Spending some time around London Bridge and not sure what to do? I’ve got you covered! Here are 25 free things to do in the area! This will include museums/galleries, attractions, gardens, experiences, and hidden gems that are within a 30 minute walk from London Bridge. I’ve included the addresses of each place mentioned and how far they are from London Bridge too! There’s also a map that you can save to your Google Maps for your convenience!
Don’t have time to read everything? View the map below! Feel free to save it to your Google Maps and use that to navigate all the free things to do near London Bridge mentioned in this blog post!
How to Get to London Bridge
To enjoy all the free things to do near London Bridge, you gotta figure out how to get there first. London’s transport system makes it super easy to get to London Bridge whether it’s via the London Underground or the Bus. Here’s all you need to know about how to get there.
By London Underground (The Tube)
The closest station to London Bridge is London Bridge Underground Station, and the only tube lines that serve London Bridge Underground Station are the Jubilee and Northern Lines. From King’s Cross St. Pancras Station, all you need to do is hop on the Northern Line going to Morden via Bank and get off at London Bridge Tube Station! If you’re staying in a different area, it’s best to check on the TFL Go or Citymapper apps to find the best way to get to London Bridge Tube station.
You may like: How to Use the London Underground: The Ul timate Guide From a Londoner (coming soon!!)
By Bus
The bus routes that go to London Bridge are 17, 21, 35, 43, 47, 133, 141, 149, 344 and 388. From King’s Cross St Pancras, you can take the bus 17, and it’ll take you straight there (it’s the last stop). Buses in London only cost £1.75, and you can go on as many buses as you need within an hour at no extra charge! But again, if you’re not sure what bus route to take, I would highly recommend checking the TFL Go or Citymapper apps!
Free Things to Do Near London Bridge
1. Explore St Dunstan in the East
📍 St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD
Distance from London Bridge: 0.5 Miles (13 minute walk)
Sitting halfway between London Bridge and the Tower of London is one of London’s hidden garden spaces, St Dunstan in the East. This was a beautiful Church of England parish church on St Dunstan’s Hill built in the early 12th century, around 1100. The church was named after St Dunstan, an English bishop who, according to legend, was visited by the devil but attacked him with a horseshoe.
St Dunstan in the East was severely damaged multiple times, but when it was hit during the Blitz, only a tower and steeple survived. When it was rebuilt after years of lying in ruins, the City of London Corporation turned it into a public garden in 1967.
A lawn was planted along with trees and a fountain that sits in the middle of the former church nave. In 1971, it was open to the public, and you can still visit it any day of the week from 8 am to 7 pm! There are benches where you can sit and admire the garden, beautiful photo spots, and you’ll even find some squirrels running around!
This is a must-see (and did I mention free) spot near London Bridge, especially if you want to peacefully escape the noise of the city.
Now, St Dunstan in the East is part of the parish of All Hallows by the Tower, which is only a 5 minute walk away!
2. Visit the Oldest Church in the City of London: All Hallows by the Tower
📍Byward St, London EC3R 5BJ
Distance from London Bridge: 0.7 Miles (17 minute walk)
After visiting St Dunstan in the East, pop over to one of the oldest churches in the City of London that is now part of All Hallows by the Tower. This church was founded in AD 675, 300 years before the Tower of London. It was rebuilt and expanded multiple times in the medieval period, and, like St Dunstan in the East, was severely damaged in the Blitz. The clearance after its destruction uncovered an Anglo-Saxon archway with traces of Roman pavement underneath it.
What’s interesting about this church is that there is also a free crypt museum that you can visit! The museum contains Roman and Saxon artefacts, pavements, stonework, ancient registers dating back to the 16th century, and even a 3D map of Roman London! If you love learning about Roman history, you’ll enjoy visiting All Hallows by the Tower for sure!
