The Ultimate Free Things To Do in London (2025 Edition)
If you thought you needed deep pockets to live it up in London, think again. The city may be known for sky-high rent and pricey pints, but it’s also packed with amazing free experiences—many of them so unique, locals keep stumbling over them like buried treasure.
From art trails and secret gardens to rooftop panoramas and cultural festivals, here’s your guide to London’s best completely free things to do in 2025—each one worthy of a bookmark.
1. Discover Public Art at Canary Wharf’s Art Trail
Tucked inside one of London’s financial hubs is the Canary Wharf Art Trail—over 100 sculptures and architectural pieces scattered across the outdoor estate. Whether you want to admire contemporary art up close or jog a 5k trail with art along the way, it’s free, creative, and surprisingly peaceful.
2. Wander the “Sculpture in the City” Outdoor Gallery
Every summer, the City’s streets transform into an open-air gallery. Sculpture in the City places rotating global artworks by artists like Anish Kapoor and Tracey Emin among Aldgate’s skyscrapers. It’s free, artistic, and changes annually—meaning there’s always something new to discover.
3. Relax at the Artist’s Garden on Temple Station
This hidden gem is a secret elevated garden perched above Temple Tube—The Artist’s Garden features rotating contemporary sculpture, peaceful seating, and Thames views, all with zero entry fee. A perfect spot for a quiet lunch or creative inspiration.
4. Catch the Beautiful Light Show of the Illuminated River
After dark, the Thames comes alive with Illuminated River, a 3.2-mile long public art installation that lights up nine bridges with LED artistry inspired by Monet and Turner. Watching it is free—just stroll along the riverbanks and bask in the glow.
5. Book-Lovers’ Dream: National Poetry Library at Southbank
On the fifth floor of the Southbank Centre, the National Poetry Library holds over 200,000 volumes of UK poetry—completely free to access. Whether you're a reader, writer, or just curious, it's a treasure trove in a beautifully serene setting.
6. Soak Up City Views—Without Paying a Penny
Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street offers sweeping 360° London views—free, but book weeks in advance.
Horizon 22 at Bishopsgate, even taller, is another free-view experience.
One New Change rooftop gives an awesome (and free) view of St Paul’s Cathedral—no booking required.
7. Free Museums & Art Galleries (Yes, Really!)
London’s world-class museums continue their free tradition—check out the British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, and Wallace Collection, among others, completely free of charge.
8. Seek Out the Mithraeum—London’s Secret Roman Temple
Hidden beneath Bloomberg HQ is The Mithraeum, a subterranean Roman-era temple now open as a free immersive exhibit. It’s one of London’s most mysterious and underrated historic finds.
9. Watch Street Creators at Leake Street Tunnel
Also known as the “Banksy Tunnel,” this Waterloo tunnel is a legal graffiti canvas—a constantly changing gallery where artists leave bold, emotive murals. Walking through here is free, art-filled, and endlessly intriguing.
10. Hunt for Blue Plaques Across the City
Turn sightseeing into a historical scavenger hunt—London’s blue plaques mark the former homes of luminaries like Dickens, Gandhi, Hendrix, and Woolf. A free, fascinating way to connect with the city’s legacy as you wander.
11. Attend Free Cultural Festivals & Events
From Pride in London and UK Black Pride to Notting Hill Carnival, Rathayatra, and feast-filled celebrations at Trafalgar Square—the capital pulses with free cultural magic all year.
12. Wander Through Royal Parks, Markets & Green Spaces
Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park (with wild deer), Greenwich Park, and more are yours to explore.
Little Venice offers peaceful canal-side views.
Markets like Camden, Brick Lane, and East London’s street areas provide free entertainment, people-watching, and browsing.
13. Experience Free Live Music and Performances
London’s creative pulse is visible and audible—West End Live, street performances in Covent Garden, and free jazz events at pubs like The Old Blue Last keep culture accessible and vibrant.
14. Visit Historic Manor Houses (With Passes)
London is dotted with hidden heritage gems like Ham House, Strawberry Hill House, and Eastbury Manor House. If you have a National Trust or English Heritage pass, you can explore them for free.
Final Word: Why It Matters
London’s free offerings are more than budget-savers—they're culture-savers. From art to parks, history to public rituals, the city proves that some of the richest experiences need not cost a penny. Whether you're new to London or know it like your local commute, there’s always something free and fresh waiting to be discovered.
Found something new to explore? Bookmark this guide and share it with fellow explorers. For more hidden gems, secret experiences, and the best of London you didn’t know existed, follow @Londonyaar—your local guide to the capital’s heart and soul.