Discover London – The Perfect Day Out with Richard Taylor Travel's Coach Only Option
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Discover London – The Perfect Day Out with Richard Taylor Travel's Coach Only Option
London is one of the world's greatest cities, but you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy everything it has to offer. If you're travelling on one of Richard Taylor Travel's Coach Only London day trips, you'll have the freedom to explore the capital entirely at your own pace while discovering many incredible attractions that won't cost you a penny.
Whether you're interested in history, architecture, museums, gardens, markets or simply soaking up the atmosphere, here's our guide to some of the very best free things to see and do in central London.
⛪ St Paul's Cathedral Exterior
Even if you're not entering the Cathedral, it's impossible not to be impressed by Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece. Stand beneath the magnificent dome, admire the intricate stonework and watch the world go by from the surrounding squares. It's one of London's most recognisable landmarks and an essential stop for every visitor.
🌉 Millennium Bridge
Walk across London's famous pedestrian bridge linking St Paul's Cathedral with the South Bank. The bridge offers spectacular panoramic views along the River Thames and is one of the city's most photographed locations.
From here you can enjoy wonderful views towards Tower Bridge, The Shard, Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe.
📸 One New Change Rooftop Terrace
One of London's best-kept secrets—and completely free.
Simply take the lift to the rooftop terrace at One New Change Shopping Centre to enjoy one of the finest close-up views of St Paul's Cathedral. It's a fantastic place for photographs and offers breathtaking views across London's skyline.
🌳 Paternoster Square
Immediately beside the Cathedral lies this beautiful open square, surrounded by cafés, restaurants and shops.
Take a seat, enjoy a coffee or simply admire Temple Bar, the historic ceremonial gateway that once marked the entrance to the City of London.
❤️ Postman's Park
Hidden away just a few minutes' walk from St Paul's is one of London's most peaceful gardens.
The park is famous for the moving Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, honouring ordinary men, women and children who lost their lives while courageously saving others. It's a quiet place for reflection and one of London's hidden gems.
🏛️ Guildhall & London's Roman Amphitheatre
Step back nearly 2,000 years by visiting the remains of London's Roman Amphitheatre beneath the Guildhall Art Gallery.
Entry to the Guildhall Art Gallery is free, where you can discover impressive artwork alongside the fascinating archaeological remains of Roman Londinium.
🏦 Bank of England Museum
Learn about the history of British money inside one of the world's most influential financial institutions.
Discover centuries of banking history, see genuine gold bars, interactive displays and fascinating exhibits explaining how our economy works. Admission is free (weekday opening applies).
🖼️ Tate Modern
Just across Millennium Bridge you'll find one of the world's leading modern art galleries.
Admission to the permanent collections is completely free, allowing visitors to discover works by Picasso, Warhol, Hockney, Rothko and many other internationally renowned artists. Even if modern art isn't your passion, the enormous Turbine Hall and riverside setting make it well worth a visit.
🎭 Shakespeare's Globe
While guided tours of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre require a ticket, you can still enjoy this faithful reconstruction from the outside completely free.
Take in the atmosphere of Bankside and learn about the history of Elizabethan theatre while admiring one of London's most unique buildings.
🌊 South Bank
One of London's liveliest riverside walks stretches from Blackfriars towards Waterloo.
Along the way you'll discover street performers, outdoor art installations, food stalls, book markets, musicians and spectacular views across the Thames. Every visit offers something different.
🌸 St Dunstan in the East
One of London's most beautiful hidden locations.
This ruined medieval church was heavily damaged during the Second World War and has since been transformed into a tranquil public garden. Ivy climbs the ancient stone walls while trees grow where the roof once stood, creating one of London's most photogenic spaces.
⛲ Leadenhall Market
Dating back to the 14th century, Leadenhall Market is one of London's most beautiful covered markets.
Marvel at its colourful Victorian architecture, browse boutique shops and cafés or simply wander through one of the filming locations used in the Harry Potter films.
👑 Sky Garden (Advance Booking Required)
One of London's most spectacular free attractions.
Located at the top of the iconic "Walkie Talkie" building, Sky Garden offers incredible 360-degree views across London from its indoor tropical gardens. Admission is free, although advance online booking is usually required.
🚶 The Monument to the Great Fire of London
Standing 202 feet tall, The Monument marks the location where the Great Fire of London began in 1666.
While climbing to the viewing platform requires a ticket, admiring this historic landmark and learning about its fascinating history from the surrounding information boards is completely free.
⚓ River Thames Walk
One of the simplest pleasures in London is following the River Thames.
Enjoy ever-changing views of historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, bridges and famous landmarks while watching sightseeing boats and river traffic pass by.
🏙️ Wander Through the City of London
One of the greatest joys of visiting London is simply exploring.
Lose yourself among narrow medieval alleyways, discover historic churches tucked between towering skyscrapers, admire centuries-old pubs, hidden courtyards and fascinating architecture where Roman history meets modern finance.
Around almost every corner you'll discover something unexpected.
Travel in Comfort with Richard Taylor Travel
Our Coach Only London day trips are ideal for those who enjoy exploring independently while leaving the driving, parking and train changes to someone else.
Travel aboard one of our comfortable executive coaches from convenient local pick-up points across Hertfordshire and arrive in the heart of London relaxed and ready to enjoy your day.
Whether you're revisiting favourite places or discovering something new, London offers countless free attractions that prove some of the capital's very best experiences don't cost a penny.
