25 Free Things to Do in The UK & Ireland

Cara Bradley

Written by

Cara Bradley

10 min read

Updated: 13 February 2025


The wonderful cities that make up the UK are brimming with culture, rich history, and atmosphere.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the first in Viva Money's series of ‘Free Things to Do in the UK & Ireland’ includes tips on how to see London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Dublin on a budget.

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Free things to do in London

A much-loved gem for tourists and locals alike, England’s bustling capital has a reputation for being expensive, but a day out in the big city doesn’t need to break the bank. Whether you’re a lover of nature, history, film, or culture, you’ll be surprised how much of London you can sample completely free.

  • Visit the Sky Garden
    The Sky Garden is considered by many to be one of the best free things to do in London. Located on the 35th floor of the iconic Walkie Talkie building, this indoor garden offers viewing terraces, which boast panoramic views of famous landmarks, including The Shard, the River Thames, Tower Bridge, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
    Tickets can be booked up to three weeks in advance, and free entry is valid for one hour - the perfect amount of time to marvel at the magnificent sights of the city below.

  • Get your free fix of galleries and museums
    London is bursting with a whole range of galleries and museums, and many of them are free of charge! The Victoria and Albert (V&A), the British Museum, and the National Gallery are just three of London’s big names offering free entry, but the sight-seeing savings don’t end there. Time Out has put together this handy list of the capital’s free galleries and museums.
    Please note that you may need to pay a fee for some exhibitions.

  • Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony
    This centuries-old, costless cultural spectacular takes place at 10:45am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday (daily in May, June, and July), unless the city is hosting a major event, such as the London Marathon. This enchanting ceremony lasts for 45 minutes and viewers can relish the grandiose setting of Buckingham Palace.

  • Soak up the atmosphere of the city in one of the many greenspaces
    Spanning 2,500 acres, Richmond Park is London’s leading greenspace. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary deer!
    Keen runner? parkrun host one of their free, weekly events in Richmond Park. You can find out more and register for parkrun here.
    Of course, Richmond Park isn’t the only costless staple of nature that London has to offer. There’s also Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park, Hampstead Heath, and Clapham Common, to name but a few!

  • Plan your own walking tour
    Organised, themed walking tours are available for several popular culture staples, including Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington, and James Bond. Why not save yourself some money and plan your own tour instead? Do some research into your chosen topic and plan a route. The beauty of this is that you can enjoy the stops at your own leisure. The money you’ve saved? That could go towards a well-deserved coffee and cake!
    More into your music? Head to Abbey Road in St John’s Wood and have a go at recreating that famous Beatles album cover!
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Free things to do in Manchester

If you’re looking for free things to do in the North, Manchester is packed with diverse, penny-saving options.

  • Cost-free at Castlefield Viaduct
    Owned by the National Trust, Castlefield Viaduct is located a stone’s throw from Deansgate and treats visitors to a bird’s eye view of the city.
    You can marvel at the sights, explore the range of plants and shrubbery, or simply find a seat amongst the uplifting greenery and take some time out to relax.

  • A day at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) – and more!
    MOSI is one of many free museums in Manchester. From interesting history for all ages, to science experiments and interactive activities for little ones, MOSI is a fantastically frugal day out for the whole family. Again, please bear in mind that some exhibitions may require an entry fee.
    Other free museums in Manchester include the People’s History Museum and Manchester Museum. If you’re a taxpaying resident of the City of Manchester, you can also bag free entry to the National Football Museum. You’ll just need to provide photo ID and proof of your address.

  • Manchester Airport Runway Park
    The Manchester Airport Runway Park is free for all visitors arriving on foot, by bicycle, or public transport and is a fantastic day out for families and aviation-fans of all ages.
    Spend a wholesome Sunday getting your geek on with a couple of hours of plane-spotting.
    There’s also a play park on site for smaller plane-spotters and budding pilots.
    If you visit by car, please note that parking charges will apply.

