Tower Bridge of London
Highlights
Our top 10 free things to see and do in London plus information on how to get around using trains and buses.
Time of Visit: September 2024
Duration of Visit: Three Nights
Description
We were amazed by the amount of cool places to visit in London. There are just so many places to go to that we barely scratched the surface in the three nights we were there.
Here we describe our top ten places to visit in London that are free to enjoy. These are the Borough Market, Buckingham Palace, Chinatown, Harry Potter filming locations, Holland Park, Horizon 22, Leadenhall Market, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and Westmister Abbey.
We also discuss the best way we found on how to travel between Gatwick Airport and downtown London as well as getting around this wonderful city.
Our Top Ten Free Things To Do In London
1. Borough Market
The Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and most renowned food markets. Located near London Bridge, the market features a diverse array of stalls selling everything from fresh produce, artisanal bread, gourmet cheeses and street food from around the world.
The atmosphere in the Borough Market is lively. It is a favorite for food enthusiasts, tourists and people that need to get a good bite. Lines usually form in front of popular food stalls where visitors are eager to taste the cuisine.
Whether you’re after a delicious meal, fresh ingredients, or simply a lively atmosphere, the Borough Market has something to offer everyone.
2. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch.
One of the palace’s most notable free attractions is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This takes place in front of the palace. This event typically occurs daily in the summer and every other day in the winter. Visitors should arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as the ceremony attracts large crowds.
While the interior of Buckingham Palace is not free to enter, the surrounding gardens and the Victoria Memorial provide picturesque spots for visitors to relax and take photos. The beautiful landscaping and vibrant flowers in the palace gardens provide a nice atmosphere, ideal for a leisurely stroll. The Victoria Memorial, located directly in front of the palace, is an impressive tribute to Queen Victoria and is surrounded by ornamental fountains and statues, making it a popular gathering place for tourists.
3. Chinatown
The Chinatown of London is a colorful and bustling destination. Visitors go to Chinatown not only to sample authentic Chinese cuisine but also to explore the colorful streets adorned with traditional Chinese lanterns and decorations that create a lively atmosphere.
Besides food, you can browse various markets and shops that line the streets of Chinatown. You can find an array of goods, from Asian snacks and herbal teas to traditional Chinese souvenirs. Some stalls may offer free treats to sample which is also a delightful way to spend time. The diverse culinary offerings also create a feast for the senses, with the enticing aromas of delicious dishes wafting through the air.
The iconic entrance gate, known as the Dragon Gate, should not be missed. The gates provide the perfect backdrop for photos.
Chinatown also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, many of which are free to attend. Notable celebrations include the Lunar New Year festivities that feature colorful parades, dragon dances, and live performances. These events provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese culture and traditions without spending a penny.
Whether wandering through the streets, exploring shops, or participating in festive celebrations, Chinatown offers a wealth of free experiences that showcase its rich heritage.
4. Harry Potter Filming Locations
London is a treasure trove of Harry Potter filming locations. We managed to visit three of them which are King’s Cross Station, Leadenhall Market and the Millenium Bridge.
One of the most popular is at King’s Cross Station where the Platform 9 3⁄4 scene from the “Harry Potter and Sorcerer’s Stone” was based. In the scene, it’s Harry’s first time to go to Hogwarts via train. Harry had to push himself and his luggage cart through a brick pillar between Platform 9 and 10 to get to the magical train station.
Fans can have their photo taken using the scene mock-up right beside the Harry Potter shop. Arrive early or allot a good amount of time as the line for picture taking can be long. We waited for at least 15 minutes and the line barely moved as it was not a simple stand by the cart and shoot.
King’s Cross Station itself features stunning architecture and is a bustling hub of activity. This adds to the allure of this magical entry point to the Wizarding World.
Another notable location is the Leadenhall Market. In the Sorcerer’s Stone, there was a brief scene where Harry and Hagrid were filmed walking in front of the Victorian market’s entrance.
Last is the Millennium Bridge. This pedestrian bridge across the River Thames was featured prominently in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” In the scene, the bridge collapses on the river as it was destroyed by Death Eaters.
The bridge also provides a wonderful view of the iconic St. Paul Cathedral.
Another place that is Harry Potter related but was not used as a filming location is Leicester Square. Here you can find a statue of Harry Potter on a broom which is a favorite of visitors to use as a backdrop in their photos. The square is also a popular location for street singers and performers.
5. Holland Park
Holland Park is an affluent neighborhood area located in West London. Within the neighborhood is a 54-acre park that is also named Holland Park. The park provides a nice break and escape from the hustle and bustle.
The park has many benches, gardens, open and wooded areas and walking paths that are perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, recreational activities or for taking a break from all the sightseeing. One of the more popular gardens within the park is the beautiful Kyoto Garden, which showcases Japanese landscaping.
