Free things to do in London this week.
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 on where to see art in London for free, and where you can catch cheap and free comedy.
See more of London's Christmas lights switched on
You may have noticed some areas of London are starting to glow. The Christmas lights in Regent Street, Oxford Street and Carnaby are already switched on, and Covent Garden, Marylebone, Bond Street and Old Spitalfields Market join them this Wednesday, followed by Leadenhall Market on Thursday and Chelsea and Belgravia at the weekend. Read London's complete light switch-on schedule to make sure you don't miss any of the glittering action.
Wander through a glowing garden
Also lighting up this week is the Ever After Garden, an installation of 30,000 glowing roses. Previously at Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, it has a new home for 2025: Chelsea's Duke of York Square.
Anyone can visit, and though there's no admission fee, the installation raises money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, so consider donating if you can. Alternatively, dedicate a rose to a loved one (minimum suggested donation £15).
13 November-16 December, 3pm-9pm daily.
Find out what the future of food looks like
With climate change and other issues affecting when, where and how crops can be grown, what might our diets look like in the future? On Thursday night, the British Academy pulls together a panel of experts to discuss not only what we'll be eating, but how that'll shape our culture, identity and emotions.
13 November.
Get a closer look at Marie Antoinette Style
As part of its lunchtime lecture series, the V&A's Senior Curator of Prints in the Department of Art, Architecture, Photography & Design Dr Sarah Grant offers a deeper look at the current Marie Antoinette Style exhibition, which she curated.
She talks about how she put the exhibition together, and highlights a few key objects in her illustrated talk. Note that this event doesn't include access to the exhibition itself.
13 November.
Take part in the inaugural West Ham United Track Night
West Ham United launches Track Nights, a dedicated run-club aimed at all runners (age 18+), of all abilities in the local community. The first event takes place this Friday at London Marathon Community Track, which overlooks the London Stadium, with a live DJ, and a range of pop-up stalls to help motivate runners throughout the winter months. Booking required.
14 November.
Learn about life in a royal court
Tune into a live-streamed talk, hosted by the National Archives, about the pomp, pageantry and power at the centre of the court of King Edward III in the 14th century.
Euan Roger, collections specialist in medieval records, talks about extravagant feasting, exciting tournaments, and chivalric displays which were common in the royal court, as well as an ill-fated attempt to bring King Arthur's Round Table to Windsor Castle. Might throw shade on your Christmas party plans.
14 November.
Explore Dreams & Beyond
Over 40 original pieces of surrealism, abstract and contemporary art are on show at Dreams & Beyond, taking place from 6pm on Saturday at The Foundry Collective in North Acton. There's also live music and poetry readings — and it's all free.
15 November.
Dance the afternoon away at a Blues Party
Spend Saturday afternoon at Southbank Centre, immersed in a recreation of a Caribbean house party of 1960s-1980s Britain. Blues Party transforms the venue's Clore Ballroom, and has a schedule of DJ sets, panel discussions and live music with a ska-reggae-rocksteady soundtrack.
15 November.
Something deliciously cheap to do in London this week
Events and things that'll cost you a fiver or less.
🍕 Head to Flat Earth Pizzas in Bethnal Green from 2pm on Thursday to score a slice of mushroom pizza for just £1. It's described as a "nutrient packed Vitamin D pizza designed to brighten the winter season and boost wellbeing." There are probably better ways to get your winter vitamins tbh, but the (literal) takeaway here = cheap pizza.
13 November.
