Free Things to Do in London

02/11/2023

27/10/2023

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📍 St James's Park

27/10/2023

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is renowned for its lively atmosphere, street performances, and myriad shops and restaurants, making it a perfect destination for budget-conscious travelers.

One of the main attractions in Covent Garden is the lively street performers who gather at the piazza. From magicians and musicians to jugglers and comedians, their captivating acts provide hours of entertainment without requiring you to open your wallet. You can also explore the charming cobbled streets, admire the stunning architecture, and soak in the vibrant ambiance.

Covent Garden Market, a historic indoor market filled with boutique shops and artisanal stalls, is another must-visit spot. While shopping may cost you, simply wandering through this bustling marketplace and admiring the unique products on display is a delightful and cost-free experience.

27/10/2023

St. James’s Park

London is renowned for its parks and green spaces; one of the best is St. James’s Park.

This royal park, located just steps away from iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Westminster, is a terrific place to enjoy a quintessential London experience. Strolling along the meandering pathways that wind through the park, you’ll encounter lush greenery, vibrant flowerbeds, and a picturesque lake home to various waterfowl, including majestic swans.

The park’s central location also provides stunning views of some of London’s most recognizable landmarks, including the London Eye and the Horse Guards Parade.

For those wanting to rest and relax in nature, St. James’s Park is the ideal spot. If time permits, enjoying a picnic by the lake at sunset is a magical thing to do.

27/10/2023

Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market, located in the vibrant Notting Hill neighborhood of London, is a bustling and eclectic market that promises visitors a delightful experience.

This world-famous market is a colorful tapestry of antiques, vintage fashion, quirky collectibles, and a vibrant atmosphere that’s completely free to explore.

On Saturdays, Portobello Road comes alive with vendors lining the streets, offering various unique treasures. From retro clothing and rare vinyl records to antique silverware and handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone amidst the vibrant chaos. The market’s antique section is particularly renowned, attracting collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Beyond the shopping, Portobello Road Market offers a fantastic opportunity for people-watching and immersing yourself in the diverse and lively community that calls Notting Hill home. The charming pastel-hued houses that line the streets are captivating.

12/10/2023

Wallace Collection

The Wallace Collection might not get the same recognition as some of London’s other cultural institutions. But it offers a delightful insight into the world of opulence and art.

The museum resides in Manchester Square, in Hertford House, which the Marquesses of Hertford once owned. It showcases an exquisite collection of paintings, porcelain, furniture, sculpture, armor and arms amassed by wealthy art collector Sir Richard Wallace.

Featured in its lavishly decorated rooms are masterpieces by renowned artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, and Fragonard. You’ll also see opulent Rococo interiors that are works of art in themselves.

However, the collection’s crowning glory is its world-class array of 18th-century French decorative arts, including Sevres porcelain and intricate furniture. Be sure to visit early to appreciate them without the crowds.

12/10/2023

Today’s depicts Sir Lenworth Henry, but you’ll probably know him best as Lenny.

Painted by Morag Caister, this likeness of Lenny won Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year in 2022. It captures comedian and actor sitting in a relaxed pose, gazing ahead in thought with his hands clasped together.

Lenny was talent-spotted on the New Faces television show as a teenager. In the 1980s, he spent three years as a DJ on Radio 1, and from 1984-2003 he had his own series, The Lenny Henry Show, which featured stand-up, spoofs and character sketches. Lenny has toured successfully as a stand-up comedian and was one of the co-founders of Comic Relief. In 2009, he took to the stage and played the lead in Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello.

In recent years, Lenny has been an authoritative campaigner for improved representation in broadcasting and in 2018, he completed a PhD in Media Arts with a thesis entitled Does the Coach Have to be Black?: The Sports film, screenwriting and Diversity. He is currently Chancellor of Birmingham City University.

You can see this portrait of Lenny on display in our gallery of history makers, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Gallery .



🎨 Lenny Henry by Morag Caister, 2022 © National Portrait Gallery, London

12/10/2023

Join us this October half term for a big drawing extravaganza!

Explore drawing with the senses through fun, playful activities for all the family. From creating your own tactile drawing to drawing what you hear - touch, smell, look and listen in workshops to tingle the senses. All activities are free and drop in. Capacity is limited, first come first served. When you arrive head to our Family Desk on Floor 0 to see what’s on and pick up one of our fun family activity trails.

📆 Thursday 26 October 2023, 11.00-16.00

Plan your visit with the link: https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/event-root/october/family-day-the-big-draw



📸 Photograph taken during a previous Family event at the National Portrait Gallery, London © Frederick Goff

12/10/2023

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is a veritable treasure trove of British history and art that welcomes visitors free of charge. Situated just off Trafalgar Square, this cultural gem boasts an extensive collection of portraits spanning centuries. It takes visitors on a visual journey through the lives and faces of some of the most influential figures in British history.

From monarchs and politicians to artists and celebrities, the gallery’s impressive portraits capture the essence of each individual and the eras they lived in. Wandering through the halls of the National Portrait Gallery is like flipping through the pages of a history book but with vivid and evocative imagery.

Whether you’re interested in Tudor monarchs or contemporary cultural icons, the museum’s diverse exhibitions and ever-changing displays ensure that every visit is a unique experience.

25/09/2023

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25/09/2023

Piccadilly Circus

In the heart of London’s bustling West End, you’ll find Piccadilly Circus, the city’s answer to Time Square. This iconic landmark should be on every visitor’s itinerary, especially if you’re seeking free and unforgettable experiences in the city.

Some of London’s most vibrant streets converge in this famous intersection, including Regent Street, Piccadilly, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Coventry Street. What makes Piccadilly Circus so captivating are its dazzling electronic billboards and the iconic Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at its centre, often referred to as Eros.

Piccadilly Circus is a hub for culture and entertainment. You can spend hours people watching, absorbing the lively atmosphere, and photographing with the bright lights as your backdrop. Nearby, the world-renowned retail zones of Regent Street and Oxford Street are excellent destinations for window shopping.