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.
See these free exhibitions in their final week
Two free exhibitions close on Sunday, meaning this week is your last chance to see them.
The V&A showcases significant etchings by Lucian Freud, many of which have never been displayed before. It highlights Freud's collaboration with master printer Marc Balakjian, featuring various trial proofs that illustrate their artistic partnership. See a unique selection of works which delve into Freud's distinctive style and technique, reflecting on his influence in the world of printmaking.
At South London Gallery, Nairy Baghramian's Jumbled Alphabet subverts traditional notions of design by highlighting the beauty of imperfection and creativity in the dysfunctional, using materials including marble and resin.
Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration at the V&A, and Nairy Baghramian's Jumbled Alphabet at South London Gallery. Both free, until 12 January.
Visit The Observatory
No, not the one in Greenwich. Described as a 'reimagining of art outside traditional gallery spaces', we're admittedly not entirely clear what The Observatory entails — although it claims its calming influence will help you navigate the challenges of January, which sounds like just the tonic. What's more, this City of London pop-up is free.
Free, 6-31 January.
Learn about the history of robots
For its first lecture of the new year, Gresham College looks at the history of artificial intelligence and its relationship with humanity. Professor Victoria Baines delves into our fascination with intelligent machines dating back thousands of years, including how our ancestors viewed robots compared to modern perceptions, and whether we genuinely desire them to be like us.
As always with Gresham College lectures, you can watch in person (Barnard's Inn Hall) or tune in online.
Free, 7 January.
Settle in to hear about Scandalous Soho
Guildhall Library hosts an illustrated talk by guide Pete Smith, exploring the various identities attributed to Soho, including its history as a gangland battleground, entertainment hub, and a refuge for different communities. View contrasting images of the area via the online talk (tickets to attend in person have sold out).
Free, 7 January
Enjoy a free concert on an 18th-century instrument
The Horniman Museum's monthly Hear it Live! sessions are a chance to learn about some of the historical musical instruments within the museum's collection. This time, Royal Academy of Music-trained harpsichordist Nathaniel Mander plays works by Handel and Scarlatti on a harpsichord dating back to 1772.
If that gets your drum beating, previous editions of Hear it Live! are available to watch online, for free.
Free, 9 January.
Attend a free talk about the suffrage movement
Join Dr Naomi Paxton as she examines how the First World War impacted the women’s suffrage movement in Britain. Contrary to popular belief, the Votes for Women movement did not stop during the war. This free lunchtime talk at the National Army Museum explores how women entered new professions and what led to the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1918.
Free, 10 January.
Tune into sumo wrestling
Now's an excellent time to get into sumo wrestling, as the sport returns to London for the first time in three decades later this year. In the meantime, warm up with free screenings of the Grand Sumo Tournament taking place in Tokyo. Japan House in Kensington hosts daily screenings of the highlights, with play-by-play commentary on the day's action and background information on the sport, in English.
Free, 10-26 January. Most days at 4.30pm (not 11 January, and keep an eye on the website for other closures).
Take the kids to a free activity session
The V&A Museum holds a creative, family-friendly creative session, inspired by the current NAOMI exhibition. The hour-long session includes a workshop and a screening of short dance films Getting Dressed by Second Hand Dance Company, celebrating the magic of everyday clothes and getting dressed to express ourselves. Suitable for age 5+.
Free, 11 January.
Witness the Blessing of the River Thames
The clergy and congregation of churches on both sides of the Thames meet in the middle of London Bridge for the Blessing of the River Thames. People from Southwark Cathedral and St Magnus the Martyr take part in a procession towards the centre of the bridge, where a service is held, and prayers are offered to bridge and river users — including the RNLI and River Police — as well as those who have died in the Thames. A wooden cross is then tossed into the waters. The ceremony is free to watch and open to everyone.
Free, 12 January.
Ride the Tube without any trousers on
The annual No Trousers Tube Ride takes place on Sunday, when members of the public congregate to ride the Tube together with no trousers on. Anyone can take part, but do note that in the interest of keeping things legal, underwear with decent coverage IS required.
Head to the meeting point in Chinatown by 2.45pm on Sunday to get involved (trews and all other clothes still firmly on at this point, and remember a bag to carry your trousers in later on). Even if you're not taking part but you're travelling on the Tube on Sunday afternoon, bear in mind that you may see people wearing fewer clothes than you might expect for a chilly January day.
Cost of the Tube ride, 12 January.
