Free Things to Do in North London

One of the great things about London is that there is a multitude of free and cost-effective ways to spend your time.  Whilst we know that lots of the museums and art galleries are free entry, there are also plenty of other attractions which might not necessarily spring to mind when considering how to spend your next visit to the capital city.

If you are staying in the north of London perhaps in one of the many wonderful hotels such as the BW Premier Park Grand London Kensington and you want to discover some great days out without breaking the bank then read on; we have gathered together some top suggestions of free things to do in North London:- 

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of London’s most popular open spaces, and with good reason.  It consists of over 750 acres of beautiful countryside, woodlands and rolling hills and could easily convince you that you are nowhere near the city, despite being centrally located.  As well as the stunning green space you will also find a zoo, an athletics track, a lido, three swimming ponds, children’s playgrounds and an education centre.  

Parliament Hill is also located within Hampstead Heath and offers amazing views over the city, particularly on a clear day when it is possible to spot several of London’s famous landmark buildings.  The Heath is very popular with locals who like to picnic on a weekend, so turn up early if you want to grab a decent spot.  Other points of interest within include Golders Hill Park which features a butterfly house, croquet lawns, and the aforementioned zoo and the Pergola which is the ideal place to visit for a romantic walk, with its walkway of twisting vines. 

Kings Cross

Kings Cross station is an extraordinary part of London; mostly because it is so much more than just a station.  On warm days, children can enjoy splashing in the fountains at Granary Square where 1,080 choreographed jets throw water into the air in entertaining and delightful patterns or can burn off energy at the Handyside Gardens Play Park which features a play area, a sandpit and a water channel.  Camley Street Natural Park is also located just behind Kings Cross and offers two acres of wild green open space.  It is home to a number of different types of bird and wildlife and there are often family friendly events taking place such as bird box making and pond dipping. 

RAF Museum 

This fascinating museum tells the story of the Royal Air Force through its collection of aircraft from early designs to modern day military planes.  The museum has been designed with interactive elements suitable for all ages, and there are plenty of fun activities to keep children occupied throughout your visit as well.  From the 100 aircraft on site including the jaw-dropping Vulcan bomber to the Gallery which has been created especially with young fans of aircraft in mind, there is plenty to keep the whole family occupied here; and its just a short jaunt from Central London too.

Little Venice

Little Venice lies just north of Paddington and is a beautiful and tranquil area of the city.  It is where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet and it makes the ideal place to take a picturesque walk either towards Regent’s Park or away west.  There are plenty of waterside cafes if you fancy some refreshments or you can catch a towboat and travel in comfort along the canal instead.

The Bishops Avenue

Otherwise known as ‘Billionaires’ Row’, a visit to The Bishops Avenue is not for those who are easily turned to jealousy.  Considered to be one of the wealthiest streets in the world, a walk down here will reveal some of the city’s most ostentatious homes, which may leave your jaw grazing the ground.  It is located on the north side of Hampstead Heath and you will see properties which have been inspired by cultures from all over the world, from Ancient Greece to the more traditional English country manors.  If you have half an hour to spend wandering and admiring then this is one street not to be missed out on.

British Library

The British Library is the UK’s national library and is home to some of the most significant literary treasures in the world including the Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s First Folio and more.  Entry is completely free although the library does hold two special exhibitions each year which have an entry fee.  Aside from the exhibitions however you can still get up close and personal with some amazing historical books, art work, photographs and sound recordings making this a wonderful place to while away a few hours.  The British Library is on Euston Road, just a short distance from St Pancras.

Coram’s Fields 

Coram’s Fields is a seven acre playground and park which is also home to a city farm.  Children can get up close with goats, chickens, rabbits and birds and is an excellent place to take young children who might enjoy seeing farm animals and burning off some excess energy.  The park is almost always open from 9am until dusk but is occasionally closed for special events so it might be worth checking online in advance if this may be the case during your trip to London.

Wellcome Collection

The Wellcome Collection is a diverse array of objects which were gathered together by Sir Henry Wellcome, a 19^th century pharmacist who become fascinated with medicine.  Each object was chosen for its connections to medicine and there are some truly grisly items displayed here such as used guillotine blades.  There are a number of contemporary and historic exhibitions here as well as a fascinating library which houses more than 750,000 books and journals.  The Wellcome Collection is located on Euston Road and is open every day apart from Mondays.