Have you ever put off a trip to London to save costs? Or thought to yourself, I wish London wasn’t so expensive. If so, I’ve got you! Here’s a list of everything you can do in London completely FREE

Who’s asking?

This was highly requested by my fellow university-goers and I don’t blame them! London can be very pricy with some of the most expensive restaurants, sights and shops in the country (not to mention the ever increasing price of train tickets!). But a day in London doesn’t necessarily need to break the bank! Here are over 50 things you can do without spending a pound or penny. So carry on reading and start saving! (Your purse is going to thank you!)

Rooftop Gardens in London

Why Visit?

One of my favourite things about London are the stunning skyline views you can get from London’s many rooftop restaurants, bars and viewing platforms. Of course, most of them come at a price – a rather large price at that! However, there is a way to get that gorgeous city view for free and that’s by visiting one of the following rooftop gardens.

1. Sky Garden, London

Location: 20 Fenchurch Street The Sky Garden (pictured above) has to be my favourite rooftop garden. It’s London’s highest public garden and with its 360-degree aerial view of the city, it’s one of the best places to see London from above! You can see all of the main attractions from Tower Bridge, the Tower of London the Shard, the Gherkin, Wembley Stadium, the London Eye and much more… Plant-wise, the Sky Garden hosts a variety of Mediterranean and South African plants from African Lilies, Red Hot Pokers and Birds of Paradise to herbs such as French Lavender. If you want to make a day of it (and are happy spending a bit), you can eat at one of the restaurants and bars: The Darwin Brasserie is located on Level 35 and serves a variety of seasonal British treats. On the rooftop itself you can find the Sky Pod Bar, City Garden Bar, Fenchurch Terrace and Fenchurch Restaurant. So what’s the catch? Well, I wasn’t kidding, the sky garden is completely free; however, they do have limited spaces. So, you have to go on their website and book one of their free tickets by choosing a time slot, entering your contact details and downloading the e-ticket that’s sent to your email. The tickets do tend to run out quickly so it’s worth booking well in advance!

2. The Garden at 120, London

Location: 120 Fenchurch Street The Garden at 120 is another stunning and original way to view London’s impressive city skyline. Situated on the 15th floor, it boasts views of all the main attractions as well as a beautiful array of Wisteria trees, wall plants (including apple and pear cordons and fig trees), various bulbs, grasses and perennials borders and shrubs. There’s also the chance to sit down at one of the City’s largest restaurants: 14 Hills (although of course that isn’t free!). Unlike the Sky Garden, when visiting The Garden at 120, you don’t need to book or have a ticket (unless you are a group of 12 or more). Instead, it operates on a first come-first serve basis. The gardens are open most of the day with the summer opening times (April-Sept) listed as 10am-9pm and Winter opening times (Oct-March) 10am-6:30pm

3. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden

Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road The Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden is a beautiful garden located on top of Queen Elizabeth Hall (funnily enough!) and overlooks the River Thames and London Eye. Bordered by luscious fruit trees and botanical flowers, it’s a beautiful place to relax in Summer. This garden also has a bar and cafe, and in the summer you can expect to see a lot of young people picnicking here to enjoy the rare British sun. Opening times: The garden is generally open from 12-9pm although they are open longer during April-Sep (10am-10:30pm)

Fantastic Free Views of London

Why Visit? If heights aren’t your thing you might want to give the rooftop gardens a miss. But how about a beautiful walk up one of the following hills? Many of them are a mere 10 minute walk from the nearest tube station but you certainly escape the busy London city feel. Why not have a picnic while you’re there! (But bring a picnic blanket – it can be slightly muddy…)

4. Walk up Primrose Hill

I did this walk just last week and can testify that it really is one of the prettiest views in London. A mere 16 min walk from Chalk Farm tube station, it’s very accessible, and not a difficult walk at all! Why not set up a picnic blanket and basket and enjoy a civilised lunch with 5* view? (or nab one of the sought-after benches if you’re quick!) Then, if you’ve had enough of green trees and bird squawking, head down the hill towards Camden Town for a spot of shopping! (or window shopping if you’re low on cash)