Opening times:
- Monday – Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
- Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
3. Learn About the UK’s Bank History at the Bank of England Museum
📍Bartholomew Ln, London EC2R 8AH
Distance from London Bridge: 0.7 Miles (17 minute walk)
The Bank of England is the central bank of the UK that is responsible for maintaining monetary stability and overseeing the financial stability of the UK financial system. Of course, this is a place of work, but did you know that there is a free museum inside that you can visit?
The Bank of England Museum holds a collection of over 40,000 items relating to the history of the Bank and the UK economy, including the Bank’s foundation in 1694, every banknote the Bank has ever made, printing plates and examples of forgeries and counterfeits. It takes about 1.5-2 hours to look around the museum, and they even have printed guides at the museum desk and audio guides that you can follow on Smartify! Don’t miss out on holding the real (and very secure) bar made of 99.9% gold! Trust me, it’s heavier than it looks!
They hold temporary exhibitions exploring money in the UK, the UK economy, and the history of the Bank of England. Previous exhibitions included the Bank’s role in slavery, a digital exhibition on the £50 note featuring Alan Turing, and the celebration of the Bank’s 325th anniversary featuring 325 objects. There’s even a small gift shop where you can buy items relating to all things Bank of England!
Since the museum is literally inside the Bank of England, be prepared to wait in line and go through security at the entrance!
Opening times:
- Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Closed on weekends and Bank holidays
4. See the Monument to the Great Fire of London
📍 Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH
Distance from London Bridge: 0.1 Mile (3 minute walk)
The Monument to the Great Fire of London (aka The Monument), located at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street, commemorates the Great Fire tragedy in London in 1666. The Great Fire started at Thomas Farriner’s bakery in Pudding Lane on Sunday 2 September, which spread rapidly down Fish Hall and towards the River Thames. It was able to spread so quickly because London houses back in those times were made of wood and straw, and they were built very close together, so they burned easily.
The fire lasted just under 5 days, destroying 13,200 houses, 87 parish churches, The Royal Exchange, Guildhall and St Paul’s Cathedral. 1/3 of London was destroyed by the Great Fire, and around 100,000 people were made homeless. It took nearly 50 years to rebuild the area of London that was burned, and part of the rebuilding included a permanent memorial to the Great Fire near the place where it started.
The Monument was built by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke and stands 61 metres high (202 feet), the exact distance between the Monument and the bakery shop where the fire began. Today, you can see the Monument as it stands and for £7 (£5.30 for students) you can even climb up the 311 steps to the top for panoramic views of the city!
5. See the City Skyline from London’s Rooftop Gardens + Viewing Platforms
Seeing the city from a high point is a beautiful sight. And although the first thought would be to go on the London Eye, there are actually a few rooftop gardens and viewing platforms that you can visit at no extra cost to admire London’s skyline! Here is everything you need to know about them!
Sky Garden
📍1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
Distance from London Bridge: 0.3 Miles (6 minute walk)
This is probably the most popular rooftop garden in London and, funny enough, looks like a glass walkie-talkie! On the 35th floor, Sky Garden offers amazing 360-degree views of London in a foliage-filled atrium that also features observation decks and an open-air terrace. They occasionally have live bands and DJ nights too!
It’s completely free to visit, and all you’ll need for entry is a ticket and a valid photo ID. Due to its popularity, you will need to book your tickets 3-4 weeks in advance. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it; it’s pretty difficult to get tickets to Sky Garden. But if you keep checking the booking page, you may be lucky enough to grab a ticket!
Book here: Sky Garden Tickets
Alternatively, if you don’t want to keep checking the Sky Garden booking page hoping you’ll get lucky with grabbing tickets, you can book a table at the restaurant or bar that gives instant access to the Garden! Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant are the top recommended choices for this “hack.”
The Garden at 120
📍120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA
Distance from London Bridge: 0.4 Miles (10 minute walk)
Just down the road from Sky Garden (literally a 5 minute walk), sits the Garden at 120. This is another rooftop garden located on the 15th floor of 120 Fenchurch Street, and not only is it free, but you don’t need a booking to visit!
