only history on offer as this museum spans the history of human evolution, oceans, and even space.

This is a full day out, perfect for all the family, so we suggest getting there early to make the most of your time. The museum is free to all, however, for temporary exhibitions and events there is often a fee, so it’s advisable to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.

In addition, after a busy day at the museum, we suggest a delicious pub supper at the nearby The Duke of Clarence.

Chinatown

London’s Chinatown is the ultimate spot for discovering the most authentic East Asian cuisine in town, as well as browsing the many stores, including supermarkets and bakeries. It’s central London’s most vibrant hub, especially around the festivities of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Start your journey along Gerard Street which is the heart of the area, and stop off at Wonderful Patisserie to look at the fabulous decorated cakes, and then further along to Loon Fung which is now one of London’s biggest Chinese supermarkets.

Of course, dining around Chinatown isn’t free, however, to keep things budget-friendly, pick up some traditional Chinese snacks from Chinese Tapas House which is reasonably priced and always delicious. You can grab a delicious Pork Bun for £3.

In addition, there is now a seating area in Chinatown, which is great for enjoying a takeaway lunch, as well as the people watching it brings. It’s busy for sure, but that’s all part of the experience.

Liberty

London’s chicest department store is a haven for luxury shopping and one that doesn’t require a hefty wallet, either. In fact, a visit to this stunning Tudor-style shopping mecca is the perfect place to simply browse and marvel at the designs and ‘maybe’ pick up a trinket or two.

On the ground floor, you’ll discover the latest installation which is always eye-catching and a real showstopper. If you visit around the festive season, they always go that extra mile.

Further along the ground floor you’ll find the beauty emporium where browsing (and spritzing!) for your latest signature scent is always a pleasure. We also recommend heading up to the Homeware floor for some of the most beautifully curated, designer knick-knacks and must-have items.

Liberty is perhaps most famous for their unique in-house designer fabric and its wondrous Haberdashery floor which is always a hive of activity. If you do visit, try and plan for a weekday as it’s always less busy and more comfortable for browsing at a leisurely pace.