26 fabulously free things to do in London in 2026 – tips from our team

From iconic sights and must-see museums to hidden gems and local favourites, our expert-picked list highlights experiences for every interest, mixing those iconic bucket-list experiences with our own must-sees that might go under the radar. As the city’s official tourism authority, we draw on years of local expertise, visitor insights, and first-hand exploration to bring you recommendations you can trust.

Check out free attractions across London to plan your wallet-friendly adventures, or if you’re looking for family-friendly activities, read our full guide to free things to do with kids in London.

Exploring London for free is easier than you think. This collection of no-cost experiences celebrates the city’s culture, history and atmosphere, perfect for filling a day with memorable moments.

How we chose the best free things to do in London

Our selection is based on a mix of:

• The most-visited free attractions in London (source: ALVA visitor numbers*)
• Our experts’ tips on their favourite free things to do in the city, from local hangouts to quirky attractions and live entertainment.
• Free things to do for all ages and tastes, as well as family fun, things to do for couples, with friends and solo experiences.

Free museums and art galleries

British Museum – Best for human history and culture

Chart the history of humankind through thousands of artefacts at the British Museum. We recommend visiting early (ideally at 10am) and heading straight to the most popular exhibits first to beat the crowds. Must-sees include the Rosetta Stone – which was vital in deciphering hieroglyphics – in Room 4; the Egyptian mummies in Rooms 62 and 63; and the Ancient Greek Parthenon Sculptures in Room 18.

You can then take your time to linger over objects that tell stories of other major civilisations, from the Hoa Hakananai’a statue from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in Room 24, to items uncovered from the 7th-century Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo burial site in Room 41.

There’s so much to see, we suggest blocking out at least half a day and focusing on a selection of rooms – or make a whole day of it and grab some lunch or afternoon tea between exhibits in the Great Court Restaurant under the famous glass roof (make sure to book ahead so you don’t miss out).

Best for: History lovers and budding archaeologists keen to uncover famous artefacts.
Good to know: Book your free time slot in advance for priority entry. The museum also opens until 8.30pm (last entry 7pm) on Fridays.

Natural History Museum – Best for world-class natural science

Housing more than 70 million exhibits spanning everything from dinosaurs and mammals to natural disasters and minerals, the Natural History Museum is one of the world’s best family museums.

The museum is split into coloured zones – take some time to plan what you’re interested in within each zone before you visit, so you can maximise your time and don’t risk missing out on your favourites. The Dinosaurs Gallery (blue zone) is especially popular for housing part of the first T. rex skeleton ever discovered, a Triceratops skull and countless fossils – we’d recommend heading there at quieter times, such as just after opening or just before closing, when it should be less crowded.

Unless you’re visiting with school-age kids, avoid visiting during school holidays, as the museum can become especially busy during these times. Or visit on a sunny day – when it is likely to be a little quieter as families make the most of the outdoors in London. It also means you can explore the newly redeveloped gardens that include a life-size bronze Diplodocus sculpture called Fern.

Best for: Curious kids and dinosaur hunters ready to delve into billions of years of natural history.
Good to know: Although entry is available on the day, book your free time slot in advance for priority entry and to avoid lengthy queues.

Tate Modern – Best for iconic modern and contemporary art 

One of the world’s leading galleries for modern and contemporary art, Tate Modern is housed in a former power station on the banks of the river Thames. See works by the likes of Rothko, Picasso, Dalí and Matisse as part of its free collection, or book paid-for tickets for temporary exhibitions.

We suggest entering at the Turbine Hall entrance – where you’ll get an immediate first impression of the gallery’s vast architecture. The hall also houses a changing programme of large-scale installations and is a great place to start your visit, with its help point and a ticketing desk for temporary paid-for exhibition tickets (although we recommend booking in advance to guarantee entry).

Best for: Art lovers looking to tick off must-see artworks.
Good to know: Don’t miss free 10-minute talks that give insights into some of the gallery’s most iconic works – you’ll find details of where and when these take place next to relevant artworks and on digital screens.