The garden has beautiful flower beds, tulips, wisteria, and plenty of benches to chill and take in the rooftop views! You’ll be able to see The Shard, The Gherkin, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and, of course, a close-up view of Sky Garden since it’s only up the road!
You may also like: Sky Garden vs Garden at 120: Which Garden Should You Visit?
Horizon 22
📍22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ
Distance from London Bridge: 0.5 Miles (11 minute walk)
Horizon 22 is one of London’s newest observation decks located on the 58th floor of 22 Bishopsgate. Not only is it the tallest free viewing platform in London, but it’s also one of the tallest free viewing platforms in all of Europe! On the 58th floor, 254 meters above ground level, you’ll spot views of London’s iconic landmarks such as The Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf.
For entry, you’ll need to pre-book your free tickets in advance. They sell tickets at 10 am daily, and they sell out pretty quickly! Sometimes during the week, you might be able to push your luck and walk in since it’s not as busy as the weekend.
Book here: Horizon 22 Tickets
The Lookout
📍8, 150 Bishopsgate, Leadenhall St EC2N 4BQ
Distance from London Bridge: 0.4 Miles (10 minute walk)
The Lookout is a new viewing gallery situated on the 50th floor of 8 Bishopsgate. It’s 203 meters above ground level and offers amazing panoramic views of the architecture and iconic landmarks across London. You’ll even be able to spot the Monument of the Great Fire of London and the steeple of St Dunstan in the East!
For entry, you’ll need to pre-book your free tickets in advance. Tickets are released on Monday bi-weekly!
Book here: The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate Tickets
One New Change
📍New Change, London EC4M 9AF
Distance from London Bridge: 0.6 Miles (14 minute walk)
One New Change is different to the rest of the rooftop gardens and viewing platforms previously mentioned because it’s actually a shopping centre. But this shopping centre has a rooftop terrace with amazing views of the city skyline, including the best close-up view of St Paul’s Cathedral! You won’t need to pre-book tickets to the rooftop terrace either! Simply go inside the shopping centre, call the elevator, and head to the 6th floor. The lift is glass too, so you’ll get an iconic view of St Paul’s as you head up!
6. See Glass Art at London Glassblowing
📍62-66 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UD
Distance from London Bridge: 0.5 Miles (11 minute walk)
Glassblowing is a form of art where glassware is formed by blowing air into an inflating molten glass through a blowpipe. At London Glassblowing, you can find various glass art created using this technique.
The gallery was founded by Peter Layton in 1976, and not only is it a glass art gallery, but it’s also one of the longest-running hot glass studios! You can view their exhibitions, watch artists create glass art through glassblowing, purchase unique glass art, and even attend glassblowing workshops!
Opening Times:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
7. Visit Southwark Cathedral
📍62-66 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UD
Distance from London Bridge: 367 ft (2 minute walk)
Southwark Cathedral is one of London’s prettiest cathedrals and has been a place of Christian worship for over 1000 years. When the church became the property of King Henry VIII, it was renamed St Saviour’s and was rented to the church congregation. William Shakespeare would become the most famous resident of the parish, as well as his brother, Edmund. In the Cathedral, you’ll find memorials, stained glass windows and statues dedicated to them.
In 1905, the church became Southwark Cathedral and continues to be a place of worship, prayer, pilgrimage and teaching. Of course, the Cathedral is a place of worship, but they also hold exhibitions and celebrations here too! They have a permanent exhibition called “Mudlarking – Treasures from the Thames,” which displays a collection of medieval pilgrim badges. They also hold temporary exhibitions relating to England’s history, and every 23rd of April, they celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday!
Every Tuesday and Thursday, they offer free drop-in tours too! Just enquire at the Welcome Desk, and they’ll let you know if a Guide is available! When you visit, you might even spot Hodge the Cathedral Cat, who joined the Cathedral in September 2020!