5. Climb up the top of Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is another beautiful spot to have a picnic and see the iconic London skyline. Just hop off at North Greenwich (Jubilee line), then catch the 188 or 129 bus. Greenwich Park doesn’t just host a stunning view of the City’s skyscrapers, but it’s also home to a beautiful deer park, rose garden, orchard, Royal observatory, Herbaceous Border, coffee cabin and Pavillion cafe! It definitely has a lot to offer! It’s also very close to the Queen’s House and the Old Royal Navy Chapel (both mentioned later on in this blog) so why not combine them and make a day of your visit to Greenwich! Opening Times: The park closes at different times depending on the season: 6pm (Nov-Feb), 7pm (March and Oct), 8pm (April and Sept) or 9pm (May-Aug).

6. Parliament Hill

Situated in Hampstead Heath, this viewpoint is further out than the other two, but definitely one of the prettiest views of London! In fact it’s the highest point in London (at 98 metres high!). To get here take the tube and get off at Hampstead Heath. From here you can the London classics: St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster, the Gherkin and the Shard as well as the other skyscrapers that help shape London’s iconic skyline – all from the comfort of a free wooden bench! (just make sure you visit on a clear day!) If you’re travelling with kids don’t worry there’s also an adventure playground to help persuade them up the hill! Opening times: 24/7

7. Public Viewing Gallery at the Oxo Tower

The public viewing gallery at the Oxo Tower really is one of London’s best hidden gems. Located on the 8th floor on South Bank it overlooks the Millennium Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral – in fact it’s one of the best places to photograph St Paul’s! There’s also free admission to the gallery Oxo exhibitions and the Coin Street Festival every summer if you want to make the most of your time there. Opening times: 11am-6pm daily

Visit One of London’s Free Museums

One thing I’ve grown to appreciate so much with my own travels, is coming back to London and being able to visit its museums and galleries largely for free. It’s really hard to come across that elsewhere and is something that really sets London apart. So make the most of it! Please note that at the moment, although the tickets are free, you have to pre-book tickets to ensure social distancing.

8. British Museum

What’s inside: Exhibitions surrounding human history, art and culture Opening times: 10am-5pm daily Location: Great Russell Street

9. Natural History Museum

What’s inside: Vast collection of historical artefacts – don’t miss the skeletons! – especially the Great Blue Whale. Opening times: Wednesday-Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday) 11am-5:50pm (last entry 4:30pm) Location: Cromwell Road

10. Museum of London

What’s inside: documents the history of the UK’s capital city from prehistoric to modern times Opening times: Monday-Friday (11.30am-3.30pm) Saturday and Sunday (10am-6pm) Location: 150 London Wall

11. Queen’s House

What’s inside: The Queen’s House is a former royal residence and now home to one of the greatest art collections in the world. (Don’t miss the famous Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I) Opening times: 10:30am-4pm daily Location: Greenwich

12. William Morris Gallery

What’s inside: Displays the life and work of William Morris. Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm. Location: Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow.

13. V&A Museum

What’s inside: the world’s largest museum of “applied and decorative arts and design”, as well as an impressive array of sculptures. Opening times: Wednesday – Sunday: 11.00-19.00 (beginning 4th November – 10.00-17.45) Location: Cromwell Road

14. Imperial War Museum

What’s inside: The world’s leading war museum, the Imperial War Museum incapsulates the experiences hundreds of people were facing at the time. Opening times: 10am to 6pm daily Location: Lambeth Road

Walk Around Covent Garden

Another of my favourite things to do in London is to stroll around Covent Garden. Although originally a fruit and vegetable market, Covent Garden is now a popular shopping and tourist spot, flanked with beautiful seasonal displays and lively entertainment.

15. Watch the street entertainers

Covent Garden is home to some of the most talented street artists and performers and whether or not it’s your main reason for coming to the square it’s always entertaining to watch for a few minutes. In fact, Covent Garden is renowned for hosting some of the world’s best street performers – many of which starred in TV shows/movies, the Cirque du Soleil or international festivals. Some even hold Guinness World Records!

