Cool, Quirky and Totally FREE things to do in London
Are you looking for some cool, quirky and totally free things to do in London in 2023? Whether you’re a local or a visitor, London is full of exciting and unique experiences that won’t cost you a penny.
From exploring ancient Roman Temples to attending inspiring exhibitions, there are plenty of free things to do in London.
Here’s our guide to 10 of the best!
At the London Mithraeum, visitors can enjoy a completely free experience where they can explore the ancient Roman temple of Mithras.
The temple was first discovered in 1954 and later rebuilt in 2017, offering a unique historical experience that is not to be missed. Visitors can expect to see the remains of the temple's original architecture, including the altar and a number of other artefacts.
Additionally, the temple is located beneath the Bloomberg building, so visitors will get to see the modern architecture of the building as well as the ancient ruins. Overall, the London Mithraeum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history or architecture and is completely free to visit.
The Barbican is one of London’s best cultural venues. However, the Barbican has a little secret – a rather cool free thing to do in London…
The Barbican Conservatory is a hidden gem in the heart of London. It is a lush conservatory that houses a variety of plants, trees, and exotic fish. Once you enter the conservatory, you will be amazed by the tropical oasis that surrounds you. You can see palm trees, cacti, and even a small pond filled with colorful fish. Additionally, there are seating areas where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the conservatory.
As far as secrets go, it’s a pretty good one. Simply check the schedule of opening (it used to only open on Sundays but now it opens every day – booking required) and get yourself down there pronto.
Every Sunday, Columbia Road bursts into bloom, with a long-established flower market that is really rather delightful. Now, of course, buying something in the market is most certainly not free (cash cash dollar dollar bills rule yo) but you’re more than welcome to turn up and have a meander.
The Columbia Road flower market is one of the best free things in London, with a huge variety of flowers, plants, and shrubs on sale. It’s a brilliant opportunity to take in the sights and smells of the blooms and foliage, and you may even spot a few rare specimens, such as orchids, peonies and sunflowers.
In addition to the flowers themselves, the market also has a lively atmosphere, with street performers and musicians adding to the festive vibe. So if you're looking for a fun and free activity to do on a Sunday in London, head over to Columbia Road and take in the sights and smells of the flower market.
Public Viewing Gallery at the Oxo Tower
For a city with such a dramatic skyline, it can be damned tough to get a good look at it without paying through the nose for the pleasure. Sure, it’s cool that you can see London up high from places like A View from the Shard, but if you don’t have £30 to drop on a ticket…it kind of sucks.
That’s where the Oxo Tower comes in. A cool place to visit in London for free that barely anyone knows about? We kid you not. Located on the eighth floor of the tower, the gallery boasts panoramic views of the city skyline, including iconic landmarks such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye.
Visitors can take in the sights from inside the gallery or step out onto the open-air terrace for an even more breathtaking experience. The gallery is open daily from 11am to 6pm, making it the perfect spot to catch the sunset over the city. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see London from a whole new perspective, without spending a penny!
Walk Underneath the Thames on the Greenwich Foot Tunnel
The Greenwich Foot Tunnel is a pedestrian tunnel that runs under the River Thames in London. It connects the areas of Greenwich and the Isle of Dogs, allowing pedestrians to travel quickly and easily between the two locations.
It’s one of London’s more unusual spots – 370 metres of straight tunnel to whisk you from one side of the Thames to the other.
What makes this tunnel unique is that it is completely free to use and open 24 hours a day. It was originally opened in 1902 and has since undergone several renovations to ensure its safety and functionality. Walking through the tunnel provides a unique perspective of the Thames and is a great way to experience some of the city's history and architecture.
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel is a popular destination in London for street art enthusiasts. This tunnel, located beneath the Waterloo Station, is a legal spot for graffiti artists to showcase their talents.
It was transformed from a dingy old railway tunnel into the riot of colour you find today by none other than Banksy, who organised a street art festival down here in 2008.
The artwork is constantly changing, so visitors can always expect to see something new. In addition to the art, the tunnel also hosts various events, such as live music performances and pop-up shops.
Best of all, admission is completely free, making it an affordable and unique option for things to explore in London. Visitors can easily access the tunnel via the Leake Street Arches entrance and immerse themselves in the vibrant world of street art.
The House of MinaLima is a must-visit destination for Harry Potter fans and graphic design enthusiasts alike. Fun fact- it was Founded by Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina – the actual graphic designers in charge of bringing the iconic design elements in the films!
Located in the heart of London, this design studio and exhibition space showcases the intricate and imaginative designs featured in the Harry Potter films. Visitors can explore the various rooms and admire the stunning artwork and designs on display, including everything from book covers to posters to intricate props. If you're a fan of the Harry Potter series or simply have an appreciation for beautiful design, be sure to add the House of MinaLima to your list of must-see attractions in London.
Watch Films in the BFI Mediatheque
How many times did we go into the BFI without knowing there’s a cool little area where you can snuggle into your own private viewing booth and watch your way through the BFI’s extensive film and TV archives?
Well you can! The BFI Mediatheque is an excellent place to watch films for free in London. Located in the British Film Institute, it houses a collection of over 1000 films, documentaries, and TV programs. Visitors can browse through the collection and choose to watch any of the items on one of the many viewing stations in the Mediatheque. The Mediatheque is open to all, and no prior booking is required. Some of the films available in the collection are rare, old, or hard-to-find, making it a unique experience for film enthusiasts.
Crystal Palace Park Maze
Crystal Palace Park is home to many a wonder: dinosaurs, an urban farm, a boating lake and even a full-blown.
Incredibly, this little-known track-turner is one of the largest mazes in the country and dates back to the 1870s. While we're pretty sure there's nobody still stuck in there from that era, it is a marvellous place to spend an afternoon getting lost.
This unique attraction offers visitors the chance to explore a historic maze that has been entertaining guests for decades. With its towering hedges and intricate design, the maze is sure to challenge and delight visitors of all ages.
Smith & Whistle, Piccadilly
Kyoto Gardens is a peaceful and serene Japanese garden located at Holland Park in London. The garden was a gift from the city of Kyoto to commemorate the long-standing friendship between Japan and Great Britain.
The garden features a stunning waterfall, a pond filled with Koi fish, and a variety of Japanese plants and trees, such as Japanese cherry blossom, Japanese maple, and Bamboo trees.
Visitors can take a stroll through the gardens, admire the beautiful scenery, and relax on the benches by the pond. The garden is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and it offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