Recommended visiting times for those who don’t wish to attend a service are:
- Monday – Friday: 9 pm – 5 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 3:45 pm and 4:30 pm – 5 pm
- Sunday: 12:30 pm – 3 pm and 4 pm-5 pm
8. Appreciate All Things London Art at the Guildhall Art Gallery
📍Guildhall Yard, London EC2V 5AE
Distance from London Bridge: 0.6 miles (14 minute walk)
Guildhall Art Gallery is a free gallery displaying the City of London Corporation’s art collection. Founded in the 19th century, Guildhall Art Gallery came to be a collection of art treasures featuring famous works by various artists. It holds 4,500 pieces of artwork, including over 1,300 oil paintings that date back to 1670 up to the present day.
There are also a few galleries within Guildhall’s main gallery that you shouldn’t miss! The Heritage Gallery showcases a selection of rare, interesting documents from the London Metropolitan Collection. Meanwhile, the Undercroft Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre are interactive and educational attractions which immerse you in the ancient history of Roman London.
All you need for (free) admission to the Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre is a general admission ticket, which you can book on their website!
Opening times:
- Monday – Sunday: 10:30 am – 5 pm
Book here: Guildhall Gallery + London’s Roman Amphitheatre
9. Explore the Barbican Conservatory
📍Level 4, Barbican Centre, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
Distance from London Bridge: 1.1 miles (25 minute walk)
The Barbican Conservatory is a bit further away from the other free things mentioned on this list, but it’s so worth the journey! This is the second largest conservatory in London, located in the Barbican Centre.
The inside of the Conservatory looks like a beautiful rainforest, housing around 1500 species of plants and trees, some of which are rare or endangered in their natural habitat. You’ll also find a pond filled with cute turtles and koi fish!
Like the Barbican Centre, the Barbican Conservatory also has events such as art exhibitions! Of course, the Conservatory is completely free to visit, but you’ll need to book an admission ticket in advance through their website.
Book here: The Barbican Conservatory
10. See the Ruins of Winchester Palace
📍Winchester Palace, Pickfords Wharf, London SE1 9DN
Distance from London Bridge: 0.2 miles (4 minute walk)
Just a quick walk from London Bridge sits the ruins of Winchester Palace, which used to be one of the largest and most important buildings in the whole of medieval London! It was built in the 12th century to house the Bishops of Winchester when they stayed in London for royal or administrative duties. But it was mostly destroyed by fire in 1814, and the only standing remains of the palace today are the west wall, rose window, and a small portion of the south wall. It’s really fascinating to imagine how big the palace would have been, considering it was right by the River Thames in the centre of London!
11. Walk over London’s Iconic Bridges
Millennium Bridge
📍Millennium Bridge, Thames Embankment, London EC4V 3QH
Distance from London Bridge: 0.6 miles (15 minute walk)
The Millennium Bridge is a funny-looking bridge that many Londoners nickname the “wobbly bridge.” It opened on June 10th 2000, stretching 325 metres long, linking Tate Modern on the south bank to the City of London and St Paul’s Cathedral on the north bank! If you’re not a Londoner, you may recognise the Millennium Bridge from the opening scene of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, where it gets destroyed by the Death Eaters!
While walking on Millennium Bridge, look down and see if you can spot any artwork. Bill Wilson, aka “chewing gum man,” has painted pieces of chewing gum into the bridge since 2013, and it looks pretty cool! I like to call it gum art, but I think it’s more like a gum gallery because he’s painted over 600 pieces of littered chewing gum on that bridge!
Tower Bridge
📍Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP
Distance from London Bridge: 0.6 miles (14 minute walk)
Tower Bridge is the bridge that many confuse with London Bridge. So, no, the cool bridge isn’t London Bridge; it’s Tower Bridge! And this bridge has a fascinating history and even more fascinating features.