16. Walk around the many shops and restaurants

There’s a wealth of shops in Covent Garden – from Tiffany and Apple to Lush and Hotel Chocolat to independent brands such as “Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop”. Restaurants like The Ivy Market Grill (pictured above) and bars like Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour make Covent Garden a perfect dinner or lunch spot but it’s also fun just to walk through the market window shopping.

17. admire the seasonal decorations

A sucker for seasonal displays, I can never resist a stroll through Covent Garden to see the latest decorations. Next time you’re there make sure to check the outside of the Ivy Market Grill, the inside of Aubaine and the front and back of the market entryway!

Free Walking Tour in London

If you’re new to London, one of the best ways of getting to know the area is to book a walking tour – that way you can really take in the sights and learn about the area without having to constantly consult your map and work out where you’re going. Strawberry Tours hosts a number of free walking tours which last from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours. If you’re interested in visiting the Royal Palaces and Big Ben choose the “Free London Landmarks Tour WEST”. If you’re more interested in London’s Old City choose the “Landmarks Tour EAST”. Beyond these, there’s a Harry Potter tour, Jack the Ripper Tour, Free Street Art & Graffiti Tour, Soho Walking Tour, Ghost tour and London Pub Crawl! There really is something for everyone!

Have A Picnic At One of London’s Many Parks

19. Richmond Park (Royal Park)

Richmond Park was created by Charles 1 as a deer park and to this day it’s one of the best places to see deer. It’s the largest of London’s Royal Parks and serves as a nature reserve and home to 650 deer. But it’s not just the company of deer you can enjoy here! Richmond Park also has a golf course as well as its Isabella Plantation which is known for its azaleas and large collection of Rhododendrons and Camellias. So, why not take your picnic basket and enjoy lunch overlooking the picturesque scenery? If you’re in the mood for a bit of luxury you can even ride in their horse-drawn carriages before heading to the elegant Pembroke Lodge for a spot of afternoon tea! Not your cup of tea? No problem! Just head to the Roehampton Cafe for a coffee (or sweet treat) before your drive back! Opening times: 7:30am- 6pm

20. Hyde Park (Royal Park)

Hyde Park is another of the Royal Parks (there’s 8 in total), and at 350 acres it’s a very grand one! Featuring the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine lake, there’s plenty to do – from open water swimming, boating, tennis or horse riding! Plenty of people go there to jog, walk or cycle but if you’re not into any of that why not admire the views from the comfort of the waterside cafe? Opening times: 5am-midnight

21. Kensington Gardens (Royal Park) – Peter Pan statue and Princess Diana memorial

Kensington Gardens, located just the other side of the Serpentine, is even more beautiful and grand to look at. Home to the Serpentine Galleries (filled with contemporary art and architecture) and Albert Memorial, with views of Kensington Palace, this park has something for everyone! If you’re travelling with kids, simply head to the Diana Memorial Playground and watch as their faces light up with glee at the Huge wooden pirate ship and Peter Pan trail situated there. Did you know the park has it’s own allotment? That’s right! You can even go there to pick up tips on growing your very own fruit and vegetables at home. That, or you could go to visit the chickens (definitely my preference!) Opening times: 6am-6:30pm

22. St James’ Park (Royal Park)

Not far from the previous two, St James’ Park overlooks Buckingham Palace. Here you have the chance to visit “The Mall”, Horse Guards Parade, the Queen Victoria Memorial, Duke of York Statue and the beautiful Buckingham Palace Flower Beds. It’s also a lovely place to sit for a picnic with views of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall. Not sold yet? Well, this’ll do it! When visiting St James’ Park you have the chance to meet Royalty! That’s right, St James’ Park is not just a recreational park, but the home of over 40 pelicans – Pelicans that were originally presented as a gift from the Russian Ambassador to King Charles II in 1664! Opening times: 5am-midnight

23. Bushy Park (Royal Park)

The largest of the Royal Parks, Bushy Park covers an area of 1,099 acres and with it comes an array of beautiful waterways, gardens and grassland. Not to mention the herds of roaming deer you can expect to see when visiting! Other things to look out for include the famous Diana fountain found at the end of Chestnut Avenue, the Upper Lodge Water Gardens, Woodland Gardens, and array of birds – from woodpeckers to kestrels and kingfishers. Opening times: 6:30am-7pm

Kid’s Friendly Activities in London

24. Visit Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross

A visit to Platform 9 3/4 is a must for any Harry Potter fans and it’s a great way to keep your kid entertained without spending a bomb (like you have to visiting an amusement park). Simply pop on a train and get off at Kings Cross. Then follow the signs to Platforms 9 to 11, walk past the ticket office, to the right of the Disabled Meeting Point sign and past the cash machines. On the right you should see the Platform 9 3/4 sign (under the footbridge) with half-trolley installed in the wall for effect. Here you can take photos of you and your little ones – make sure you jump up for the photo to make it look like the trolly is transporting you through the wall! You can also have a professional photograph taken by the team there – Harry Potter props and all! Photographs are £9.50 each but they do deals if you buy more than one. If you don’t want to pay that just take your own photographs or ask someone else waiting in line (just be aware of pickpockets who sometimes loiter around there). To round off your trip, why not head to the Harry Potter shop just a few steps away – it’s filled with Harry Potter memorabilia and clothing and the perfect place for avid Harry Potter fans! Opening times: Since it’s a public train station it’s open all day (5am-1:30am) but to beat the crowds I’d suggest visiting before 9am if possible and avoiding the school holidays! The shop is open 9am-9pm daily.

25. Vauxhall City Farm

Escape the bustle of city life with this jolly day out. Vauxhall City Farm gives you you a taste of rural life within the walls of London. Home to pigs, rabbits, sheep, alpacas, ducks and a whole host of small animals, the farm is a haven for kids. This is the perfect place to teach your kids about the animals of the world! Meeting characters such as Ben, Jerry and Tom (the alpacas) to Edward the pig, a visit to Vauxhall City Farm is bound to put a smile on your kid’s face! There are lots of craft activities available for them to get involved with as well as the opportunity to go horse riding (for £25). Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday (10.30am-3.30pm)

26. Madchute Farm and Park

Madchute Farm and Park is another great day out for the kids, with horse riding, farm animals, plants & natural wildlife and restaurant. The farm animals consist of cows, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, llamas, aviary birds, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and a pets corner (including rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals which you can pet and handle) Opening times: Farm: everyday 9am-5pm, kitchen: (9:30am-3/4pm but closed on Mondays)

27. Royal Festival Hall for a singing surprise

If you’re struggling to know what to do in London – perhaps it’s a rainy day and you don’t fancy a trip to a muddy farm – then I have the perfect solution. In fact it’s a bit of a Londoner’s secret…. When you enter Royal Festival Hall you’ll find a lift (nothing special right?) Well, here’s where you’re wrong – it just so happens to be a singing lift and its a real catch with the kids. (expect to have several trips up and down!) To get here, enter the Royal Festival Hall via the main entrance, close to the river. Walk towards the far left corner and you’ll see the lift.

For a Classic London Experience

28. Watch the Changing of the Guard (Buckingham Palace)

One of the classic London experiences has to be visiting Buckingham Palace and watching the Changing of the Guard. The guards wear their traditional red coats and black bearskin hats. Best spots for watching it: St. James’ Palace (good for a quick glimpse without a long wait, but it can get crowded), The Mall (not too crowded and there are no barriers to block your view, also a good spot for close-up photographs), Wellington Barracks, Victoria Memorial (elevated – so good view of the whole ceremony, but you need to get there very early to avoid crowds which could restrict your view), Buckingham Palace Gates (closest you can get, but need to arrive at least 1.5 hours before it starts and can get very crowded), Spur Road (best if you don’t like crowds but you can’t see much of the ceremony) When to go: The times are as follows: (but make sure you check for the date you plan to visit as they can sometimes change) 10:43 Old Guard leaves St James’s Palace, 10:57 New Guard leaves Wellington Barrack, 11:00 Official Start Time, 11:10 St James’s Palace relief leaves Buckingham Palace, 11:25 Relieved sentries leave St James’s Palace, 11:40 Old Guard leaves Buckingham Palace, 11:45 St James’s Palace Guard leaves Buckingham Palace

