Cheap things to do in London–Top 11 Activities Under £20 in 2025
London is famous for its heritage, culture, and diversity. But exploring this iconic city doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Here are eleven great cheap things to do in London for under £20.
1. Explore the British Museum
Cost: Free
Location: London WC1B 3DG, Great Russell St
The British Museum is a human history, art, and culture treasure trove. With a permanent collection of over eight million works, the museum has fascinating natural history exhibits from ancient civilisations to modern times. The Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies are some highlights.
Tip: Entry is free, but if you want to explore more, you can book a guided tour or special exhibition for around £20. It would be the best £20 you will spend in London!
2. Take a Ride on the Thames Clipper
Cost: ~£5 (Single Journey)
Location: Find Your Pier
Ride on the Thames Clipper and experience London from a different viewpoint. A relaxing way to see the city’s landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the Tate Modern, this river bus service takes you along the Thames. If you want to save a little money, go for a single journey ticket.
Tip: If you want to save some money, use an Oyster card or contactless payment.
3. Visit Sky Garden
Cost: Free (Ticketed Entry)
Location: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
The Sky Garden, located at 20 Fenchurch Street, offers stunning panoramic views of London. The indoor garden spans three floors and includes observation decks and an open-air terrace. While entry is free, tickets must be booked in advance due to high demand.
Tip: Book your visit during sunset for an unforgettable experience.
4. Stroll Through Borough Market
Cost: Free (Cost of food varies)
Location: London SE1 9AL
Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and most famous food markets. It’s a haven for food lovers, offering a variety of fresh produce, street food, and artisanal products. For the most affordable eats, check out this article. Even if you’re on a tight budget, exploring the market and sampling small bites can be a delightful experience.
Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
5. Attend a Free Event at the Southbank Centre
Cost: Free (Some events under £20)
Location: London SE1 9AL
The Southbank Centre, located along the River Thames, hosts a variety of free and affordable events, including concerts, art exhibitions, and literature readings. For example, swing into the annual London Jazz Festival where world-class and emerging stars bring music from across the Jazz world. It’s a cultural hub where you can immerse yourself in the arts without spending a fortune.
Tip: Check their website linked above for the latest free events and affordable ticket options.
6. Roam Around Hampstead Heath and Climb Parliament Hill
Cost: Free
Location: Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR
One of London’s most loved green spaces, Hampstead Heath, covers 790 acres of area. A perfect combination of wild nature and well-maintained landscapes, it is the ideal place for a tranquil escape from the city’s fast pace. There is no shortage of wooded areas, open fields, and peaceful ponds where you can wander, marvelling at the many types of wildlife and breathing in the fresh air.
Parliament Hill is the crown jewel of Hampstead Heath. Famous for its panoramic views, the hill has a great view of London’s skyline, including The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye. Plan your visit during sunrise or sunset hours for the most stunning views. The Heath also has walking trails and swimming ponds where you can swim in the open air in the summer. It’s a quintessential London day out, and it’s completely free of charge! Just bring a picnic to enjoy at the top of Parliament Hill.
Tip: Visit during the autumn and you will be rewarded with a beautiful display of changing foliage, and the scenery will be even more breathtaking.
7. Tour St. Paul’s Cathedral’s Whispering Gallery
Cost: £25 (adult ticket)
Location: London EC4M 8AD, St. Paul’s Churchyard.
If you’re a history buff or architecture fan, you must visit St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Sir Christopher Wren designed the cathedral in a breathtaking Baroque style, making it one of London’s most famous landmarks. The cathedral has an iconic dome that towers over the skyline, hand-painted mosaics, carvings, and high ceilings that appear to touch the heavens.
The Whispering Gallery, located in the dome, is one of the cathedral’s most intriguing features.
This circular gallery lives up to its name, with acoustics so precise that the whisper against the wall can be heard clearly 112 feet away.
It’s truly a unique, playful, and yet awe-inspiring experience.
If you’re brave, continue up the rest of the steps to the Stone and Golden Galleries for spectacular views of London. It’s well worth the effort to get to these higher levels for the unique perspective of the city.
Tip: Just check for discounted tickets online or whether your London Pass covers the entrance to the cathedral before making plans.
8. Discover Street Art in Shoreditch for a Perfect Day Out in London
Cost: Free
Location: Shoreditch, London
London’s creative hub, Shoreditch, is an artistic overload spilling out onto every street corner.