The Victoria and Albert Museum – Best for design and fashion icons

A treasure trove of objects spanning 5,000 years of art, design and performance, The V&A has more than seven miles of galleries within its elegant walls at South Kensington. Among the must-sees is the unique Tipu’s Tiger (Room 41) – a large-scale mechanical organ in the form of a tiger attacking a soldier – and exquisite Fabergé jewellery and accessories (Room 91).

For more insights, join one of its live lunchtime lecture series – usually on Thursday lunchtimes in the Lydia and Manfred Gorvey Lecture Theatre. These are free to join and require no advanced booking.

As with many other free museums in London, we recommend visiting at opening time for a quieter experience, allowing you to visit the most popular items first. Alternatively, visit during its late Friday evening openings until 10pm.

Best for: Those keen to discover works by icons who have shaped the worlds of art, fashion and design.
Good to know: See more of The V&A’s massive collection at V&A East Storehouse, in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Also free to visit, it holds half a million items, offering an ideal opportunity to see rarely exhibited objects from its collection and to explore the work of its conservators.

National Gallery – Best for art spanning the ages

Marvel at some of the world’s most iconic paintings, from Van Gogh’s Sunflowers to Monet’s Water Lilies, at the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square. Our highlights include the rural idyll conjured up by John Constable’s The Hay Wain and the much-debated Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck.

Join guided tours at 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays starting in the Central Hall to learn more about the collection – these hour-long tours are free to join, but arrive early to ensure you don’t miss out, as these are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best for: Traditional art lovers and exhibition goers keen to see many of the world’s most famous artworks.
Good to know: The gallery stays open until 9pm on Fridays, which is a great time to visit and is generally quieter than weekend daytimes. You can also join regular free Friday Lates events, from drawing sessions to screenings and talks.

Science Museum – Best for curious kids

From science on Earth to space exploration, the Science Museum has answers to all those burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask, presented in galleries full of iconic objects and interactive experiences.

Explore the evolution of spacecraft over time by studying Apollo 10 and Soyuz, and spot Neil Armstrong’s headset used in Apollo 11 in the Space Gallery. Put on your 3D goggles to watch films in full 4K glory at the IMAX Cinema and explore how scientists are pushing the boundaries to create a low-carbon future within the Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy gallery.

Get further under the skin of the exhibits with one of the museum’s free tours – these range from specific gallery tours to those themed around women, gender and sexuality in science. Check the gallery’s website to find out what’s on when.

Make sure to book your free ticket in advance to guarantee entry and, if you’re keen to visit a specific section of the museum. check for any temporary closures of galleries in advance , so you can plan the best day to visit.

Best for: Kids who like hands-on, immersive, interactive science activities.
Good to know: Although the museum is free to enter, you can access additional spaces for a small fee (the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket). Among these spaces, Power Up on the lower ground floor is a gamers’ paradise full of cult classics on retro consoles and the latest interactive VR experiences – we love racing each other on Mario Kart multiplayer games!

Free attractions in London

Southbank Centre – Best all-round entertainment

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026, the Southbank Centre hosts regular free events and activities across its venues. See exhibitions from contemporary artists at the Hayward Gallery, join art, dance and musical workshops in The Clore Ballroom, be treated to concerts at Royal Festival Hall and enjoy wide-ranging festivals throughout the year.

We love just taking time out to chill at the Southbank Centre’s food and drink spots. Our favourite is Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden: just look for the bright yellow spiral staircase and head up to find a hidden oasis of wildflowers and quiet seating areas with river views – grab a drink and relax long into the evening.

If you’re hungry, make sure to get your teeth around street food from global cuisines at the Southbank Centre Food Market every Friday to Sunday – top tip: follow @scfoodmarket on Instagram for the latest line-up so you can get your mouth watering in advance.