29. Hang out at Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of the classic London sights you just have to see when you’re visiting the area. It’s a public square named after the Battle of Trafalgar victory of 1805 and home to a number of London’s top attractions and seasonal events throughout the year. Firstly, there’s the historic statues and monuments: Trafalgar Square holds a number of significant statues from Nelson’s Column (erected in 1805 in honour of Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar), the Trafalgar Square lions (added in 1867 as ‘protectors’ of the Nelson’s Column monument), the fountains (added in 1845 featuring dolphins, mermaids and tritons and which lights up at night), the statues of General Sir Charles James Napier, Major General Sir Henry Havelock and King George IV. Then there’s the local attractions: the National Gallery, St Martins-in-the-Fields Church, The Strand, Whitehall, the Admiralty Arch and The Mall. Finally, there’s a number of seasonal events hosted in Trafalgar Square that’s well worth a visit (perhaps not in the current Covid climate though). There’s the Chinese New Year and Pride festivals (to name just a couple) and various Christmas events such as carol singing under the big Christmas tree that happen every year.

30. Free tour at Somerset House

A palace on the outskirts of Covent Garden, Somerset House was once the home of 3 Catholic queens. Now it serves as a cultural and art hub – from contemporary art exhibitions, sculptures and photography to outdoor music gigs, film screenings and tours. If not for the exhibitions, the house itself is well worth a visit. From the grand exterior to the beautiful spiral staircase, a day at Somerset House is a photographers dream. There are two main tours you can do: the Old Palace Tour (1hr, held on Tuesdays at 12:45pm and 2:45pm) and the Historical Highlights Tour (held every Thursday at 1:15pm and 2:45pm and every Saturday at 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm and 3:15pm). Tickets for the tours are available from 10:30am on the day and it’s worth going there ASAP since the tickets get nabbed very quickly! COVID: The exhibitions and restaurants/cafes are open. However, Somerset House isn’t doing their tours at the moment due to COVID restrictions. However, if that’s something you’re keen on doing it’s worth checking their website regularly since they are expecting to run again soon. Make sure you wear a face mask at all times when inside the House.

31. Visit Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has a rich and beautiful history and is one of the top attractions when visiting London. Indeed, hundreds of tourists flock their each year! It’s been the venue for many famous services – from the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 to Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Royal Wedding just 9 years ago. Normally you have to pay to enter the Abbey and tickets can cost up to £20 for adults and £40-45 for families. However, there is an opportunity to visit for free! That’s right, you can visit for free if you attend one of the services! You can’t roam around during the service like you would if you’d bought a ticket but it’s a perfect way to see the inside of the Abbey and see it in action! Cathedrals are built to be sung in so attend a service and see it in all its glory. For a list of the services available each day click here.

32. Visit London’s Street Art

Not all artwork is displayed within the walls of the traditional London galleries – just take a stroll down Shoreditch and you’ll see! That’s right, London is also home to an impressive array of Street artists – with some of the biggest and best collections of street art in the world. One of the most famous of these artists has to be Banksy, whose art has adorned the walls of London for more than a decade, often with a political standpoint. Where to go: Although you can find a number of colourful art pieces in Camden and Leake Street Tunnel, my favourite spot for has to be Shoreditch. Start by walking past the Splice Building, then Red Gallery on Rivington Street then walk down Great Eastern Street before turning onto New Inn Yard. Finally, head towards King John Court which is packed with some of Shoreditch’s greatest pieces. If you’re still raring for more head to Holywell Lane, Railway Hoardings, Ebor Street, Wheeler Street, Whitby Street, Sclater Street, Brick Lane, Pedley Street, Allen Gardens, Hanbury Street or Princelet Street.

