Fancy hanging on to a bit of cash this month? Still want to get out and enjoy the delights of the best city in the world? Here’s our guide to enjoying London without spending a thing.
DURING THE DAY:
Arts for free…
There is always loads going on at the Royal Opera House. Check out their various free workshops, lectures, back stage tours and talks with the artists, throughout the year.
Royal Opera House, Bow Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD. Tube: Covent Garden
Royal Opera House Events
Soak up some culture at...
Serpentine Gallery, Hyde Park, W1. Tube: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch
Serpentine Gallery Events
Hang out with the deer…
Richmond Park, Holly Lodge, Richmond Park. Tube: Richmond
Richmond Park
Spot a kingfisher…
Hackney Marshes, Homerton Road, E9. Rail: Homerton
Hackney Marshes
Enjoy an amazing view…
Hampstead Heath, NW3. Tube: Hampstead
Hampstead Heath
Rub shoulders with celebrities
Primrose Hill, NW1. Tube: Chalk Farm
Primrose Hill
Interested in theatre?
Look out for outdoor plays and events at The Scoop amphitheatre at More London, one of London’s most exciting free theatre venues.
Scoop Amphitheatre, 2a More London Riverside, London SE1 2DB. Tube: London Bridge
The Scoop Events
Be awestruck by the Great Court…
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Tube: Holborn, Tottenham Court Road, Russell Square, Goodge St
British Museum Events
Expand your environmental knowledge…
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD. Tube: South Kensington
Natural History Museum Events
Get hands on with science…
The Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD. Tube: South Kensington
Science Museum Events
Get birthday present ideas at…
Spitalfields, the capital's most creative market.
Spitalfields Market, 105a Commercial Streeet, Spitalfields, London E1 6BG. Tube: Liverpool Street
Thursday-Friday 10am-4pm, Sundays 9am-5pm
Old Spitalfields Market
Plan a dinner party…
Sample the wares with free tastings at the many food and drink stalls.
Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL. Tube: London Bridge
Thursdays 11am-5pm, Fridays 12-6pm and Saturdays 9am-4pm
Borough Market Events
Eyeball the antiques…
Plan what you'll buy to put in your mansion when you win the lottery.
Portobello Antiques Market, Portobello Road, London W11. Tube: Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate
Saturdays 4am-6pm
Portobello Road
AFTER DARK:
Crack a smile...
Apply for tickets to see recordings of shows like Bremner, Bird and Fortune, Mock the Week and the IT Crowd.
Different theatres and studios around London, including BBC TV centre, ITV London Studios and Pinewood Studios.
BBC Television Centre
Take in a concert by candlelight…
Head to St Martin in the Fields every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm. Music ranges from baroque, chamber and world music to song and piano recitals.
St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ. Tube: Charing Cross
St Martin in the Fields Events
Get some fashion inspiration…
Take advantage of free admission to the collections at the V&A, open until 10pm on the last Friday of each month. Fashion, photography, furniture, prints and books are just some of the things on display whilst DJs turn up the volume to kickstart your weekend.
V&A, Cromwell Road, South Kensington SW7 2RL. Tube: South Kensington
Victoria and Albert Museum Events
Dose up on culture…
Late at Tate Britain offers art exhibitions, music, live performances, talks and films, all for free on the first Friday of every month, from 6 to 10pm.
Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG. Tube: Pimlico
Tate Britain Events
Late night art…
With plenty of fantastic modern art to see, the gallery is open until 10pm Fridays and Saturdays. Free talks and lectures on the current exhibitions also take place in the evenings, giving you the chance to learn something new and inspiring.
Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG. Tube: Blackfriars, Southwark
Tate Modern Events
Music and art…
The Southbank Centre regularly hosts free commuter concerts in the evening, free cabaret style shows and unusual art events later at night.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Tube: Waterloo, Embankment
Southbank Centre Events
About as simple as it gets…
But fantastic nevertheless: take a leaf out of European culture and head to the South Bank for a wander along the river at night. The lights strung up between the trees and the illuminated buildings along the river are a beautiful sight any day of the week and a great reminder of how awe inspiring our capital city is to live in.
Southbank, London SE1. Tube: Waterloo, Embankment
London Parks
London Lidos
Free Music Festivals in London
Free Summer