  • Merriment at the Laughienda Comedy Club
    They say laughter is the best medicine and the best things in life are free!
    Whether you’re a local looking for something new, or a tourist passing through, you can reap the rewards of laughter while supporting both your wallet and upcoming comedy talent.
    Winner of the 2025 North West Comedy Awards, the Laughienda hosts free, fortnightly comedy shows on a Wednesday or Thursday evening. Located in the cosy Lion’s Den on Deansgate, you can find a list of upcoming Laughienda shows here.

  • Savings to be had at Salford Quays
    You can expect to find an epic atmosphere up at Salford Quays. It’s impossible not to get swept up in the excitement of being outside the well-renowned BBC and ITV Studios.
    Fancy being part of the studio audience on one of your favourite TV shows? Find out more about how you could get free tickets here.
    If you’re in the area, it’s also worth a free visit to the Imperial War Museum or take in L.S. Lowry’s depictions of working-class life at the Lowry gallery.
    The wind can be bitingly cold by the Quays, so wrap up well against the infamous Manchester weather if you’re visiting during the colder months!
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Free things to do in Edinburgh

Scotland’s sensational capital city is a real gem and there are plenty of ways to make your stay in Edinburgh an economical one.

  • Climb Arthur’s Seat
    If you’re searching for free things to do in Edinburgh, you might be interested to learn about Arthur’s Seat.
    It’s a trek to the top, but the views are well worth the hike!
    Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano that towers over Edinburgh. Situated a 10-minute walk away from the Royal Mile, Holyrood Park marks the beginning of the ascent to Arthur’s Seat.
    Whether you’re planning a whistle-stop tour or want to make an afternoon of it with a picnic, this useful guide put together by Geo Walks lists the various routes that can be taken to the top.

  • Step back in time at the Museum of Childhood
    Spend an afternoon indulging in a spot of nostalgia at the Museum of Childhood. Journey through the decades and become reacquainted with toys and games from yesteryear, including cameos from Muffin the Mule, Buzz Lightyear, and Peter Rabbit.
    Entry into the museum is free, although there is a recommended donation of £5.

  • Unwind at the Royal Botanic Garden
    Begin a morning in Edinburgh at a slower pace with a trip to the Royal Botanic Garden.
    Highlights include the Chinese Hillside and the Scottish Native Plants Collection.
    Meander around the 70 acres of garden at your leisure; entry is free, and there’s no time limit on visits. Please visit the website for opening hours.

  • A magical and moneyless look at Harry Potter
    Harry Potter fans are sure to feel the magic in Edinburgh.
    JK Rowling spent time writing her famous wizarding books in the city, and it’s thought that some of her inspiration came from various Edinburgh locations, many of which you can easily incorporate into your trip, completely free.
    Victoria Street has been rumoured to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley, while some names you might recognise, such as Tom Riddle and William McGonagall, adorn the gravestones at Greyfriars Kirkyard.
    Entry to the National Museum of Scotland is free, and it’s here that you can see the Lewis Chess Pieces, which closely resemble the figures used in the enchanted game of Wizard’s Chess in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone!

  • Fall in love with Dean Village
    If you’re hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you might prefer the laidback vibe of nearby Dean Village.
    A 10-minute drive out of Edinburgh, Dean Village is a picture-perfect destination offering a relaxed vibe of fairytale quality (seriously, just Google this place - you’ll thank us!).
    With riverside walks, quirky buildings, and rich history, this is the perfect no-spend attraction.
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Free things to do in Cardiff

What to do in Cardiff on a budget? If you’re looking for family-friendly free things to do in Cardiff, here are a few of our favourite suggestions.

  • Enjoy a walk in Bute Park
    While Bute Park is a serene space all year-round, you’re in for a treat if your visit to the Welsh capital falls in either spring or autumn. Striking blossom trees erupt in stunning hues of baby pink and magenta, creating an ideal photo opportunity. The colours of Bute are just as mesmerising in the autumnal months, when the city’s park is alight with blazing orange and rust shades.
    Avid photographers will be in their element.