London’s Best Free Gardens

33. Barbican Conservatory

Barbican Conservatory is a real botanical treat! The second biggest conservatory in London, it’s a real must when visiting London. It’s home to more than 1,500 species of plants and trees as well as flora and three pools filled with koi, ghost and grass corp from Japan and America and a smaller pool with terrapin turtles! They also have a number of restaurants if you want to make a day of it! From wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers to poached salmon and grilled chicken! To grab your free ticket check their website – tickets are released one week in advance from 9:30am each day but hurry they have a limited number of tickets! Location: Barbican Centre (Level 3), Silk Street

34. Brown Hart Gardens

Described as “a rejuvenated oasis”, Brown Hart Gardens really is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise bustling city! Located in Mayfair, on a terrace, it features a number of trees and plants, fountains, gazebo and fantastic view of the surrounding area. It’s a particularly great place to spend your lunch hour if you work in Oxford Street – a chance to get away for an hour and see some greenery. Location: Mayfair Opening times: Mon-Sat (8am-8pm) Sun 10am-8pm

35. Holland Park 

I’ve found myself visiting Kensington a lot recently (mainly to suss out the floral cafes) and was recently alerted to this beautiful Park (by my brother no less!) and what a find it is! Surrounded by a Jacobean mansion, the park is filled with woodlands, a Japanese Kyoto Garden, several play areas and a host of mammals, insects and birds. My favourite area has to be the Japanese garden – fitted with Koi carp, pond, cute bridge, waterfall and peacocks it’s the perfect summer paradise! Another reason for visiting the park is the wonderful music you can enjoy. Opera Holland Park (which was nominated for the 2020 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards) put on operas each year in the park – a temporary auditorium set up in the middle of Holland Park under a spectacular white canopy accompanied with a choice of picturesque picnic areas (including The East Deck, The Dutch Garden Lounge, The Mezzanine or The Terrace). You’ll need to buy tickets in advance to see the performances but it’s well worth the visit. In fact the 2021 production list has already been announced (featuring Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen and Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz, and a revival of their 2018 staging of Verdi’s La traviata.) Location: Ilchester Place, Kensington Opening times: 7:30am-dusk daily

36. Columbia Road Flower Market, London

Now, if you’ve ticket off all of the previous gardens from your list, I have a rather unique suggestion for you. Instead of walking around already-cultivated gardens take things in your own hands and create your own flower display! Columbia Road Flower Market is the best place to stimulate your creative mind and give you major flower inspo! Each Sunday, Columbia Road bursts into life with the sights and smells of freshly cut flowers as florists come from all over to showcase their freshest, most beautiful blooms. Even if you don’t plan on taking any flowers back with you it’s well worth the trip just for the experience – walking along row after row of bright colourful blooms packed to perfection. Don’t miss: A visit to Columbia Road Market would not be complete without visiting the following: Mr & Mrs Grover (a married couple who have sold herbs at Columbia Road for over 30 years), Dennis at Saffron Flowers (has provided the best quality flowers in Europe since 1973 and has an especially beautiful display of tulips from the Netherlands), Rathbone Flowers (a father and son duo who specialise in Gerber’s, gladioli and amaryllis all imported from the Netherlands directly). Finally, there’s the Columbia Cafe which serves coffee and some rather famously good bagels!

Free Art Galleries in London

37. Tate Britain, London

What’s inside: The Tate Britain is one of the largest museums in the country. It houses some of the best British art of all time – from 1500 right until today. One of the highlights of the Tate Britain is the collection of works from J. M. W. Turner. Opening hours: 10am-6pm (timed ticket required) Location: Millbank, Westminster

38. Tate Modern, London

What’s inside: The Tate Modern focuses on contemporary art and has some of the best pieces from all over the world – including Cezanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dali, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois. Opening hours: 10am-6pm (timed tickets required) Location: Bankside (get off at Southwark or Blackfriars)

39. National Gallery, London

What’s inside: The National Gallery showcases some of the best works of art from around Europe. In particular, you can expect to see artwork from Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir and Van Gogh. Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily (Friday until 9pm) (advance booking only) Location: Trafalgar Square

40. Royal Academy of Arts, London

What’s inside: Founded in 1768, The Royal Academy of Arts houses some of the older pieces of artwork. It also has a number of temporary and touring exhibitions – with its annual Summer Exhibition being one of the best in its area. Opening hours: 10am-6pm (Friday until 10pm) Location: Burlington House

41. Guildhall Art Gallery, London

What’s inside: The Guildhall Art Gallery also features some world famous masterpieces – including John Singleton Copley’s ‘Defeat of the Floating Batteries at Gibraltar, September 1782’, William Logsdail’s ‘The Ninth of November, 1888’, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s ‘La ghirlandata’. They have artwork ranging from 1670 to the 21st century but are known for being particularly strong in Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite material. Opening hours: Mon-Sat (10am-5pm), Sunday: 12-4pm Location: Guildhall Yard

42. Wallace Collection, London

What’s inside: The Wallace Collection houses more than just paintings, with sculptures, furniture, arms and armour, and porcelain showcased within their walls. The works of art were collected by the first four Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace during the 18th and 19th centuries and generally display artwork from the 14th to mid-19th century. Highlights include The Rainbow Landscape by Peter Paul Rubens; The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals; and Titus, the Artist’s Son by Rembrandt. Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily Location: Hertford House, Manchester Square (Get off at Bond Street or Baker Street)

Music & Performances in London

43. Southbank Centre

Visit the the Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall for free concerts. Of course, due to COVID, these premises are currently closed but keep an eye on their website to be the first to know when they’re welcoming visitors again. In the meantime why not watch one of their regular online concerts!

44. Royal Opera House & English National Opera

The Royal Opera House launched its free Live at Lunch scheme in 2018. Located in the Linbury Foyer at the Opera House in Covent Garden, it lasts roughly 45 minutes from 1pm-1:45pm. Just enough time for your lunch break! – that’s what I call eating in style! At The English National Opera you can even watch an opera for free! With their Under-18 scheme, teenagers can get a free ticket to watch any of their Friday, Saturday or open night performances. Just make sure to check the T&Cs on their website… Again, it’s worth noting these have been put on hold for the moment due to COVID but do keep an eye on the website and see what you can do to support the musicians virtually in the meantime!

45. Ain’t Nothing But… (Blues Bar)

If classical music isn’t your thing why not check out the blues bar “Ain’t Nothing But” which allows free entry daily for their live blues music (providing you are over the age of 18). They’ve managed to keep going even with COVID but closing times reflect the current situation (so close at 10pm in time for the curfew).

46. Hootananny Brixton

Known for its Reggae Sundays, Hootananny Brixton is one of the best music venues for Live World Music and features some amazing disco, reggae and folk rhythms gigs. They are currently open (with socially distanced tables) but only on a first come first served basis. They also serve a wide variety of food – from Burgers and Pizzas to Caribbean Food stalls and Mexican dishes.

47. Royal Academy of Music

At the Royal Academy of Music you can sit in and watch a host of accomplished musicians during their free lunchtime concerts. Due to government guidelines you can’t currently go inside the building to. visit but a number of their concerts are being live-streamed in the meantime. To book your virtual ticket click here!

48. St Martin-in-the-Fields Church

You can also attend free lunchtime concerts at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square and they are known for being some of the best live classical music performances – so why not weave it into your itinerary next time you’re in London. Thankfully, due to their careful COVID measures (hand sanitising stations, track and trace scheme and mandatory face masks), they’ve been able to stay open (even with the recent move to Tier 2) but if you’re not able to visit in person why not give their virtual concerts a watch! Click here to access their online programme.

49. The Troubadour

If you’re in the mood for jazz you’re going to want to give the Troubadour a visit! Attracting some of the best-known jazz musicians around the world, it’s the perfect place for a musical night out. To visit for free, go on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday evening.