Best for: Culture, art and concert lovers on a budget.
Good to know: If you’re a UK resident, you can also join the National Poetry Library on level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall to access the world’s largest collection of modern poetry for free.

Wellcome Collection – Best for life sciences

Head to the Wellcome Collection to learn more about what being human is and how we, as humans, shape the world around us, from health, wellbeing and medicine to identity. We love its permanent Being Human Gallery, full of wonderful exhibits on science and medicine that tell the stories of real people through objects, audiovisuals and artworks.

Its three temporary exhibition spaces host fascinating collections that challenge our perceptions and the complexities of human life. We recommend joining one of its regular tours to delve deeper into these subjects – run by enthusiastic guides who clearly know their stuff, they’re perfect for gaining more context.

Best for: Curious kids and science enthusiasts keen to learn more about humans’ relationship to the world around us.
Good to know: The Wellcome Collection is fully accessible and holds regular audio description, BSL and speech-to-text tours of its exhibitions. Braille titles can be found on most exhibits in its main Being Human gallery, and subtitles and transcriptions are available for audiovisual content.

British Library – Best for famous literary works

As soon as you enter the British Library, you can feel the centuries of knowledge held within its walls. We love lingering in its free-to-access Treasures Gallery, which houses some of the world’s most important documents and books. Must-sees include two of only four remaining Magna Carta manuscripts (the document that laid the foundations of the British democratic system), Shakespeare’s First Folio containing otherwise lost works, and original Beatles lyrics penned in their own hand. Also, look out for scribblings from one of Monty Python’s most famous sketches and quirky items, such as a 2,000-year-old homework book from Egypt.

Our top tip is to go to the often-overlooked lower ground floor, where audio booths feature tracks covering all sorts of fascinating subjects, from nature sounds and world music to spoken word. It’s a great place to let your curiosity run wild and to lose yourself – away from the busier upper levels, where students are hard at work.

Once you’ve finished exploring, head up to the third floor (near the map room) for a great photo opportunity overlooking the central King’s Library, before grabbing a coffee, hot meal or sandwiches just below on the first-floor King’s Library Café.

Best for: History buffs and literary lovers who want to see some of the world’s most famous books and manuscripts.
Good to know: Register for a free Reader Pass on the Upper Ground Floor to gain access to its Reading Rooms and vast collection of books and documents, from rare books and newspapers, to maps and moving images. You just need to bring proof of address and state-registered ID (such as a passport, driving licence or national ID card), and it only takes a few minutes.

London Mithraeum – Best for those short on time

Travel beneath the streets of London, straight into Roman times, to uncover the mystery of the Temple of Mithras. The London Mithraeum's ruins, which lay unknown until construction works unearthed them in 1954, were only opened to the public in 2017.

Listen to the sounds of Romans as darkness falls, and picture yourself being in the Temple in the 3rd century, as you make out the outline of the temple walls. This 10-minute immersive experience may be short, but it gives a sense of thousands of years of history, and it’s the ideal attraction to visit if you’re short on time and budget.

While waiting for entry to the show (which is at 20-minute intervals), take the time to look at the screens to learn more about Mithras, the temple and the objects uncovered during the archaeological dig.

Best for: History lovers who want a taste of Roman London.
Good to know: Book your time slot in advance to guarantee entry – the quietest times to visit are weekday mornings during school term time (except Wednesdays when it’s often closed to for school visits).

Parks, outdoor spaces and city views

Richmond Park – Best for long walks

Get a taste of the wild side of London at Richmond Park, where deer roam freely, kestrels circle overheard and trails of long grass make us feel we’re much further away from the city centre than the mere 45 minutes it takes by public transport.

We love exploring the many trails or cycling the Tamsin Trail, which circles the park for seven miles (11 km). Along the way, don’t miss King Henry’s Mound, near the Petersham Gate, where you can see unobstructed views of St Paul’s Cathedral thanks to a charter that has forbidden the construction of any building that would block this protected view.

