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.
Admire surreal paintings exploring femininity
Powerful, despite it all is the latest London exhibition from Vietnamese-French artist Sophie-Yen Bretez, and this is your last chance to catch it at Mayfair's JD Malat Gallery. Bretez's vibrantly surrealist compositions reference the artist's identity, history, and resilience — as well as addressing the violence and sexualization inflicted on women everywhere.
Free, until 8 July.
Peruse 'precious' photos in Brixton
Windrush Day might've been and gone, but the celebrations continue in earnest. From now until later in the year (exact date TBC), Brixton Library hosts Precious Treasures, an exhibition in which 23 members of Caribbean community group Stockwell Good Neighbours have snapped an object on their phone, explaining why it's precious to them. The images are joined by photos of the group by renowned photographer Jim Grover.
Free, until winter 2023
Watch Wimbledon on the big screen
It's the best fortnight of the year for tennis fans, as Wimbledon gets underway. But if you've got neither the time nor the budget to catch the action live in SW19, there are plenty of places around London where you can keep up with the latest points for free, as you go about your day. Large screens are installed in open-air settings including Canary Wharf, Marylebone, Covent Garden and King's Cross with deckchairs and other seating, for anyone to drop in and watch the tennis throughout the tournament. Here's our full guide to where to watch Wimbledon this year.
Many venues free, 3-16 July.
Prepare for Silverstone at the Williams F1 Fan Zone
Tennis isn't the sport in the spotlight this week. Ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend, the Williams Racing F1 team opens a pop-up fan zone on Regent Street. It's free to enter, and inside you'll find modern and historic show cars on display, alongside team kit. You can test your own handling skills on car simulator games, and look out for appearances by drivers Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant, James Vowles and Jenson Button.
Free entry, 3-9 July.
Stay late at the Royal Society
The Royal Society stays open late on Tuesday for a special evening of events to launch the Summer Science Exhibition. The launch event is for those aged 18+ and includes astronomical drawing workshops, space-themed stitching and a chance to learn what space smells like.
The exhibition itself is a chance for anyone to meet scientists and researchers and learn about their latest work on topics including telescopes, meteorites and the search for extra-terrestrial life.
Free, 4 July (Summer Science Exhibition runs 4-9 July, also free).
Enjoy free live music at Aldgate Sounds
As part of the Summer in Aldgate programme of events, there are free live music concerts every Tuesday lunchtime throughout July and August, starting today. Aldgate Sounds takes place in Aldgate Square with artists of different genres each week, and it's jazz group FosseyTango Acoustic this week — take your lunch along and enjoy the show.
Free, 4 July.
Visit Lambeth Palace Garden
There are only a few chances a year to get inside the Lambeth Palace Gardens, and this Friday is one of them. Visit the walled garden as part of a charity fundraising open day and wander among the plants and lawns. Before you go, read about our visit to find out what to expect, and learn more about the history of the gardens.
£5, 7 July.
Join the British Library's birthday celebrations
The British Library marks 50 years since its foundation (though the current building only opened 25 years ago) with a day of tours and talks. 'Meet the British Library' features curator and expert talks, sound performances, workshops and activities around the building, including a chance to learn how the 150 million physical items in the library's collection are cared for, and a tour of the public art in the building.
Free, 8 July.
Show your support at Trans Pride
Following Pride in London last week, Trans Pride takes place this Saturday, beginning in Trafalgar Square at 1pm — though the exact route is TBC at time of writing. It takes the form of "a protest march calling for equality in the UK and beyond", and is open to trans people and allies of the trans community who wish to show support.
Free, 8 July.
Visit the Westminster Abbey Summer Fete
A church summer fete is nothing unusual, but when that church happens to be Westminster Abbey, it gets a bit more special.
Dean's Yard, the enclosed green to the side of the main Abbey building is the place to head for the Westminster Abbey summer fete complete with live performances, an inflatable obstacle course, food and drink stalls, a birds of prey display, Morris dancing and more. It's open to everyone, and the fete is in aid of the Westminster Abbey Choir School Music Fund.
Free entry (though there's a charge for some activities), 8 July.
Have a poem written just for you
As part of Southbank Centre's Planet Summer opening weekend events, The Poetry Takeaway pops up at Queen's Walk. Head for the burger-style van to meet member of the New Poets Collective who will write you your own personal poem based on your request.
Free, 8 July.
Celebrate the new Young V&A at its Summer Festival
The Young V&A — formerly the Museum of Childhood — reopened last week after a lengthy makeover. If you've not been yet, it's worth making time to go this weekend, when the free Summer Festival is on. The family-friendly entertainment includes music, puppetry and dance performances, and sustainable design and shadow puppet workshops.
Free, 8-9 July.
