Ultimate Budget Travel: 5 Free Attractions to Enjoy in London – A Guide to Budget-Friendly Tourism in the UK

If you’re planning a trip to London, one of your main concerns is likely to be travel costs. London, the capital of the UK, is known as a world-famous tourist destination, but it’s also famous for its high cost of living. Entrance fees to major tourist attractions are by no means cheap, and it’s not uncommon to pay between $30-60 just to enter a single attraction.

But don’t worry! In fact, London has many wonderful tourist attractions that can be enjoyed without spending money. In this article, I’ll introduce five attractive spots that can be enjoyed for free, perfect for those who want to fully enjoy London while keeping their budget in check.

1. The British Museum

Known as the world’s oldest public museum, the British Museum is surprisingly free to enter (donation-based). You can see valuable cultural heritage from around the world at once, from the Rosetta Stone of ancient Egypt to sculptures from the Parthenon, valuable Egyptian mummy collections, and even Japanese ukiyo-e prints.

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However, there are a few things to note. First, advance reservations are required, so don’t forget to make a reservation when planning your trip. Also, special exhibitions may have separate fees. It’s recommended to visit on weekday mornings when it’s relatively less crowded. The cafes and shops inside the museum are a bit pricey, so it might be wise to eat outside before visiting.

2. Changing of the Guard

The traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is a highlight of London tourism. The solemn ceremony of guards dressed in bright red uniforms is a valuable opportunity to experience British tradition and dignity firsthand. During the ceremony, military bands also perform, allowing you to fully enjoy the British atmosphere with music.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony usually starts at 11 AM, but to get a good viewing spot, it’s recommended to arrive at least an hour in advance. The front of the palace gate is a popular photography spot, but the ceremony may be canceled in bad weather, so it’s reassuring to check the weather forecast in advance.

3. King’s Cross Station

For Harry Potter fans, Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station is a must-see spot. A photo spot just like in the movie has been set up, and you can take pictures for free with your own camera. The architectural beauty of the station building is also worth seeing, with a wonderful harmony between modern facilities and historic architecture.

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If you want to avoid crowds, it’s recommended to visit in the early morning or late evening. Official photographer services are also available, but these are paid services. The Harry Potter Shop inside the station is also attractive, but the products aren’t exactly cheap, so consider purchases according to your budget.

4. Abbey Road

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The Abbey Road crossing, known for the legendary Beatles album cover, is a must-see spot for music fans. Located about a 5-minute walk from St. John’s Wood station, it has become a popular spot visited by many tourists.

When taking commemorative photos, be very careful about safety, as it’s a place with heavy traffic. You’ll end up collaborating with other tourists for photos, but you can take pictures relatively smoothly in the early morning hours. The surrounding area is a quiet residential neighborhood, where you can also experience the daily atmosphere of London.

5. Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A Museum)

The V&A Museum, the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, also offers free admission to its permanent exhibitions (donation-based). It’s filled with highlights, from historical fashion collections to luxurious jewelry and intricate decorative art pieces. The café inside the museum also has magnificent architectural style and allows photography (though flash is prohibited).

Located in the South Kensington area, it can be visited together with other nearby museums. Special exhibitions may have fees, but the permanent exhibitions alone are well worth seeing.

Bonus: Even More Free Hidden Gems

In fact, London has many more attractive spots that can be enjoyed for free beyond those introduced here. For example, in the Notting Hill district, you can stroll through streets lined with adorable houses painted in pastel colors. It’s also popular as an Instagram-worthy spot, particularly busy with photography enthusiasts on weekend mornings.

In Brick Lane in East London, there are street performances on weekends where you can enjoy live performances by local artists for free. Furthermore, this area is a treasure trove of unique street art, making just walking around enjoyable enough.

London’s vast parks are also essential as free healing spots. In St. James’s Park and Hyde Park, you can enjoy feeding squirrels. Particularly in the early morning, friendly squirrels may approach you. In these parks, you can also enjoy bird watching and seasonal flowers, and in summer, you can see Londoners enjoying sunbathing.

For movie and drama fans, London is a treasure trove. For example, Harry Potter fans can visit the actual house used for filming the Dursley home. This house is located in a regular residential area and can be photographed from the outside. However, since ordinary people still live there, it’s important to be respectful when visiting.

Conclusion: London is Fun Just Wandering Around

London sightseeing doesn’t necessarily have to involve expensive expenditures. There are numerous free tourist spots, including the five introduced in this article. Moreover, the historic buildings, beautiful parks, and vibrant streetscapes you encounter while traveling between these spots are also unique charms of London.

By planning wisely, you can enjoy a fulfilling London trip while keeping your budget in check. Create special memories in London, where history, culture, art, and modern charm blend together!