All week
POLISH AT WAR: It's your last chance to see this free display about Polish citizens during the second world war, marking the 80th anniversary of the invasion of Poland. Find out about the effects the conflict had on the people of Poland, and the contributions the Polish Army made to the war effort. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, just turn up, until 11 October
HERNE HILL FESTIVAL: Music takes centre stage at Herne Hill Festival. Budget-free events on the programme include a jazz jam, a performance by the South East London Folk Orchestra, and a charity coffee and music morning. Various locations and prices, book ahead, until 13 October
SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY: The first ever Science Photographer of the Year exhibition opens at Science Museum, focusing on the tiny details of science which are invisible to the naked eye. A crystallised drop of Aperol Spritz, the structure of soap bubbles, and the Milky Way all feature in the beautiful and fascinating images. Science Museum (South Kensington), free, book ahead, 7 October-5 January
CHELSEA HISTORY FESTIVAL: Doing exactly what it says, Chelsea History Festival celebrates the history of the local area through talks, open days and other events. Several of the events are free, including a Chelsea Physic Garden open day, a performance by the British Army Jazz Orchestra, and the Chelsea Pensioners' Parade. Various locations and prices, book ahead, 9-13 October
HOGARTH: All of the works from Hogarth's Place and Progress series go on display together for the first time in a new exhibition. Paintings and engravings depicting Hogarth's views on morality from several collections feature, offering a fascinating insight into London society at the time. Sir John Soane's Museum, free, book ahead, 9 October-5 January
Monday 7 October
VICTORIAN NAVY: Scholar David Sheppard uses census information from 1861, 1881 and 1901 to look at the demographic of members of the Royal Navy, and how it shifted over time. Birthplace, age and marital statues are all looked at, to see how they varied according to social and economic conditions in Britain at the time. National Maritime Museum (Greenwich), free, just turn up, 3.30pm-4.30pm
EXPERIMENTAL GARDENS: History of Science lecturer Jim Endersby gives a free talk about Francis Bacon's 1627 idea of a utopian island including an experimental garden, where plants could be made “greater much than their nature”. Find out how this idea of an experimental or scientific garden has led to some of the biotechnologies in use today. Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn), free, just turn up,6pm-7pm
BRIXTON BOOKJAM: Quarterly literary event Brixton BookJam brings together local writers, both established and little-known, to share their work with an audience for five minutes. Alternatively, they may talk about a book-related subject which they're passionate about. Alyson Rudd, Kate Morrison, Diana Skelton, Ruby Cowling, Christopher Impey and Deirdre Shanahan are just some of the writers on this month's line-up. Hootananny Brixton, free, just turn up, 7.30pm
Tuesday 8 October
ARMISTICE AND ARCHAEOLOGY: When the Armistice ended the first world war, and the German Navy fleet was seized, the Allied Nations were unable to agree what to do with these assets. Hear about the effect this had on larger political decisions and agreements at the time, with specific maritime archaeology case studies covered. Society of Antiquaries (Piccadilly) free, book ahead, 1pm-2pm
AFRICAN DIASPORA: As part of Black History Month, Birkbeck hosts a talk about the hidden black diaspora in Spain. Very little is known about the African Diaspora in Spain between 16th-18th century, as it was largely eradicated from history books. Find out what we do know about Africans living in Spain at the time. Stratford Library, free, book ahead, 6pm-7.30pm
BADGER SCIENCE: A panel of scientists, farmers and policymakers tackle the controversial subject of badger vaccination. A recent review advised that the best way to tackle bovine tuberculosis — a disease which has a huge negative impact for farmers — might be to vaccinate badgers, rather than simply culling them. The costs and practicalities of such an idea are discussed tonight. ZSL (Regent's Park), free, just turn up, 6pm-7.45pm
Wednesday 9 October
SPACE PSYCHOLOGY: With space tourism becoming an increasingly realistic proposition, space psychologist Iva Whiteley shares some of her research, and talks about what would need to be done to prepare humans for lengthy voyages such as missions to Mars. Wellcome Collection (Euston), free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
PARTHENON MARBLES: The Parthenon (or Elgin) Marbles have been the subject of much controversy — should they remain in the British Museum, or sent back to their roots in Athens? A panel discussion tackles the topic of whether an amicable solution will ever be found, looking at compromise suggestions such as splitting the collection between the two countries. City, University of London (Clerkenwell), free, book ahead, 6pm>
