Cheap and free summer activities in London

Visit the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs in Crystal Palace Park for a unique safari experience. These Grade I listed monuments were built in the 19th century and are quite different to what we know about dinosaurs today. They're free to visit and you can admire these unusual sculptures either on foot or by pedalo.

St James's Park is a lush and green city park in central London. It's particularly well-known for being home to a colony of pelicans. It's free to visit the park and explore the surroundings, including a lake, but visit at 2.30pm each day and you can also watch the pelicans being fed some tasty fish.

Explore the city without breaking the bank thanks to Free Tours by Foot. These pay-what-you-feel tours are budget-friendly and you're welcome to join in without paying anything at all. Tours with a range of themes are available; they're always offered in English and sometimes in other languages too. From street art to wartime history, there's something to interest everyone.

Visit spooky Highgate Cemetery and immerse yourself in history and atmosphere. Best-known as the burial place of Karl Marx, this Victorian cemetery comprises of two sites and you can buy an affordable ticket for both or just for one part. Many famous faces are buried here including George Michael and Bob Hoskins.

Perhaps London's biggest free party, Notting Hill Carnival takes place in August and has been a huge part of the capital's calendar since 1966. It's free to attend and attracts a massive crowd. At this Caribbean celebration you'll find music, costumes, dancing, loads of sound systems, and a major party vibe.

Arguably the UK's most famous public art commission, The Fourth Plinth is located in Trafalgar Square and brings provocative contemporary art to the masses. Every two years a new piece by a British artist is installed here and it's free to visit. Past artists to take up the commission include Marc Quinn and Yinka Shonibare.

Contemporary art space Serpentine Galleries is set across two buildings in Kensington Gardens. Each summer the gallery also unveils a pavilion designed alternately by an artist or architect, with the pavilion and exhibitions at the galleries all being free to visit. A variety of acclaimed artists such as Marina Abramovich have had exhibitions here.

Visit a working farm without leaving the capital at Hackney City Farm, which is free to visit. Meet the animals, explore the farmyard and tranquil gardens, and check out the farm shop and restaurant. There are regular volunteer opportunities, creative classes, bike maintenance workshops, and clubs for kids as well.

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival runs over nine days each summer and brings a wide variety of outdoor and performing arts events to Greenwich. All of the festival's activities are free to attend. These performances and experiences transform the area's public spaces into a celebration of creativity.

Discover art and get some fresh air with The Line. This free outdoor art trail is set out between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2. Walking the whole thing takes approximately three hours but you can also explore just part of it. Along the way you'll see monumental sculptures by top artists like Anish Kapoor and Antony Gormley.

Central London turns into a massive party place with the annual Pride Parade. In 2024 the parade is taking place on 29th June. This event is all about celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and identity with a fun and friendly atmosphere. The main parade is free to attend but lots of venues put on their own celebrations and activities too.

Primrose Hill is a great place to visit on a sunny summer's day, offering sweeping views into central London. The hill itself is one of the capital's protected viewpoints and even the trees here are intentionally kept low so that the views aren't disrupted. There's plenty of space to sit or walk, in addition to a positive atmosphere.

Go for a summer stroll in North London along Parkland Walk, a 3.1 mile long nature reserve and walking route. It's popular with walkers, cyclists, and dog owners, following a disused railway track between Alexandra Palace and Finsbury Park. Along the way you'll see nature, street art, and the spooky Spriggan sculpture peeping out from a railway arch.

Head to East London on a Sunday for Columbia Road Flower Market. This lively street market is free to visit and there are plenty of affordable blooms for sale if you want to pick up a cheap treat. Plants and flowers here are sourced from all over the country. Music from buskers adds to the atmosphere.

Get over to North London to explore Golders Hill Park Zoo, a small zoo that's completely free of charge. It's been in place for over 100 years and is set amongst the park grounds. You'll see animals and birds here including wallabies, lemurs, donkeys, and chickens. The zoo is open every day.

Visit Walthamstow Wetlands and explore a 211 hectare nature reserve with a reservoir. This is a site of international importance and home to lots of thriving wildlife. Take a walk through this peaceful setting and immerse yourself in nature. There's also a café, shop, and a variety of interesting events on-site.

The Monument is an imposing London landmark and you can climb all the way to the top for a small ticket price. There are 311 steps to the top so you'll definitely get your exercise in. At its peak you'll be greeted with impressive views of the capital so it's a great activity for a clear sunny day.

