Looking for free fun places in London? As you’re setting your London family vacation itinerary, you will want to add some free fun places to keep the trip affordable. Knowing your maximum spending allowance before you start planning helps, so work on the financial planning as early as possible.
Best Free Fun Places in London to Visit:
London isn’t the cheapest place to visit, but there are so many free ways to have a blast with your family. The following list will introduce you to some of our favorites.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Head to this street in east London around 8 a.m. any Sunday of the year to see a floral wonderland unlike any other. Local plants are sold alongside imported plants, and you’re bound to find something that grabs your attention besides the enticing aroma of flowers. The flower market closes in the mid-afternoon, so make these stands some of the free fun places in London a Sunday morning special on your itinerary.
Hyde Park
Throw a blanket on the grass and enjoy an afternoon picnic or just some time with Mother Nature and your family. Head to the northeastern corner on a Sunday morning and listen to the religious and political speeches delivered at Speaker’s Corner. Boat across Serpentine Lake. Go skating, biking, or walking through beautiful scenery in the largest of three Royal Parks.
Hyde Park is known for live outdoor concerts in the summer and a holiday festival in the winter. Make sure to check for events happening during your trip to London.
National Gallery of Art
If any member of your family enjoys art, the National Gallery of Art in London is a must-see adventure. You won’t pay a dime to get in, but you will spend your time fascinated by some of the most interesting artwork around. They also cater to families with kid-friendly activities, and you can introduce your children to the fun online before you even arrive in London.
The Gallery now allows you to book your visit online, making it easier than ever to add it to your itinerary. You can also view some of the current exhibitions online.
Piccadilly Circus
Get the Times Square experience while in London. Piccadilly Circus is a circle that marks the meeting point between Shaftesbury Avenue, Coventry Street, Regent Street, and Picadilly. It’s home to an elaborate bronze fountain and is surrounded by neon displays to create a lively environment after dark.
There are shops, restaurants, and other attractions to grab your attention in the daylight as well. It’s a good place to take a walk as long as you’re up for the crowds during peak travel season.
Queen Mary’s Rose Garden in Regent’s Park
Have you ever seen 40,000 roses in bloom at once? If not, head to this London rose garden in the summer. You’ll see thousands of roses displaying fantastic color and form, and there is no cost of admission. With stone pillars worked into the design, there’s a lot of beauty to behold in this circular garden. There are other attractions that you may pay to see in the area, including the London Zoo.
Thames River
If you don’t want to pay for a River Thames cruise, you can take a walk along the shoreline in central London for free. Go at different times of the day and night to see it in different lighting. You can see the world’s largest four-faced clock if you walk near the Palace of Westminster. From there, cross over the Westminster Bridge to find a variety of attractions on the south bank, including some of the best theatres.
The Scoop
The Scoop is an open-air amphitheater with 1,000 seats that is known for offering free productions. You’ll find a variety of performances and you don’t need to book seats in advance. Just keep in mind that seating is limited and the free shows are incredibly popular.
Walking Tours of London
There are many ways to see London, and walking tours are popular with families and budget-conscious visitors. Some free tours provide live guides while others allow you to listen to pre-recorded commentary as you stroll through a predetermined route in central London.
Free Tours by Foot is one of the leading providers of walking tours. They offer both self-guided and guided tours, but the guided tours aren’t always free. Strawberry Tours also offers a free Harry Potter tour that’s perfect for kids of all ages. They have other free London tours as well, including the Free Soho Walking Tour, which goes through some of the most iconic hot spots in pop culture.
Are you getting excited about the cheap side of London? The more free activities you include in your itinerary, the more you can spend on the attractions that you really want to see. The lower your budget, the more free options you will need, so get that budget worked out as soon as possible.