Best for: Walkers, cyclists and nature lovers seeking a wilder side of London.
Good to know: Visit the Isabella plantation in April and May for incredible displays of pinks and purples thanks to the blooms of hundreds of azaleas and rhododendrons.

St James’s Park – Best for wildlife 

Famed for being home to pelicans since 1664, St James's Park is the perfect park for a stroll any time of the year. This Royal Park is a prime spot for water birds and has its own designated nature reserve appropriately named Duck Island, which is where the pelicans are most likely to be – don’t miss feeding time next to Duck Island Cottage at 2.30pm each day!

But the best time to go is early in the morning, when the park is quiet, and you’ll even have the busy areas, such as the Blue Bridge, to yourself. From here, we love taking time to enjoy the views across the lake to Buckingham Palace and then meandering our way around the lakeside paths towards the St James’s Café for a slice of cake.

Best for: Wildlife lovers seeking tranquillity in central London.
Good to know: If you’re visiting between March and October, hire a deckchair (£4 for up to an hour or £14 for all day) between 10am and 6pm. It’s a great way to relax and take in the atmosphere of the park. You’ll find the chairs available at four locations between the lake and The Mall – we prefer those closest to the lake, but these spots can be busier, so make sure to book deckchairs in advance via the park’s website.

Sky Garden – Best for landmark spotting

One of London’s best "value" free attractions, given skyline views often come at a cost, Sky Garden provides some of the city’s most impressive views, all for free!

This tropical paradise perched atop the skyscraper affectionately known as the “Walkie Talkie” (its official name is 20 Fenchurch Street) is full of tropical plants, a cafe/bar, and an outdoor viewing deck. See the river Thames, Tower Bridge, The Shard and St Paul’s in the foreground, with the London Eye and Houses of Parliament peeking out amongst the skyline.

Head up the steps on either side of the café area to get unique photos of the skyline through the leaves and keep an eye out for QR codes, which you can scan to learn more about the various plant species.

The key is to book your time slot well ahead – this attraction is very popular, and although walk-ins are sometimes possible, it’s often fully booked weeks ahead. Tickets are released three weeks in advance, so we suggest looking as far ahead as possible.

Best for: Photographers and visitors wanting to spot landmarks for less.
Good to know: Make sure to get there ahead of your timeslot – although your entry is timed, there's often a queue before you can enter. We suggest arriving 30 minutes before your dedicated time slot. Quieter times include weekday mornings and Sunday evenings, when the garden is open until 9pm.

If you’re not keen to queue and fancy lunch or dinner with a side helping of special views, reserve one of its two restaurants on the upper levels – you’ll skip the queue for the garden and enjoy a relaxed meal while enjoying views from higher up.

Horizon 22 – Best for London’s highest free views

Enjoy London’s highest views at Horizon 22. The south and north aspects are packed full of iconic landmarks, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and the London Eye. But make sure to also look west, where you can make out Wembley Stadium’s arch on a clear day, and east, where the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf stand tall.

Our top tip is to book your free ticket to coincide with sunset – check the sunset time in advance and book well ahead, as these slots can be popular. It may be one of the busier times, but it’s worth it for the views as darkness descends over London. If you’d rather have a quieter time, weekday mornings from 10am are generally less crowded – there’s no time restriction, so you can stay as long as you want!

Best for: Those seeking wide-ranging views of London.
Good to know: Only small backpacks and equivalent-sized bags are allowed, and there are no lockers, so we suggest visiting on days when you don’t have to carry luggage.

Primrose Hill – Best for skyline sundowners

Find a quiet spot on this picture-perfect hill in north London where you can see the city skyline at a distance. Its summit is one of six protected views of London, and it’s easy to see why – William Blake was also taken by the view, as the inscription from his poem, “I have conversed with the spiritual sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill”, at the top of the hill proves.

Obviously, clearer days are best as you can see further. The time of the day depends on what you’re after… enjoy quiet moments early in the morning (especially on weekdays) or make the most of “golden hour” and sunset views later in the day. Our favourite time, however, is lunchtime, when we love taking our own picnic with friends – although there’s a café on site, packing a picnic can help keep costs down, and we find it more fun!

