Free London

by | Mar 20, 2024 | General | 0 comments

London can be called a record holder for free attractions and tourist spots. Although accommodation and prices are high here, you can save money on visits to various attractions, museums, galleries, churches, parks and other places.

Want to discover what London has to offer without spending a single pound? Immerse yourself in the city’s colourful tapestry with our guide to free attractions. And if you’re feeling lucky and want to add a little more excitement to your London adventure, head over to Stay casino review. It’s an online casino where you can enjoy a variety of games and spice up your leisure time by adding a touch of excitement to it. So, let the exploration begin, both on the streets of London and in the world of online gaming!

Free excursions

The concept of free walking tours is that you don’t need to pay for the walk in advance, the guides work only for your “tips”. Therefore, such tours are an ideal option for a budget traveller.

SANDMENs free tour London is a three-hour walking tour of the most famous monuments in London. Among them are Buckingham and St. James’s palaces, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, and much more. The free tour starts in front of the Apple Store in the centre of Covent Garden and ends at Westminster Abbey. It takes place every day, starting at 11:00.

Strawberry Tours – the tour operator offers a choice of several themed free walks in London. The most popular tours are Harry Potter, James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper, Street Art Tour, and a ghost walk. Check the website for the start time and place of each tour.

Free London Walking Tours – free walking tours from local guides. There are several themed tours to choose from: Royal London, Debauched London, Jack the Ripper, and Secrets of London. You can choose a tour and find out the time and place to meet the guide on the website.

Tours are conducted in English or Spanish by appointment on the website.

Free museums

Entrance to all state museums in the UK is free. The government is interested in the development and education of the population, and for budget tourists, this is a real find.

The National Gallery (Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN) – there are more than two thousand paintings by outstanding artists of the XII – XX centuries. Among the most famous are the works of Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, Velazquez, Rembrandt and others. Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, on Friday – until 21:00.

The British Museum (Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG) – the museum has one of the largest collections of antiquities collected from around the world. The most famous are the Rosetta Stone, Etruscan vases, Egyptian mummies, fragments of the Parthenon and others. The thematic halls are divided into ancient countries – Greece, Italy, Egypt, China, India, Mexico. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Victoria and Albert Museum (Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL) – a huge building was built as a palace for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, but after her husband’s death, she ordered it to be turned into a museum. It is also the world’s largest and first museum of decorative and applied arts. The exhibitions feature antique jewellery, architectural elements, history and life of different cultures of the world. Open: Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 – 17:45.

The Natural History Museum (Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD) – first of all, the museum attracts tourists with its world-famous collection of dinosaur bones and prehistoric creatures. In particular, the famous giant diplodocus, which stands in the middle of the hall, and a 25-metre-long skeleton of a blue whale greets guests at the entrance. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

The Wallace Collection (Hertford House Manchester Square, W1U 3BN) is an art museum in the centre of London, known for unique works of French painting, antique furniture, knightly weapons and armour. The house museum impresses with its beauty and rich collection. There is a coffee shop in the courtyard where you can take a break after viewing the exhibits. It is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Be sure that one day will not be enough to visit most of these museums. So plan in advance what you want to see.

Parks

Kensington and Hyde Park is a royal park in the centre of London with a large lake, fountains, flower beds, sculptures and interesting art objects. The park has a playground with amusement rides and a Ferris wheel. Among the attractions is a pet cemetery of the XIX century.

St James’s Park (London SW1A 2BJ) is the oldest park in the city. Its peculiarity is the proximity to Buckingham Palace and the number of different birds that live on its territory. Here you can see and feed swans, ducks, pelicans, parrots, pigeons and other birds. In the centre of the park is a bridge over the lake, which offers picturesque views.

Regent’s Park (Chester Road Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR) is one of the largest royal parks located in the northern part of London. There are many flower beds, trees and picturesque lawns on the territory. Free instrumental concerts are regularly held in the central part of the park.

Kensington Gardens (The Magazine Storeyard Magazine Gate, W2 UH) – here is the palace and park where Queen Victoria spent her youth. The park has a swan pond decorated with many sculptures, and its most famous attraction is the red brick palace of the same name.

Almost all parks close at midnight and open their gates to visitors in the morning.

Other free and interesting places in London

Trafalgar Square (Trafalgar Sq, WC2N 5DN) – here, literally, the entire history of Britain over the past 400 years is collected. The square has a fountain and lion statues, near which you can find street musicians and artists. It hosts festivities and rallies, and in winter, the main Christmas tree stands here.

Borough Market (8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL) is a very popular street food location in London. There are many stalls with farm products in one place: cheese, wine, seafood, vegetables, fruit, bread. If you are interested in trying cuisines from around the world, this is the place to go.

Westminster Cathedral (42 Francis Street, SW1P 1Q) is the main Catholic church in England with a unique architecture and interior decoration. The interior is made of more than a hundred different types of marble. Organ music concerts are held here every weekend.

Millennium Bridge (Thames Embankment, SE1 9JE) – a modern pedestrian bridge was built to celebrate the third millennium. Of course, it cannot be compared to the Tower Bridge, but it has its own zest, especially if you walk along it in the evening.

St. Dunstan in the East (St. Dunstan’s Hill, EC3R 5DD) – a small and cosy garden has been set up on the ruins of a medieval church, where it is always quiet and peaceful. The former church walls are overgrown with ivy, which creates a unique atmosphere.

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle