London certainly isn’t short of fun things to do to fill those hazy summer days, but it’s no lie that it may cost you a small fortune. Exploring and enjoying our beloved capital city needn’t be a costly day, in fact, it needn’t cost you a penny! If you’re after a cheap and cheerful day out, we’ve got you covered with these 7 brilliant free activities in London this summer that shouldn’t be missed…

7 free activities in London this summer

1. Watch a movie at Canary Wharf

First up on our list of free activities in London this summer is Movie Nights at Canada Square Park. For selected Tuesday evenings throughout summer, you can pitch up with your own picnic blanket and a enjoy the movie for free! With showings of Mamma Mia (yes you can sing along!), 10 Things I Hate About You and Isle of Dogs, Movie Nights is a great way to spend a summers evening with friends or family in London without it costing a penny.

2. Discover Sculpture in the City

Stick on those comfy shoes and discover the city through the art of sculpture. All throughout this summer, Sculpture in the City is an annual sculpture exhibition adorning the streets of the financial districts ‘Square Mile’. Whilst some exhibitions can cost a pretty penny, Sculpture in the City is totally free to enjoy. 

3. Visit the museums

No list of free things to do in London would be complete without mentioning the historic buildings home to the some of the country’s best museums. Based in South Kensington, head over to the Natural History Museum and Science Museum to be immersed in all things history and science.  Don’t miss Dawnosaurus, a free event for families with neurodivergent children to explore the National History Museum before it opens to the general public, avoiding the hustle and bustle of busy crowds.

4. Visit a hidden tropical oasis

Next up on our list of 10 free activities in London this summer is a visit to the Barbican Conservatory. A tropical oasis in the middle of a bustling city, this urban jungle is free to enter and not to be missed! Open on selected dates after 12pm, pre-book to make sure you can add this to your cheap and cheerful day out in London.

5. Spot the deer and parakeet at Richmond Park

Sitting on the outskirts of London, spend the afternoon at the incredible Richmond Park. Completely free to walk around and with plenty to see, head to the Isabella Plantation to enjoy the woodland garden nestled in the heart of the stunning park. Easy enough to spot, see how many deer you can spot and keep an eye out for the green flocks of parakeets!

6. Experience Columbia Road Flower Market

Whilst flowers do cost money, experiencing Columbia Road Flower Market is a must-have for any trip to London (on a Sunday!). Flanked by flower stalls, walk down Columbia Road and soak up the hustle and bustle of a traditional market whilst admiring the pretty blooms at the same time. Just down the road from Broadway Market, you can do a little walking tour of some of London’s finest markets.

7. Play a spot of mini golf

Last up on our list of free things to do in London is head to Montgomery Square in Canary Wharf for a spot of mini golf. Free to play, this colourful and bright mini golf course designed by Craig Redman & Karl Maier is focused on design, making this a truly unique golf course! Open from 12-6pm daily, get there with plenty of time in case of queues.

We hope this list of 7 free activities in London has inspired you to have a cheap and cheerful day in the city! Do let us know in the comments if there’s anything else free to do in London that you would recommend!

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