Budget-friendly things to do in London this week for £5 or less.
Looking for more free things to do in London? Here are 102 of em! We've also compiled this epic map of free stuff in London.
Check out Dan Maier's glow-up of Southgate station
A few years back, Dan Maier gave Southgate station a wonderful glow-up with her vibrant arty wraps. Now they're back, this time adorning Southgate Library. These new designs take inspiration from Cuthbert's Seeds, a local business started by James Cuthbert in 1797. Various flowers, chillies and pea pods pop out of this horticultural artwork. Why not check them out on a day trip to the area, taking in Southgate tube station, Trent Park, and Chickenshed theatre.
Free, up for a while.
Hear Ruth Mallory's story
Ever heard of Ruth Mallory? The climber was married to George Mallory, a mountaineer who died scaling Everest in 1924. Ruth was a founding member of the Pinnacle Club, the first all-female rock climbing club in Britain, and the Royal Geographical Society offers a chance to learn more about her in a lecture on Monday night.
You can watch in person at the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington, or online.
£5, 25 March
Learn about the toxic legacy of lead
Leaded fuel was eradicated in 2021, years after it was revealed that childhood exposure to lead causes health problems. Hear from Gresham College's Visiting Professor of Environmental Health Dr Ian Mudway about why it took so long for industry to take action. You can watch in person, at Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online.
Free, 25 March.
Swing into Tuesday with some free jazz
Every Tuesday, Eastcheap Records near monument throws a free jazz session — and this Tuesday's no exception. Between 8pm and 10.30pm, lose yourself in the carefree noodlings of the Alec Harper Quartet, known for their uptempo swing and bop. And if the coffers allow, order a whisk(e)y or two to heighten the fun.
Free, 26 March.
Seek out some Guide Dog sculptures
London's newest free art trail launches this week, with decorated sculptures of dogs appearing around Canary Wharf. Paws on the Wharf, by the Guide Dogs charity, got 25+ artists involved in designing the sculptures, which will be on display until May before being sold off to raise funds.
Free, 25 March-17 May.
Take yourself to a free lunchtime concert
The fortnightly lunchtime concert at Dulwich Picture Gallery takes place this Wednesday. Make your way to Christ's Chapel (enter via the Cloister) to enjoy live music performed by students from local schools, in rather impressive surroundings.
Free, 27 March.
Join a curator for a Great Escape
The National Archives' current exhibition is Great Escapes, about prisoners of war and civilians who were confined to internment camps during the second world war. Some managed to escape physically, while others remained trapped but found freedom in creative endeavours such as art and theatre productions, or in writing letters to loved ones.
On Wednesday, the exhibition's curators offer a free online introduction to it in the form of a recorded film, followed by a Q&A session.
Free, 27 March.
Enjoy a free comedy night
Have yourself a giggle on the cheap at Laugh in the Box, a free-entry comedy night hosted by BBC Radio London presenter Aurie Styla. A roster of comedians test out new material and there are audience participation games, with prizes to be won.
Free, 27 March
Explore a stunning hidden chapel in central London
Following on from its recently extended opening hours, the beautiful Fitzrovia Chapel offers a free mini guided tour at lunchtime on Wednesday, where you can find out a bit more about the stunning interiors. Well worth visiting for a look at those golden mosaics, inspired by the medieval designs of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region.
Free, 27 March.
Hear from a Gaza war surgeon
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah was working in Gaza in October and November last year, when the situation with Israel escalated. He used social media to give the rest of the world an insight into the human rights crisis that was happening.
Now, he's at Amnesty International, giving a free talk about the conditions in Gaza and what it was like working under intense Israeli bombardment, while medical facilities were being destroyed. Other guests (TBC) are also expected to take part in the discussion.
Free, 27 March.
Take a meander through Marylebone
Guildhall Library offers a free talk about the Marylebone area, covering topics including Sherlock Holmes, poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and the world-famous Harley Street medical practices. Hear about some of the area's history and architecture — including some designs by John Nash — from City of London Guide Jill Finch.
You wan watch online — in-person tickets have already sold out.
Free, 28 March.
Dance as a family on Good Friday
Everyone's welcome at the Good Friday edition of Southbank Centre's Simmer Down, a monthly daytime reggae dance meet up. You're encouraged to get up and jig along to a soundtrack of reggae music, with the aim of sparking joy and positivity. This month, it's a special family-friendly edition.
Free, 29 March.
See the Easter story played out in Trafalgar Square
It's something of a London tradition for thousands of people to gather in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday and watch a reenactment of the Easter story. The Passion of Jesus is a play by the Wintershall Players, with a 100-strong cast and BSL interpreters. It's free and you don't need a ticket, but you'll want to get down there early to get a good spot — there are two performances, at 12pm and 3.15pm, each lasting around 90 minutes. It's open to everyone, but bear in mind that it might not be suitable for younger kids.
Free, 29 March.
Take the kids to an Easter treasure hunt
On Easter Sunday, Lauderdale House in Highgate hosts its annual Easter trail in neighbouring Waterlow Park. Follow the treasure map (available to download online, or collect a physical copy on the day) and solve clues and riddles to find the giant bunny. The first 100 people to complete the trail will receive a small chocolate prize.
Free, 31 March.
