No Ticket Needed: Free Surprises Around Madame Tussauds

Published: April 2, 2026
woman enjoying madame tussauds, sitting next to a statue of Audrey Hepburn

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

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)

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. 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

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St Paul's Cathedral looking resplendent from Fleet Street
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Top Things To Do in London Over Easter

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kensington palace
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Kensington Palace on a Budget: 10 Free London Gems Nearby

When you picture Kensington Palace, visions of royal gardens and grand halls might fill your mind—but savvy London explorers know there’s a treasure trove of wallet-friendly adventures close by, too. The neighborhoods around Kensington Palace blend regal history, leafy green escapes, and quirky cultural stops that won’t cost you a single pound. Whether you’re a first-timer keen to maximize your London adventure, or a returning fan looking to find the best local haunts, we’ll guide you to ten top free experiences nearby. 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The ambiance here is all about balance: you’ll spot both joggers in trainers and families in their Sunday best. Grab a bench beside the Italian Gardens’ elegant fountains and soak up the tranquil atmosphere, or enjoy people-watching around the Round Pond, where fancy waterfowl take center stage.  Playful squirrels scamper beneath your feet. Intricate statues, tucked-away alcoves, and unexpected art pop up at every turn. Depending on the season, you’ll spot bursts of daffodils, wild roses, or towering golden leaves. You can explore with nothing more than a sense of curiosity—just remember to bring your camera for those dreamy palace-and-pond views.  Visiting the Serpentine Galleries   Arts enthusiasts will want to pop into the Serpentine North and South galleries, stylish contemporary art spaces nestled within lush Hyde Park. Entry to both is completely free, and there’s always something new (and usually a bit thought-provoking) on display, from world-renowned artists to trendsetting young creators.  What makes the Serpentine Galleries extra appealing is the setting—nature, art, and architecture in one. Wander from an exhibition celebrating boundary-pushing British photography to a garden-inspired installation by international visionaries, all before heading into the park for a casual lakeside stroll. Don’t miss the bold annual Serpentine Pavilion each summer, where top architects design a playful new structure beside the main gallery.  Admiring Historic Statues and Memorials   History isn’t locked up inside museums in this part of town. The gardens and parks around Kensington Palace double as an open-air gallery of the capital’s past. Stand before the grand Albert Memorial (it’s got to be one of London’s most eye-catching monuments) or find Queen Victoria’s statue, looking over her birthplace. Spot the whimsical statue of Peter Pan hidden among the trees, which delights kids and grown-ups alike with its playful detail.  Every statue reveals a snippet of London’s story. Find a free moment to wander and soak in both the artistry and the history behind each piece—you may leave with a whole new appreciation for royal tales, Victorian drama, and literary legends.  Wandering the Diana Memorial Playground   If you’re traveling with kids (or just have a spark of youthful curiosity), don’t skip the Diana Memorial Playground. This play wonderland was built as a tribute to Princess Diana’s love of childhood joy. The highlight: a life-sized wooden pirate ship surrounded by sand you can dig your toes into. Plenty of secret hideaways, a sensory trail, and whimsical sculptures encourage creative play at every turn.  The design celebrates wild, imaginative fun—think lush landscaping, teepees, and stepping stones instead of plastic slides. There are benches for grown-ups (with lovely shady views), water features for splashy hands, and heaps of giggling children. Entry is free, but bring your inner kid along to fully appreciate it.  Getting Inspired at The Design Museum   The Design Museum is a Tottenham Court Road must-visit for creative minds. It makes design accessible to everyone, with its impactful, changing exhibitions and a regularly-updated permanent display—Designer Maker User—that’s completely free to enjoy.  You’ll find everything from famous chairs to early iPhones, all woven into a story about how design shapes our lives. The space itself is a beauty, combining sleek modernism and Insta-worthy lines with a friendly, conversational atmosphere. Free walking tours and creative workshops sometimes appear on their calendar—check ahead or pop in on a whim.  Window Shopping along Kensington High Street   Want to sample London style with none of the spending guilt? Kensington High Street lets you live out your shop-in-the-city dreams—no purchase necessary. The area’s mix of glamorous retailers, independent boutiques, and gleaming department stores invites plenty of window shopping, people-watching, and trend-spotting.  Keep your eyes peeled for creatively styled window displays and designer goods galore. Duck into arcades simply to admire the architecture or nab a free sample in the beauty halls. The buzz is palpable; it’s where locals pick up their groceries, students grab coffee, and the odd celebrity browses for vintage denim.  Exploring Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden   Few places in central London feel as serenely magical as Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden. Tucked away in lush Holland Park, this tranquil Japanese-style oasis is free to enter and a must-see if you fancy a change of pace. Wander winding paths past tiered rock waterfalls, winding streams, and colorful koi carp swimming beneath cherry blossoms.  Peacocks strut through the greenery, adding a regal flourish to the peaceful atmosphere. The garden’s carefully landscaped design invites quiet reflection and a deep inhale of calm. It’s the perfect antidote to city rushing, and absolutely worth seeking out for a moment of zen in your London day.  Peeking into St Mary Abbots Church   For a final low-key gem, head to St Mary Abbots Church, just steps from Kensington’s shops. The soaring spire of this Victorian Gothic landmark is a local beacon, but inside hides a world of art, history, and peaceful sanctuary. Entry is always free, and visitors are welcome to admire the richly decorated stained glass, intricate woodwork, and hushed, serene atmosphere.  You might catch the gentle sounds of choir practice drifting through the nave, discover a centuries-old memorial, or see neighbors lighting candles in quiet reflection. Whether you step inside for architecture, music, or a moment of calm, St Mary Abbots feels timeless—a spiritual oasis in the heart of bustling Kensington.    London’s Kensington neighborhood delivers loads of free fun, great for history buffs, families, and casual explorers alike. Lace up your trainers, bring along your curiosity, and discover the royal side of the city—without spending a thing.     Enjoyed this? Check out London’s best walks, and see the quirkier side of the city.   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

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