London is a very old city, and as such, it offers a wide range of activities that the whole family can enjoy. But traveling to a center that has been developing for the past two millennia, with world-renowned places of art, commerce, education, and entertainment, isn’t exactly cheap. And we already have a guide to enjoy free activities in London by yourself, but now you can do it as a family!
That’s why, in this article, we propose a comprehensive guide to free activities perfect for both kids and adults. Keep reading to have the best vacation with your family!
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Free Activities to Do in London with Kids
Free Museums and Galleries in London
Let’s start with some of the best educational activities, with the first place going to the British Museum. This is one of the most famous and extensive museums in the world. Its large collection summarizes more than two million years of history and culture with highlights such as the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission is completely free. So you can spend a bit more in the gift shops, your kids will love it.
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If you want to introduce your kids to modern art, maybe you’ll prefer the Tate Modern, which houses Britain’s national collection of modern and contemporary art. It features both temporary and permanent collections, so whether you visit during a special exhibition or at any time, you can discover some incredible new pieces, including works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, and Henri Matisse.
Another great option is a visit to the National Gallery, one of the most important and most visited art museums in London. Located in Trafalgar Square, it has more than 2,300 European paintings, ranging from the 13th century to the early 20th century. As with the previous museums, admission is free, except for some temporary exhibitions, and the museum is open every day.
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Famous Landmarks to Visit for Free
London has accumulated a considerable number of traditions over the centuries. One of the most famous things that you can enjoy for free is the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. This traditional ceremony, approximately 45 minutes long, starts at 11 am when the Royal Guards on duty are replaced. This is an excellent opportunity to see these traditionally uniformed guards moving.
One of the most famous squares in London, located in the center of the city, is Trafalgar Square, a place of great historical and cultural importance. It inherited its name from the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory during the Napoleonic Wars, and the most famous monument is Nelson’s Column, topped by a statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson.
Trafalgar Square is the scene of many events and celebrations, including concerts and festivals, especially on weekends. It is an ideal place for strolling, letting the kids run around a bit, enjoying the atmosphere, and observing London’s urban life.
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Beautiful Parks and Gardens to Enjoy
If you’re looking for an outdoor place to let the kids go a bit wild and explore around while you enjoy nature, art, and culture, Hyde Park is one of the best free places to visit in London as a family. During the summer, the park is renowned for its live music events, including British Summer Time.
Among the notable features of the park are important memorials and sculptures, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, the Albert Memorial, and the Peter Pan Statue. It also includes beautiful gardens such as the Rose Garden and the Italian Garden.
Another great option for your family is Regent’s Park, which is one of the largest and most attractive parks in the British capital. It is popular due to the numerous activities, allowing you to spend a whole day there. Among the interesting places to explore in the park are Queen Mary’s Garden, renowned for its extensive collection of roses, the London Zoo, one of the world’s oldest zoos, and the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
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Street Markets to Explore
A great way to learn more about London for free is to visit the local street markets with your whole family. Visiting them is completely free, although you’ll probably end up spending some money trying the delicious food and getting cute souvenirs from London.
Let’s start with Borough Market, located in Southwark. It has over 100 stores selling fresh produce, including meats, fish, artisanal cheeses, and many other delicacies. It’s a perfect place for food lovers, as it specializes in local British food and international specialties. There are also numerous special events, workshops, and culinary demonstrations.
Portobello Road Market is another option your kids will love and one of London’s most famous street markets. It is located in Notting Hill and is renowned for its eclectic mix of antiques, fashion, and food. It is open every day of the week, but the best day to visit is Saturday, when all the stalls are open and there are more bargains available.
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Camden Market is another place you can visit in London. It is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere and its diverse range of high-quality products. It also showcases its vibrant cultural scene, featuring numerous street performers, live music, and a lively atmosphere, ensuring your kids won’t be bored. A great activity you can propose to your kids is a scavenger hunt, where they can find all kinds of curious trinkets.
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Scenic Walks and Views Across the City
Another great free thing to do in London with kids is to take them on scenic walks and paths throughout the city. You can, for example, walk the Thames Path from its beginning in Gloucestershire to its mouth at the North Sea. Of course, on foot or by bike, you can only do a small amount, as the whole path is almost 300 km long.
This path is a national trail that follows the course of the famous River Thames. Along the way, you’ll discover many landscapes, including the English countryside and urban areas. Don’t forget to pack your camera, as there are many points of interest, including Hampton Court Palace, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, and Tower Bridge.
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If your kids want to have a full view of London’s skyline, take them to Greenwich Park, another of the best free places to visit in London. There, you will find the Royal Observatory, where the famous Greenwich Meridian line is located, marking the standard time (GMT). It’s a great place for kids to learn about astronomy and the history of time. They can also enjoy watching the wildlife around the park, especially deer in the Deer Enclosure.
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Seasonal Events and Festivals You Can Attend for Free
Now, if you manage to visit London during the Bank Holiday, you can see one of the most beautiful festivals in the city. The Notting Hill Carnival takes place at the end of August and attracts millions of people every year, and you and your family can be part of it this year!
It includes chariot parades, steel band competitions, soca and calypso music, live dub, reggae, house, hip-hop, jungle, soul, and funk music, so it’s quite the experience for all the senses. And a great way to introduce your children to different cultures, as it has a wide variety of Caribbean flavors with traditional dishes.
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