Alternative Free Things to Do in London
London has a reputation for being a little on the pricey side. However, with many of the city’s world-renowned museums, galleries and historic buildings offering entry free of charge, you can enjoy the city at its finest without spending a penny. Whether you’re looking a fun day out with family or a destination for some quirky evening entertainment, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do which won’t empty your pockets.
Already ticked off all of the most popular free things to do in London? Check out our favourite alternative free attractions which you may not have known about:
SEE: View from the Royal Observatory
The Shard may be the tallest building in London with amazing views over the city but it will cost you a pretty penny to get up there to see them. Primrose Hill in Regent’s Park is often considered to have the best free view over London. However, our favourite is from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Climb up the hill to take in unique sights of the 17th-century elegance of the Queen’s House contrasted against the backdrop of the River Thames and sparkling skyline of Canary Wharf’s modern skyscrapers.
DRINK: Gin School at Charlotte’s Bistro
As of late, gin has been storming through the ranks of London’s favourite tipples and at a neighbourhood bistro in Chiswick, you get the chance to get more acquainted with the spirit for free. Monday nights at Charlotte’s Bistro mean Gin School and this is one class you won’t be dreading to have on your timetable. Kicking off at 6pm, every week brings in a different producer to talk you through their gin and give some complimentary tastings with no catches in sight!
ENGAGE: Speaker’s Corner
Whilst it’s tempting to spend Sunday morning lazing in bed and recovering from the night before, you’d be missing one of London’s most unusual attractions! Since 1866, different speakers have been gathering at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park every Sunday to air their views about everything from socialism to space travel. Go along to watch and listen or even take advantage of your right to free speech yourself! Karl Marx, Lenin and George Orwell have all previously spoken here so who knows what future revolutionaries you might be listening to?
LISTEN: Royal Opera House Recital
As one of the world’s greatest opera houses and a Covent Garden landmark, you may have assumed that tickets to the Royal Opera House’s ballets and operas would come with sky-high price tags. You would probably be right! However, if you want a sneak peek inside the grand interiors of the Grade 1-listed building, they offer free lunchtime recitals on Mondays at 1pm where you have the chance to hear rising stars of the classical music scene perform.
WALK: Alternative London Tour
For a whistle-stop tour of London’s off-the-beaten-track gems, head over to Spitafields market to meet up with fellow adventurers for The Alternative London Walking Tour. Set up to showcase East London’s amazing creativity, you can expect to see be shown fresh, new artwork by London’s best street artists and learn about the current issues affecting the area. Guides are all locals involved in the creative community to guarantee an authentic slice of East London culture. Best of all, it’s free! (although they do ask for a donation.)
ENJOY: Spitafields City Farms
London Zoo might be the place to go to see hundreds of species from far flung corners of the globe. However, London’s city farms offer a much more purse-friendly opportunity to get up close and personal with farm animals hailing from our own fair isle. An ideal choice for days out with the kids, Spitafields City farm is a rural, community farm set right in the heart of London. Go along to make friends with Teggan the sheep, Derek the donkey or Marmalade & Marmite, the ferrets.
This guest post is written by Jess Astbury who is a local Londoner and content assistant at Check-in-London.com. If you’re visiting soon, take a look at their range of London serviced apartments to save even more money with great value accommodation.