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 yourself a free cupcake
To help Londoners get through Blue Monday, Lola's Cupcakes are giving away free mini cupcakes for one day only. No purchase necessary, just head along to your nearest store (collection lockers and vending machines excluded) to claim your free treat. Get there ASAP to make sure you get one of these freebies before they're all scoffed.
Free, 15 January.
Dare to venture inside London Dungeon... for free
If the thought of paying the entry fee to the London Dungeon terrifies you, you've got a chance to get in for nada on Monday (so long as you're one of the first 20 through the doors). Find out more from our article.
Free, 15 January.
Take your baby to a pub-style quiz
Vauxhall City Farm launches a new pub-style quiz for parents with babies. Take your little one along to test your general knowledge in a child-friendly environment, where it's not a problem if they cry, and you're welcome to feed and change them as needed. Bring your own team, or turn up and be placed in a team — a great way to meet other parents.
£5, 16 January.
Head to a free classical concert
Enjoy 45 minutes of classical music for free at Lauderdale House in Highgate. The free lunchtime concert is given by resident pianist Stephen Hose, and takes place in the Long Gallery, with views over neighbouring Waterlow Park.
Free, 16 January.
Get your creative juices flowing at a free workshop
Artist Husna Parvin is hosting a series of free creative workshops on Tuesdays this month. Head to GreatArt in Dalston for Trapped in Zone One, where you can sketch, paint and meet other budding artists. All abilities welcome.
Free, 16 January.
Learn about the Russia-Ukraine war
What's the current situation with the Russia-Ukraine war? LSE brings together a panel of experts to delve into how the war has changed both Ukraine and Russia, two years since the conflict escalated. They also look at the impact it has had globally, and the direction it's likely to take in the future.
It's open to everyone, and free to attend at LSE, and will also be livestreamed for free on Facebook.
Free, 16 January.
What's happening with the weather?
Get the lowdown on links between climate change and the weather, in a free Gresham College lecture. Professor Myles Allen talks about how climate change is already affecting us all, in the weather around us, and extreme weather events becoming more frequent. Though the future isn't entirely predictable, he argues that we'd be better prepared if governments and the insurance industry were willing to pay for better climate risk information.
You can watch in person at Barnard's Inn Hall in Holborn, or online — both are free.
Free, 17 January.
Catch some comedy on the cheap
Benjamin Lovell and Alexander Pankhurst host Top and Bottom Comedy at The Book Club in Shoreditch. The regular comedy night brings together big name and up-and-coming comedy stars, trying out new material. Exact acts aren't announced in advance, but at just £3 entry, you can't go far wrong.
£3, 17 January.
See Canary Wharf lit up for Winter Lights
Dark nights getting you down now the Christmas lights are gone? Head to Canary Wharf from Wednesday for Winter Lights, a free festival of illuminations dotted around the Docklands. Over a dozen glowing artworks feature this year, including Submergence by SquidSoup, the ever-popular curtains of colourful lightbulbs which you can walk through. Details and a map available to download.
Free, 17-27 January.
Learn about art in your lunch break
This week's free lunchtime talk at the V&A focuses on sculptor Thomas J Price. His oversized sculptures of people have been popping up around London for a few years, and his work is also the subject of a current free display at the museum. Melanie Vandenbrouck, curator of that display, gives a talk about the artist's practice and inspiration.
Free, 18 January.
Take your family to a wassail day
London Wildlife Trust hosts a free Wassail Day at Dulwich Village Orchard. It's an ancient custom of singing to apple-producing trees in cider orchards. The event includes an orchard tour, live folk music and crafts.
Free (donations welcome), 20 January.
Sing along to sea shanties in a south London pub
The HogEyeMen will get punters at the Horseshoe pub in Bermondsey swaying along on Sunday, with a series of salty sea shanties. You're invited to sing along between 12pm and 3pm, and striped tops, bristling beards and pipes are totally optional.
Free, 21 January.
