Westminster Abbey icons

Yes, we hate adding on the extra pounds too. And, in London, it’s easy to do. Thankfully, there are a slew of free things to take advantage of in Her Majesty’s city—and you pretty much only need a good pair of walking shoes to enjoy them. Righty-ho!

Water works

We think the best fountains in London (and there are plenty to choose from!) are the two majestic bronze fountains that flow over Trafalgar Square. Start by admiring them from afar, standing at the northern edge of the square. Then, take the stairs down, pause to pet the giant lion statues (another Square fixture), and settle in on a perch nearby. We’ve spent whole afternoons here, where the views of Londontown are great and you’re never far from a duck or a wish.

Sit for a portrait

The National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square is free and open to the public daily, closing only for a couple days at Christmas. The gallery displays portraits, photos, and sculptures of notable Brits, including a famous rendering of Shakespeare by John Taylor. Be sure to peek at portraits of Benjamin Franklin, Rudyard Kipling and all 50 paintings of Queen Elizabeth II (somebody’s been sitting for a long time!).

Admission is also free in The National Gallery next door, where the magnificent Arnolfini Portrait is on display. And, very important, don’t forget that most of the city’s state-run museums in London are free. Check out our post on free London museums for more information.

En guard!

London is known for its royal ceremonies. Stand outside Buckingham Palace at 11:30 am on most days and you can see the changing of the guard, a fantastic display of military music, regalia, and general British pomp. (Not to mention those furry hats!) Check the guard’s web site for the ceremony schedule. (The event occurs once daily from April to July and then alternates days August through March.)

A pew with a view 

It costs nothing to attend a traditional worship service at Wesminster Abbey, where Queen Elizabeth II was coronated in 1953 and notables like Geoffrey Chaucer are buried. There are six services on Sunday and four services on other days—all free and open to the public—and they provide a fascinating look into church life in England.

After the service, visit nearby St. Margaret’s Church, free and open to the public daily. If you choose to tour the Abbey, only available on weekdays or Saturday, it will cost you £10.

Parliamentary, my dear!

If you want to sit in on a session at the British Parliament, you’ll need to queue up early as it’s one of the most popular activities in town. However, if you are a UK citizen and apply in advance through your local MP (Member of Parliament), you can skip the line altogether and receive a guaranteed place. The best time of day to go is in the morning. If you get in, you may see the Prime Minister on Wednesday mornings, when he appears before the House of Commons for his weekly ”Prime Minister’s Questions” session. Parliament is open Monday through Friday. Check the Parliament’s Web site for hours.

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