With the Summer Term ending and summer break officially starting this weekend, we’ve collected a list of fun free things to do in London. As always, London’s many parks, museums, and art galleries offer free admission. And we’ve discovered some other free events you may not have heard about yet!
FREE MUSEUMS
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British Museum: Access to their permanent collections (including the Rosetta Stone) is free! Book tickets ahead of time to secure your preferred time slot.
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Natural History Museum: You’ll need plenty of time to explore the many exhibits at this museum, and be sure to check out the giant blue whale skeleton. Book free tickets ahead of time to avoid the line.
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Science Museum: Check out their permanent collection for free - just down the street from the Natural History Museum! It’s recommended to pre-book tickets.
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National Maritime Museum: Head to Greenwich to learn more about Britain’s long maritime history and its consequences in the world today. Book your tickets here.
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Victoria and Albert Museum: Explore the world's largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design, with a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects! There is no need to book tickets ahead of time.
The list doesn’t head here - there are many more free museums in London to explore this summer all across the city.
FREE ART GALLERIES
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National Gallery: Visit the iconic Trafalgar Square and head into the gallery to view the work of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Rembrandt and many more! Pre-book tickets here.
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National Portrait Gallery: Home to the most extensive collection of portraits in the world with over 220,000 works! You can book free tickets ahead of time.
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Tate Modern: Check out their collection of international modern and contemporary art dating from 1900 to today. There is no need to book tickets to enter the gallery.
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Tate Britain: Explore their collection of the art of the United Kingdom since Tudor times - this museum has the largest collection of works from J. M. W. Turner! Pre-booking tickets isn’t necessary.
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Serpentine Gallery: Enjoy the beauty of Kensington Gardens before heading into the Serpentine Galleries to view their contemporary art collection! There is no need to book tickets for gallery admission.
Check out some of the other free art exhibits on throughout the summer - TimeOut London has compiled a list of free installations happening in the city now!
UNIQUE FREE ACTIVITIES
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Join a free walking tour of London by Strawberry Tours. The tours are totally free, but it’s typically custom to leave a tip at the end, so bear this in mind!
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Attend one of two free performances being put on by the Royal Opera House called “Live at Lunch”
The performances are on July 7, 2023 at 1:00pm and July 14, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Royal Opera House
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Check out a free comedy show at The Camden Head! The Angel Comedy Club puts on free comedy shows every night, 7 days a week at their Camden Head Comedy location.
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Head underground and check out the London Mithraeum, an ancient Roman Temple! You’ll also find a collection of Roman artefacts and art installations.
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Visit the Spitalfields City Farm - a haven for animal lovers and those who want a slice of the countryside in the city.
Blog written by Hannah Thomsen.
Hannah works as an Advice Assistant at the LSESU Advice Service.
THE LSESU ADVICE TEAM
The LSESU Advice Team is based on the 3rd floor of the Saw Swee Hock Building and we provide free, independent and confidential advice to all LSE students on academic and housing matters. We also administer the Hardship Fund, the Childcare Fund and the Graduation Gown Support Fund (GGSF).
Our service is currently operating using a hybrid working pattern. We are still open and can be accessed by emailing su.advice@lse.ac.uk. You can also book a telephone or Zoom appointment with an adviser through Student Hub.