Free Things To Do In London In The Summer

There is no denying that London is a bank-balance-breaking city. £12 for diluted cocktails? Truly one of the worst things the city has to offer. However, amidst gut-wrenching costs, London is also one of the best places to spend hours enjoying an endless collection of free activities. The irony is revealing. Galleries, gardens and changing of the guard are just a few of the many free things to do in London that make locals and visitors appreciate the beauty of the English capital. 

Between the golden glow of sunrise and illuminating, twinkling lights of nightfall, you will find yourself mesmerised and rewriting the narrative of this sometimes misunderstood destination. It also doesn’t hurt that under blue skies and wrapped in warm air, London feels like a whole new place.

At the end of the day, the best things in life are free, and I understand that as much as the next person, so read on to find out how to make your wallet happy.

Travel and Accommodation In London 

While London is a large city, Central London, where you can enjoy most of these activities, is not. You can’t go wrong with where you stay, but I recommend staying on the north side of the River Thames. 

Good options include:

• Comfort Inn London – Westminster
• citizenM London Bankside
• Apex London Wall Hotel
• Dorsett City London
• Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s

London is incredibly well connected, and you can catch any transport link by simply tapping your card or phone wallet to the card readers on the bus or at the barriers before the train platforms. As such, you don’t even need to stay within Zone 1

Ten Free Things To Do In London

Admire The Changing of the Guard

London knows a thing or two about tradition and there is nothing more perfectly, historically English than heading over to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard outside its tall gates. The pomp and circumstance of the ceremony are more than a line of marching men, there are also brass bands, choreography and fun uniforms to marvel at.

Be At Peace In Barbican Conservatory 

With the sunlight streaming through its glass roof and quiet atmosphere, the lush setting of the Barbican Conservatory is one of my favourite places to be in London over the summer. Walk past the buzz of the Barbican Centre and up to this lovely garden tucked away on the third floor and packed with tropical plants, cacti and flowers which can be enjoyed with a refreshing drink at the bar. Don’t be surprised if you see photoshoots taking place – it really is just magical of a location. 

Book free tickets here. 

Catch The Sunrise Over Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge

London is famous for its bridges, and these two, in particular, are always crowded with awestruck individuals. Hanging around the Thames with picnickers and musicians throughout the day is always fun, but why not admire the splendour of their style and structure at sunrise when the city is asleep? Take in the attractions without the sights and sounds of a metropolis and walk the pedestrian paths without the fear of rushing cars. 

5am is probably not when you want to be out exploring, but it’s absolutely worth it in this case and is also the best time for photography.

Explore The Street Art In Shoreditch 

London’s position as a vibrant street art hub is pretty much set in stone, and the graffiti art of Shoreditch is welcomed with open arms. The city’s talented artists use the neighbourhood as a canvas and the colours are a sight to behold. Summer weather also brings the quirky bars and cafes to life, adding golden energy to an already fun area. 

Live It Up With The Free Music In London

From Ed Sheeran and Stormzy to Wireless and BST Hyde Park, London’s summer of concerts are always a great night out – but we’re so spoilt for choice that there are a few free festivals to enjoy as well! The capital’s eclectic music scene is blessed by the likes of Notting Hill Carnival, Summer By The River, Festival 14 and West End Live – and you don’t have to open your wallet if you don’t want to. And of course, walk up and down any busy street (a.k.a. Oxford Street) for a taste of local talent.

Meet The Lions of Trafalgar Square 

The moment Londoners see the slightest ray of sunlight and blue skies, the fountains and steps of Trafalgar Square flood with people lazing around listening to music and biting into sweet treats from around Soho as water sprays around in the background. It is here more than anywhere else in the city that “typical European vibes” unleash, and golden hour feels like paradise even in a bustling setting. 

The Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museums and National Gallery

Where most other cities would put a hefty price tag on their incredible museums and galleries, London offers access to many of its own through the simplicity of just walking in. Wandering around these three are some of my favourites of the many free things to do in London. With the architectural beauty of the Natural History Museum, the cultural diversity of the V&A and the stunning frames of the National Gallery there is so much to fall in love with without tapping your card to a reader. 

The best part is that as Londoners want nothing more than to be outdoors when we get the slightest taste of 20-degree heat, the museums and galleries become relatively empty, even at the peak of July (although do keep in mind that quiet museums and galleries can be based off luck).

Tour Summerset House

Somerset House is the last of the huge palaces that used to line the Thames in central London. While most make their way here in the winter for its amazing ice rink and Christmas lights display, Its gorgeous neoclassical architecture surrounding a beautiful quad makes it ideal for wandering and taking in the historic magnificence of the city without the weight of a coat. You can, of course, explore the iconic Courtauld Gallery on your own, but why not book a free tour to delve into the nitty-gritty of the palace residents (Queen Henrietta and Charles I) rather fascinating stories.  Tickets are only released on the day and sell out quickly – but it is absolutely worth the effort.

PS. If you get a sense of deja vu, it’s because this famous London attraction is a popular filming location and has been featured in several James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, and Harry Potter.

Uncover London’s Many Green Spaces

A fun little fact about London: the city has so many green spaces and trees that it falls within the UN definition of a forest. Kind of surprising if you ask me, but this just makes summer here all the more loveable. Visiting the swans of Hyde Park, the deer of Richmond Park, the rose gardens of Regent’s Park and the pergolas of Hampstead Heath are a few of the many wonderful free things to do in London’s outdoors in summer. To make this activity even more special, pack a picnic and bathe in the sunshine on soft grass for a romantic day out!

If the heat gets a little too much, saunter your way to the waterfronts and walk along the waterways of Little Venice or take on the Thames Path between Greenwich and Southbank which is part of the greater 80-mile route. 

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Wander Walthamstow Wetlands

Europe’s largest urban wetlands are only a five-minute walk from a London Underground station (Tottenham Hale) and provide 200 hectares of pure natural escape. The nature reserve features an abundance of lakes, reservoirs (that produce much of London’s drinking water), and grassland for wildlife to call home, and you can expect to spot pochard, gadwall, grey heron, tufted duck peregrine falcon and more as you make your way round. 

In some ways, it feels like the London version of Ria Formosa Nature Park, for its perfect location within the Lee Valley serves as a byway for migrating, wintering and breeding birds. Spending time here truly is one of the more unique free things to do in London.

Practical Information About London

Location: England, United Kingdom

National Languages: English 

Currency: Sterling Pound

Neighbouring Countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland