London's Top 16 Free Visitor Attractions

16 Fantastic Sightseeing Tips - with free entry

16 Free Visitor Attractions

The percentage offering full Free Entry

86%

5

Rated 4.60 out of 5 for the following venues

The British Museum
Natural History Museum
Tate Modern
Windsor Great Park
Southbank Centre
The National Gallery
V&A South Kensington
National Portrait Gallery

St Paul's Cathedral
Science Museum
Royal Museums Greenwich
Queen's House Greenwich
Borough Market, Southwark
British Library
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Royal Academy of Arts

Inbound Tourism to the UK

The UK is on course to reach record numbers of inbound tourists, with recent year highs seeing international visitor levels reach over 40 million, with an estimated £28 billion generated in spending. The top countries for inbound tourism to London include the United States, France, Germany and Spain. So, whether you are interested in history, culture or the arts, there is something in the UK's capital for everyone to enjoy.

London - the UK's visitor hub

Holiday4's research finds that London remains the entertainment hub for international and domestic visitors, with iconic attractions such as the British Museum, the Tower of London and the National Gallery continuing to attract the lion's share of tourists. Top Tip: When travelling between sightseeing venues, check out the Holiday4 London Public Transport guide to help navigate the city cheaply and safely.

Attraction Ticket Costs

Entry costs associated with visiting London's top attractions remain high, especially when factoring in transport costs between venues. Typically, a 4-day mini-break to London can run into £100's for sightseeing costs alone. If you’re planning on doing lots of sightseeing, check out the London attraction ticket-buying guide for tips and advice on how to get the best ticket deals.

Holiday4's Top 12 (free-entry) tourist attractions

Plan your visit. Click a venue below to book your timed entry ticket to London's top 'must-see' visitor attractions

Compare the best ticket suppliers for London's top (paid-entry) attractions

Sightseeing Ticket Guide

Ideas to help you experience the real London - for Free

Every time I visit London, I'm 'on the lookout' for free and authentic experiences that our readers will enjoy.

I think our list of free-to-enter attractions will help visitors plan a more comprehensive sightseeing experience. I also hope our readers leave the city with a better understanding and a deeper appreciation for one of Europe's truly great culture-rich capitals.

170 There are over 170 museums in London

3000 There are over 3,000 parks and green spaces

270 There are over 270 tube stations across the city

The following free experiences offer a glimpse into the rich culture, history and diversity of London, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the fabric of the city - without spending too much money.

Also, look out for free cultural festivals, events, and celebrations happening throughout the year. From street parades and food festivals to art exhibitions and live performances, there's always something 'free and exciting' going on in the city, see list below:

Street Markets: Immerse yourself in London's bustling market scene, where you can browse stalls selling everything from vintage clothing and handmade crafts to fresh produce and international street food. Popular markets include Camden Market, Borough Market, and Portobello Road Market.
Street Performances: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of London's streets with impromptu performances by musicians, dancers, and other artists. Head to popular spots like Covent Garden, Southbank, or Leicester Square to catch live entertainment from talented performers.
Parks and Gardens: London is home to numerous beautiful parks and gardens where you can relax, people-watch, or enjoy a picnic. Visit Hyde Park, Regent's Park, or Hampstead Heath for expansive green spaces, stunning landscapes, and recreational activities.
Historical Walking Tours: Join free guided walking tours led by volunteers or local experts, focusing on specific themes like London's Roman history, literary heritage, or architectural landmarks, providing fascinating insights into the city's past and present.
Free Concerts and Performances: Attend free concerts, recitals, and performances at venues like St. Martin-in-the-Fields, where you can enjoy classical music, choral performances, and more in a historic setting.

Parks and Gardens: London is home to numerous beautiful parks and gardens where you can relax, people-watch, or enjoy a picnic. Visit Hyde Park, Regent's Park, or Hampstead Heath for expansive green spaces, stunning landscapes, and recreational activities.
Free Talks and Workshops: Attend free talks, workshops, and lectures hosted by cultural institutions, universities, and community organizations across London. Topics range from art and literature to science and current affairs, providing engaging and educational experiences for visitors.
River Thames Walks: Enjoy scenic walks along the River Thames, offering picturesque views of London's skyline and waterfront landmarks. Stroll along the South Bank or walk across iconic bridges like Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge for unforgettable vistas of the city.
Street Food Markets: Sample a diverse array of global cuisines at street food markets like Southbank Centre Food Market or Camden Market, where you can enjoy delicious eats from around the world without breaking the bank.
Community Festivals and Celebrations: Experience the vibrant multiculturalism of London at free community festivals and celebrations, such as Notting Hill Carnival, Diwali on the Square, or Chinese New Year festivities, featuring music, dance, food, and cultural activities from around the world.
Street Art Tours: Embark on a self-guided street art tour through neighbourhoods like Shoreditch and Camden, where you can admire vibrant murals, graffiti, and urban art by local and international artists.

My favourite (free) venue is Borough Market, Southwark - a vibrant hub of food traders, quality produce and street food markets - with around 1,000 years of history. For the 'best buzz' I like to visit the market early, around 10 am, also check out Maria's Cafe for probably the best egg & bacon breakfast and pot of tea in London. The Market is located near London Bridge Rail Terminal and the Tube (Jubilee and Northern Lines). There's also a highly recommended Borough Market 'foodie' tour available. I often stay in London's Southwark district when in town - it's quieter & hotels in the area tend to be slightly cheaper.

Chris Booth

- Content Manager

I often visit London's National Art Gallery - it's Fab and Free and has over 2600 exhibits. I also like strolling the charming canals of Little Venice with its quirky waterside cafes, cosy pubs and colourful canal boats. Visit St Paul's Cathedral for the Choral Evensong, it's free and highly enjoyable. Also, take a 70-minute walk along the Southbank of the River Thames, use the pedestrian walkway (known as the Queen's Walk). Start at Westminster Bridge with views over to Big Ben, past the London Eye, Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe, then onto the Shard standing tall in the distance.

Chris R. Wilson

- Travel Writer

I like visiting London's many original and characterful pubs - most offer a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and culture. Whether you're looking for a cosy traditional bar, a historic riverside inn or a quirky tavern, you'll find plenty of pubs to suit most tastes. London pubs are free to enter - you come out with less money than you went in with - but feel happier for it. My pub recommendations include (1) Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street. (2) The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden. (3) The George Inn (built in 1676), Southwark. (4) The Viaduct Tavern, Newgate Street. (5) The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping.