Free Activities to Enjoy in London During the Summer Holidays
1. Stroll Through the Royal Parks
London's Royal Parks are the city's green lungs, offering serene spots to relax and enjoy nature. Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and St. James's Park are perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and people-watching. In Hyde Park, you can visit the Serpentine Lake, Speaker's Corner, and even catch free events and performances. Regent's Park boasts beautiful gardens, including the Queen Mary's Gardens with its stunning rose displays.
2. Visit the Museums and Galleries
London is home to some of the world's best museums and galleries, many of which offer free entry. The British Museum, with its vast collection of art and artefacts from around the globe, is a must-visit. The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are perfect for families with children, offering interactive exhibits that make learning fun. If it's quiet I would recommend taking a trip to the basement of the science museum which is a play centre for kids that ours love! For art enthusiasts, I would recommend the Tate Modern - it showcases an impressive collection of classic and contemporary art, again many of the exhibits are free but you will have to pay for some exhibitions if you wish to see them.
3. Explore the Southbank
The Southbank of the River Thames is a lively area filled with cultural attractions and scenic views. The photo above was taken on one such trip and was one of our best days out in London and we didn't visit one place, we just strolled and took in the atmosphere and the kids were entertained all day! There are street performances along the river, free exhibitions at the Southbank Centre, and markets selling unique crafts and delicious food. The Southbank Book Market, located under Waterloo Bridge, is a also a treasure trove for book lovers.
London is a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, but can be an expensive place to explore. However, the summer holidays offer a plethora of free activities that can make your visit enjoyable without breaking the bank. Whether, like us, you're a local looking for new adventures or a tourist aiming to experience the best of London, here are some fantastic free activities to indulge in during the summer holidays.
4. Discover the Markets
London's markets are bustling with life and offer a unique glimpse into the city's diverse culture. Wherever you're situated in London there is a market to see. In south London you've got Borough Market, while known for its food, is also a great place to explore and enjoy free samples. In the north, Camden Market is a must visit, with its eclectic mix of stalls, offers everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewellery. In the west of London my absolute favourite is Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, famous for antiques and collectibles and in East London I would recommend London Fields Broadway Market which is ideally located next to the park and lido!
5. Relax by the Water
Speaking of water, London's waterways provide tranquil spots to unwind and enjoy the summer weather. The Regent's Canal offers scenic walks from Little Venice to Camden Lock. The Thames Path along the river is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering stunning views of landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. You can also hop on the Thames Clipper to see many of London's famous landmarks by boat, and it's even got a bar on board! Just jump on for a round trip, or hop off at your desired location.
6. Attend Free Music and Theatre Performances
London's cultural scene includes many free music and theatre events. The Scoop, an outdoor amphitheater near City Hall, hosts free performances ranging from live music to Shakespeare plays. The National Theatre's River Stage festival features free weekend performances, including theatre, dance, and family-friendly activities.
7. Visit the Iconic Landmarks
No trip to London is complete without visiting its iconic landmarks. While some attractions charge an entry fee, you can enjoy the exterior views for free. Take a walk around Buckingham Palace, climb up Nelson's column (a favourite of ours as you can see), and cross the Millennium Bridge to see St. Paul's Cathedral. As mentioned above, our favourite way to do many of these is a simple round trip on the thames clipper. You can check off a few places while sitting back and enjoying the ride! From greenwich, to London Bridge with great views of Tower of London right through to Waterloo, the eye and the houses of Parliament.
8. Explore the Street Art
London's street art scene is vibrant and constantly evolving. Areas like Shoreditch, Brick Lane, and Camden are renowned for their colourful murals and graffiti. Take a self-guided tour to discover the works of famous street artists such as Banksy and ROA. Be sure to pop into Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery for an iconic salt beef bagel!
I may be biased but London offers a wealth of free activities that cater to all interests and ages, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers. Don't get me wrong, if you want to spend money, there are no end of places to do that too, but it's also a hive of free fun waiting to be had. Whether you're interested in history, art, culture, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this magnificent city during the summer holidays.
Maybe see you around!
Katie- Please excuse the lack of Summer time London photos, all of ours seem to be in the rain, but none the less, still worth a visit, it's England afterall, you cant plan for the weather!