Best for: Picnics with friends and sunny day relaxation.
Good to know: Although it’s easy to just sit and chill, we’d also recommend going for a wander. Look out for Shakespeare’s tree, which was planted in celebration of his 300th anniversary. Also, take a stroll through the pretty streets of Primrose Hill with its independent shops and cafes.

Free music, entertainment and performances

Live at Lunch at Royal Opera House – Best for free opera and ballet

Opera and ballet for free? In London? We’re not lying… The Royal Opera House puts on regular Friday lunchtime concerts in its Paul Hamlyn Hall.

Settle down in the splendour of the light-filled hall and be treated to excerpts or short works by The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet performers (and often guest artists) that last around 45 minutes. It’s a great option for those on a budget or those who want a first taste of the artforms without shelling out.

We recommend arriving at least an hour before the concert starts to secure your free token – these tokens are available in the foyer at the main entrances on Bow Street and the Piazza. Tokens are given on a first-come, first-served basis and are very popular (we’ve missed out in the past by arriving too late, even though we arrived an hour ahead of the start time).

Best for: Opera and ballet-goers on a budget.
Good to know: If you’re keen to see a full performance for less, book early to secure standing tickets in the main auditorium for as little as £9.

Covent Garden – Best for street performers

Soak up the buzzing atmosphere of Covent Garden’s Piazza and marketplace, where performers bring the cobbled streets and covered market building to life. From contortionists to clowns, singers to circus acts, there are all sorts of performances going on at any one time, with more than 120 shows throughout the year.

We love hearing the sounds of opera singers reverberating around the North Hall of the market building and watching mesmerising circus acts in the Piazza under the Portico of St Paul’s Church. Our top tip is to buy a drink at the Punch & Judy pub and watch the performers from the balcony.

Best for: Families and shoppers looking for a short pit stop.
Good to know: Make sure to pop inside the church, known as “The Actor’s Church” due to its long connections with theatre in the West End and its links to street performances. In 1662, the first Italian puppet play – which later became known as Punch and Judy – took place in the Portico of the church. You can also see memorials for the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Gracie Fields and Noel Coward.

Outernet – Best for immersive displays

Take a seat and become immersed in free shows on giant wrap-around LED screens at Outernet’s Now Building, just next to Tottenham Court Road Tube station.

Part of a large entertainment complex featuring a gig venue, cinema and restaurants, this open-sided venue hosts immersive displays that change throughout the day.

We love just sitting on the floor and whiling away time as we’re mesmerised by the displays, which range from art installations to sound and videos of the natural world, and even interactive games.

Best for: Immersive experiences on a budget.
Good to know: Shows generally last up to 10 minutes, so you can unwind for a while to see various displays, or just pop in between shopping sprees for a few minutes of relaxation.

Westminster Abbey – Best for choral music

Open to those of all faiths or no faith at all, Choral Evensong takes place in churches and cathedrals across London, but we especially love experiencing this atmospheric service amid the grandeur of Westminster Abbey. Reflect on the power of the harmonies, as choral music resonates around the church… something that always gives us goosebumps.

This iconic place of worship has been the site of royal coronations, weddings and funerals, and is the burial place of 17 monarchs, numerous poets, politicians, actors and the odd scientist. You can book a ticketed Westminster Abbey tour to see more, but attending Evensong is free and unticketed.

Best for: Those wanting to hear music in one of the world’s most iconic places of worship.
Good to know: Services here can be very popular, so we suggest arriving at least an hour in advance to be near the start of the queue for entry at the Great West Door – especially if you want to secure the best seats in the quire, near the choir.

Free markets

Columbia Road – Best for blooms

This Sunday-only market may have limited opening times, but Columbia Road Flower Market certainly makes up for it with its colourful array of flowers, plants, and independent shops and cafes.