50. Trafalgar Square, London

In the summer you can watch free screenings of the Royal Opera House’s opera or ballet performances in Trafalgar Square. It’s a great way to get together with friends and family and have a picnic in the warm evening air whilst watching some of the best musicians and performers in the world! – All for free! If Trafalgar Square isn’t very convenient to get to don’t worry! – they normally set up screens in Wembley Park, Television Centre (White City) and the Arena Square (Wembley). No tickets are required but you’ll want to arrive well in advance so you can secure a spot with a good view!

Seasonal Delights in London

51. Chinese New Year

There’s a number of places you can go in London to celebrate Chinese New Year but my personal favourites have to be Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the West End. Every Year between January 21 and February 20, festivities pop up across London to celebrate the new moon with carnival costumes and festive foods. Let’s start with the famous parade. You’ve probably seen pictures of huge dragons and people on stilts parading across London – it’s quite a sight! The parade normally starts on Charing Cross Road and heads on to Chinatown, which is normally adorned with festive Chinese lanterns. In Trafalgar Square you can expect an equally stunning performance with screen shows, firecrackers, traditional dragon and lion dances and martial arts displays. Team this up with the excellent array of asian street food dishes and you’ve got the perfect seasonal day out! The West End also lights up with festive cheer – with some of the best Chinese artists taking to the stage to showcase their talents from dancing and music to martial arts and acrobatics.

52. Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill is another famous festival that takes place every August bank holiday weekend. London’s biggest street part, crowds gather from all over to join in the carnival spirit – celebrating the music, colours and flavours of Caribbean culture. It takes place between London W10 and W11 (around Notting Hill, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park, Landbroke Grove and Kensal Road) and features around 50,000 performers. It’s often attended by over 1 million people so make sure to stick with your group and stay safe!

53. New Year’s Day Parade, London

Every year in the centre of town, London’s New Year’s Day Parade takes place – a tradition that has been going on for almost 50 years, showcasing the nation’s greatest performers and a number of spectacular floats! Up to 1 million people crowd the streets to watch it and many more watch it on TV (probably whilst recovering from a rather bad hangover!) The parade starts at 12pm and carries on until around 3:30pm (although from my experience it takes a lot longer until you’re actually able to leave with the huge crowds and blocked off areas) It normally begins at Piccadilly going east towards Piccadilly Circus, left down Pall Mall, past Trafalgar Square and down Whitehall to finish at Westminster (although for the first 22 years it actually did the complete reverse!). Why the change? Apparently US TV broadcasters weren’t happy with the view! Just some of the performers you can expect to see include: the London School of Samba (South American music and dance), London’s Chinese Community (often performing a traditional dragon dance), street dancers, Carnaval Del Pueblo (rhythm and dance from Latin America) and of course the Queen’s Horses!

54. St Patrick’s Day

Every 17 March, Ireland celebrated St. Patrick’s Day and to honour this day London does its very own Patrick’s Day Parade from Piccadilly to Whitehall – complete with flamboyant floats, marching bands and Irish dancers. A day of Irish celebration, you can also expect to see performances from Irish artists, tuck in to Irish food at the markets and drink Guinness at the green-painted Irish pubs.

A Taste of Something New in London

55. Attend a court case in London!

Not many people know you can sit in at court cases – and it’s completely free! I’d definitely recommend anyone aspiring to be a lawyer do this – it’s a great way of seeing the Law in action. Even if you aren’t interested in becoming a lawyer it still makes for an interesting day out. Make sure you research the appropriate codes of conduct before you go and make sure you’re dressed appropriately (generally smart casual).

56. Visit the Public Galleries in the Houses of Parliament

As well as visiting a court case, you are able to visit the public galleries in the House of Commons and House of Lords and watch the debates going on that day! You’ll be able to watch your MPs question the government and debate current issues and legislation. You don’t have to want to be a politician to enjoy watching the debates – it’s quite interesting just to see what goes on in the Houses and see the people you voted for and against. For the sitting times click here.