20 Free Things To Do in London That Locals Actually Love
- Sam Burden
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
I lived in London for three years, and during that time, I made it my mission to explore the city beyond the obvious. While the touristy stuff is fine, what I really fell in love with were the quieter corners, the oddball museums, the surprise rooftop gardens, and the festivals you stumble across without meaning to.
This list is for anyone who wants to see the city through a local’s eyes—whether you’re a budget-conscious visitor or a Londoner looking for fresh ideas.
1. Kyoto Garden, Holland Park (Kensington)
Whenever I needed a moment of peace, I’d head here. Tucked away in Holland Park, this Japanese garden has koi ponds, waterfalls, and even the occasional peacock. It’s small but totally magical.
2. Crossrail Place Roof Garden (Canary Wharf)
You’d never expect to find a lush, futuristic garden growing on top of a train station, but that’s exactly what this is. It’s peaceful, it’s free, and it’s usually pretty quiet—even on weekends.
3. Horizon 22 (City of London)
This is London’s highest free public viewpoint. The views are unreal, and it’s still flying under the radar. Book in advance to beat the queues.
4. Garden at 120 (Fenchurch Street)
Smaller and more relaxed than Sky Garden, this rooftop is one of my favourite little lunch break spots. No need to book—just rock up and enjoy the skyline.
5. God’s Own Junkyard (Walthamstow)
If you’re into neon, this place is heaven. It's a riot of vintage signs and glowing lights, tucked into an industrial estate. Free to enter, with a café full of cake and character.
6. Free Walking Tours by Foot
I didn’t expect to love these—but I ended up doing three. From Jack the Ripper to WW2 London, they’re full of quirky local knowledge. It’s pay what you like, and you can book here.
7. Barbican Conservatory (Barbican)
A literal jungle hidden inside a brutalist arts centre. Only open Sundays, and you’ll need to book—but it’s worth it for the contrast alone.
8. The Wallace Collection (Marylebone)
One of my favourite "I'm bored on a weekday" spots. Think: chandeliers, armour, and portraits. It's tucked just behind Oxford Street but never feels crowded.
9. The Scoop (London Bridge)
An open-air amphitheatre with free live theatre, films and music during summer. I once stumbled upon a Shakespeare play here at sunset—unforgettable.
10. Sir John Soane’s Museum (Holborn)
This one's hard to describe—it’s part time capsule, part cabinet of curiosities. Crammed full of art, ancient artefacts and mirror tricks. It feels like stepping into someone’s (slightly haunted?) private world.
11. Holland Park & Woodland Walks
Beyond Kyoto Garden, Holland Park is genuinely one of my favourite parks in London. Less polished than Hyde Park, more intimate, with woodland paths and hidden sculptures.
12. Galleries Locals Actually Visit
Whitechapel Gallery – edgy and challenging
Camden Art Centre – feels like a creative retreat
South London Gallery – underrated and intimate
Serpentine – bonus points if you combine it with a Hyde Park walk
13. British Library Treasures Gallery (King’s Cross)
It’s easy to walk past the British Library, but the Treasures room is incredible. You’ll see everything from Magna Carta to Beatles lyrics—all for free.
14. First Thursdays (East London)
On the first Thursday of every month, galleries in Shoreditch and Hackney stay open late, with free exhibitions, drinks, and the occasional DJ. Feels like a secret art party.
A riverside sculpture trail between Stratford and North Greenwich. It's a great excuse to explore neighbourhoods most visitors skip.
16. Free Festivals to Bookmark (2025 Dates TBC)
Here are a few I looked forward to every year:
West End Live (June) – free musical theatre performances
Lambeth Country Show (July) – giant veg, sheep shearing, and reggae
Notting Hill Carnival (August) – a full-on explosion of colour and sound
Greenwich & Docklands Festival (Aug–Sept) – outdoor theatre & spectacle
Open House Festival (September) – get inside usually closed buildings
17. Daunt Books (Marylebone)
Not just a bookshop—it’s a wooden Edwardian travel haven. I used to come here just to browse and daydream about future trips.
18. Eel Pie Island (Twickenham)
An artists' commune on an island with very limited public access. If you're around during open studios in June or December, it’s a must.
19. Primrose Hill or Parliament Hill
Classic, yes—but there’s nothing quite like watching a London sunset from here with a takeaway coffee or homemade picnic.
20. Unexpected Street Art
Explore Shoreditch and Hackney Wick for street art walks. You'll find huge murals, paste-ups, political graffiti and more—no booking needed, just curiosity.
London doesn’t have to drain your wallet to be magical. Some of my best days were spent wandering through unexpected gardens, stumbling across festivals, or discovering niche museums I’d never heard of before. These spots are perfect whether you're a first-time visitor or a Londoner who wants to fall back in love with the city.
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