What’s noticeable (and iconic) about Tower Bridge is that it’s a bascule bridge, so it opens to let boats pass through! The bridge lifts around 800 times a year and can be requested by any vessel that’s more than 30ft tall! They even have a page on their website of Bridge Lift Times if you want to see Tower Bridge in action! I’ve seen the bridge lift a few times, including during my secondary school prom, which was held on a River Thames boat ride in the evening. It was so cool to watch it light up at night!
Tower Bridge is definitely a great photo spot in London too! So don’t forget to snap a photo and take a video of you on the bridge with the towers and River Thames in the background!
Walking on Tower Bridge and seeing it lift from the Thames Riverbank is, of course, completely free. But if you fancy, you can also go up the towers on the bridge for an extra fee! On this trip, you’ll first climb up the North Tower and walk across the Glass Floors to the South Tower, where you’ll see unique views of the River Thames along the way. Afterwards, you’ll descend the South Tower and walk along the Blue Line commemorating 80 workers of Tower Bridge. Then, you’ll end at the Victorian Engine Rooms that powered the Bridge Lift for 80 years.
Book here: Tower Bridge Entry Ticket
12. See the Tower of London
📍Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB
Distance from London Bridge: 0.5 miles (10 minute walk)
When you cross Tower Bridge to the north side of the river, you’ll find the Tower of London on the left-hand side. Officially known as His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, this is a historic castle that holds the Crown Jewels of England. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and since it’s an iconic landmark, of course, you have to snap a photo in front of it!
Although it’s free to see and take photos of it from the outside, there’s an admission charge to explore the whole fortress. You’ll be able to see the Crown Jewels, enter the White Tower, take a Yeoman Warder tour, and see the famous ravens of the Tower!
Book here: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket
13. Spot the London Wall
📍Tower Hill, London EC3N 4DJ
Distance from London Bridge: 0.5 miles (13 minute walk)
The London Wall can be found north of the Tower of London, situated on Tower Hill. You might think be thinking, “okay, what’s so special about this wall?” Well, this wall was built around AD 200 by the Romans to defend the citizens of London and proclaim the city’s status as the most important city in Roman Britain. It used to be about 2.5 miles long but gradually deteriorated as new buildings were constructed around it. Today, only a small section of the London Wall is publicly accessible, which you can check out!
14. Admire Modern and Contemporary Art at Tate Modern
📍Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Distance from London Bridge: 0.8 miles (16 minute walk)
Tate Modern is probably one of the most famous galleries in London, holding a collection of modern and contemporary art. It’s also one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world, and I’m not surprised! I remember visiting Tate Modern when I was in school, and the building is so large that my classmates and I played hide and seek here! It has 10 floors, with levels 0,2,3 and 4 containing gallery space, the 5th floor containing a members’ bar, and the 6th floor containing a restaurant.
What I love about Tate Modern is that its gallery always has free exhibitions going on. One of my favourite exhibitions that they previously held was “A Year in Art: Australia 1992” where they showcased artwork surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land rights in Australia and the continuous impact of colonisation and representation in Australia today. It was very moving and informative, and I love that Tate Modern is a place that showcases these kinds of art exhibitions that tell history and convey how it impacts lives today.
Tate Modern is open every single day from 10 am – 6 pm.
15. See St Paul’s Cathedral
One of London’s most iconic landmarks is, of course, St Paul’s Cathedral. Notable for its huge dome, St Paul’s is a masterpiece that is over 300 years old! Today, St Paul’s is still used as a place of worship, and if there’s one service that I would highly recommend attending (if you happen to be visiting London during Christmas), it’s the Christmas Carol Service!
You may like: The Ultimate Christmas in London Itinerary + Map
It’s completely free to take photos in front of St Paul’s and to enter for the purpose of private prayer. But if you plan to enter St Paul’s for sightseeing, you would have to pay an extra fee.
There’s also a “secret” garden nearby called Reflection Garden where you’ll have the best view of St Paul’s from the ground. So make sure to snap some photos in front of St Paul’s in this garden instead of right outside the cathedral building!