Kensington Gardens at Kensington Palace is another destination that visitors may want to consider visiting while at Holland Park. Kensington Gardens is about a 30 minute walk from Holland Park. Kensington Gardens are beautifully landscaped and provide a tranquil setting for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities.
6. Horizon 22
If there is one place that should not be missed in London, it would be Horizon 22. Horizon 22 is a tall office building in the middle of London and only a few minutes walk from the famous London Bridge.
Visitors go to Horizon 22 to go up to the 54th floor (via dedicated elevator). About ¾ of the entire 54th floor has floor to ceiling glass walls. This provides mainly an unobstructed view of the city. Tower Bridge, the Thames River and other iconic landmarks are easily recognizable.
To avoid overcrowding, visitors must secure and entry ticket to access the 54th floor. If the place is not too busy, spots can be reserved on arrival at the lobby by scanning the prominently displaced QR code. You are only allowed to get into the dedicated elevator when you have the entry ticket (a QR code).
Visitors can stay as long as they want on the 54th floor. The only thing that is not allowed is sitting on the floor right beside the glass windows so that others may enjoy the view from the same spot.
7. Leadenhall Market
Not far from Horizon 22 is the Leadenhall Market. The covered market dates back to the 14th century. It has stunning interior Victorian architecture with colorful ceilings and walls having ornate details. It is a feast for the eyes. The market is also home to a variety of shops and eateries, making it an ideal spot for window shopping or simply enjoying the lively ambiance.
8. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of London’s recognizable landmarks. Walking across the bridge is a delightful experience. It connects the north and south banks of the Thames and also provides a unique vantage point for observing the river and the boats passing underneath.
Whether you’re walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the views, Tower Bridge is a central hub of activity and a great place to soak in the atmosphere of London.
9. Trafalgar Square
Not far from Chinatown and Leicester Square is the bustling Trafalgar Square. Nelson’s Column and its surrounding lion statues stand proudly at the center of the square. Street performers and musicians sometimes perform at the square which creates a lively atmosphere.
The square is also home to the National Gallery. Art lovers can explore an impressive collection of paintings without any admission fee. The gallery has entry time slots to avoid overcrowding. It is highly recommended that visitors book their entry tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line for an open time slot.
The square’s location makes it easy to embark on a self-guided walking tour of London.
10. Westminster
Westminster is a historic district in London. It is rich in iconic landmarks and offers several free activities for visitors to enjoy.
At the heart of Westminster is the impressive Palace of Westminster which is home to the UK Parliament. Palace entry typically requires a ticket but visitors can marvel at the stunning exterior Gothic architecture. The same is true for the abbey.
Big Ben, now known as the Elizabeth Tower, is another iconic sight in Westminster. .
Adjacent to the palace is Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage. It is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Just like the palace, entry to the abbey requires a ticket but visitors can explore the beautiful grounds and take in the impressive façade.
The area surrounding the abbey, including College Green and Parliament Square are perfect for leisurely walks while also admiring statues of Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. These spaces often serve as gathering points for protests, rallies, and cultural events, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the district.
Getting Around London
From Gatwick Airport to Downtown
At Gatwick, we asked the nice lady at the train kiosk what ticket to purchase. She walked us through the ticket machine menu and it saved us a good amount of money. She said to select the Traveler ticket, Zones 1-6 and it cost around 16 pounds for an entire day of train rides including the subway and buses. It was cheaper than what we read on the Internet.
We boarded the train to Bedford and got off at the London Black Friars Station to board another train that took us nearer to our hotel London City area.
Around London
Getting around London is fairly simple using trains and buses. We just used our credit card to tap in and tap out. There is a maximum daily charge per credit card, meaning the fare racks up to the maximum charge every time you tap out. The caveat here is that each person must use their own credit card.
The maximum daily charge depends on the zones you go. All the places listed here are in Zone 1 so the maximum daily charge is 8.5 pounds. of We arrived at Gatwick Airport and bought just rode the train
From Downtown to Gatwick
Unfortunately, we were told at the train ticket office at the London Bridge Station that the Traveler ticket is not available to go to Gatwick. However, the nice lady at the counter said that we could save on train costs by traveling outside of peak hours (06:30 – 09:29 and 16:00 – 18:59).
We boarded the Brighton train from London Bridge Station to Gatwick Airport.
Summary
There are simply so many places to see and things to do in London. Your feet would probably say “enough already” and you are nowhere to being halfway done.
We just stuck with the free “stuff” and certainly there was no shortage of it in London. We totally enjoyed our three night adventure in London and wished we would have stayed longer not only to see more places, but also to have some rest days.
Traveling between Gatwick Airport and London was fairly straightforward using trains. Getting around London was also convenient using the “Tube” or subway. Just use your credit card and go. The charges will appear a day or two later.
Whatever your “thing” is, whether arts, culture, food, sights and everything in-between, we are fairly sure London has what you are looking for.