Free Things to Do in London
London is one of the most exciting cities in the world - there’s so much to explore all year round! The only downside to its bustling atmosphere is that life in the capital can sometimes be expensive. However, experiencing everything that London has to offer doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. From peaceful parks to historic landmarks, check out our list of the top free things to do in London.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Location
Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
Opening hours
Only Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm
Things to do
If you’re looking for free things to do in London this weekend, the Columbia Road Flower Market is sure to set you up for a wholesome Sunday. From the early hours of the morning, this East London street is filled with vibrant flowers and plants. The stalls are run by independent traders offering everything from sunflowers to shrubs. Once you’ve stocked up on fresh blooms, there’s an array of pubs and restaurants nearby. We love Laxeiro for a selection of Spanish staples or The Royal Oak for an obligatory Sunday roast. Columbia Road is in the Flex zone, so if your flower purchases get a little out of hand, you can always grab a one-way Zipcar Flex home.
2. Sky Garden
Location:
1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF.
Opening hours:
8 am to 11 pm.
Things to do:
London’s known for its epic skyline, and the Sky Garden provides the perfect opportunity to take it all in. Even better - it’s completely free. Take a trip to the top and enjoy the beautiful view, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking some of the city’s best sights. There’s also restaurants, bars, and cafes, so you can grab a bite to eat among the leafy greens. If you’re looking for free things to do in London, this isn’t one to miss. Book your ticket on their website to secure your spot.
3. Kensington Gardens
Location:
Kensington Gardens, London, W2 2UH.
Opening hours:
Opens at 6 am every day, but closing times vary between 4 pm to 9 pm. Find more here.
Things to do:
As one of the best free things to do in London with kids, a day spent in Kensington Gardens is always a winner. This historic area was originally part of Hyde Park and was the private property of many royals from years past. Now, Kensington Gardens is loved by Londoners for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery. It stretches across 265 acres, so there’s plenty to explore. You’ll find the famous Long Water lake, leafy trees, and luscious lawns - perfect for picnicking on warmer days. Head to the iconic Churchill Arms pub afterwards to see their amazing collection of British memorabilia.
4. Richmond Park
Location:
Richmond Park, Richmond TW10 5HS.
Opening hours:
7 am to 9 pm until 31st July. Find more details for 2023 timings here.
Things to do:
In need of a relaxing day out? Richmond Park is one of the best free things to do in London at the moment. Give your bank card a break with a visit to this stunning area, filled with sprawling grasslands and brightly coloured flowers. Be sure to look out for the deer that the park is famous for - there’s over 600 of them! Perfect for both locals and visitors, head to King Henry’s Mound for the perfect view of St Paul’s Cathedral. Don’t forget to snap some photos to show your friends!
5. Southbank Centre
Location:
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX.
Opening hours:
Mon and Tue: 10am – 6pm Wed – Sun: 10am – 11pm.
Things to do:
An arts and culture hub in the heart of the city, there’s always something going on at the Southbank Centre. Looking for free things to do in London this week? Check out their latest events - from outdoor artworks, to immersive exhibitions, and live music gigs. The architecture at the Southbank Centre is something to behold on its own, particularly The Royal Festival Hall. It’s a Grade I listed building and the first post-World War II site to be given this status, so it’s definitely worth a look. The Southbank Centre is conveniently located in central London, so it’s super easy to get to - only a quick walk from the Waterloo and Embankment tube stations.
6. Primrose Hill
Location:
Primrose Hill Road, London, NW3 3DE.
Opening hours:
6 am to 10 pm.
Things to do:
The perfect picnic spot, Primrose Hill is one of the most peaceful free things to do in London this week. Take a walk up the winding path to the top of the hill, which boasts an iconic view of the cityscape. Feeling romantic or on a mate date? Head there at sunset to soak up the sights of the skyline. The surrounding areas are just as good - offering a wealth of cute coffee shops and colourful houses. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the thriving market, where you can find a range of stalls selling fresh produce and delicious treats.
7. Borough Market
Location:
8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL.
Opening hours:
10 am to 5 pm, closed on Mondays.
Things to do:
Filled with some of London’s best food offerings, a visit to Borough Market guarantees a great day out. This iconic space has over 1,000 years of history, and is still super popular with both locals and tourists today. We’re not surprised - with more than 100 independent stalls, there’s something to satisfy everybody. Taste test everything from bao buns, to seafood dishes, to Italian gelato. It’s one of the top free things to do in London, so go with a hearty appetite and enjoy what’s on offer. If you’ve stocked up on too many delicious takeaway treats, why not try one of our Flex electric vehicles for the trip home?
8. Natural History Museum
Location:
Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD.
Opening hours:
10 am to 5:50 pm.
Things to do:
Explore the extensive collection of ancient artefacts at the Natural History Museum, another one of the best free things to do in London. Perfect for those rainy days, it’s home to over 80 million objects which are constantly swapped in and out, making for a new experience every time you visit. There’s more than 20 galleries to explore, so it’s easy to spend countless hours there. You can even choose from a selection of self-guided tours for more science and nature facts. Book your free ticket to secure your spot.
9. Tate Britain
Location:
Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.
Opening hours:
10 am to 6 pm.
Things to do:
The Tate Britain is a haven for art lovers and one of the most exciting free things to do in London. It showcases over 500 years of British art - from historic pieces to modern and contemporary displays. There’s also reading rooms if you’re looking for a moment of quiet reflection and a gift shop where you’re sure to find a souvenir to take home. Fancy a bite to eat? Head to the on-site cafe which serves everything from homemade salads to hearty sandwiches.
10. St Paul’s Cathedral
Location:
Bedford St, London WC2E 9ED.
Opening hours:
8:30 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays. Sunday - 9 am to 1 pm. Closed on Saturdays.
Things to do:
Whether you’re a local or just here for a visit, St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the top free things to do in London this weekend. This historic place is a definite bucket list item - so be sure to snap a few pictures of the iconic dome architecture. It’s been the site of some significant moments - like the wedding of the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles. There’s so much to explore inside, with guided and audio tours on offer. Look out for the Grand Organ, the Great West Doors, and the Crypt on the ground floor. Finally, head to the Whispering Gallery for an acoustic delight.
11. Hampstead Heath
Location:
West Gate Lodge, Hampstead Lane, Hampstead Heath, London, NW3 7JP.
Opening hours:
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Things to do:
If you’re wondering what to do in London for free, look no further than Hampstead Heath. This expanse of 320 hectares offers the perfect refuge from the chaos of city life and is home to the famous swimming ponds. Stroll down one of the walking paths or pack a picnic to enjoy on the grass. Don’t miss the iconic view of the city centre from Parliament Hill. When you’re ready to rejoin the rest of the world, take your pick of bakeries, restaurants, and cafes on the surrounding streets. We recommend Heath Street Bakehouse for its selection of freshly-made pastries.
12. Science Museum
Location:
Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD.
Opening hours:
10 am to 6 pm everyday.
Things to do:
The Science Museum is jam-packed with exciting and immersive exhibitions - there’s truly something for everyone! It displays over 15,000 objects spread across five floors, so you can easily spend the whole day there. Take yourself down self-led trails or enter the interactive galleries to discover the wonderful world of science. Make sure not to miss the suit worn by the first British astronaut in space, the world’s first MRI machine, and even a real piece of the moon. Admission is completely free, but be sure to book online to secure your spot.
Explore free things to do in London with Zipcar
If you want to experience all the epic free activities that London has to offer, check out our range of affordable and convenient Zipcar vehicles. You can find them all around London, so wherever you’re headed, Zipcar can help you get there. Book with Zipcar now to begin your next adventure.
