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Free Family Fun: Things to Do in London this Half Term
Is it possible to enjoy half term in London without spending a fortune?
Absolutely. London is one of the few cities in the world where a full day out can cost nothing at all. The museums are free. The parks are free. The street life, the markets, the river all free. Half term doesn’t have to mean big budgets or long queues. With a little planning, you can fill an entire week with free family fun and barely touch your wallet.
What are the best free museums to visit during half term?
London’s world-class museums are free to enter all year round, and many put on special half term programming.
The British Museum
One of the world’s great collections, all under one roof. From ancient Egypt to the Elgin Marbles, there’s enough here a whole day. During half term, drop-in activities for children run throughout the week.
Address:
Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Nearest Tube:
Tottenham Court Road or Holborn
The V&A
The Victoria and Albert Museum holds the world’s largest collection of art and design. Its half term Family Trails are self-guided and free — a great way to keep younger visitors engaged as you explore.
Address:
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
Nearest Tube:
South Kensington
The London Museum
London’s own story, told through 450,000 years of history. From Roman London to the Great Fire and beyond. It’s a gripping way for children and adults alike to understand the city.
Address:
Smithfield, London EC1A 9PS
Nearest Tube:
Barbican or Farringdon
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is one of the world’s leading modern art galleries housed inside a former Bankside power station on the South Bank. The building itself is a work of art, and with free entry this is a must visit.
Address:
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Nearest Tube:
Southwark or Blackfriars
What are free outdoor things to do with children in London?
Greenwich Park
One of London’s most expansive Royal Parks, Greenwich Park offers open spaces for running and playing, skyline views from the hilltop, and the Prime Meridian line.
Southbank
The stretch of the Thames from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge is one of London’s great walks. Filled street performers, book marketers and more, it costs nothing and offers everything.
Hampstead Heath
Wide open, wild and surprisingly tranquil for a city park. Kite flying, pond swimming, long walks and Parliament Hill views make it one of London’s favourite escapes for families.
Alexandra Palace Park
Less central but well worth it. The park offers panoramic views across London, open space for children to move freely, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s a welcome contrast to busy Zone 1.
Can you see London’s landmarks without paying entry fees?
Many of the city’s most iconic sights are free to experience from the outside.
Tower Bridge
The view from the north bank of the Thames, with Tower Bridge in the foreground and the City skyline beyond, is one of London’s defining images. It costs nothing to stand and take it in.
Buckingham Palace
The exterior, the steps, and the surrounding Paternoster Square are all free to access and worth a stop on any central London walk.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Wide open, wild and surprisingly tranquil for a city park. Kite flying, pond swimming, long walks and Parliament Hill views make it one of London’s favourite escapes for families.
The Thames Path
Following the river on foot from Putney to Greenwich (or any section of it) gives you London from a different angle — past architecture, history, pubs and parks, all at your own pace.
Where should families stay to make the most of a free half term in London?
Being centrally located matters. When you’re not spending on attractions, you want to spend less on getting around. Staying in the heart of the city means more of London is walkable — which means more of your day is your own.
Zedwell Hotels sit at the centre of it all. Piccadilly Circus puts you steps from the West End, Southbank and the parks. Tottenham Court Road connects you quickly to anywhere on the Elizabeth, Central and Northern lines. Greenwich places you inside one of the city’s most rewarding free neighbourhoods.
After a full day out, you want a room that lets you actually rest. Zedwell Cocoon Rooms are windowless by design and sound-insulated — purpose-built for the kind of sleep that makes the next day feel possible.
Half term is busy. Your room doesn’t have to be.
