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.
Get the lowdown on the Trojan War
The Guildhall Library hosts Dr William Sterling giving a free online talk about the Trojan War. Specifically, Sterling references objects from the British Museum to give some background around the legendary war from Greek mythology, which took place between the Achaeans and the city of Troy.
Free, 9 April.
See new work by Yinka Shonibare
British Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare's new exhibition, Suspended States at Serpentine South Gallery, invites visitors to take a critical eye to the history of trade, migration, colonialism and ecological impact. New and recent works are showcased, including installations, sculptures, and woodcut prints — all challenging Western iconography and exploring pressing global issues.
Free, 12 April-1 September.
Try your hand at cherry blossom origami
Chances are you've tried origami once or twice before, but how about cherry blossom origami? Experts at Ichiba in Westfield London will show you how today — pop in between 12pm and 4pm, get folding, and take your creation home with you.
Free, 13 April.
Everyone welcome at City Lit's Deaf Day
Open to everyone, City Lit's annual Deaf Day is a celebration of Deaf culture, offering Deaf and hard of hearing people a chance to get together, socialise and celebrate Deaf provision and the Deaf community. Hearing people are also welcome, including those who work with the Deaf community, are learning sign language, or are simply interested to learn more. It's hosted by City Lit's Centre for Deaf Education, and takes place at the Covent Garden/Holborn campus.
Free, 13 April.
Celebrate Eid at this free community event
Elixir Festival — a celebration of Middle Eastern and North African culture — begins at Grand Junction in Paddington on Friday. Though most events require a paid ticket, there is a free community concert and meal to celebrate Eid on Saturday. Everyone's welcome (whether you observe Eid or not) to enjoy live music by the Yaz Fentazi Trio and other performers, tuck into Middle Eastern food, and learn about Eid traditions. It's a family-friendly event with activities for children too.
Free, 13 April.
Take a tour of Woolwich Works
If you've heard of, or been to, Woolwich Works, it was likely in relation to the programme of events: comedy nights, theatre shows, cabaret productions and film screenings are just some of the entertainment available here. But it wasn't always like this. The events space sits within the Royal Arsenal complex, and has a history linked to kings and queens, fireworks and the Suffragettes. Find out more about its past, and how it was transformed into the space it is today, on a free guided tour. They take place most Sundays, and last around 45 minutes.
Free, 14 April (and most Sundays).
Let us guide you into the London art world
There's a lovely community of London art-lovers over on our Urban Palette newsletter - with free weekly reads sent out every Monday rounding up some of the biggest news, reviews, interviews and insights from London's art world and plenty of (also free!) opportunities to meet up at exhibitions around the city. Sign up at the link to become part of the community.
Free, ongoing
Immerse yourself in the world of spies
This is the final week of the Imperial War Museum's major (free) exhibition, Spies, Lies and Deception. It delves into the role, purpose and human cost of espionage, deceit and misdirection, from the first world war to present day. 150 objects, including gadgets, official documents, art and newly digitised film and photography are on display.
Free, until 14 April.
Discover The Cult of Beauty while you can
Last few weeks to see the current (free) Wellcome Collection exhibition, The Cult of Beauty. It takes a look at the notion of beauty and what it means in different cultures, and at different times in history, using 200 different items including historical objects, artworks and films. It's recommended that you visit on a weekday where possible, as it can get very busy at weekends.
Free, until 28 April.
Let off steam at a central London playground
With the Easter holidays still ongoing, parents and carers are likely looking for ways to keep children entertained on the cheap. If the weather's on your side, check out one (or several) of central London's free playgrounds. We've mapped them to help you find one close to you, and our own Little Londonists have given their stamp of approval to most.
