Free things to do in London this week.
Spaghetti Map
Nope, it's not a list of London's best pasta eateries; the Spaghetti Map is in fact a free leaflet spotlighting six permanent art commissions on the London Underground network, and encouraging kids with creative prompts and space to write and draw, inspired by what they've seen. A fantastic free distraction for the summer hols. Find it at the following Tube stations: Arsenal, Battersea Power Station, Blackhorse Road, Edgware Road (Circle line), Manor House, Nine Elms, South Kensington, St. James's Park, Tottenham Court Road, Westminster and Whitechapel.
Throughout the summer.
Round the Dock
Gorge on free cultural goodies six days of the week across the summer, at Canada Water's Round the Dock. A floating stage hosts live music, poetry and talks — plus on Thursdays you can master Latin dance steps. No need to book anything in advance — just show up and get stuck in.
Until 30 August.
The Anatomy of Looking/Against Disappearance
DESIRE: The Anatomy of Looking presents the work of 23 visual artists in residence across Sarabande's studios in Haggerston and Tottenham — featuring an eclectic range of mediums, including painting and ceramics. The Anatomy of Looking forms Part 1 of this arty twofer, running until 15 August. Part 2, Against Disappearance, takes over on 19 August and runs till early September. The exhibitions are free, but do reserve a spot.
Until 4 September.
Free ice cream
Aldi parks its Summer Cool Down ice cream van on Clapham Common this week, giving out thousands of free ice creams. Swing by between 11am-3pm (or while stocks last) on Monday or Tuesday to pick up a free frozen treat, including the brand's new white chocolate & mango ice cream and its popular chocolate & hazelnut ice cream cones.
27-28 July.
Marble Arch tour
Join a guide in character as architect John Nash for a free walking tour around the Marble Arch area on Tuesday afternoon. The designer of the central London landmark shows you the area through his own eyes, telling stories of royal occasions and protest movements, and taking you to spots including Speakers' Corner and the Tyburn tree.
28 July.
Outdoor cinema
Tuesday is the new Friday, with two FREE outdoor film screenings to choose from this week.
Catch a riverside screening of the Pixar classic Cars at London Bridge City Pier, as part of Summer by the River. The animated adventure follows rookie racecar Lightning McQueen as he discovers the value of friendship in the quiet town of Radiator Springs.
Elsewhere, Vauxhall Summer Screens continues in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. This week's film is the musical sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again — ideal for a spot of mid-week Greek island escapism.
28 July. Find other outdoor film screenings (both free and paid) in London this summer.
Free lasagne at Zizzi
Italian restaurant chain Zizzi marks National Lasagne Day on Wednesday by giving away free lasagne to the first 30 people through the door at each of its restaurants — making a total of 3,990 meals given away across the UK. To be in with a shot at bagging a free lunch, get to your nearest branch at midday — or as soon afterwards as you can, as stocks are limited — and order either the classic six-layer lasagne, or the chain's vegan rainbow lasagne. You will need to purchase a soft drink to enjoy alongside your meal to qualify.
29 July.
Fitzrovia Chapel tour
Former Middlesex surgeon James Thomson leads a 45-minute exploration through the history and architecture of the stunning Grade II* listed Fitzrovia Chapel on Wednesday lunchtime. This guided tour explores the ornate gold mosaics and marble of the former hospital chapel, which remains a hidden sanctuary in the heart of the city.
29 July.
Rubber duck race
3,000 rubber ducks are released into Paddington Basin at lunchtime on Thursday... all for a good cause. The annual rubber duck race raises money for local charity Cosmic (Children of St Mary's Intensive Care), by allowing the public to sponsor a duck. Later this evening, a dragon boat race takes place along the same stretch of water, also for charity.
It's free to watch both events and cheer the participants on, but consider making a donation to the charity if you're able to.
30 July.
Charles Dickens talk
Historian and author Lucinda Dickens Hawksley — the great-great-great granddaughter of Charles and Catherine Dickens — pops up at Bloomsbury's Charles Dickens Museum to give a free talk about Anny Thackeray. She was a close friend of the Dickens' daughters, as well as being the daughter of writer William Thackeray, and went on to become a novelist in her own right.
You can watch the talk either in person at the museum, or online via livestream. It's followed by a Q&A session with Dickens Hawksley.
30 July. Note that entry to the rest of the museum isn't included in this free ticket.
Matsumoto Castle
One of Japan's five castles designated as a National Treasure, hear about Matsumoto Castle in a free talk at Japan House London in Kensington. Kashiwazawa Yukikazu, Director of the Matsumoto City Tourist Information Centre in Nagano Prefecture, discusses how the impressive building went from fortress of strategic importance to National Treasure, and why it occupies a rather unusual spot on flatland, rather than atop a hill or mountain.
30 July. Also this week: Discover the 200-year-old tradition of Matsumoto Oshi–e-bina dolls in a free talk and live demonstration on Friday, also hosted by Japan House London.
Songs on the Steps
Friday lunchtime is your last chance to catch a free performance by Opera Holland Park performers this year. The final Songs on the Steps 2026 sees artists from the pop-up summer venue giving a free lunchtime recital on the stone steps in the park. It's open to everyone, no ticket or booking required, and lasts about 40 minutes — pack a picnic blanket and your lunch and soak up some free al fresco culture.
31 July.
Routes, Ruins and Reconnaissance
Next Monday (3 August), the Royal Geographical Society launches its new, free exhibition, Routes, Ruins and Reconnaissance, which tells the story of writer, traveller and archaeologist Gertrude Bell. Ahead of that, get an advance preview of the exhibition at the free private viewing on Friday evening.
31 July.
Childhood in War
Lambeth's Imperial War Museum opens new free exhibition, Childhood in War, on Friday. It explores the experiences of children during wartime from 1914 to the present day. See how aspects of life including play, schooling, health, home life and safety are all impacted by conflict, through exhibits including recreations of an evacuee train carriage and a Cold War-era kitchen, and a letter written by a nine year-old boy to Lord Kitchener, the Secretary of State for War.
The rest of the museum is free entry too, so worth leaving time to explore more of it while you're there.
31 July 2026-February 2027.