BAZALGETTE: 200 years after the birth of Sir Joseph Bazalgette — the engineer responsible for London's sewer system — a major addition to his system is being built. Hear about Bazalgette's legacy and the upcoming Thames Tideway Tunnel in this free Gresham College talk. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm
Thursday 10 October
MUSEUM LATES: The Royal College of Physicians hosts a late-night opening to coincide with the launch of new exhibition, Under The Skin. View the museum's collection dating back five centuries, including historical apothecary jars and surgical instruments, and be one of the first to visit the new exhibition. Royal College of Physicians (Regent's Park), free, book ahead, 5pm-8.30pm
CLIMATE CHANGE: Unfortunately, the results of climate change, such as rising sea levels, are forcing many people to leave their homes and relocate elsewhere — but understandably, many are reluctant to do so. Dr Helen Adams talks about emotional bonds to a place, and suggests alternatives to resettlement or migration. Latymer Upper School (Ravenscourt Park), free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.45pm
DIS-EASE: Watch work-in-progress documentary Dis-ease, which looks at how pop culture and language are used to talk about disease, and how this affects the way diseases are treated. Director Mariam Ghani takes part in a Q&A after the screening. Wellcome Collection (Euston), free, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
Friday 11 October
BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL: A celebration of the culture and science of the area, Bloomsbury Festival begins today, with an array of events over the coming days, many of them free. Begin with a night time street party featuring a moonlit stage, Bollywood workshop and tango classes. Various locations and prices, 11-20 October
WAR POSTERS: 'Make do and mend' and 'Careless talk costs lives' are phrases familiar to most of us, thanks to their prominence on government posters during the second world war. Poster historian David Bownes gives a talk about the successful and less successful propaganda campaigns at the time, and how the government changed tack as a result of public opinion. National Army Museum (Chelsea), free, book ahead, 11.30am
ENGINEERING LATE: The rather fancy home of the Institution of Civil Engineers keeps its doors open late for its autumn event. Hear about current and planned engineering projects in the capital at a series of talks, take part in practical activities and VR demos, and take a tour of the Grade-II listed building where it all happens. Institution of Civil Engineers (Westminster), free, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
Saturday 12 October
LOCAL GUIDING DAY: Annual event Local Guiding Day sees tour guide organisations offering free walks around London. The theme this year is Victorian innovation, with tours focusing on the Victorian legacy at King's Cross, London's first underground railway, and other radical inventions of the period. Various locations, free, just turn up, 10am-4pm
GREEN ROOMS MARKET: Stock up on house plants — or simply wallow inn their innate greenness — at Green Rooms Market. Plant specialists from all over sell their wares, and are on hand to offer you tips and tricks on keeping your plant alive and helping it thrive. Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle), free entry, just turn up, 11am-5pm
LGBTQ RESEARCH: Get involved in some LGBTQ history research which will form the basis of a performance during this year's Being Human Festival. Head to the National Archives to study copies of The Link, an early 20th century lonely hearts publication, which is littered with coded language for men to meet men, such as 'bachelor', 'bohemian' and 'unconventional'. Some of the ads are brought to life on stage at the performance on 23 November. National Archives (Kew), free, book ahead, 1pm-4pm
Sunday 13 October
KITCHEN GARDENS: Have a peek inside the kitchen gardens at Chiswick House — normally off-limits to the public — at this free open day. Get inside the walled garden, see the flowers and produce being grown there, and learn more about it from the volunteers. Chiswick House, free, just turn up, 11am-3.30pm
BIRDS AND BYPASSES: A bit outside of London itself, but still in the Lee Valley, this guided walk is a chance to see birds and wildlife in their native wetland habitat. The 3.3 mile route also visits lakes, woodland area and wildflower meadows. Rye House Gardens (Hoddesdon), free, just turn up, 1.30pm-4.30pm
WOMEN ORGANISTS: The Society of Women Organists hosts the latest in a series of free recitals. This time, experienced musician Anne Page performs. Christ's Chapel (Dulwich), free, just turn up, 7.45pm
