If you are visiting London on a budget, it is important to plan how to make the most of your time in the city without spending all of your cash. While some of the top attractions in London can be quite expensive (especially for families), there are still plenty of free and cheap things to do in London to enjoy. As a Londoner born and bred, one question I get asked a lot is “Are museums free in London?”, and thankfully many of them are free, but not all. Keep reading for a list of the best free London museums and galleries, as well as a few other top free things to do in London!
This is a guest post written by Fiona from Following Fiona, with edits & additions by Claire
Know Before You Go to London
Before travelling to London, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.
🛌 MY FAVOURITE BUDGET ACCOMMODATION IN LONDON:
$$ Pembridge Palace Hotel: comfortable hotel close Notting Hill and Portobello Market
$$ The Z Hotel Covent Garden: stylish modern hotel in London’s theatre district
$ Wombat’s City Hostel London: Private rooms and shared dorms with a great bar in the basement
⭐ TOP 3 LONDON ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
1. Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket
An Overview of London Museums
I love London for many reasons, but one of the best things about London is that there is so much to do here for free, and many of the world-class London museums are completely free to enjoy. This means you can have an amazing trip to London without breaking the bank!
Most of the major free museums in London are centrally located, and easy to visit using the Tube – the best way to get around the city.
This is largely thanks to government funding for many of the most significant museums around the UK. There are still a lot of museums that charge admission, but if you are visiting London for a weekend or a few days you could easily fill that time with the free ones.
Inside the free museums, you will usually find donation booths with a £5 recommended donation, but this is totally optional.
You won’t get any dirty looks for walking straight past them, especially as the booths will be dotted around the museum in several places so no one can tell whether you might already have dropped some money in. That said, if you enjoy the museum please do donate!
Another way that these museums cover their costs is by running paid exhibitions. The main collection will be free, but you might need to pay if you want to visit their temporary displays such as annual photography awards or collections on loan from other museums.
When planning your stay in London, bear in mind that several of these free museums will require timed tickets that are booked via their websites. You don’t have to pay for them but it is worth visiting the websites of the ones you plan to visit to check their current policy.
In addition, many of these museums run special accessible sessions which are also free, such as slots with fewer admissions to create a calmer atmosphere for neurodivergent children.
The Best Free Museums in London
Of all of the free London museums, these are my favourites and are well worth a visit, especially if you are visiting London on a budget and looking for some cheap activities to keep you and the family entertained.
Natural History Museum
In my opinion, this is the best museum in London. I’ve been to similar ones in other countries such as the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, but the one in London is definitely better.
The building itself is beautiful and absolutely enormous. You’ll be doing a lot of walking around the museum, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes!
It’s not possible to see everything in one visit unless you spend all day there, so I would recommend checking out the museum website first and picking the exhibitions that matter to you.
The magnificent main hall used to house Dippy, a replica of a Diplodocus skeleton, 1979 to 2017, but is now home to Hope, a blue whale skeleton, and there are whole sections dedicated to taxidermy animals, birds, insects and fossils.
The most popular exhibition in this museum is the dinosaur section, especially the animatronic T-Rex. It’s a hit with children and adults alike, and it’s worth trying to get there early before the crowds.
The Volcanos and Earthquakes gallery is also fun, with an earthquake simulator, and I’ve always loved the Earth’s Treasury collection, looking at shiny, sparkling gemstones and precious metals.
Visit the museum website for more information.
The British Museum
As one of the world’s oldest and most famous museums, the British Museum is a must-visit. Due to its controversial history, I know some people may not feel comfortable with this one, but it is still a magnificent collection.
The Sutton Hoo collection was one of the most significant archaeological finds in Britain. Some of the items date back to 7th century Britain and are popularly believed to have belonged to an Anglo-Saxon king and provided new insight into Anglo-Saxon culture.
Other key pieces from British history include the 12th-century Lewis Chessmen and a ceremonial gold cape found in Mold in Wales which dates back to the Bronze Age.
As for world history, The Rosetta Stone provided the key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs for the first time. The Ancient Greek and Roman collections are also excellent and include some of the Parthenon Elgin Marble sculptures.
I won’t pretend that everything in the collection was acquired fairly, and perhaps some of it will eventually be returned to the country of origin. In the meantime, it is a wonderful and free museum to visit with a wide range of displays.
Visit the museum website for more information.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is in Trafalgar Square, with the famous lion statues and Nelson’s Column just outside.