North London's Alexandra Palace is an expansive park and events venue that offers great views into central London. The venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts from big names and sports tournaments. The expansive park has plenty of space for wandering around or relaxing in the summer sun too.

The London Cable Car was originally built for the 2012 Olympics and is now a fun way to observe London from a different angle. A journey across the Thames on the cable car takes about 10 minutes and is a cheap way to see the sights. You'll get impressive panoramic views from 90 metres above ground.

Visit the extensive manicured grounds of Stephens House and Gardens. This Grade I listed house was a gift to the public and can be hired for meetings and events. The gardens include ponds, a rockery, play areas, and a bat colony, with lots of space for soaking up the sun. There's an on-site café as well.

Granary Square near Regent's Canal is a fab place to hang out on a warm day. More than 1,000 individually-controlled fountains create exciting visuals here. Relax on the astroturf-covered steps and enjoy entertainment from a big screen, ranging from film screenings to major sports tournaments. There are plenty of nearby shops, eateries, and bars too.

On Hampstead Heath you'll find 800 acres of wild landscape situated just a few miles from the centre of London. From shady woodland to refreshing ponds and hills that offer fantastic city views, there's so much to discover here. Whether you plan to get active or just want to relax, this is a great destination for a summer's day.

Floating Pocket Park in West London is a park based on pontoons floating on Paddington Basin. Designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Tony Woods and partially constructed from recycled materials, you'll find plants, birds, and wildlife in this calming oasis. A canopy is erected in the summertime and there are bean bags and deckchairs for visitors to relax on.

Widely considered the birthplace of UK skating, Southbank Skatepark is a skatepark overlooking the Thames that's been around since the 1970s. Set amongst Brutalist architecture, it's entirely covered so you can still enjoy it if the weather takes a turn. It's open 24/7 and offers challenging elements for skaters to tackle.

Measuring 85 hectares, Clapham Common is a popular outdoor space in South London. It's a great choice for walking or picnicking and has a variety of facilities. Check out the Victorian bandstand in the summer where there's a seasonal music programme. Other attractions include outdoor gyms, a skate park, and play areas for kids.

Find some tranquility in the city at Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. This peaceful garden was a gift from the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and is a little piece of Japan in London. Stroll around the garden and you'll see free-roaming peacocks, koi ponds, plant life, and elegant water features.

Uber Boat by Thames Clipper offers Londoners a cheap river cruise, whether you're admiring the sights or on your commute. These river buses run regularly along several different routes and you can pay with your Oyster or contactless card. Refreshments are available on-board and you're guaranteed to get a seat.

Enjoy outdoor swimming in the summer for an affordable price at Serpentine Lido. Here you can swim amongst wildlife in the surroundings of Hyde Park. This popular spot has been a swimming hub since the 19th century and there's a café where you can relax after your swim.

In East London you can visit Dalston Eastern Curve Garden. This community garden and social enterprise is full of attractive displays of plants and flowers, as well as plots for locals to grow food. The plants here are wildlife-friendly species. There's a café-bar on the site and you're free to bring your dog along too.

Trendy Broadway Market is a great place to shop for street food, ingredients to use at home, and craft items. The market has been around since Victorian times and is now a bustling hotspot that's fun to browse. On a summer's day, pick up some street food before heading to London Fields to enjoy the weather.

In the woods by Shooters Hill you'll see Severndroog Castle, an intriguing gothic folly that you might not expect to encounter. The structure dates back to the 18th century and the admission price is affordable. Once you're inside you can visit the castle rooms and tea room or head to the observation deck for clear views of the area.

The Tide in Greenwich is the capital's only elevated riverside linear park. At this modern space there are installations by top artists, wonderful river views, and meditation points to help you find some inner peace. Wellness events take place and there is also a range of food vendors. Come here for the tranquil views and atmosphere.

London is home to lots of parks that are fab for summer days and Greenwich Park is a great option in South London. Enjoy the park's rolling hills and sweeping views, including vistas of Canary Wharf. This is one of the largest green spaces in the south of the capital, offering lots of space for picnics and relaxing.

Stockwell Hall of Fame opened in the 1950s as a basketball court and has evolved into a legendary legal space for street art and graffiti. Artists come from around the world to leave their mark here. It's bold and colourful, with its appearance constantly changing. Live music also takes place in this distinctive setting.