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.
1. Let off steam at Brockwell Bounce
Brockwell Bounce is a free family-friendly festival in Brockwell Park, taking place on the Wednesday in half term, and organised by the team behind Mighty Hoopla and Cross the Tracks festivals.
As you'd expect, there's a decent line-up on stage, including Derek and Kemi from Milkshake, Brixton Chamber Orchestra, and the Mini Hoopla Stage. But kids aren't known for staying still watching one thing, so there's plenty else to keep them occupied, including circus workshops, craft activities, children's raves, a mud kitchen, a pedal-powered pineapple car, storytimes and dance classes.
Free entry, 31 May.
2. Take a Waterloo walking tour (with free lunch!)
Tying in with London History Day, WeAreWaterloo offer a free walking tour of the local area, taking in locations including the Imperial War Museum, the urban oasis of Isabella Street, and a neighbourhood that looks so frozen in time, it's often used as a film set for period dramas.
Once the tour's complete, you'll get a free voucher for lunch from the traders on Lower Marsh Market.
Free, 1 June.
3. Hear a curators' introduction to a new exhibition
The British Museum just launched a new exhibition, China's hidden century, about the violence and turmoil the country faced during the 19th century. On Thursday, there's a chance to hear from the exhibition's curators Jessica Harrison-Hall and Julia Lovell, in a free online talk. They discuss the context, scope, themes and highlight objects of the exhibition.
Free, 1 June.
4. Check out photos of Windrushers through the generations
Photographer Jim Grover is back with another Windrush exhibition, this one capturing the generations descended from the original Caribbean folk who came to Britain in 1948. Windrush: A Voyage Through the Generations captures ladies dominoes teams, community kitchens and baptisms in vivid colour — accompanied by quotes from the subjects themselves. See it as Clapham Library.
Free, 1 June-2 September.
5. Visit Lambeth Palace Gardens
On a few Fridays each summer, the gardens of Lambeth Palace — home of the Archbishop of London — are opened to the public. It's a chance to see inside a central London green space that's usually hidden behind a wall, and wander among the plants and flowers. Refreshments are available to purchase in a marquee in the garden. We visited a few years ago — have a read of what we thought. Note that although tickets are free, there's a suggested donation of £5, with money raised going to local charities.
Suggested donation £5, 2 June.
6. Swot up on 1,000 years of kings and queens
Visit St Margaret's Church, next to Westminster Abbey, for an illustrated talk from historian and author of Crown & Sceptre: A New History of the British Monarchy from William the Conqueror to Charles III, Tracy Borman. She's covering coronations and the evolution of the monarchy — beginning in 1066, and concluding with that bloke who got coronated a few weeks ago. Not too much to get through in an hour, then.
£5, 2 June
7. Enjoy Songs on the Steps by Opera Holland Park
From cinemas to music, London's outdoor culture season is well underway. One of its highlights is Opera Holland Park, but you don't need a load of cash — or even a free evening — to enjoy it.
Songs on the Steps sees performers from the Opera Holland Park company giving free recitals in Holland Park at lunchtime. It started last summer and was a big success. Anyone's welcome to turn up and enjoy free live music in the open air — why not pack a picnic or packed lunch.
Free, 2 June.
8. Take the kids to Family Film Club
Normally, Barbican Cinema is our recommendation for budget-friendly family film screenings on a Saturday morning. But for a few weeks each summer, Canary Wharf offers a free Family Film Club, showing child-friendly films on the big screen in Canada Square Park.
It's free, no need to book. Just take along a blanket and any snacks you fancy and head down there to bag yourself a spot. This week's film is Sing, about a Koala whose theatre has fallen on hard times, leaving him to do what he can to save it.
While you're in the area, Canary Wharf's free multicoloured mini golf course is back open for this summer.
Free, 3 June.
9. Mark Windrush 75 at the British Museum
This month marks 75 years since the Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury (you can read our full round-up of Windrush Day events here) and this Sunday, the British Museum marks the occasion with a celebration of sound system culture.
It's curated by artist and educator Linett Kamala, and includes DJ and dance workshops, talks, film screenings and more, focusing on the culture's lasting impact on British society. It's open to all ages and free, no booking required.
Free, 4 June.
10. Be wowed by BMX stunts in Wembley
Pro-skateboarding sessions, pro-BMX tricks and a beatbox act all feature in Boards, Beats & Bikes, a free afternoon of entertainment at Wembley Park on Sunday.
Watch experts show off their tricks on skateboards and BMX bikes, then have a go yourself at special workshops. The day's soundtrack comes courtesy of the Nick Howe trio — apparently the world's first singer/guitarist, violin and beatbox act — who perform sets throughout the day.
Free, 4 June.
11. Plug in to Old York Road Unplugged
Old York Road in Wandsworth goes traffic-free for the day for Old York Road Unplugged, a day of live music by local performers.
The main stage is curated by Riverside Radio, a local broadcaster for Wandsworth, Merton, Richmond and Lambeth, and there's also an acoustic stage with open mic, where anyone's welcome to sign up for a slot. A street food market takes place throughout the day, and there are rides and games to keep kids entertained.
Free entry, 4 June.
12. Find your nearest playground
Parents, grandparents, child-wranglers: as it's half term, reacquaint yourself with our map of playgrounds in central London. We've gathered every one we know of in the heart of the capital and added them all to one map, so you can always find your nearest swing, slide or roundabout when it's time to let off steam.
