20 FREE Places to visit in London 

London is often associated with being an expensive city, but there are plenty of free experiences to enjoy, from cultural landmarks to serene green spaces. Whether you’re visiting on a budget or just want to explore without spending money, here are 20 fantastic places to visit in London that won’t cost you a penny.

Natural History Museum Pocket Park Located just outside the Natural History Museum, this small green space offers a tranquil escape with its ponds, ferns, and wildlife. A bronze cast of the museum’s iconic Diplodocus dinosaur, known as “Fern,” adds a touch of history. Visitors can enjoy brass inlays in the pavement, depicting long-extinct creatures, while the museum itself is also free to enter, offering even more to explore.

The Scoop at More An outdoor amphitheatre near Tower Bridge, The Scoop seats around 800 people and offers free events from June to August as part of the London Bridge City Summer Festival. From sports screenings to live music and theatre, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy entertainment in the open air.

St Martin’s Courtyard St Martin’s Courtyard is an open-air shopping and dining destination, but it’s also a beautiful urban space to explore. In summer, you can enjoy free live music performances every Thursday and Saturday evening, making it a vibrant stop amidst the city’s hustle.

Outernet This immersive arts and entertainment district near Tottenham Court Road is a cutting-edge digital experience. Visit the Now Building to see four-storey-high interactive screens displaying music, digital art, and branded experiences. With free immersive exhibitions and events happening regularly, it’s an exciting modern attraction.

The Charterhouse This historic almshouse and heritage site dates back to medieval and Tudor times. Visitors can explore its fascinating history, from royal events to the intrigue of Tudor plots. The Open Garden Evenings in the summer offer live music and food trucks, making it a cultural spot to unwind.

Brown Hart Gardens In the heart of Mayfair, Brown Hart Gardens is a raised terraced garden offering a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle. A 50-seater café and carefully designed water features create a serene atmosphere, while the garden’s refurbishment in 2013 added modern lighting and facilities.

Grosvenor Square Dating back to the 1720s, Grosvenor Square is one of London’s oldest urban gardens. It is undergoing a redesign to transform it into a world-class public space. The square also hosts events in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust, providing a natural retreat in the city.

Spitalfields Koi Fish Pond This koi pond in Spitalfields is designed to reduce stress and anxiety, offering a calming break from city life. After visiting the pond, take a stroll through Old Spitalfields Market or explore the historic terraced houses on Wilkes Street and Princelet Street.

Roman Remains of London Wall On Noble Street in Shoreditch, you’ll find the remains of London’s ancient Roman Wall, built around 200 AD to defend the city. While hidden for many years, sections are now visible and accessible, giving visitors a glimpse into London’s ancient past.

Kyoto Garden Tucked within the larger Holland Park, the Kyoto Garden is a peaceful Japanese-inspired retreat. Featuring koi ponds, waterfalls, and Japanese plants, it’s a perfect spot for quiet reflection amid London’s hustle and bustle.

The Tide Greenwich Peninsula is home to The Tide, London’s first riverside linear park. With public art installations by artists like Damien Hirst, this park offers landscaped trails for walking, running, or simply relaxing by the river.

The Line For art lovers, The Line is London’s largest outdoor sculpture trail, stretching along waterways from the Royal Docks to the River Lea. You’ll find works by prominent artists like Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley, as well as scenic parks and cafés along the way.

Fulham Palace House and Garden Once home to the Bishops of London, Fulham Palace offers a fascinating look at the city’s history. Explore its paintings, archaeological artefacts, and the beautiful botanic garden for a dose of culture and nature combined.

St Pancras Renaissance Grand Staircase This stunning Victorian staircase in the St Pancras Hotel is a must-see for fans of architecture. Featured in films like Love Actually and Harry Potter, the staircase’s vibrant red paint, gold fleur-de-lis, and vaulted ceilings are truly spectacular.

Victoria Park Known locally as “Vicky Park,” Victoria Park is one of London’s most visited green spaces. Covering 86 hectares, the park offers open lawns, cafés, a cricket ground, and even a children’s paddling pool in the summer, making it ideal for a family outing.

St Luke’s Mews This picturesque cobbled street near Portobello Road is famous for its brightly coloured houses. Fans of Love Actually will recognise it as the location where Mark confesses his love to Juliet. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet walk or photo opportunity.

Shad Thames Once home to London’s largest warehouse complex, Shad Thames is a historic riverside street near Tower Bridge. Today, it’s known for its cobblestone streets, modern restaurants, and refurbished homes. Explore the area’s Victorian history while enjoying riverside views.

Crystal Palace Park If you love dinosaurs, Crystal Palace Park is home to the world’s oldest dinosaur sculptures, dating back to 1854. The park also features a children’s farm, Victorian maze, and a skatepark, making it a fun and diverse destination.

Little Venice This peaceful canal area offers a scenic two-mile walk from Little Venice to Camden Lock. Along the way, you’ll pass colourful houseboats and quirky cafés. Once the hunting grounds of Henry VIII, it’s a historic and serene part of the city.

From hidden gardens to historic landmarks, these free London destinations offer a variety of ways to enjoy the city without spending a fortune. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or nature, there’s something for everyone to discover in the heart of London.