Free Days Out In London

Last Updated on: 21st January 2025, 11:53 am

As a mum who’s always looking for budget-friendly ways to create magical memories with my children, I know how expensive London can be. But here’s the wonderful secret – some of the best experiences in our capital city won’t cost you a penny! Today, I’m sharing my favourite free days out in London that will keep both kids and parents entertained.

Discover the Magic of Museums

The Science Museum is an absolute treasure trove for curious minds! My kids have always been fascinated by the interactive exhibits in the Wonder Lab (while the main collections are free, some special exhibitions might have a fee). You need to book an entry time for the Science Museum and it gets very busy, especially at weekends and school holidays. You can book tickets here.

The Natural History Museum is another fantastic option – who doesn’t love coming face-to-face with dinosaurs? You will find them all at the Natural History Museum and they never fails to amaze little ones. Both museums are next to each other, they are both free and do ask for donations to keep them free. You can book a time to get into The Natural History Museum to save queuing, the booked time is free. If you have a disability card, you can skip the queue to get in, you just go to the front of the queue and show your Access card or disability card.

Both museums can be found near the South Kensington tube stop.

Explore The Royal Parks For Free Days Out In London

Pack a picnic and head to one of London’s beautiful Royal Parks. Hyde Park is our family favourite. In summer, the kids can splash around in the Diana Memorial Fountain, and there’s always something exciting happening at Speaker’s Corner. The squirrel-spotting opportunities are endless, and the playground at St. James’s Park is brilliant for burning off energy. Sometimes sitting in Hyde park and having a picnic, watching the world go by is an awesome way to spend an afternoon.

Hyde Park is also where you will find Winter Wonderland before Christmas and into the new year. And in the summer, concerts take place there. You can get to Hyde park from Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner, Lancaster Gate and Knightsbridge tube stations.

Visit the Tate Modern

Even if your little ones aren’t art critics (yet!), the Tate Modern offers an incredible space for imagination. The massive Turbine Hall installations are always attention-grabbing, and the viewing level provides spectacular views across London. My tip: turn it into a game by asking kids to create stories about the artwork they see. Entry is free to the public but you will need to pay for some exhibitions. You can find the Tate Modern in Bankside, a short walk along the river Thames. To get there from the tube, your closest stations are Southwark and Blackfriars.

Watch the Changing of the Guard

This is pure British pageantry at its finest! The ceremony at Buckingham Palace is completely free and never fails to amuse children with its pomp and ceremony. Make sure you arrive early (around 10:00 am) to get a good viewing spot. Check the schedule online as it doesn’t happen every day.

Explore Covent Garden

The street performers here provide endless entertainment! From magicians to musicians, there’s always something happening. They are free to watch, but they always ask for a donation. This is how they make a living. So please donate if they are good. Tilly loves watching the living statues and trying to make them move. The Apple Market is also great for window shopping and soaking in the atmosphere. You can get to Covent Garden by walking from Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and there is also a tube stop in Covent Garden, but it does get busy there.

Walk Along the South Bank

This is one of London’s most vibrant areas, and it doesn’t cost anything to soak up the atmosphere. Street performers, book markets, and fantastic views of the Thames keep everyone entertained as they walk along it. During festivals, there are often free activities for children, and the atmosphere is always electric. You will also find The London Eye there and piers to go along the Thames on a boat, but these cost money.

Visit Sky Garden

While you need to book in advance, London’s highest public garden is completely free to visit. The views are spectacular, and kids love spotting landmarks from above. It’s like a tropical oasis in the sky! Tickets sometimes become available on the day for entry, so its worth checking out. But you could also try to get a walk up appointment. Find details about Sky Garden here

Enjoy Free Days Out In London And Discover Greenwich Park

Home to the Prime Meridian Line, Greenwich Park offers both education and entertainment. While the Royal Observatory requires tickets, the park itself is free and offers stunning views of London. Rolling down the hills here has been a favourite activity for generations of London children! You can walk along the meridian line and also stroll around the Cutty Sark on the way to the Thames, ready for a ride on a boat.

How To Prepare For Your Free Days Out In London

Pack snacks and water to avoid expensive café stops, use supermarkets to get lunch to save some pennies too.

• Check museum websites for free family activity days
• Download a free walking tour app to make exploring more fun
• Travel during off-peak times to save on transport
• Look out for free seasonal events (especially during school holidays)
• Remember to Plan Ahead: – Some free attractions require advance booking
• Check opening times before travelling – Consider the weather and pack accordingly
• Download apps to give you advice on free tours

Plan your route to make the most of your day London might be known as an expensive city, but with a bit of planning, you can have an amazing family day out without spending a fortune on attractions. These activities aren’t just free – they’re some of the best ways to experience the real London with your family. Have you tried any of these activities with your little ones? Or do you have any other free London gems to share? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

For people on Universal Credit, you can get some great days out for £1