Free things to do in London
Some of the best days out in London cost nothing at all. From world-class free museums to canal walks, rooftop gardens and street-art lanes, here are ideas to build a proper free day — then spin a full plan you can actually follow.
The British Museum
FreeHolbornThe Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon marbles and the Great Court — free and colossal.
Natural History Museum
FreeSouth KensingtonThe blue whale skeleton, dinosaurs and a cathedral-like Hintze Hall — free.
The National Gallery
FreeWestminsterVan Gogh's Sunflowers, Turner and 700 years of painting, free, on Trafalgar Square.
Victoria & Albert Museum
FreeSouth KensingtonThe world's leading museum of art and design, with a gorgeous courtyard café.
Tate Modern
FreeSouth BankModern art in a former power station, with the cavernous Turbine Hall installations.
Science Museum
FreeSouth KensingtonApollo capsules, Stephenson's Rocket and hands-on galleries — free entry.
Sir John Soane's Museum
FreeHolbornAn architect's house left exactly as in 1837 — sarcophagi, mirrors and Hogarths, free.
Sky Garden
FreeThe CityFree top-of-tower gardens with 360° views — book a (free) timed ticket in advance.
South Bank Thames Path Walk
FreeSouth BankThe classic riverside stroll from the London Eye to Tower Bridge — all the icons, free.
Imperial War Museum
FreeWaterlooA Spitfire in the atrium and a powerful Holocaust gallery — free, behind big naval guns.
Tate Britain
FreeWestminsterFive centuries of British art and the world's largest Turner collection — free.
National Portrait Gallery
FreeWestminsterFaces of British history, freshly refurbished, just off Trafalgar Square — free.
Spin your free day
Turn these ideas into a timed, walkable plan — food, drinks and the best bits nearby. Pull the lever below.