A local’s guide to free things to do along London’s Northern Line, from Camden Town to Highgate, including the British Museum and Regent’s Park!
There are few London Underground lines as famous as the Central Line which runs through the City of London at Bank and East London spots like Liverpool Street, Spitalfields, and Bethnal Green.
However, there is another line used just as much as the Central Line called the Northern Line which passes through many beautiful neighborhoods.
These areas include Highgate as well as the lively Camden Town with its unique trendy shops and vintage and street food markets.
I started sharing gorgeous free things to do on the Central Line a while back and thought it would be cool to show you some more famous and secret places I have discovered while living in London.
London’s Northern Line: 10+ Free Black Line Hidden Gems
As a reminder, the most famous Tube stations along the Northern Line include:
- Tottenham Court Road
- Leicester Square
- Charing Cross
- Bank
- King’s Cross St Pancras
- Regent’s Park
- Camden Town
- Hampstead
- Highgate
- Angel and Highbury & Islington
As we can see, the Northern Line covers some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in London, like Angel, close to King’s Cross, which houses the gorgeous and historic Camden Passage.
From free museums to the Leicester Square sculpture art trail and beautiful secret gardens, you’ll find here lots of new places to include on your bucket list!
Free Things to Do on London’s Northern Line: Leicester Square Art Trail
Let’s start in Central London at Leicester Square where I love rediscovering the Sculpture Trail every time I visit.
It features famous figures from British cinema like Charlie Chaplin, Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, and Paddington.
All around the square you can find West End theaters, cinemas, restaurants, and the nearby Chinatown neighborhood.
After admiring this free art trail, you can head toward the shops on Oxford Street or discover the hidden gems of Covent Garden.
Free Places to Visit in London: Cecil Court, Leicester Square Station
Once you’re done at Leicester Square, you can stay close by and cross Charing Cross Road. You’ll land in Cecil Court, which is one of the secret alleys of London.
Rumor has it this spot inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
You’ll find all sorts of beautiful old bookshops here.
They have such lovely vintage storefronts, like Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Secret Things to Do on London’s Northern Line: St Paul’s Church and Covent Garden Piazza
If you want a little Covent Garden itinerary, head toward the heart of the area after Cecil Court. Just walk along the shopping street, Long Acre.
You’ll pass the Kryolan makeup shop and TK Maxx. Then you’ll arrive at James Street.
This leads you right to the Covent Garden Piazza. You’ll also find the secret St Paul’s Church and its calm graveyard garden.
In Covent Garden, you can catch the street performers and find plenty of vintage shops or cute cafes. The area is also home to the colorful Neal’s Yard and Slingsby Place.
Plus, there’s the London Graphic Centre, which is easily one of the best stationery shops in the city.
Free Places to Visit in London: British Museum (Tottenham Court Road)
The beautiful neighborhood of Bloomsbury is right near Covent Garden. It’s only a few minutes away on foot, or you can hop off at Tottenham Court Road.
Don’t forget to spend some time at Outernet at the Now Building. It’s a free immersive experience that looks especially beautiful at Christmas.
Next, head to one of the most beautiful free museums in London. The British Museum holds so many Roman, Egyptian, Greek, and Assyrian secrets.
If you want to see another free museum that’s a bit smaller and more secret, try the Sir John Soane’s Museum. It’s magnificent, with rows upon rows of sculptures and paintings.
It really is one of the most beautiful historic homes in the city.
Free Things to Do on London’s Northern Line: Holly Village, Highgate
Holly Village is a collection of secret Gothic villas tucked away in Highgate.
While the property itself is private, you can still admire the carved entrance which looks stunning in the autumn sun.
Right nearby is Highgate Cemetery, and even though there is an entry fee, it is easily one of the most beautiful spots in London.
The West Cemetery has a historic and austere vibe that feels a lot like Holly Village.
Free Places to Visit in London: Chalcot Square, Primrose Hill, North London
Chalcot Crescent is famous for being a Paddington filming location, but if you walk a bit further, you’ll find Chalcot Square. It is one of the most colorful squares in the city.
You are right in Primrose Hill here, just a short walk from Camden Town. It is a very posh residential area that looks gorgeous with all its bright house fronts.
Secret Things to Do on London’s Northern Line: Timothy Oulton Shop, Tottenham Court Road
I’m never quite sure if the Timothy Oulton shop on Tottenham Court Road is a store, a showroom, or an art gallery. To me, it feels like all three at once.
When you step inside, you come face-to-face with an Apollo-style capsule decorated with a Venus statue. It is a totally unique sight.
The rest of the shop is filled with old typewriters, a floating astronaut, and even a horse. It is a luxury furniture store that feels like a museum just minutes from Oxford Street.
Free Things to Do on London’s Northern Line: British Library (King’s Cross St Pancras)
On the Northern Line, you also have King’s Cross St Pancras, which is home to the fabulous British Library. It is only a few seconds away on foot.
It is completely free to go inside, and it’s a great spot to relax for a bit. You can also admire their massive collection of ancient manuscripts.
Don’t miss the sculptures around the building either, like the famous giant chained book.
Secret Things to Do on London’s Northern Line: Millennium Bridge (Bank)
Then you’ve got the Millennium Bridge, which is just a few minutes away if you’re coming from Bank station on the Central Line.
It’s not only one of the most beautiful bridges in London, but it’s also a Harry Potter location and an amazing spot for a sunset after a visit to the Tate Modern or St Paul’s.
Free Things to Do on London’s Northern Line: Regent’s Park (Regent’s Park)
Regent’s Park is such a good place to visit in the spring, summer, or even autumn. You’ve always got the beautiful nature to enjoy, plus a rose garden and a secret Japanese garden.
You can rent a rowboat, catch a performance, or just go for a wander in one of the city’s most stunning parks.
Free Things to Do on London’s Northern Line: St. Pancras International (King’s Cross St Pancras)
If you want to head over to King’s Cross St Pancras next, there are loads of cute spots to see around the international station.
You’ve got the stunning Victorian architecture of the building used in the second Harry Potter movie, plus plenty of British shops to check out inside both St Pancras and King’s Cross.
It’s a great place for a bit of window shopping before heading off to the British Museum, or even our next stops – Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard!
Free Places to Visit in London: Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square (King’s Cross St Pancras)
Coal Drops Yard is easily one of my favorite shopping spots in London.
Architecturally, it’s just stunning – this old industrial space revamped into a beautiful open-air shopping center.
I love coming here for unique jewelry or to visit Roseur, which is such a one-of-a-kind shop.
I’ve mentioned Roseur a few times before; it’s a flower boutique where you can join a workshop to make flower crowns or those gorgeous bouquets under glass domes.
Right outside Coal Drops Yard, you’ve also got Granary Square. It’s a must-visit in the summer for the fountains, but it’s just as good at Christmas for all the lights and decorations!
London’s Northern Line: 10+ Free Black Line Hidden Gems
This is my own personal selection of places I love visiting on the Northern Line, but there are plenty of others you could add to your list too.
You’ve got the National Gallery, which is a great free museum at Charing Cross, or even Camden Lock with its picturesque canals and industrial architecture.
You could also check out the secret Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens in Hampstead – or even Highgate Cemetery with all its sculptures, if you have the budget and love a beautiful, historic cemetery!