Buying bottled water throughout a London day is expensive and creates unnecessary waste. Carry a reusable bottle and use public drinking fountains or participating refill businesses instead.

Where can you refill water for free in London?

Your main options are:

  • Public drinking-water fountains
  • Bottle-filling stations in parks and public spaces
  • Participating cafes, shops and organisations listed by Refill
  • Museums, libraries and visitor attractions with public water points
  • A cafe or restaurant willing to provide tap water when asked politely

The Refill app lists participating businesses as well as public fountains. Our finder focuses on public drinking-water points recorded by OpenStreetMap contributors.

Check a fountain before using it

Community data can become outdated. A fountain may be temporarily switched off, damaged or inaccessible because its surrounding building or park is closed.

Do not drink if the outlet looks dirty or damaged. Follow any warning sign and avoid touching your bottle directly against the nozzle.

Carry water on public transport

Take water on longer Tube, rail and bus journeys, particularly during hot weather. Services can be delayed and air-conditioned trains are not available on every line.

A lightweight reusable bottle is normally enough for central London because refill opportunities are widespread. Larger bottles are useful for parks, long walks and travelling with children.

Free water questions

Is London tap water safe to drink?
Mains tap water in London must meet UK drinking-water standards. A public fountain can still be damaged or temporarily unsuitable, so follow signs and inspect it before use.
Can a cafe refuse to refill my bottle?
A business participating in the Refill scheme should offer the service described in its listing. Other businesses may decide individually, so ask politely and do not assume.
Does the finder track my location?
No. Location is requested only after you press the nearby button. Distance calculations happen inside your browser and your coordinates are not sent to London for Cheap.
Why are some points unnamed?
OpenStreetMap records often contain coordinates without a public name. Use the directions link to see the exact position and nearby landmarks.

Data source

Water-point locations are based on community data from OpenStreetMap contributors, accessed through the Overpass API on 19 July 2026. Availability is not guaranteed.