Free London Finds: The Best Things to Do Near Madame Tussauds
So you’ve finished snapping selfies with your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds (don’t worry, we all do it). Now what? Luckily, this corner of London is bursting with activities that won’t touch your wallet. Baker Street is a launchpad to leafy parks, charming city squares, tucked-away museums, and streets made for wandering. Forget splashing out on every attraction — you’ll find plenty of authentic London experiences for free right outside Madame Tussauds’ door. From historic strolls to hidden galleries, here’s our handpicked list to keep your itinerary buzzing and your budget blissfully happy.
Our top free things to do near Madame Tussauds include:
Regent’s Park
The Sherlock Holmes Museum (front, exterior, & shop)
Marylebone High Street
The Wallace Collection
St. Marylebone Parish Church
Daunt Books (Marylebone)
Regent’s Canal Towpath
Paddington Street Gardens
The Royal Academy of Music Museum
Hyde Park (North Entrance & Speakers’ Corner)
Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park
A five-minute stroll from Madame Tussauds brings you to one of London’s greenest treasures: Regent’s Park. This royal park is the spot for everything from picnics on manicured lawns to people-watching by the boating lake. We especially love the Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, where over 12,000 roses burst into color from late spring through summer — it’s as romantic as it sounds, and yes, it’s completely free to wander.
Blend into London life as joggers puff along tree-lined avenues and café-goers spill out onto the grass. Don’t forget the park’s wild side: spot herons and waterfowl along the canal, or peep over the fence to catch a glimpse of giraffes inside ZSL London Zoo’s borders. Whether you stroll at sunrise or watch the sunset behind city spires, Regent’s Park always elevates the heart of the city.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum (Facade & Shop)
While the full museum experience comes with a ticket, it’s fun (and free) to visit the world-famous 221B Baker Street. Pose for a photo with the famous blue plaque and Sherlock statue outside the distinctive Victorian facade. The themed museum shop next door lets you browse everything Holmesy, from deerstalker hats to quirky mystery novels and pint-sized magnifying glasses, all in an atmosphere straight out of Victorian London. With staff in period dress and plenty of details to soak up, it’s a fun taster of Sherlock’s world at absolutely no cost.
Marylebone High Street
A stone’s throw away you’ll find Marylebone High Street, a firm local favorite for good reason. The vibe here is classic London village: think tree-lined streets, characterful brick buildings, and tempting storefronts. Window-shopping is half the fun, plus you’ll feel the buzz of independent boutiques, cheese shops, florists, and cute cafés on every corner. It’s perfect for a leisurely wander and a proper slice of local city life. The small side streets off the main drag are full of personality, too — keep an eye out for quirky architecture and gorgeous window displays.
The Wallace Collection
Ready for some grandeur? The Wallace Collection is a genuine London treat — and completely free to enter. Housed in a dazzling historic townhouse, this gallery is the place for European paintings, decorative art, and shimmering suits of armor. Picture ornate rooms gleaming with Old Masters and rococo treasures, all a world away from the city bustle outside. We love the hushed, refined ambiance — and if you’re a fan of a well-placed selfie, the drawing rooms are hard to beat.
Tip: The glass-roofed courtyard café is open to all (even just for a peek or a cup of water).
St. Marylebone Parish Church
Some London history is best experienced in peaceful places. St. Marylebone Parish Church stands just a short walk up Marylebone Road. Step inside this beautiful neoclassical building, with its stunning columns and peaceful ambiance. Admire stained glass windows, cozy nooks, and serene chapels — this is the spot for a moment of reflection or simply to recharge your batteries. Bonus: the crypt sometimes hosts free exhibitions and events, so check the schedule before you go.
Daunt Books (Marylebone)
Daunt Books (Marylebone)
Bookworms, rejoice. Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street is a pilgrimage spot for anyone who loves a well-curated shelf and gorgeous interiors. Housed in a stunning Edwardian shop, complete with lofty galleries and oak-panelled nooks, it’s a dream for browsing. Entrance is always free, and the views of sunbeams streaming through stained glass are fair game for your camera. Get lost among travel titles, London author highlights, and cozy armchairs. There’s no rush — soak up the atmosphere, smell the books, and collect some literary inspiration for your London wanderings.
Regent’s Canal Towpath
London’s waterways are packed with character, and Regent’s Canal is the city’s peaceful hidden artery. Enter near Regent’s Park and stroll along towpaths fringed by narrowboats, street art, and plenty of ducks. It’s urban London at its most tranquil. This is the perfect route for clear-headed thinking, quiet conversation, and people-watching (cyclists, joggers, and eccentric boat-dwellers make up the local cast). Each stretch reveals riverside gardens, quirky bridges, and café-boats perfect for a free-water pit-stop.
Paddington Street Gardens
City parks don’t get much more charming than Paddington Street Gardens. Hidden between elegant Victorian terraces in Marylebone, this tiny oasis is a favorite escape for locals. Grassy lawns, beds overflowing with blooms, and tree-shaded benches mean lunch hours can stretch into sunny afternoons. Stroll among the winding paths and spot old tombstones hinting at the area’s deep history. Go for calm, stay for the people-watching — it’s the perfect place for a takeaway picnic or an hour of rest after a busy London morning.
The Royal Academy of Music Museum
Just a short walk north of Madame Tussauds, The Royal Academy of Music Museum offers a treasure trove of musical history — and free entry to boot. From ancient stringed instruments to quirky mechanical music boxes and famous composers’ belongings, every display hums with creativity. Interactive screens let you listen to rare historic recordings, and you can peek into rooms where future stars are rehearsing. The ambiance is lively but hushed — a real inspiration for anyone feeling creative. Don’t be surprised if you leave humming your favorite tune.
Hyde Park (North Entrance & Speakers’ Corner)
Few parks offer the variety and space of Hyde Park, only about a 10-minute walk from Madame Tussauds’ main entrance. The North Entrance opens a world of open lawns, wildflowers, and hidden statues, but the star event happens at Speakers’ Corner — a uniquely London tradition of public debate and soapbox speeches that’s been drawing crowds for more than a century. No ticket required to listen (or get up to speak yourself on a Sunday). Hyde Park’s walking paths grant endless people-watching, sun basking, and a real sense of London leisure.
Whatever your interest, you’ll find a free adventure by Madame Tussauds — so leave some room on your itinerary, grab your walking shoes, and discover a side of the city that’s friendly to your budget.
Enjoyed this? Check out London’s top walks, and see the quirkier side of the city.
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