16. See the HMS Belfast
📍HMS Belfast, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH
Distance from London Bridge: 0.4 miles (8 minute walk)
When you walk along the South Bank of the River Thames from London Bridge, you’ll spot a stationary Town-class cruiser. This is the HMS Belfast, the largest surviving Royal Navy surface combatant of World War 2. It was built in 1936 and launched on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March 1938. For 25 years it was in active service before it was brought to London and opened to the public in 1971.
Now, it’s permanently moored as a museum ship, operated by the Imperial War Museum. While walking on the South Bank of the Thames, don’t miss out on snapping a photo with the HMS Belfast in the background! If you want to go inside and tour the cruiser, you’ll have to pay an extra fee.
17. Visit the Church of St Magnus the Martyr
📍Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DN
Distance from London Bridge: 377 ft (2 minute walk)
St Magnus the Martyr church was dedicated to Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney, who was executed on a Scottish island after being captured during a power struggle with his cousin.
Of course, it’s a place of worship with a beautiful sanctuary, but here you’ll also find the remains of the Old London Bridge. The archway under the tower of St Magnus served as the main pedestrian entrance to the bridge. In the church courtyard, there are stones from the northmost arch and a random piece of an old Roman Wharf dating from AD 75, which was discovered nearby on Fish Street Hill in 1931. When you go inside the church, you’ll see a replica display of the old London Bridge as it would have been in medieval London!
This is a church with a pretty cool history if you ask me, so it’s one of the best free things to do near London Bridge if you’re fascinated by medieval London!
18. Explore Leadenhall Market
📍Gracechurch St, London EC3V 1LT
Distance from London Bridge: 0.4 miles (8 minute walk)
Leadenhall Market is one of the oldest markets in London, dating to 1321, and it looks like a building straight out of a dreamy Christmas movie! It was originally a meat, poultry and game market, but today it houses shops, restaurants, cafes, wine bars and a pub!
This market has been featured in various movies, including Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where it was the filming location for the entrance to Diagon Alley via the Leaky Cauldron!
Having a wander around this dreamy market is even cooler when you know it stands on what was the centre of Roman London (called Londinium back then)!
19. Explore Central London’s Only Marina: St Katharine Docks
📍50 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LA
Distance from London Bridge: 0.8 miles (18 minute walk)
St Katharine Docks is quite the hidden gem in London, which is funny because it’s super close to Tower Bridge! This marine oasis doesn’t even look like it’s in London despite it literally being in central London.
From 1828 to 1968, it was part of the commercial docks that made up the port of London. Today, you’ll still see some yachts at St Katharine Docks with its moorings lined with cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s a peaceful area to walk around, especially during the summer, and it has the best view of Tower Bridge!
20. Spot the Blue City of London Police Boxes
The City of London police boxes were a big deal in London and were used throughout the 20th century. Not only were they call boxes, but they were essentially a mini police station too! And if you’re a Doctor Who fan, you would know that they were the inspiration for the TARDIS.
But did you know that there are miniature versions of police boxes? The City of London police call posts are smaller and a lighter blue version of the police boxes and were designed for narrower streets in London. You can spot them around London Bridge as you explore the area, but to make it easier, I’ve put their locations below:
- St Stephan’s Row
- Friday Street
- Aldgate Square
- Old Broad Street
- Liverpool Street
- Aldersgate Street
- Guildhall Yard
21. See Roman artefacts and contemporary art at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
📍12 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AA
Distance from London Bridge: 0.4 miles (9 minute walk)
The London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE is home to an ancient temple dedicated to the Roman god, Mithras, located 7 meters below ground. This temple was discovered during excavations following the Blitz in 1941. Various relics and artefacts were also found during these excavations and are on display for you to see! Additionally, the London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE showcases contemporary art exhibitions that you can explore for free too!
