Free Concerts in London

When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. There's just so much to see and do here, even if you don't have much money! Here is a list of free concerts in London- mostly held incentral London but I listed a few places in Greenwich too, since it's a popular day trip from central London.

London is a haven for lovers of music concerts, opera and ballet: there's so much to see and do in this city, even if you have a limited budget!

There are regular free concerts (typically at lunch times and in churches) held all over the city. Typically a donation is encouraged (but not obligatory.) Below are some of my faves, in between train trips out of London.

Note: Although the concerts are regularly held, there are often programme changes (e.g. during festive periods and summer) so I strongly recommend you visit the official website's “what’s on” or "Events" page to confirm there will be something on the day you're thinking of.

Keep in mind that the venues all hold a collection of free and ticketed/ paid events, so check carefully before making your plans!

Next to the famous Borough Market and opposite London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral holds organ recitals on many Mondays of the year, usually around 1.20 pm.

I'm personally not a huge fan of organ music but it is a good way to wait for my train trips from London Bridge (e.g to Brighton and Canterbury) and simultaneously admire the Cathedral's interiors.

No need to book and walk-ins welcome; donations encouraged (but not in a way that embarrasses you if you don't donate. In fact, I find they make it hard to locate the donation box!)

No booking is required/ walk-ins welcome.

Typically music recitals are held on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1.15pm and last around 40 minutes. There is a collection (of donations) at the end of the concert.

I love the architecture of this small church and some of my favorite music performances were held at this church!

Note: St Bride's is very close to the CORD cafe and restaurant by Cordon Bleu- fun to check out if you're a foodie!

Unless otherwise stated, you do not need a ticket to attend these concerts. Donations are suggested.

Concerts ar usually every Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1.10 pm (40 - 50 minutes long.)

St Olaves Hart Street has been a site of Christian worship for almost 1000 years and is one of the few medieval churches to survive the Great Fire of London, feels like a bit of a hidden gem. It's where Samuel Pepys and his wife Elizabeth are buried (Samuel Pepys is famous for his diaries which provide a first-hand account of the fire of 1666 and beyond.)

It has lunchtime recitals on most Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1.00pm.

Free admission with a retiring collection at the end of the concert.

Westminster Music Library has free concerts on some Wednesdays, around 1230 or 115 pm. (The timings change.)

It is not necessary to book. Donations are welcomed to support the performers and library concerts

Close to where I attended the Jamie Oliver cooking class, St Mary's will have a free recital at 1.15 on the 3rd Friday of every month in 2026.

No ticket required, free admission AND there is free hot drinks and cakes from 12.45!

St Alfege Church, situated close to the famous Greenwich Market and designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, often has collaborations with Trinity Laban musicians and has varied regular performances on Thursdays and Saturdays @ 1.05pm, ranging from opera performances to the harp.

Fun fact: there has been a church here for over 1000 years, dedicated to Alfege, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred on this site in 1012.

St Michaels Highgate is a little further out but is part of a lovely village.

Lunchtime concerts are usually on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1.30pm for 30 minutes. They also have Saturdays at Six concerts between 6-7pm on the 2nd Saturday of every month except August. Admission is free with a retiring collection.

Every Tuesday and Friday around 1 pm during term time, Trinity Laban has performances here, usually about 45 minutes long.

On a few Fridays of the year, usually at 12.30 pm, LSO St Luke’s has a free music performance.

No ticket is required but it is recommend that you come earlier as seating is a first-come, first-seated basis.

During the Autumn and Winter terms, LSE often has a free recital every Thursday @ 1.05pm.

This lovely small church in the middle of London, down the road from Fortnum & Masons, holds free concerts on most Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays at lunch time. (around 11 to 1)

I really like how St James has expanded its repertoire of music beyond classical to include jazz etc.

Free admission, donation encouraged, usually no need for a ticket.

This church has maybe the most packed music calendar of all the venues here. However, the majority are paid/ ticketed, with the occasional free performance.

The church usually holds free organ recitals on the 1st Sunday of each month, at 4.00 pm, lasting for 45 minutes.

In addition, there are regular free lunchtime performances at 1 pm, typically in conjunction with the nearby Royal Academy of Music.

The Royal Academy of Music organises its own free performances (donation of £5 per person suggested.) These are TICKETED (and sell out) so you need to book before you go.

There are a vast range of performances, and not all will be of interest to the casual attendee. For example, I once mistakenly booked for a Masterclass, and it was basically just sitting in on someone's music lesson (so lots of talking, a bit of playing and no complete performance.) Might have been interesting if I was familiar with the instrument in question but alas I was not.

Note that the concerts are often on upper floors so there will be climbing of stairs (not sure if they have an elevator.)

On a few special evenings of the year, South Bank Centre has free music performances. I attended Future Artists: Royal Academy of Music in 2026 and it may have been the best free concert I've been to in London. A fusion of instrumental music, oral recital, singing, and more, I found it much more interesting than the concerts I'd been to at the Royal Academy of Music itself.

These are ticketed events, with limited tickets, so booking early is highly recommended.

Any questions about free music concerts in London? Let me know int he comments!