Free attractions in London - free things to do in London

What attractions in London are available for free ? What are the best free things to do in London ?

You can find hundreds of free attractions in London. It is even difficult to visit them all during a one or two week stay. There are many free museums, galleries, gardens, gigs and other activities or places. Some attractions are partially free, so you can go there without any charge, but if you decide to get a full experience, you will have to buy a ticket.

Free London Museums:

• British Museum - located in Bloomsbury, Camden. Museum is dedicated to a history, art and culture. It is free to enter. Permanent galleries are available for free. Special exhibitions usually require a fee.
• Museum of London - loacted in City of London. It is interactive, child friendly museum, documenting the history of the UK's capital city. You can usually get a free tickets on the door, but it is recommended to pre-book them before you go there. Some exhibitions may require a fee.
• Natural History Museum - located in Kensington. It is free to enter, but some temporary exhibitions and events may require a fee and a pre-booked ticket.
• Science Museum - located in Kensington. You have to pre-book a free ticket.
• Design Museum - located in Kensington. It exhibits product, industrial, graphic, fashion and architectural design. Free entry, no pre-booking needed. Some temporary exhibitions may require a fee and a pre-booked ticket.
• Bank of England Museum - located in City of London. It is focused on history of the Bank and the UK economy. Entry is free of charge.
• Queen's House - located in Greenwich. It is famous for its extraordinary art collection. Entry is free, but you have to book a ticket.
• Victoria and Albert Museum - located in Kensington. It is the world's largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design. General admission is free and you don't need to book a ticket.
• Faraday Museum - located in Mayfair, City of Westminster. It offers you to discover the history of world class scientific research, experiment and invention. Entry is free.
• Grant Museum of Zoology - located in Bloomsbury, Camden. Museum is free to visit and you don't need to book a ticket in advance.
• Museum of London Docklands - located in Tower Hamlets. Museum explains the history of the River Thames, the growth of Port of London and the docks. You can pre-book a free general admission ticket, but tickets are often also available on the door. Some events may require to buy a ticket.
• Imperial War Museum - located in Southwark. General admission to museum is free, but charges may apply to special exhibitions.
• National Army Museum - located in Chelsea. Entry is free.
• Royal Air Force Museum - located in Barnet. Also know as the RAF Museum. It is dedicated to the history of aviation and the Royal Air Force. Entry is free and you can book your arrival time.
• National Maritime Museum - located in Greenwich. It exposes the collections ship models, navigation instruments and paintings. Entry is free, but it is recommend to book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry.
• Wellcome Collection - located in Bloomsbury, Camden. Museum is connecting science, medicine, life and art. Permanent and temporary exhibitions and most of events are free.
• The Chocolate Museum - located in Brixton. It is a place where you can make, taste and learn all things about chocolate. Museum is opened only on Sundays. Entry is free.

Best free views in London:

Sky Garden - need to book a free ticket (sometimes even 3 weeks before planned visit)
120 Fenchurch street rooftop garden - located in the City of London, close to Sky Garden
Royal Observatory - located in Greenwich park
Canary Wharf / Heron Quays / Crossharbour - great view from DLR
Primrose Hill - located in Camden
Parliament Hill - is located in Hampstead Heath

Free Parks in London:

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Holland Park - consists of multiple gardens, one of the most popular is Kyoto Garden
Greenwich Park
Regents Park
Richmond Park
St. James's Park
Hampstead Heath
Barbican Conservatory

Street art:

You can see many interesting street art performances at Picadilly circus,Trafalgar square, Leicester suqare, Oxford street, Westminster bridge. From singers, dancers to painters and other artists. Some areas in London are popular for graffiti art.

Walks:

You can take a several walking tours. For example Royal Westminster tour, Graffiti & Street Art tour, City of London tour etc.

Seasonal events:

London New Year's Day Parade
Chinese New Year
London Music Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival - street festival
Diwali - Hindu festival in Trafalgar Square

Interesting places:

Little Venice - London water canals
Thames underwater tunnel - from Isle of Dogs to Greenwich
Abbey road crossing - crosswalk at Abbey road is featured on the Beatles album cover, it is located near to Abbey road studios
The Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ - located in King's Cross Station