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, and have a helpful guide to where to see art in London for free, and where you can catch cheap and free comedy.
Explore a world of Shuttles, Steam and Soot
In 1975 Daniel Meadows began taking photos of Bancroft Shed in Lancashire — the last remaining steam powered cotton weaving mill in the district — and the people who worked there. It resulted in Shuttles, Steam and Soot: A cotton mill in Lancashire, an intimate photo essay which debuted in 1978, and is revived at Four Corners gallery in Bethnal Green. Says Meadows: "In the time of Johnny Rotten, James Nutter & Sons at Bancroft was like something out of Dickens. Vaporised oil hung in the air like incense. It was a place of unholy clatter with a language all its own: slasher sizing machines, flying mice, left-hand frogs. And busy women in dusty alleys who heard you with their eyes and talked back with their hands. How could I not be entranced?"
Free, until 29 March.
Hear about the history of King's Cross
King's Cross station is the focus of a free talk at Guildhall Library on Monday afternoon. Hear about the history of Lewis Cubitt's building, from its grand opening in 1852, to major redevelopment in the 21st century making way for the Eurostar at neighbouring St Pancras. The talk's given by City of London guide and lecturer Jill Finch, and though tickets to attend in person have sold out, you can watch online.
Free, 17 March.
Visit the Saddest Show On Earth
A new, free exhibition opens at The Vaults in Waterloo on Tuesday, with a dark undertone. The Saddest Show on Earth by artist and conservationist Sophie Green looks at how humans have exploited nature and the animals around us, with themes of consumerism and environmental despair. Artworks include photo-realistic illustrations of various animal species on display on plinths.
Free, 18-30 March.
Learn about political activist Claudia Jones
She's best-known for founding Notting Hill Carnival, but there was more than that to Claudia Jones. Learn about Jones' legacy as a political activist, at a free event held at the London Archives, with actress, director and writer Anni Domingo telling Jones's story — from her birth in Trinidad to her deportation from America, and her final resting place in Highgate Cemetery.
That's followed by a chance to view documents relating to Jones' life and work, and a reading by poet and author Maureen Roberts.
Free, 19 March.
Swing by Serpentine North to see its latest exhibition
Serpentine North opens the first solo exhibition of artist Arpita Singh outside of India, spotlighting the artist's 60 year-career. Remembering features her paintings from the 1960s through to more recent years, including large-scale oil paintings and more intimate watercolours and ink drawings.
Free, 20 March-27 July.
Stay late at Science Gallery
Pulse of the Planet is the theme of this month's Friday Late at Science Gallery London, located close to London Bridge station. Marking the spring equinox, the event includes DJ sets, live music, films, tarot readings, a creative writing workshop and other activities — as well as a chance to view the exhibitions after hours.
Free, 21 March.
Watch the boat race (no, not that one)
Three weeks before the famous Boat Races take place on the Thames, another riverine battle plays out.
The Head of the River Race sees teams of eights race against each other along the Thames. They cover the same course as the Boat Races — but the other way around, from Putney to Mortlake. There's also more to see, with up to 400 crews taking part in this one, so worth heading down to the banks of the Thames to watch. The catch? This year's race starts at 9.15am, so you'll have to be up early.
Free, 22 March.
Groove along to a blues jam
Elephant and Castle's Temple of Art and Music hosts its weekly Great British Blues Jam on Saturday, where you can kick back and soak up the sounds with a drink, or — if you play — bring an instrument and join in with the grooving. It's free to get in, although you can also pre-book tickets which include drinks packages.
Free, 22 March.
Switch the lights off for Earth Hour
On Saturday evening, we're all being encouraged to switch the lights off for Earth Hour. The annual event, organised by conservation charity WWF, takes place across the globe, with well-known landmarks switching their lights off, as well as individual households and businesses.
Street lights remain on for safety reasons — though in a city like London, that means rather a lot of bulbs remain on, so in practise it rarely reaches anything close to pitch black.
Free, 22 March.
Visit the Hampton Court Palace gardens for free
This weekend, Hampton Court Palace holds its garden open days, where you can visit the garden and grounds without buying a ticket. The Great Fountain Garden, the Kitchen Garden and the Pond Garden are among the areas you can visit, though note that the normal entry fee applies if you want to visit the maze, Magic Playground, or the palace itself.
The Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon is on Sunday, so if you're after a bit of peace and quiet, Saturday is the better option. On the flip side, if you fancy cheering runners on and soaking up the atmosphere, make it Sunday.
Free, 22-23 March.
