London is a huge cultural city. From the music, museums, festivals, and art galleries, London is one of the world’s leading cultural places that attracts tourists worldwide. Many of these places are free to enter, making them even more appealing. Take a look at some of our favourite cultural activities in London.
Tate Modern
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
The Tate Modern art gallery houses the UK’s national collection of international modern and contemporary art. With 5.7 million visitors, it is among the world’s top ten most visited museums and galleries. The collection holds masterpieces of international and British modern art.
Closest station: Blackfriers
Tate Britain
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
Tate Britain is an art museum on Millbank in the City of Westminster. Tate Britain is free to visit. Discover much-loved favourites alongside new contemporary artworks, from the Pre-Raphaelites to David Hockney and Bridget Riley. Tate Britain is also home to the world’s largest collection of works by JMW Turner.
Closest Station: Vauxhall
Serpentine Gallery
https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/
Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA
The Serpentine Gallery is a free-entry art gallery hosting world-renowned temporary exhibitions on either side of the lake. Their two galleries are on either side of the Serpentine Bridge in the Royal Park of Kensington Gardens. You will need to book for events.
Closest station: Lancaster Gate
Shakespeare’s Globe
https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/
21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse first built in 1599 for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays. Inspired and informed by the unique historic playing conditions of two beautiful iconic theatres, the performances here make Shakespeare accessible for all.
Closest station: Blackfriars
The Victoria & Albert Museum
Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL
The V&A in South Kensington, is full of wonders. From unmissable exhibitions to extraordinary collections, there is something for everyone at this for art, design and performance. It also has a wonderful cafe with amazing architecture.
Closest station: South Kensington
Southbank Centre
https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
The Southbank Centre is a complex of artistic venues in London on the South Bank of the River Thames. It has three main performance venues, together with the Hayward Gallery, and is Europe’s largest centre for the arts. Along the river, there are always street performers and food stalls and often markets, too.
Closest station: Blackfriars
Borough Market
London SE1 9AL
Borough Market is one of London’s largest and oldest food markets, with a market dating back to at least the 12th century. In this historic setting, you’ll find an incredible range of food from all over Britain and the rest of the world.
Closest station: London Bridge
The Wallace Collection
https://www.wallacecollection.org/
Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
The Wallace Collection is a national museum housing masterpieces of painting, sculpture, furniture, arms and armour, and porcelain. The museum in London occupies Hertford House in Manchester Square, the former townhouse of the Seymour family, Marquesses of Hertford.
Closest station: Bond Street
The Now Building
https://www.outernetglobal.com/
Centre Point, London WC2H 8LH
The Now Building is a media, entertainment and cultural complex between Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road. It is an immersive entertainment space boasting the world’s largest high-resolution wrap-around screens and a futuristic live events venue to boost London’s live music scene.
Closest station: Tottenham Court Road
Saatchi Gallery
Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, London SW3 4RY
The Saatchi Gallery presents contemporary art exhibitions showcasing the work of emerging artists. In 2019, Saatchi Gallery became a registered charity and began a new chapter in its history.
Closest station: Sloane Square
Barbican Conservatory
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2023/event/the-conservatory-x-ranjani-shettar
Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
Planted between 1980 and 1981 and opened in 1984, the Barbican Conservatory houses around 1,500 species of plants and trees, some rare and endangered. The conservatory is free to enter; you must book a time slot. The Barbican is also home to the theatre and plenty of places to eat.
Closest station: Barbican or Moorgate