The museum houses a wide collection of artwork from around the world and different periods. Highlights include works by van Gogh, Michelangelo, da Vinci, Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as one of my personal favourites, the Fighting Temeraire by J.M.W. Turner.
It’s a large collection but you can just about see the majority of works in one day if, like me, you are a casual observer and don’t spend time examining each work in detail.
Visit the museum website for more information.
National Portrait Gallery
I’m a bit of a history nerd, so this one is another favourite of mine, combining history and art. The museum is organised in a timeline, starting on the top floor with the Tudors including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
By the time you get to the ground floor, you’ll be passing portraits of Ed Sheeran, King Charles II and Andy Murray.
It’s smaller than some of the others on this list so it is possible to see the entire collection in one visit, and it’s just around the corner from the National Gallery. Visit the museum website for more information.
The Tate Modern and Tate Britain
These two institutions are ideal for modern and British art enthusiasts and are both free to visit.
The Tate Modern, located in a former power station on the South Bank, unsurprisingly focuses on contemporary art. It is particularly known for the Turbine Hall, which regularly changes displays of large pieces of modern art. Artists with exhibited works include Matisse, Picasso and Lichtenstein.
There are also wonderful views from the terraces at the Tate Modern, where you can see St Paul’s Cathedral on the other side of the River Thames, and up the river towards The Shard and other famous London landmarks.
The Tate Britain, on the other hand, spans more than 500 years of British art. The most famous works by homegrown artists include Millais’s painting of Shakespeare’s Ophelia floating down a river, and David Hockey’s A Bigger Splash. The collection is rotated regularly but if you love art you are bound to find lots to enjoy here.
Learn more about both museums on the official website here.
Museum of London Docklands
This museum is sometimes overlooked, partly because it takes a bit more effort to get to. The closest stations are on the DLR rather than the Tube, and it isn’t so central.
London was built up around the river, and the Docklands area has played a significant role in London’s history. For hundreds of years goods have been transported through the city via the River Thames. The Museum of London Docklands tells the story of this part of the city.
It’s also a great one for kids, with lots of interactive displays for them to play with. It’s a museum I was completely oblivious to until relatively recently, but it is worth visiting for a couple of hours and I’m sure I’ll go back.
Visit the museum website for more information.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
There are several V&A museums around the country, but the primary site is in South Kensington, just around the corner from the Natural History Museum. The V&A focuses on art and design. It often houses temporary exhibitions of fashion and design.
Some of the highlights include the Cast Courts, with plaster moulds created from the original objects to provide accurate models of works such as Michelangelo’s David. There are also displays of stained glass, metalwork and photography.
If you head towards east London you’ll find the Young V&A. Once a dark slightly gloomy museum it has recently been renovated to bring in more light, colour and lots of activities for children to enjoy. Visit the museum website for more information.
Imperial War Museum
Shortened to IWM London, the Imperial War Museum is a bit more of a niche option. It covers the history of war from World War One to the present day. It’s an educational and important, but rather sombre collection.
You’ll learn about major conflicts, such as WWI’s Battle of the Somme, the Holocaust, and the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. If you are visiting London in November, the museum usually has a display of poppies for Armistice Day which is another poignant and beautiful reason to visit.
It’s an important collection, and like these other free museums in London, won’t cost you a penny.
Visit the museum website for more information.
The British Library
This isn’t exactly a museum, but I think it is worth including in this list. To access most of the building you need to register, but there is a free display accessible to all called the Treasures Gallery. It’s a relatively small space, but worth dropping into if you are nearby.
You’ll be able to see important texts such as the Magna Carta, original copies of Shakespeare’s plays, and an early draft of Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf.
The wider library is for research, so unfortunately you can’t just turn up as a member of the public and expect to use it, but the Treasures are free and immediately accessible.
More Free Things to Do in London for Museum Lovers
Several other free activities in London don’t fall under the label of museums or galleries but are still wonderful ways to learn more about history and modern culture in London. Here are a few alternatives that you should consider to fill in any gaps in your London itinerary.
Historical tours
Historical tours are the perfect way to see London’s famous landmarks and there are several you can do for free. The City of London’s official website has a list of self-guided tours that you might enjoy.
I would also recommend visitors take a walk along the South Bank of the river from Westminster down to Tower Bridge. This pedestrian path is a great way to see landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, the Shard and the Tower of London.
