Free days out in London do exist!

As the United Kingdom’s capital city, London is visited by millions of tourists every year who expect to pay a bundle on sightseeing. But this city is full of fascinating and exciting things to see and do that don’t all necessarily come with a high price tag. There are many free days out in London suitable for everyone that will ensure your family has a great time.

Museums and Galleries

There are plenty of free museums and galleries to visit in London. Located near Russell Gardens in Bloomsbury, the British Museum is home to a staggering 8 million works of art showcasing human history and culture. The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is not to be missed. There are various exhibitions throughout the year such as ‘Dinosaurs’ and the live ‘Seasonal Butterflies’ outdoors exhibition where you can see many different types of butterfly flying right above your head! Next door you’ll find the Science Museum. Often overshadowed by its neighbour, this museum is ideal for younger children who will love exploring the exciting exhibits of spacecraft and motor vehicles as well as watching live chemistry shows! With a children’s play area and great facilities, this really is a great day out.

The National Gallery is situated at Trafalgar Square and is one of the 5 most visited museums in the world. See over 2300 paintings and artwork from the 13th to 20th centuries from all over the world. With plenty of fun and interactive activities for the kids to do, the Tate Modern and Tate Britain art galleries are other excellent choices. Both located on the bank of the River Thames just a short distance from each other, you can see a huge display of artwork from many different types of artist. You can also listen to talks, films and join in on workshops to help enhance your enjoyment and learning experience. Just a short walk from here is the V&A Museum and Imperial War Museum which are also completely free to explore! All of these museums reside in buildings with some of the most impressive architecture you’ll see in London so don’t forget your camera!

Parks and Outdoors

The Royal Parks of Kensington Gardens and Regent’s Park are superb large open spaces where you can relax and explore. Kensington Gardens is home to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. Kids will love this big wooden, Peter-Pan inspired pirate ship surrounded by a sandy beach, exotic plants, scultptures and walking trails with excellent seating areas for the adults to watch and relax. There are also a number of small cafés selling drinks and ice creams. In Regent’s Park, you can take the Bird Walk to see swans, grey herons, ducks and geese.

In Queen Mary’s Gardens, you’ll see around 12,000 roses in 85 different varieties as well as other exotic flowers. With plenty of benches, you can really escape the hustle and bustle of the city in this stunning and tranquil open space. Hyde Park, Holland Park and Richmond Park are also great spots for a long afternoon walk or a sunny picnic, each with their own unique attractions and facilities.

The Changing of the Guard is a famous and popular attraction. Located at Buckingham Palace, this event takes place usually every other day and is the process of switching the old guard with the new guard. The ceremony is precise in chorography and very elaborate. It’s fascinating to watch! The well-known landmark of Trafalgar Square is a great space where you can enjoy a street performance or people watching before snapping photos of Nelson’s Column and the spectacular fountains. There’s also the Fourth Plinth which changes its exhibit regularly. In the past, there has been a range of artwork and sculptures to see and even live performances showcasing the latest artistic talent.

Other Free Attractions and Events

Not far from Tower Bridge, Southwark Cathedral is located on the south bank of the River Thames and is famous for being the oldest cathedral in London, having been on the site since before approximately AD 606! The Cathedral is a popular venue for various concerts and ceremonies. It has some nice gardens to wander around as well as a café and shop.

The Notting Hill Carnival is held each year in August and is the largest street festival in Europe. This carnival celebrates the different cultures and traditions of the Afro-Caribbean communities, providing a unique mix of music, food and dance. Enjoy the wonderful colours and sounds at this immensely popular event!

London has a number of great camping and caravan sites where you can relax at the end of a long day, all with excellent public transport links into central London. With a huge list of free and fun days out, a trip to the capital is highly recommended!