The Best Free Things to do in London (Part 1)

Sometimes you want to visit the city, but don’t want to overspend! That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide of my favourite free things to do in London.

With these incredible ways to spend your day, you’ll be able to take in the sights of London, enjoy some fantastic activities, and all without spending a penny.

Natural History Museum Pocket Park
Situated just outside the Natural History Museum, this urban oasis offers a charming green space with rocks, ferns, ponds, and a variety of wildlife. Don’t miss the bronze dinosaur sculpture “Fern,” which mirrors the museum’s Diplodocus. Brass inlays in the pavement show extinct animals from millions of years ago. Open daily from 10am to 5:50pm, and you can also enter the museum itself for free!

The Scoop at More London
This sunken outdoor amphitheatre near Tower Bridge offers free events from June to August. Seating up to 800 people, visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment from sports screenings, films, music, and theatre as part of the London Bridge City Summer Festival. There’s also a selection of food and drink available nearby.

St. Martin’s Courtyard
This urban courtyard near Covent Garden combines shopping, dining, and live entertainment. Visit on Thursdays and Saturdays in July and August to catch free live music on the Summer Stage. Don’t miss the unique installations at each entrance, crafted by Studio-29, to add a creative touch to your visit.

Outernet London
This digital art and entertainment hub near Tottenham Court Road offers immersive experiences for free. The Now Building features LED screens projecting interactive digital art and music displays. Open from 10am, this four-storey digital marvel showcases cutting-edge media and artistic collaborations.

The Charterhouse, Clerkenwell
This historic almshouse dating back to medieval times is free to visit. Wander through its beautiful gardens, explore the newly refurbished Great Chamber, and view unique artefacts like a skeleton from the Black Death era. Summer evenings bring open garden nights with live jazz, food, and drink.

Brown Hart Gardens
Perched above street level in Mayfair, this charming terraced garden features a café, trees, planters with hidden lights, and a central water feature designed by Andrew Ewing. Originally constructed in 1906 and refurbished in 2013, it’s a perfect spot to unwind away from the Oxford Street crowds.

Grosvenor Square Gardens
Dating back to the 1720s, this historic Mayfair garden is currently being redesigned to enhance its appeal as a public green space. The garden partners with the London Wildlife Trust to host events and workshops for all ages, providing a family-friendly activity area with open lawns and plenty of seating.

Spitalfields Koi Fish Pond
Nestled within Spitalfields Market, this koi fish pond creates a serene escape in the heart of London. Designed to reduce anxiety and improve mood, the pond is surrounded by popular street food vendors and artisanal market stalls. Wander nearby to admire historic terraced houses on Wilkes Street and Princelet Street.

Roman Wall Remains
Explore the history of Roman London by visiting the ancient remains of the London Wall on Noble Street, near Tower Bridge. Originally constructed in AD 200 to protect the city, the wall is one of London’s oldest surviving structures and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s ancient past.

Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park offers a peaceful Japanese-inspired space with waterfalls, koi ponds, and vibrant flora. Built as a symbol of friendship between Japan and Great Britain, this garden is a lovely spot to relax. Explore more of Holland Park with its extensive trails, sculptures, and themed gardens.