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.
Peek at Japanese Pictograms
You've got until Sunday to see Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs, a free exhibition at Japan House in Kensington celebrating the simplicity of communicating without words. From street signs and text messages to toilet doors and maps, Pictograms are used in communication worldwide, and this is a chance to find out about the role Japan played in developing the symbols. Also on display are pictograms designed by young people from the UK, who were invited to represent 'their London' in graphic form.
Until 9 November.
Get a first glance at this year's Christmas lights
We're only just into November, but London's getting glammed up for Christmas already. The festive lights are switched on from this week (exact dates and details here), including Oxford Street from Monday, and Regent Street and Carnaby from this Thursday. Seems early, but London gets very busy close to Christmas, particularly at weekends, so if you're keen to see the lights with as few crowds as possible, get down there soonish.
We'll bring you more details about this year's lights, including what they look like and the best times to see them, once they're all illuminated. Keep an eye on our Christmas in London section for details.
From 3 November.
Get your chops around some pumpkin ravioli
Got a pumpkin/jack-o'-lantern left over from Halloween? Take it to Italian restaurant 27 Old Compton Street in Soho between Monday and Wednesday, and swap it for a free portion of pumpkin ravioli, while stocks last. This 'Pumpkin Amnesty' is the idea of chef Nima Safaei, who wants to "give pumpkins a second life while giving Londoners something delicious in return."
3-5 November.
Go on a journey around Britain's nuclear power stations (without leaving Mayfair)
Dr Tom Bolton is at the beautiful Mayfair Library (25 South Audley Street) talking from 7pm-8pm about his latest book, Atomic Albion: Journeys around Britain's Nuclear Power Stations. No link for this one, but we're told it's free and refreshments are provided. You can also get your hands on a signed copy of the book, although that won't be free, obvs.
4 November.
Catch a free fireworks display on Bonfire Night
Bonfire night falls on Wednesday 5 November, with displays going on all over London into the weekend and beyond — find your nearest display here. The majority charge an admission fee (understandable, as pyrotechnics aren't cheap, plus some of the events raise money for charity). Of course, if you happen to be near one of the big displays, you might catch a cheeky free peek... or you can head to central London's only fireworks display, which is free, and happens to take place on Bonfire Night itself.
Coram's Fields in Bloomsbury holds a free-entry fireworks event on the evening of 5 November, offering an hour of live stage performances before the 18-minute display — both of which will be broadcast live to the young patients in nearby Great Ormond Street Hospital. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis and capped at 4,800 people, so arrive early to be sure of getting in. Fairground rides (extra charge) and food and drink stalls are available inside.
5 November.
Stay late at the Royal College of Physicians
The Royal College of Physicians Museum stays open late on Thursday for an adults-only evening delving into the characters of the RCP Library. Find out about the librarian who ran into the Great Fire of London to rescue books, and the previously-overlooked woman responsible for rebuilding the library, through talks, curator tours and craft activities.
6 November.
Take a look into the world of engineering
Models, sketches, drawings, prototypes, and samples from engineers and designers are on display in the free Engineers Create exhibition, in the Crypt Gallery at St Pancras New Church. It's a chance for the public to get an idea of the artistry and problem-solving which goes into engineering on all scales.
6-15 November.
Get an alternative look at 14th-century history
Historian Helen Carr launches her new book, Sceptred Isle, in conversation with Paul Dryburgh, collections specialist in medieval records at The National Archives on Friday afternoon. It's an overview of the 14th century told through the lives of the last Plantagenets and lesser-known voices including those living outside the royal sphere.
7 November.
Nosh on a free cookie and hot chocolate
Cocomelt in Soho launches The London Cookie on Friday — with three deliciously gooey cookies to choose from: Milk Chocolate Classic, Triple Chocolate and Birthday Cookie. If you're quick off the (chocolate) blocks, you can grab one of these for free, along with a free hot chocolate. The honours go to the first 100 customers through the door. We feel a queue coming on...
7 November.
Enjoy the spectacle of the Lady Mayor's Show....
If you're a sucker for pomp and pageantry, don't miss the Lord Mayor's Show... or, as it's called this year, the Lady Mayor's Show. For the first time ever, the title of Lady Mayor of London has been given to the incumbent, Dame Susan Langley DBE (she's the third woman in 800+ years to hold the position, but the first for whom the title has been changed). The event marks the outgoing Lord Mayor being replaced, and takes the form of a procession through the City of London. There's also a secret ghost parade rehearsal a few days before, though the exact date of this is always kept under wraps.
8 November.
... and get free entry to St Paul's Cathedral
As always on the day of the Lord/Lady Mayor's Show, St Paul's Cathedral offers free entry to its Cathedral Floor and Crypt, removing the usual entry fee. It's unticketed, on a first-come, first-served basis until the last admission at 3.30pm, and is always very popular. Arrive in plenty of time.
Note that an entry fee still applies if you want to climb up to the Dome, and that can be booked in advance.
8 November.
Mark Remembrance Sunday
This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday, when events are held to commemorate those who have lost their lives in wars and conflicts around the globe. Most areas hold a special event at the war memorial or cenotaph, so look out for one near you. London's main event, including a procession and laying of wreathes, takes place at the Cenotaph on Whitehall; expect road closures if you're in the area.
Wherever you are, you're invited to take part in a two-minute silence at 11am, to remember and commemorate those who have made sacrifices.
Additionally, the Imperial War Museum hosts a free remembrance performance by members of a number of local London choirs on Saturday afternoon. They cover songs from the First World War to the present day, uniting people to remember those who lost their lives in both World Wars and other conflicts over the last 100+ years.
Around 9 November.