Vibrant murals, graffiti, and stencilled works by world-renowned street artists such as Banksy and Shepard Fairey and up-and-comers cover its walls. Shoreditch is a walk through an ever-changing open-air gallery.
Start your journey from Brick Lane, famous for street art, vintage shops, and food stalls.
You also can’t miss the Great Eastern Street, which has large-scale murals of the best of contemporary urban art. You can also find hidden gems on the side streets of Rivington and Redchurch.
If you’re interested in learning more about the stories behind the art, join a street art walking tour. For £10-£15, knowledgeable guides will lead you through the history and meaning of these works, insights you wouldn’t get on your own.
Tip: Come and visit during the day to watch artists in action and for better lighting, as many are still producing new masterpieces. Take a camera and snap your favourite!
9. Visit the London Museum for fun on a budget
Cost: Free
Location: London EC2Y 5HN, 150 London Wall.
The London Museum is a gold mine of information about the city’s history and journey from prehistoric times to its current status as a global metropolis.
It is a must-visit destination if you truly want to understand what makes London such a fascinating city. The museum has several interactive exhibits, artefacts, and immersive displays.
Visit sections on Roman London, medieval trade, and the Great Fire of 1666.
The Victorian Walk features a recreated 19th-century street lined with shopfronts and gas lamps. It is fascinating to see how Londoners lived during that era.
The museum’s modern galleries examine London’s multiculturalism and its role in financing and global politics.
Temporary exhibitions provide modern and varied perspectives from time to time.
Tip: If you have limited time, choose the exhibits and galleries in the history museum you want to see first. Also, check out the museum’s website for events, talks, and workshops, many of which are absolutely free.
10. Explore Columbia Road Flower Markets in London
Cost: Free (Cost of flowers start at as low as £5)
Location: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
The Columbia Road Flower Market turns this sleepy East London street into a beautiful marketplace for a burst of colour and energy. Fresh flowers, plants, and gardening supplies fill rows of stalls, overflowing into a plant lover’s and casual browser’s paradise.
It’s a sensory delight even if you’re not in the market to buy. The air fills with the pleasing scents of roses, lavender, and eucalyptus, while the vendors’ calls bring a fresh, cheerful air. The surrounding area has independent shops, cafes, and galleries, making it a great spot to spend the morning.
Visiting toward the end of the day if you want to pick up a few flowers to take home. That’s when a lot of vendors will cut their prices to clear stock, so you can get something for a bargain and support local sellers.
Tip: A great Sunday out can be coupled with brunch at a nearby cafe or pub. Come early for a quieter experience, or come late for the best deals.
11. Visit the Painted Hall in Greenwich
Cost: Adult ticket (includes guided tour): £16.50. Entry for kids is free.
Location: Greenwich SE10 9NN, King William Walk
The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the UK’ and makes for a hidden gem on your London itinerary. This is a 40,000-square-foot baroque art masterpiece that is one of Europe’s most spectacular interiors.
The murals, which Sir James Thornhill painted between 1707 and 1726, celebrate British naval power, monarchy, and mythology.
Visitors are left in awe by the vivid details, the intricate composition, and the sheer scale. While strolling through the hall, you will see gods, goddesses, kings, queens, and figures of power and prosperity.
A guided tour is often included with your entry ticket, and expert guides will bring you fascinating insights into the art, history, and hidden symbols of the hall. Talk about the best cheap thing to do in London!
Tip: Take your family on a trip to the Greenwich Market nearby for street food and unique crafts when for a perfect day out. Don’t miss the views from the Royal Observatory or Greenwich Park; both are free to see.
Bonus cheap things to do in London: StreetHunt Games
Price: From £16.5
Location: Blackfriars and Holborn
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure and mystery, StreetHunt Games offers interactive street games that combine exploration with clue-solving.
Put your thinking cap on and your detective skills to work while exploring unique corners of London.
Hunts provide an affordable way to experience the city in a new and exciting way.
Tip: For more tips and recommendations on exploring London affordably, visit StreetHunt Games’ Blog. London offers plenty of activities that cater to a variety of interests and budgets.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without overspending.
By focusing on these cheap things to do in London, you can experience the best of what London has to offer without straining your wallet. Enjoy your budget-friendly adventure in this incredible city.
So, grab your Oyster card, book those tickets, and start exploring London on a budget!