In this post, we will be talking about that you can do if you are free in London.
Portobello Road Market
If you watched the movie Notting Hill, you are probably familiar with the opening scene where Hugh Grant walks down Portobello Road Market to his bookshop. Well, the Portobello Road Market is a very real deal since the market is held six times a week. It is the world’s largest antiques market with over 1,000 dealers selling every kind of antique and collectible. A walk among the antiques on a colorful Notting Hills street is a perfect way to experience that London atmosphere.
Meridian line at Park Vista
Did you know that the Prime Meridian Line, an imaginary line like the equator, dividing the earth into eastern and western hemisphere is located in Greenwich. While you usually have to pay to see the line inside the Greenwich Park, you can also see it completely free of charge at Park Vista where it’s indicated as a dotted line. And while you are in the area, you can take a look at Cutty Sark, the iconic ship which was the fastest ship of its time. If you want to go onboard you have to pay but seeing it from the outside is just as impressive.
Free Museums
Most major museums in London are completely free of charge. From an amazing dinosaur collection at the Natural History Museum, mummies in the British Museum to rockets in the Science Museum, there is something for everyone. Other great free museums include Tate Modern, Museum of London, National Gallery, Imperial War Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and others.
Window Shopping
London is a major shopping destination. But even if you don’t plan to spend a dime, visiting London’s main shopping areas is a fun activity. Visit Oxford Street, the busiest shopping street in Europe with around half a million daily visitors, featuring over 300 retailers. Or if you prefer the indoors, visit Harrods, a luxury department store featuring 330 departments covering one million square feet of retail space.
Self-guided or free London walking tours
London is full of attractions, historic places, and venues of famous events. Most of such locations are in the open areas and, thus, completely free of charge. Based on your interest, you can embark on a self-guided walking tour, following great tips published on several websites like freetour.com, voicemap.me, guruwalk.com, and others. Or even a free Harry Potter Tour, Free Jack the Ripper Tour, etc.
Watch Changing the Guard
Buckingham Palace is the London residence of Her Majesty the Queen and one of only a few working royal palaces left in the world. Watch the iconic ceremony Changing the Guard also known as Guard Mounting carried out by soldiers on active duty from the Foot Guards who have guarded the Sovereign and the Royal Palaces since 1660. Check the description box for the link to the updated guard mounting timetable.
Free standups
Do you like standup comedies? If you do, you might be surprised that in London you can enjoy free standups such as those at Angel Comedy Club, offering comedy shows every night of the week or visit the Top Secret Comedy Club to see a free comedy and improv.
Harry Potter’s Platform 9 ¾
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will be happy to know that you can visit the real filming location of the famous train Platform 9 ¾, a location where Harry and other students boarded the Hogwarts Express. The platform is located at King’s Cross station in London. NUMBER 2: Free Views of the City To really experience London, you must see it from one of the amazing spots, which are, again, completely free of charge. For the best free views of the city, you can visit Sky Garden, Tate Modern, Primrose Hill, One New Change, Alexandra Palace, Greenwich Park, and others.
God’s Own Junkyard
God’s Own Junkyard is a collection of vintage neon signs, lightbulb signs, and other electronic pieces. From used and reclaimed neon signs to old movie props and waste salvaged objects, God’s Own Junkyard is Europe’s largest vintage neon sign collection. Pieces include those used in famous Hollywood movies such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman, and Eyes Wide Shut. Visiting the store is free of charge, another unique London experience.