Wellcome Collection
Some people are put off London because they think it’ll cost a fortune, but what they don’t realize is that many of the best attractions are completely free. You can visit art galleries and museums for nothing, along with going to free concerts and guided tours. What you’ll spend your money on is eating out, booking a London hotel and public transport. Here are five essential attractions that you can do for free in the Big Smoke. Squeeze them into one day or spread them out over a long weekend.
Free London Walking Tour
Hyde Park Corner
A great starting point would be this walking tour, which departs daily from Hyde Park Corner at 11am and 1pm. During the tour, you’ll be shown the sights of Westminster like the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
and learn about the personalities that ruled Britain along the way. The tour operates on a tips-only basis, so give whatever you think it’s worth.
Wellcome Collection
183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
A relatively new addition to London’s museum scene is the Wellcome Collection, a collection exploring the connections between medicine, life and art. Currently, there’s an exhibition on called ‘Superhuman’, which takes a look at ways people use technology to modify their bodies. When I was last there I stumbled on a fascinating but slightly gruesome free tour about brains. When you’re done, ponder your own position in the world over a latte in their ‘wellcoming’ cafe.
Changing of the Guard
Buckingham Palace, London SW1 1AA
Another of London’s must-sees is Changing of the Guard, an impressive ceremony outside Buckingham Palace where the old guards are replaced with the new. It may appear to be ceremonial but these tunic-wearing, bearskin-capped soldiers are actively serving in the British army. The event takes place every other day at 11:30am. It’s a good idea to arrive early as things get pretty busy.
Tate Modern
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
No trip would be complete without a visit to one of the best art galleries in the world – the Tate Modern. Housed in a converted power station on the Thames, Tate Modern contains many iconic artworks by masters like Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon and Andy Warhol. Mark Rothko’s atmospheric wine red paintings are particularly impressive and work much better here than in the New York restaurant for which they were commissioned.
Science Museum
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
The Science Museum is a great free port of call for adults and children alike. Over its several floors you’ll find interactive exhibits and hands-on displays dedicated to technology, transport and computing. The ground floor’s probably the best place starting point with its awesome ‘Making the Modern World’ and ‘Exploring Space’ exhibitions. The latter has some amazing artefacts from the Space Race like an original Apollo space capsule, various rockets and early spacesuits. Recommended!
Author Bio: Matt is a travel blogger from London with a passion for all things music and travel.