The ground floor has the exhibition as well as relics and artefacts from the excavations. When you go to the next floor down, you’ll learn more information about Mithras and worshippers of Mithras. Then you’ll be taken to the Mithraeum, where an immersive audio experience is also performed.
You will need to book a ticket to visit the London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE, I’m assuming, because it’s literally at the site of Bloomberg’s European headquarters. But it’s very easy to do so; you only have to book it on their website! Just a heads up, the viewing of the Mithraeum only happens every 20 minutes: on the hour, 20 past the hour and 20 to the hour.
They’re closed on Mondays; however, they’re open every other day of the week:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
- Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
- First Thursday of the month: 10 am – 8 pm
Book here: London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE ticket
22. Explore Borough Market
📍Borough Market, Cathedral St, London SE1 9AL
Distance from London Bridge: 489ft (2 minute walk)
Borough Market is London’s most famous food market and for good reason too! Not only is fresh produce sold here, but there’s also cultural cuisine, seafood, and all different kinds of stalls, shops and restaurants! So if you fancy having lunch during your day of exploring the free things to do near London Bridge, then Borough Market would be your best bet! If there’s one specific place I’d recommend if you want to try seafood, it’s Richard Haward’s Oysters! I’ve never eaten oysters before trying them here, and I was very satisfied!
But if you want to stick to making the trek to Borough Market a free trip, then there are a few filming locations to check out nearby! The bridge next to the market sign was the filming location for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, where the Knight Bus stopped to drop Harry off to head to the Leaky Cauldron. Another filming location is at The Globe Tavern Pub, which was filmed as the exterior shots of Bridget Jones’s flat in Bridget Jones’s Diary!
23. See London’s Famous Skyscraper: The Gherkin
📍30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF
Distance from London Bridge: 0.7 miles (4 minute walk)
When looking at London’s skyline, you may notice a funny-looking building that looks like a glass bullet (or cigar). This unique cone shape is what gave the building its nickname, The Gherkin. It’s 180 metres high with 41 floors and is actually a private office building. Although it’s not open to the general public, you can go inside to sit at Helix Restaurant or Iris Bar, which gives stunning panoramic views of the city!
But to keep this visit to the Gherkin free, head to Saint Helen’s Place around the corner to get the best photo spot with the building in the background!
24. See the Last Remaining Boatman Seat in Southwark: The Ferryman’s Seat
📍London SE1 9DS
Distance from London Bridge: 0.6 miles (12 minute walk)
The Ferryman’s seat is a secret historical detail in London that few know about. On the Thames South Bank, past Southwark Bridge, you’ll find it nestled within the wall of what is now a restaurant.
Until 1750, London Bridge was the only means of crossing the Thames in the city. Consequently, boatmen would have to quickly ferry people across the river. The Ferryman’s Seat is the last remaining example of the boatmen’s resting spot. It’s a pretty interesting piece of history in London if you ask me. And it’s cool to look out onto the riverbank to get an idea of what the boatmen used to see while on duty!
25. Take the Queen’s Walk
📍London SE1 9DD
Distance from London Bridge: 0.6 miles (12 minute walk)
To end your venture of free things to do near London Bridge, take a free self-guided walking tour on The Queen’s Walk. It runs between Lambeth Bridge and Tower Bridge, providing some great views of London’s famous landmarks along the South Bank of the Thames!
This is definitely one of the best walks you can do in London, where you can admire the city’s skyline and really take in the fact that you’re in London!
FREE Things to Do Near London Bridge Map
If you made it to the end of the blog post, then I hope you’ve found some free things to do near London Bridge that you wanna check out! Here’s the map again which you can add to your Google Maps and use as you please!
25 FREE Things to Do Near London Bridge: Final Thoughts
London is a pretty expensive city to visit, but as you can see, there are tons of free things to do as well! Whether you want to see the city skyline, escape the noise of the city in a garden, explore museums, or sightsee, they’re all possible to do near London Bridge without spending a penny!
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