Showing 1–24 of 65 free attractions in London
Parks and PlaygroundsHyde Park
MuseumsTate Modern
MuseumsScience Museum
Parks and PlaygroundsSt James Park
MuseumsThe British Dental Association Museum
SightseeingHamleys
MuseumsImperial War Museum London
SightseeingKensington Gardens
Parks and PlaygroundsQueen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Theme ParksWestminster Abbey Choir School Summer Fete
National ParksGreen Park
Indoor PlayBattersea Power Station
MuseumsTate Britain
Parks and PlaygroundsHampstead Heath London
MuseumsNational Portrait Gallery
MuseumsThe Wallace Collection
SightseeingAbbey Road Studios
MuseumsSir John Soane's Museum
Activity CentresBarbican Centre
MuseumsYoung V & A
MuseumsThe House of MinaLima
SightseeingLondon Mithraeum
SightseeingGod's Own Junkyard
Parks and PlaygroundsGolders Hill Park
Free Family Days Out in London
London's 11 free family attractions deliver world-class experiences without a ticket cost. Many of London's best museums charge nothing for entry, making them ideal for budget-conscious days out. The House of MinaLima offers interactive Harry Potter art installations, while Hampstead Heath London sprawls across 800 acres with adventure playgrounds, wild swimming ponds and woodland trails. Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum showcases Victorian engineering heritage through hands-on displays, and Grant Museum of Zoology houses an extraordinary collection of specimen skeletons that captivates older children. Thames Barrier Park combines free riverside walks with modern landscape design. Combine museums with outdoor spaces for complete days without spending a penny.
Check individual opening hours and seasonal closures before setting out. Book timed slots for popular museums online to avoid queues altogether. Bring packed lunches to stretch budgets further, and allow flexible time for outdoor exploration. Weekday visits are noticeably quieter than weekends, particularly during term time.
Free days out in London: FAQs
Are London's free museums always completely free?
Yes, all attractions on this list charge nothing for admission to their core collections. Some do offer optional paid activities like special exhibitions, guided tours, or workshops, but you can visit the permanent displays free of charge. It's worth checking individual websites for any temporary paid exhibitions that might be running during your visit, particularly at major institutions like UCL's Grant Museum.
Can we visit multiple free attractions in a single day?
Most families can comfortably visit 2–3 attractions in one day, depending on travel time between venues and children's attention spans. Grouping attractions by location works best—combine East London museums, then head to Hampstead Heath. Each museum typically takes 1–2 hours to explore properly. Parks and outdoor spaces offer flexible visit lengths, so you can stay as long as energy levels allow.
What's the best time to visit free London attractions?
Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience, especially school days during term time. Summer weekends are predictably crowded. Most attractions open by 10am, so arriving early beats peak visitor times. Visiting during less popular seasons—autumn and winter—means shorter queues and more relaxed family experiences overall.