Visit early – ideally at opening time – to bag the best blooms. Or wait until just before closing (from 2pm onwards) to snag some bargains, as flowers are often reduced to clear.

But it’s not all about flowers… peruse the various shops in this bustling East London street, many of which are related to gardening, from accessories and pots to houseplants; but you can pick up fashion and homewares too.

Whatever you do, don’t leave without popping into the home of the queen of cupcakes, Lily Vanilli, for almost-too-pretty-to-eat sweet treats – given its popularity, there’s often a queue, so if you know you’ll be short on time, order cupcakes in advance to pick up and take away with you.

Best for: Couples looking for a Sunday day out.
Good to know: There are various cafes and restaurants where you can grab brunch, lunch or a coffee. We love coffee and croissants from Pavilion Columbia Road and enjoy lunch at Campania, where there’s sometimes live music outside.

Borough Market – Best for foodies

Explore vibrant Borough Market, which is crammed full of producers, street food stalls and cosy eateries. A feast for the senses with aromas wafting in the air, it’s a must-visit for any foodie and is the perfect place to while away a few hours.

While the price of produce and street food can be higher than in other markets in London, simply enjoying the experience of this iconic market is enough, without having to put your hand in your pocket. Explore pretty stalls laden with fresh fruit and vegetables, pastries, cheeses and charcuterie – one of our favourite spots is Spice Mountain, full of cute little pots of spices from all over the world!

The key to making the most of your visit is to chat to the producers – strike up a conversation, and you’ll often be given free samples to taste. There’s no pressure to buy, but you’ll often enjoy the taste so much you’ll come back loaded with tasty treats – just remember to check customs restrictions if you’re travelling internationally so those lovely cheeses and meats don’t go to waste!

Best for: Foodies keen to stock up on produce or taste worldwide cuisines.
Good to know: If you’re at Borough Market for lunchtime, pop into the Crossbones Graveyard (Union Street, SE1 1TA), a five-minute walk away. Free to visit and open between 12pm and 2pm on Wednesdays to Fridays and the first Saturday of every month, this once forgotten site was the burial place for “outcasts” such as sex workers, immigrants, the sick and the poor from the 12th century until Victorian times – we find ribbons left by mourners and unique shrines to the dead very moving and love to chat to the enthusiastic volunteers for more history.

Camden Market – Best for quirky finds

Frantic, edgy, quirky… Camden Market is a lively spot to visit, especially at weekends when it can be busy, but it’s all part of the vibe.

Camden Market is spread across three main areas: Camden Lock, Camden Stables Market and Hawley Wharf. Canalside Camden Lock was once a hub for antiques, but nowadays you can find crafts, handmade accessories, and street food. Atmospheric Camden Stables Market offers eclectic shops selling alternative fashion and retro furniture within the brick arches of former stables.

For families and quieter shopping, we recommend the more spacious Hawley Wharf, which brings more of a modern feel, with a less frenetic vibe – here, you’ll discover pop-ups, creative spaces and cafes.

Best for: Shoppers seeking vintage and retro items.
Good to know: Camden Town Tube station can be busy on weekends, so we suggest getting on or off at Chalk Farm station, one stop further north, but it has fewer queues.

Portobello Road – Best for antiques

A go-to for antiques aficionados for more than 160 years, Portobello Road Market is the place to pick up unique items from stalls and shops stretching over a mile along Portobello Road and Golborne Road. But it’s not just antiques… browse for finds ranging from books and music to fashion and food.

If you want the full market experience, the best time to visit is on Saturdays when the whole market is open or go on Fridays when only a few areas are closed. We recommend getting there early for your pick of the items before they go – it also becomes busier later in the morning.

If you’re less focused on antiques, opt for weekdays when it is quieter, and you can wander around without the crowds, but there are far fewer stalls open.

