Cactus Language Blog

Top 10 free things to do in London

Posted by simonager under English, Languages

London can be an expensive place to visit, however there are plenty of places to visit and things to do that won’t cost you a penny. Here are some suggestions:

1. Museums
There are numerous fascinating museums to visit in London, all of which are free, though they do stage some special exhibitions which you do have to pay for. The best known museums include the British Museum, with seven million items from all over the world the largest collections of Egyptian and Greek antiquities in the world; the Natural History Museum, with it’s amazing dinosaur skeletons, as well as much else, housed in a wonderful victorian building; and the Science Museum, with exhibitions ranging from the history of printing to space exploration. There are also museums which focus particularly on London, such as the Museum of London and the London Transport Museum.

2. Art galleries
If you like art, a visit to one of more of London’s many art galleries would be very worth while, and won’t cost you anything. The most popular galleries are Tate Britain, which displays art from the 16th century to the the present day; Tate Modern, with it’s collection of contemporary artworks; and the National Gallery, with it’s large collection of Western European paintings dating back as far as the 13th century.

3. Street performances
In Covent Garden Market you can see performances by singers, musicians, jugglers and other talented street performers, all of whom have to pass an audition. There are also street performers in Leicester Square and along the South Bank, particularly by the National Theatre.

4. Parks
London’s many parks are good, free places to relax and escape from the crowds and traffic. You could wander, cycle or skate round the paths admiring the flowers, birds and trees; go rowing on or swimming in the lakes; have a drink and a snack in a café; or just relax on the grass.

5. Exploring on foot
The River Thames snakes its way through London and there is a path running all the way along it on both sides. Walking along the river gives you great views of London, and the south bank of the Thames is home to the Globe Theatre, Tate Modern and the London Eye, as well as other major sites. There are many other parts of London you can explore on foot, and sometimes it’s quicker to walk than to take the Tube or a bus.

6. British Library
The British Library is the UK’s national library and one of the greatest libraries in the world. You can go on free tours of the exhibition galleries and other parts of the building, though you need a pass to use the Reading Rooms.

7. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Every day at 11.30am during the summer and every other day in the winter, they change the guard at Buckingham Palace. This is a colourful ceremony usually accompanied by a guards band.

8. Street markets
London is home to many street markets, the most famous of which are Camden and Portobello markets. They are interesting places to visit and absorb the atmosphere, and you can pick up all kinds of bargins as well.

9. Free concerts
There are free concerts and recitals at the Royal Festival Hall, the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields church.

10. Go to the recording of a BBC radio or television programme
If you book in advance, it’s possible to get free tickets to be in audience at the recording of a BBC radio or television programme.

About the author
Simon Ager runs a company that provides information and advice about languages mainly via the website www.omniglot.com.

Tags:destination, England, English, free, location, london, top 10