Culture & leisure
Culture & leisure in London
Some of the world's great museums, eight Royal Parks, a library in every borough, and something happening every night of the week — most of it free. Here is where to find it.
Ref · LDN-CULTURE · Updated 2026-07-19
London is one of the richest cultural cities on earth, and a remarkable amount of it costs nothing. National museums open their permanent collections for free, the Royal Parks welcome everyone from dawn to dusk, and every borough runs libraries and local events. This page brings the main routes together and links each one to the official source, so you can plan a day out, join a library, or find what's on this weekend.
Free museums & galleries
The permanent collections of most of London's national museums and galleries are free to enter. That includes the British Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern and Tate Britain, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Some special exhibitions charge admission, and a few venues ask you to reserve a free timed ticket in advance — worth checking before you travel.
For a curated set of the capital's landmarks and sights, browse the Discover section of this portal, which points you to the places worth building a visit around.
Free entry, ticketed exhibitions
Permanent collections are free, but blockbuster temporary shows usually charge. Book those ahead, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
The Royal Parks
London has eight Royal Parks covering thousands of acres of green space in the heart of the city — Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park, St James's Park, Green Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park and Bushy Park. They are managed by The Royal Parks charity, free to enter, and open to everyone for walking, cycling, swimming, sport and quiet. Beyond these, your borough council looks after hundreds of local parks, commons and gardens.
Libraries
Public libraries are run by your borough council, and joining is free. A library card lets you borrow books, use computers and the internet, and reach free digital services such as e-books, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines. Many libraries also host reading groups, children's activities and study space.
- Proof of your name and address to join
- Your borough council's library website or a local branch
- A device or library computer for digital services
Events & what's on
Visit London, the city's official visitor guide, lists exhibitions, festivals, markets, theatre and free things to do right across the capital. For events on your doorstep, your borough council's website carries local listings — from summer fairs to late-night museum openings.
The Mayor's culture programmes
City Hall backs culture across London — from major public festivals and events to the London Borough of Culture, which invests in a different borough each year, and schemes that protect grassroots music venues, studios and creative workspace.
Note: This portal signposts official cultural bodies and your borough. government.london is an information page — it does not sell tickets or manage bookings.
Common questions
Are London's museums really free?
Yes. The permanent collections of most of London's national museums and galleries are free to enter, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate galleries, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A. Special exhibitions may charge, and some ask you to book a free timed ticket.
Who runs the Royal Parks?
The eight Royal Parks — including Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park and St James's Park — are managed by The Royal Parks charity. They are free to enter and open to everyone. Local parks and commons are run by your borough council.
How do I join a library in London?
Public libraries are run by your borough council. Joining is free — sign up online or in person at any of your borough's branches to borrow books, use computers and access free digital services such as e-books and newspapers.
Where do I find out what's on in London?
Visit London, the city's official visitor guide, lists events, exhibitions, festivals and things to do across the capital. Your borough council's website also lists local events, markets and activities in your area.
What are the Mayor's culture programmes?
The Mayor of London supports culture through City Hall, from major public events and festivals to programmes such as the London Borough of Culture, which invests in a different borough each year, and schemes that keep grassroots music venues, studios and creative spaces open.
This is an information page. Bookings and tickets are handled by each venue and by the official listings services.
See what's on at Visit London →Where to go next
Official culture, parks and leisure services for London.