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.
Read our cracking Croydon newsletter
Londonist: Croydon Edit has launched! It's a newsletter about the past, present and future of the Borough of Croydon. Give it a read — starting with this piece on when Croydon was the centre of the universe. It's free to read certain posts, but if you become a paid subscriber before 30 June, you get 20% off annual subs.
Delve into M.Rodwell's illustrations of London
Hidden London is a free exhibition from artist Magnus Rodwell, featuring lovely paintings and illustrations of the capital, which is on at Greenhouse in Shad Thames until the end of the month. Despite its name, some very well-known landmarks — including the Tower of London — feature. You can buy prints too.
Free, until 30 June.
Hear people's stories of leaving Ukraine
The Foundling Museum's current exhibition, Leaving Ukraine, features photographs taken by documentary photographer Polly Braden of mothers, daughters, teenagers, and infants who fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
On Monday night this week, Braden takes part in an online talk about her work, along with Clare Grafik from The Photographers' Gallery. Watch Braden's short film about life as a refugee, before hearing stories of the people in the photos.
Donation (from £1), 24 June.
Ogle stunning Carmen costumes
If you missed the costumes based around the theme of Carmen and created by talented students of University Centre South Essex — recently on at Covent Garden's Royal Opera House — don't sweat. The display has been moved to the lobby of nearby hotel Middle Eight, and is there to enjoy for free for the best part of a month. Olé!
Free, until 21 July.
Learn about St Paul's in wartime
Hear about the brave people who defended and protected St Paul's Cathedral during incessant bombing in the second world war. City of London Guide & Lecturer and Cathedral Guide Jill Finch gives a free talk at Guildhall Library, which is also available to watch online.
Free, 25 June.
Attend the Fleet Street Quarter Climate Festival
The Fleet Street Quarter Climate Festival takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, with a series of panel talks about different approaches to tackling the climate emergency. Among topics on the programme: redesigning cities to prioritise nature; the role the media plays in sustainable living; and the link between the spate of global elections in 2024 and climate policy.
Free, 25-26 June.
See new theatre at Connections 2024
School and youth theatre groups from all over the country take part in Connections 2024, a youth theatre festival at National Theatre. On the venue's Dorfman stage, they perform new, specially-commissioned plays on topics including neurodiversity, cancel culture and mental health.
£5/two shows on the same night for £8, 25-29 June.
Hear about the little-known bombing of Pompeii
Mention Pompeii, and most people think of volcanic eruptions. But a lesser-known story about the time-frozen city involves bombs during the second world war.
Professor Nigel Pollard gives a free lunchtime lecture at the National Army Museum about the damage Pompeii received from Allied bombs being dropped on roads and railways in 1943, and talks more widely about the risk that conflict poses to cultural heritage sites.
Free, 28 June.
Simmer Down at Southbank Centre
Get your dancing shoes on and head to Southbank Centre for the free monthly Simmer Down reggae revival session. Immerse yourself in the infectious energy of reggae music, and dance along. Everyone's welcome, though the sessions are most popular with older adults, and parents with young children.
Free, 28 June.
View a rather historic LGBTQ+ document
London Metropolitan Archives offers a chance to see the oldest document in its collection relating to LGBTQ+ history, dating back to 1395.
The Questioning of Eleanor Rykener records interrogation by the Mayor and Alderman of the City of London of Rykener, who had lived as both Eleanor and John. The document can be viewed in drop-in sessions, but there are also 15-minute introductory talks at 12.45pm and 1.30pm.
£5, 28 June.
Soak up the atmosphere at BST Hyde Park Open House
Though tickets to music festival BST Hyde Park can be spendy, there's a free alternative — BST Hyde Park Open House. On the weekdays between the big weekend shows, the festival ground is put to use offering free entertainment open to everyone, whether you have a ticket to the main festival or not.
This week, it's just on Friday, when there's a Pride special featuring a live performance by LGBTQ+ choir the Pink Singers, a screening of Barbie, a Pride quiz and other free events.
Free, selected dates 28 June-11 July.
Fly that rainbow flag at Pride in London
Central London turns into one giant rainbow on Saturday, as Pride in London struts into town.
Some 30,000 participants and 300 floats are expected to take part in the huge LGBTQ+ celebration, with a procession from Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square, and stages featuring live performances and activities dotted around the West End.
Free, 29 June.
Celebrate Pride the South Asian way
DJs from the SWANA and South Asian communities perform at NAZAR, a free open-air party celebrating Pride in London at Southbank Centre, after the main event in central London.
Free, 29 June.
Celebrate Canada Day in Trafalgar Square
O Canada! Celebrate Canada Day with a huge free event in Trafalgar Square. The 'Mounties' (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) will be in attendance, meeting members of the public, and there's also a live music stage, interactive hockey games, and food stalls selling all the poutine and lobster rolls you can shake a bottle of maple syrup at.
Free, 30 June.
