London is one of the best cities in the world for holidays, in part thanks to its huge size, rich history and diverse entertainment districts. With all that in mind, a stay in the city can be a strain on the bank if you don’t know where to find the discounts. Regardless of the great value special offers London hotels, London can be an expensive city, which is why for those rainy days (both literal and financial) it’s well worth exploring the free activities you can enjoy in London.
There’s more than you think; from the many museums of the city to historic parks and green spaces, these beautiful free days out could be the defining factors of your stay at the Grand Royale London Hyde Park. Here are some of our favourites.
Natural History Museum
With close links to the evolutionary work of Sir Charles Darwin, this historic museum is one of the most extensive collections of space geology, animals and human biology in the world. With the country’s best prehistoric fossil gallery and plenty of other absorbing and child friendly exhibitions, this could be one of the best free days out in London for families.
Science Museum
Alongside the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum promises much respite for parents looking to engage their younger children in something educational during their London visit. Both the Science and Natural History Museum are located in South Kensington, meaning that guests of the Park Grand London Kensington needn’t travel far to reach it. The Science Museum excels in curating galleries of interactive exhibits that are perfect for children. The WonderLabs are just one example of how the museum makes scientific principles accessible and interesting to children.
British Museum
While the Science and Natural History Museums are world leading institutions for science, the British Museum is a leader in the history of human civilisation. From the Rosetta Stone to real Egyptian mummies, the British Museum is once again free to visit and so large, it could take up to an entire week to fully explore. The British Museum is located in Russell Square and also programmes temporary ticketed exhibits as well as its free collections.
Hyde Park And Kensington Gardens
Bigger than the Principality of Monaco these two royal parks combine to create what is known as the “green lung” of London. With famous sculptures, memorial statues and beautiful woodlands and greenery to explore, these two parks were one and the same until the 18th century when they were separated by the Serpentine Lake. With two contrasting landscapes, these two parks back onto both BUckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, promising guests of the Shaftesbury Hotel London a truly royal day out.
Horniman Museum
Founded by the heir of the tea empire in the 19th century, this off-the-beaten-track human and natural history museum is located in Forest Hill in southeast London. Easy to reach via the London Overground, the Horniman Museum includes collections of taxidermy, ancient musical instruments and touring exhibitions, but remains free to visit. This one is especially popular with small children, so if you fancy a day out in scenic South East London, then make sure to stop off at this quirky arts & crafts styled museum and surrounding gardens.