  • Explore Cardiff Bay
    From the Millenium Centre to The Norwegian Church Arts Centre, there is plenty of frugal fun to be had at Cardiff Bay.
    Travelling with kids? Walk along the Bay towards Penarth for your chance to spot the brilliant crocodile bench! Fondly dubbed the ‘Croc in the Dock,’ this cute landmark is based on the character from Roald Dahl’s book, The Enormous Crocodile.

  • Take part in a free walking tour
    Guided walking tours aren’t just for tourists! Sometimes, we can take our hometown and all it has to offer for granted. If you’re researching free things to do in Cardiff, consider becoming a tourist in your own town for a day.
    Fogo’s free walking tours last for over two hours, and take in some key settings, including Cardiff Castle, St John’s Church, and the Principality Stadium.
    Please visit Fogo’s website to view availability of free walking tours in Cardiff and reserve your place.

  • Calling all Doctor Who fans!
    Similar to London, paid Doctor Who tours are available in Cardiff, but you could save money by exploring some of the highlights yourself.
    From Westgate Street and the Millenium Centre, to Cardiff Castle and the National Museum of Wales, Doctor Who has real prominence around the Welsh capital.
    It’s worth noting that the St Fagans National Museum of History, which was used as a filming location in several Doctor Who episodes, offers free entry.

  • What’s occurrin’ in Barry?
    Okay, so this one will require you to venture slightly outside of Cardiff, but it’s a journey worth taking if you’re a fan of BBC hit comedy, Gavin & Stacey!
    Catch the train from Cardiff to Barry to see what’s occurrin’.
    Organised tours can be booked, but if you don’t mind tackling Barry’s hills, you can easily map out the points of interest yourself.
    Get off the train at Barry Station and walk the 15 minutes to Trinity Street – aka Stacey & Gwen’s house – before heading down to the promenade, where you can take in some of the series’ most notable spots, including Nessa’s Slots and Marco’s Café.
    A walk along the beach makes for a perfect end to a budget day in Barry.
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Free things to do in Dublin

With our pick of free things to do in Dublin, you’ll be doublin’ your savings!

  • Try your luck for some free tickets
    On the first Wednesday of every month, a number of Heritage Ireland attractions offer free tickets. In the past, some of the Dublin-based attractions that have taken part in this scheme include Casino Marino, Farmleigh House and Gardens, and Rathfarnham Castle.
    Tickets are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis, and cannot be booked online, so you may wish to head to your chosen attraction early to secure the best chance of bagging a freebie.

  • When in Ireland… Catch some live music!
    A trip to Ireland wouldn’t be complete without sampling some hearty, live music, and there are plenty of places where you can indulge in this tradition for free.
    Of course, while the music is free to watch, you’ll generally be expected to buy food or drink from the bar. If you time this activity around your lunchtime or evening meal, you could see it as getting the music thrown in as a bonus!
    Irish Road Trip has put together this great article listing several pubs where you can watch free, live music in Dublin.

  • Discover Dublin’s street art
    If you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll love Dublin. The city is awash with vibrant murals. You can relish the joy of stumbling upon these displays by chance as you explore the city, or you can download the free All Trails app and follow an existing route.
    This route, which is just under 1.5km long, takes in some of the main street art sites of the city.

  • Wander the grounds of Dublin Castle
    Dublin Castle is said to be a must-do, although you’ll need to pay an entry fee if you want to venture inside. You can enjoy the Castle for free from the gardens, which are well worth a visit on their own.

  • See the ‘Hungry Tree’
    Hoping to see something a bit different in Dublin? Dodge the ever-popular likes of Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse by straying off the beaten track and heading into the grounds of the King’s Inns instead. Here, you’ll find the spectacle of the Hungry Tree.
    The Hungry Tree is a London Plane which has, over the years, eaten into the bench that once sat in-front of it!
    Kids will love the quirkiness of this, and adults can snap a unique shot of this natural phenomenon, which will look great on Insta!

The information contained in this article is meant as a general guide and does not constitute nor should be taken as advice. 
February 2025.