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.
Get the lowdown on free comedy in the capital
Funny place, London. It's replete with comedy clubs and venues where you can catch stand-up, sketch or character comedy every night of the week. But tickets can be pricey, which is why we've put together a guide on where to find free and cheap comedy in London. Nothing on the list will cost you more than a fiver. Just bear in mind that almost all free comedy shows ask for a donation at the end from those who can afford it.
Attend free fashion talks
Monday is the last day of London Fashion Week, but there are two chances to attend free talks today at 245 Regent Street. ELLE UK's Fashion Features Director hosts Generation Next: Fashion Now, and Building a Better Future (3pm-5pm), which looks into what needs to change in the industry. That's followed by How to Make it in Fashion (5pm-7pm), inviting you to explore the various avenues into the fashion industry, with input from experts. Both talks are free, but you must book.
Free, 24 February.
View devastating photos of London in the Blitz
The London Archives opens its new exhibition, London in the Second World War, showcasing what life was like for everyday Londoners during the conflict, as the Blitz destroyed the city around them. Among the documents on display are photos by City Police photographers Arthur Cross and Frederick Tibbs, who captured the aftermath of the bombs. Their photos include 23 Queen Victoria Street collapsing in flames, and a huge hole left in Bank Underground station.
Diaries and personal stories are also on show, and the same venue has an exhibition of vintage tram posters running at the moment too (also free).
Free, 24 February-2 October.
Dive into the history of misinformation
The British Academy stays open late on Tuesday for an evening on the history of misinformation. Hear from Academy Fellows and historians about historical incidences of fake news — from the rumours that helped spark the French Revolution, to the Great Moon Hoax that gripped 19th century New York.
Free, 25 February.
Get tied up in this free embroidery exhibition
View over 150 pieces of embroidery artwork at The Broderers' Exhibition at Bankside Gallery, organised by the Worshipful Company of Broderers. Both contemporary and traditional artworks are on show, and there's no theme to the exhibition, so expect forest scenes, portraits, golden eagles and even a fry-up depicted in thread. Visitors can vote for the Viewers' Choice Award, from 20 shortlisted pieces.
Free, 25 February-2 March.
Learn about an African abolitionist, at Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace (which is itself free to visit) hosts lecturer in modern history Dr Joseph Yannielli for a free lunchtime talk on Thursday. He tells the story of Reverend Augustus Hanson, an Underground Railroad conductor, abolitionist, scholar, one of the first European diplomats of African descent — and the first British Consul to Liberia. Yet Hanson is largely overlooked in history, with Dr Yannielli asking why that is.
Free (donations welcome), 27 February.
Stay late at Dulwich Picture Gallery
Dulwich Picture Gallery stays open for a Winter Late on Friday. The evening of events and activities is themed on current exhibition, Tirzah Garwood: Beyond Ravilious. Learn the art of fashion illustration or printmaking with free workshops, take part in a special meditation and tea making ceremony, or listen to live music by singer-songwriter L.A. Salami.
Note that although the Late is free, there is a charge if you want to see the Tirzah Garwood exhibition.
Free, 28 February.
Take a musical wander through the National Gallery
Also open late on Friday — and every Friday — is the National Gallery. This week's rather special though, as students from Guildhall's Electronic & Produced Music department have created new compositions inspired by some of the Gallery's paintings. Follow a 'musical path' through the building, with short live performances alongside the artworks which inspired them.
Free, 28 February.
See what the British Museum could look like in future
Visit the British Museum's newly reopened Reading Room to see a free display about the venue's future. Rethinking the British Museum showcases the ideas of five different architectural teams for the Western Range, an area containing around a third of the museum's galleries including the Egyptian sculpture gallery and the Parthenon Sculptures.
Free, until 2 March.
Catch the final week of this free light festival
Here We Glow, the free light festival at Westfield London in White City, comes to an end on Sunday. Every evening until then you can wander among the huge colourful bubbles of Evanescent, which glisten in the daytime sunlight before glowing incandescent at night, and look out for The Anooki, two Inuit-inspired characters, among six other illuminated artworks dotted around the shopping centre.
Free, until 2 March
Visit London's brand new sculpture park
Claiming to be London's largest sculpture park, Winter Sculpture Park opens on Sunday, with 40 artworks spread across 6.5 acres. It takes over the former Thamesmead Golf Course for eight weeks, turning the disused land into an open-air art gallery. 34 artists have created pieces in a variety of mediums, including Claye Bowler, whose work can be seen at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and Ellie Harrison, who has exhibited at the Venice Biennale. The sculptures are set on grass, so wear appropriate footwear.
Free, 2 March-26 April.