Best for: Those hunting for unusual finds and unique gifts.
Good to know: Come hungry… Acklam Village Market opens on Saturdays and Sundays with street food stalls serving worldwide flavours. Or, if you want to splash out, book a table at Michelin-starred The Ledbury, or enjoy refined British pub fare at The Fat Badger.

Unusual places to visit for free

Sir John Soane's Museum – Best for history buffs

This quirky museum, spread across three townhouses owned and redeveloped by the architect Sir John Soane, is a treasure trove of curiosities spanning centuries. See paintings by J.M.W. Turner and William Hogarth, alongside Romanesque statues, Greek reliefs, the sarcophagus of King Set I and more… Sir John Soane's Museum is a history lover's paradise that’s been preserved exactly how he left it when he died in 1837.

Don't forget to look up – you'll see all sorts of wonderful objects above your head. Also, ask the knowledgeable guides for more insight – our guide shines a light on the ceiling in the Monk's Parlour in the basement, explaining that it was reclaimed from Soane's original Bank of England building.

Our top tip is to plan your visit to coincide with one of the panel openings in the Picture Room. Soane's ingenious method of displaying even more of his pictures, hidden behind panels on the wall, allows the panels to be opened, revealing other works. Join at 11.30am or 3pm to see panels exposing a Turner painting and watercolours showing Soane's architectural designs. Or join at 2pm to see Hogarth's famous A Rake's Progress unveiled.

The busiest times can vary day by day, but weekday mornings and late afternoons are generally quietest – don't be put off if there is a small queue outside, the queue generally moves quickly.

Best for: History lovers keen to step inside the world of an eccentric collector.
Good to know: Any bags larger than a small handbag need to be put in the cloakroom; however, space is limited, and suitcases aren't allowed. If you have a bag, we suggest going into the cloakroom (door on the left) before joining the queue, to avoid losing your spot.

Grant Museum of Zoology – Best for weird and wonderful creatures

Originally set up as a teaching collection by Robert Grant, before Darwin had even proposed his Theory of Evolution, the quirky Grant Museum of Zoology housed in an Edwardian building, still hosts lectures for University College Students to this day. The displays ooze history, with specimens in jars and fossils neatly laid out in Edwardian-style display cases – it certainly takes us back in time.

Marvel at the Micrarium (our tip: look up to the mirror for a unique selfie surrounded by hundreds of microscope slides) and be amazed at the intricate Blaschka glass models of jellyfish. We suggest asking the curators to point out a few of their favourite exhibits, but among ours are the fossil penis worm (which, at more than half a billion years old, is the oldest item in the collection), the Suriname toad whose crumpet-like back helps to keep its eggs safe, and some tarsiers who look a little like they’ve been at an all-night rave!

The best time to visit is an hour before closing on weekdays, from 4pm to 5pm, which is generally much quieter. School holidays can be busy, when children can join object handling sessions.

Best for: Curious children and science-loving adults.
Good to know: The famous jar of moles (which once even had its own X account) is on loan to the main university site until mid-2027 for an exhibition celebrating the university's 200 years – which is also free to visit.

Horniman Museum – Best for unusual exhibits

You may know the Horniman Museum for its overstuffed walrus, but there’s much more to this south-east London museum than weird taxidermy, with vast and eclectic collections amassed by Victorian tea trade mogul Frederick Horniman. This museum is a great place to bring the kids, with all sorts of weird and wonderful exhibits, trails and fun hands-on activities to enjoy for free.

Make sure to spend time in the gardens – we suggest arriving before the museum opens at 10am, as the gardens open from 7.15am (8am on Sundays and bank holidays). We particularly love the Sunken Garden, where you can relax on a bench overlooking a pond, and also the grasslands and prairie gardens crammed full of wild plants.

Best for: Family days out with kids of all ages.
Good to know: The Nature Gallery, which houses the overstuffed walrus and other natural wonders, is currently closed until 2027 due to refurbishment.

Find more ideas for low-cost days out with our guide to cheap things to do in London.

Source: *Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) visitor numbers 2024

See our video for more free things to do in London