Markets
London markets are not only great for shopping but also demonstrate the diversity of London. From street food and vintage clothing in Camden, to the iconic Borough Market stalls and restaurants, the markets are a great way to experience London. Harry Potter fans won’t want to miss Leadenhall Market, a stunning Victorian construction which featured in the first Harry Potter Film.
Royal Parks
London’s Royal Parks, such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Greenwich Park, offer a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. London is a surprisingly green city, and the parks are lovely in summer. If you venture slightly further out to Richmond Park, you’ll even be able to see the famous herds of deer.
Conclusion
As you can see, London has plenty of museums to explore, and many of the best are completely free. Wandering through London with a coffee and popping into the National Gallery or British Library is one of my favourite ways to spend a relaxed Sunday.
If you are visiting London for the first time, I would highly recommend a visit to one of these museums, especially the Natural History Museum and British Museum. The fact that so many of these world-class museums are free is one of the things that distinguishes London from other major cities such as New York and Paris.
London is an incredible city to visit, and attractions like these will allow all visitors to enjoy the city, whatever their budget might be.
Where to Stay in London on a Budget
There are lots of hostels and budget hotels in London that offer affordable accommodation options, and if you can find somewhere close to an underground station you can get around the city easily.
I love the area around Tower Bridge as it is within walking distance of a lot of the top attractions in London such as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, while not being crazy expensive. It is also well connected by the Tube to the rest of London, being close to the underground stations Tower Bridge for the Circle and District Lines, and Aldgate East for the Hammersmith Line.
The Best Budget Hotels in London
These are some of my top picks for budget hotels in London that combine good prices, good reviews and a good location:
Motel One London-Tower Hill
The Motel One London-Tower Hill is a budget-friendly hotel in the City of London, one of my favourite areas to stay in London. It’s a short walk from Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, and close to Brick Lane as well as transport links at Liverpool Street Station and Tower Hill and Aldgate underground stations.
The hotel offers stylish, air-conditioned rooms with comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and ensuite bathrooms with rain showers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there is a 24-hour reception desk. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast buffet and drinks at the hotel bar. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Pembridge Palace Hotel – Notting Hill
Pembridge Palace Hotel is walking distance to Notting Hill and Portobello Market, and 5 minutes walk Bayswater tube station so you can easily get around the city. Rooms are comfortable, (if a little small according to some reviews) most with ensuite bathrooms, and free wifi is available in the lobby public areas. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
The Z Hotel Covent Garden
Z Covent Garden is a stylish and modern hotel located in London’s theatre district, just a few minutes walk from Covent Garden Piazza, and is a great choice if you want to see a show while you’re in London. There are other Z Hotels in London but this one gets the best ratings and is excellent value for the location.
Rooms are small but all have en-suite shower rooms and large Samsung HD TVs as well as free wifi throughout the hotel. There is a rooftop terrace and cafe downstairs. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
BROWSE CHEAP HOTELS IN LONDON
The Best Hostels in London
If you are on a shoestring budget, hostel dorms are the cheapest places to stay in London, but book a private room for all the benefits of a hostel while still getting a great night’s sleep.
Wombat’s City Hostel London
I usually stay at Wombat’s City Hostel London, a fabulous hostel close to Tower Bridge that is spotlessly clean, with friendly staff and an unbeatable location. Dorm rooms are great for backpackers or visitors on a strict budget, or there are private en-suite rooms available which is what I usually go for.
Wombat’s London is about 10 minutes’ walk from Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and Tower Hill underground station, and is walking distance from Shoreditch, Borough Market and plenty more places to see in London. The only age requirement is 18+, unlike some other London hostels which don’t allow older people.
You can read my full review of Wombat’s London here. >>>READ MORE REVIEWS AND BOOK
Hostel One Notting Hill
The highest-rated hostel on Hostelworld, this clean and well-equipped hostel is in the heart of Notting Hill and perfect for young travellers looking for a hostel in London. Hostel One has an age limit of 18-36 years old.
There is a nice terrace and social areas for meeting people and lots of activities arranged by the staff. The private rooms are expensive but dorm rooms are good value for what you get. >>>CHECK PRICES & READ REVIEWS
About the Author
Fiona is a London native who loves to help visitors explore her home city. She has also completed adventures in other parts of the world as a solo traveller, including a 48-state USA road trip and a year living in New Zealand. You can find her on Pinterest and Instagram as well as her blog.