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 or live music for free.
Get yourself to a free museum
We've just published Free Museums In London: The Definitive Guide: our roundup of the dozens of museums across London — from world-renowned South Kensington behemoths to sheds in Dulwich back gardens. They're all wonderful, and they're all free to visit. Get stuck in!
Catch the final days of Jane Austen at 250
You've got until the end of this week to see the British Library's display celebrating the 250th anniversary of author Jane Austen's birth. It's a tiny, single case display so probably not worth a special trip, but if you're in the area, swing by to view unique manuscripts and rare editions, from the author's earliest writing to her final completed novel, Persuasion.
Until 13 March.
Check out some glass-terpieces
The dazzling glasswork of 20 exceptional artists is on show at Gather — a free exhibition at London Glassblowing on Bermondsey Street, flaunting the skills of those who've worked at the innovative company, which has been doing amazing things since 1976.
Until 29 March.
Get caught red-handed at a new crime exhibition
On Monday, the London Archives in Clerkenwell opens new (free!) exhibition, Londoners on Trial: Crime, Courts and the Public 1244-1924. Items on display include original posters offering cash rewards for the apprehension of highwaymen and footpads; a photo of William Anthony (1789-1864) one of the East End's last nightwatchmen; and information about Mary Frith — aka Moll Cutpurse — the cross-dressing pickpocket of 17th century London. Combined, they tell the story of thieves, rogues, demonstrators, law enforcers, victims — and those who simply didn't align with the society of their time.
9 March 2025-February 2027.
Attend a free talk on all sorts of topics
As always, London is replete with free talks and lectures. Some of your options this week:
FINDING FITZROVIA: Take a virtual walk through Fitzrovia with City of London guide and lecturer Jill Finch at Guildhall Library, dipping into its history. (9 March)
TELEPHONE BOX: Learn about the origins of the famous red telephone box, including its designer and evolution, at Guildhall Library. (10 March)
WOMEN IN WILDLIFE: In-person tickets have sold out but you can still watch online as the Zoological Society of London celebrates the women who have shaped its history, and those who work there making a difference in wildlife conservation today. (10 March)
PROTEIN SCIENCE: Crick Institute scientist David Balchi discusses the fascinating ways in which our cells ensure that proteins fold correctly, and what happens when this goes awry. (11 March)
AFRICAN LEADERS: Black History Walks marks 60 years since the first ever Race Relations Act, with a presentation about French colonial behaviour toward 'independent' African nations, and the films/books which tell these suppressed stories. (11 March)
THE FEVERED FIGHT: This week's Friday lunchtime talk at the National Army Museum features historian Martin Howard on the management of injuries and illness during the conflict between Britain and its American colonies during the American War of Independence. (13 March)
Celebrate Persian New Year
Lauderdale House in Highgate marks Persian New Year, or Nowruz Festival, with exhibitions, music, talks, a bazaar and family activities curated by Mehrdad Aref‑Adib. It begins on Wednesday evening with a launch event, and a chance to view three special exhibitions. Then, at the weekend, there's a free-entry Nowruz Bazaar, with stalls celebrating Persian craft and culture, throughout the ground floor of the house. Upstairs, a series of free talks takes place.
11 March-6 April 2026.
Reflect on the lasting legacy of the pandemic
Work by photographers including Aidan Brooks, Flaviana Frascogna, Kasangati Godelive, Mattea McKinnon, Nic Madge, Omur Black, Ruth Toda-Nation and Thabo Jaiyesimi is on display in a free exhibition at Sands End Arts & Community Centre in Fulham.
Covid-19 & Beyond reflects on the lasting effects of the pandemic, and how it shaped and changed the world we live in, with particular focus on photos which show it did not affect everyone equally, but instead exposed and intensified existing injustices and structural inequalities in London and globally.
12-15 March 2026.
Teleport yourself to Stratford
Here, at Sugar House Island, you'll find artist SHEM's exhibition, Don't Forget to Teleport — an immersive world of large scale paintings, a reconstructed studio installation, a screening room and a reflection room. If you're coming on opening night (12 March) make sure you RSVP.
12 March-9 April.
Ride vintage buses for free
You can do so without even paying a fare! The lovely people at the London Bus Museum are running vintage vehicles dating from the 1930s-80s along the 38 bus route, between Victoria and Hackney — and anyone's welcome to hop on board for free. Just stick your hand out to flag the bus down as it approaches your stop.
Note that modern-day TfL buses will be running along the route as normal. If you board one of these, you'll have to pay the fare.
14 March.
Cheer on the largest women's rowing race in the world
Ahead of the famous Boat Races in April, there's the Head of the River Race at the end of March. And before that, there's the Women's Eights Head of the River Race, taking place this Saturday. It's the largest women’s rowing race in the world, with around 2,880 women racing and up to 320 crews taking part. Find a spot along the river between Mortlake and Putney to watch them passing and cheer them on.
14 March.
And if you're in the mood for cheering on London's sporty types without having to do the work yourself, the Palace Half takes place at Hampton Court Palace on Sunday. Speaking of which...
Visit the Hampton Court gardens for free
This weekend is one of the semi-regular open garden weekends at Hampton Court Palace, where entry to parts of the garden is free. You'd normally have to pay for entry to visit the Great Fountain Garden, Privy Garden, Kitchen Garden and other areas. Note that admission to the Palace building itself, and other parts of the garden including the Maze and Magic Garden Playground still have an entry cost this weekend. Be aware of the Palace Half (above) taking place on Sunday — Saturday might be your best bet if you fancy dodging the crowds.
14-15 March.
Celebrate St Patrick's Day in Trafalgar Square
St Patrick's Day isn't until next Tuesday (and don't worry, the Guinness will be flowing freely then, too) but London's huge, free St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival takes place on Sunday. If you happen to be in central London, expect to see a sea of green — and no shortage of shamrocks — as the procession makes its way from Hyde Park Corner down to Trafalgar Square, where an afternoon of Irish entertainment awaits. It's free, and everyone is welcome.
15 March.
And how about a £5 pint in central London?
They still exist if you know where to look — case in point, the Blue Posts pub on Soho's Rupert Street, where pints of Guinness, Pillars, Red Fin and Jubel are a fiver during happy hour (that's 4pm-6pm Monday-Saturday). A nifty one to have up your sleeve.
