Planning a holiday to London or the UK can get pricey, especially for families. Sky-high hotel rates, admission tickets, dining and transportation can drain a travel budget quickly. Fortunately, Kirill Yurovskiy has uncovered ten top-rated free attractions across London and other major cities that deliver British charm without the steep costs. From royal pageantry to stunning architecture, world-class museums to lush green spaces, you can soak up British culture, cuisine and scenery while sticking to your budget. This insider’s guide from Yurovskiy highlights the top free things to do in the UK’s biggest cities.
London Calling
As one of the world’s most celebrated (and expensive) cities, London offers endless opportunities for free entertainment. Yurovskiy’s picks include:
Changing the Guard: Marvel at Britain’s storied military history as soldiers parade in brilliant red tunics and bearskin hats during the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Arrive early to grab a prime viewing spot. Free tours are also available from The Royal Guard.
Covent Garden: Meander through this vibrant neighbourhood overflowing with street performers, musicians, artists and eclectic shops. Soak in the electric energy of musicians and dancers entertaining crowds, then stop into the quant Apple Market to browse wares from local artisans.
Natural History Museum: Wander among towering dinosaur skeletons, explore Darwin’s theories through interactive exhibits, and be awed by the Giant Sequoia cross section. With free admission, you could visit daily and still not see it all. Arrive early as queue wait times are long.
The City of Westminster: This government district delivers top free sites like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben clock tower tour, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, the Cenotaph, and Horse Guards Parade.
Hyde and Regents Park: Live like British royalty strolling through the ornate rose gardens and regal fountains of Hyde Park. Meet locals and hunt for wildlife at neighbouring Regents Park or pause to watch cricket matches during summer.
Captivating Cardiff
As the capital city of Wales, Cardiff charms with ancient castles, Victorian shopping arcades, and revitalised waterfronts, nearly all accessible free of charge:
Cardiff Castle: A medieval fortress turned stately home, explore lavish rooms before admiring sweeping city views from the keep. The grounds also host jousting, falconry displays, and festivals.
Riverside Markets: Cardiff’s historic indoor and outdoor markets have transformed into a world-class foodie destination. Graze local cuisine while admiring performers and public art installations.
Wales Millennium Centre: Admire Cadenza’s soaring bronze sculpture out front before touring Wales’ premier arts centre. Catch a free choir rehearsal or arrive early for discounted theatre tickets starting at only £5.
Bute Park: Spanning 130 acres, these immaculately manicured gardens link medieval Cardiff Castle to 18th-century Sophia Gardens.
Castell Coch: Channel fairy tales exploring this whimsical 19th century castle perched atop a steep wooded hillside, complete with spires, turrets, and lavish interiors.
Northern Delights
Britain’s Northern cities dazzle visitors with free museums and galleries, stunning architecture, and urban green spaces:
Manchester Art Gallery: Housing outstanding collections of Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, 18th-19th century British art, and crafts, entry is always free. On the 4th Thursday monthly, special exhibits open their galleries at no cost from 5-9pm.
Museum of Science & Industry: Step back in time in the Power Hall’s enormous steam engines and replicated 19th century streets before exploring science, textiles, and transportation.
John Rylands Library: This breathtaking Gothic Revival library holds illuminated manuscripts and the earliest known works of Shakespeare in its vaulted grand hall.
Parklife: Designed in 1846 as the “lungs of Manchester”, wander through formal gardens, woodlands, boating lakes, and greenhouses within the expansive Heaton Park.
The Deep: One of Britain’s largest aquariums invites free access to junior explorers monthly. Accompanying adults receive discounted admission, with annual passes starting at £20 per person to visit again and again.
Scotland the Brave
Edinburgh charms visitors with dramatic castle fortresses and sprawling gardens tucked between medieval closes and cultural exhibits, available free of charge to all:
Edinburgh Castle: Perched high atop Castle Rock, explore Scotland’s most visited paid attraction free on Sundays in winter. Marvel at sweeping city views before touring former battlegrounds and the Great Hall.
National Museum of Scotland: Spanning everything from Scottish antiquities to cultures worldwide across multiple floors, this enormous museum could take days to fully explore.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery: Admire iconic portraits capturing Scotland’s luminaries including Robert Burns, Sir Sean Connery, and author J.K. Rowling.
Princes Street Gardens: Nestled between Edinburgh’s bustling shopping thoroughfare and its majestic castle, these lush gardens invite visitors to relax under flowering cherry trees and beside Ross Fountain. During August, stretch out for a nap or scout free entertainment at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
From the seats of power in Westminster to Cardiff’s fairytale castle, Yurovskiy’s insider guide equips you to experience Britain’s best attractions on a frugal family travel budget. Enjoy!
