Free things to do near Charing Cross station
3 genuinely free places within walking distance of Charing Cross, each one checked so “free” means free at the door. Straight-line estimates, not walking-route promises — use TfL for the journey itself.
National Gallery
GalleryOver 2,000 Western European paintings on Trafalgar Square, from Van Gogh's Sunflowers to Turner — free entry to the permanent collection; only some loan exhibitions charge.
National Portrait Gallery
GalleryNext door to the National Gallery — portraits of Tudor monarchs, the Brontës and contemporary Britain, free to visit; the Taylor Wessing Photo Prize and some shows are ticketed.
Trafalgar Square
ViewpointNelson's Column, the fountains and the rotating Fourth Plinth commission — London's civic square, free and open around the clock.
Keep going along the line
The next stops with something free nearby.
Bakerloo line
- Regent's Park — Regent's Park
- Embankment — South Bank Walk
Northern line
- Camden Town — Camden Market
- Bank & Monument — Leadenhall Market, Sky Garden
See every stop on the Tube map of free things to do, or the full London guide for source-verified costs and opening times.