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.
Learn the secrets of MI5
This week is your last chance to view MI5: Official Secrets, a free exhibition at the National Archives in Kew which is the result of an unprecedented partnership between the Security Service and the venue.
For the first time, MI5's history goes on public display through original case files, photographs and papers, alongside the real equipment used by spies and spy-catchers. The exhibition has been very popular in recent weeks — and will be even more so in this final week — so a virtual queuing system is in force. Expect to wait before entering the exhibition.
Until 23 November.
Attend a night of climate action
On Monday evening, the Natural History Museum stays open late for a night of climate action. The free event features panel talks, discussions, performances and creative activities delving into the causes of, and solutions for, climate change.
Adriani Maffioletti, a health researcher and climate justice advocate, joins via a live link to the COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, offering an update on what's happening at the conference.
17 November.
Watch two festive lantern parades
'Tis the season when Christmas lights are switched on all over town. On Wednesday, it's the turn of Greenwich Market (along with the nearby Cutty Sark), in a lighting event which begins with a lantern parade of local school children. Carrying lanterns they've made themselves, they'll process through the town centre, before arriving in the market building where the lights are switched on at 5pm.
Then, on Friday, Illuminate Bermondsey sees a free lantern procession from The Blue Market (Southwark Park Road) to the bandstand in Southwark Park. Everyone's welcome to take part in the parade, led by a marching band, to see the bandstand decorated with lights.
19/21 November.
Hear from author Caroline O'Donoghue
Author Caroline O'Donoghue is at Deptford Lounge on Wednesday evening to discuss her new book, Skipshock. The event is part of Lewisham Libraries' Imagined Worlds series, and O'Donoghue shares how she constructed the fictional universe in which the novel is set, making it believable for readers.
19 November.
Seek out Snoopy on Fleet Street
It's becoming tradition for Fleet Street to unveil a free art trail over the festive period. Last year it was penguins and in 2023 it was The Snowman. For 2025, Snoopy's coming to town, in the form of 12 sculptures of the cartoon pooch on top of his kennel, celebrating 75 years of comic strip Peanuts. Individually decorated, the sculptures are in situ from Wednesday, when the Fleet Street Quarter Christmas lights are switched on. One to bookmark if you're planning things to do with kids during the Christmas holidays.
19 November-16 January.
Stay late at Imperial
Imperial College stays open late on Thursday for an adults-only evening themed around time, from the mysteries and mechanics of time to the future of time-saving tech. Hear a talk about the first second after the Big Bang, test your knowledge in a time-themed trivia quiz, or make your own twisted-time Christmas decorations. A DJ set, speed talks and workshops are also on the programme. Tick tock!
20 November.
Immerse your family in imaginary worlds at the British Library
On Saturday, several London institutions join forces for the free Imaginary Worlds family festival at the British Library. The drop-in event is a chance to make, move, sign and explore through fun and play, and is fully accessible for families with D/ deaf children, parents and carers. London Zoo, the British Museum and the Postal Museum are among those running activities.
22 November.
Visit the Hampton Court Palace gardens for free
This weekend is your penultimate chance in 2025 to visit parts of the Hampton Court Palace gardens without paying the normal admission fee. The Open Gardens Weekend gives free access to areas including the Kitchen Garden, the Privy Garden and the Great Fountain Garden. You'll still need a paid admission ticket if you want to visit the palace itself, the Maze or the Magic Garden Playground. Other than that, it's free.
22-23 November.
