30 free things to do in London - London - Stylist Magazine

30 free things to do in London

The capital's cash-free attractions

When a man is tired of London he is tired of life, so the cliché goes. But the capital certainly can seem an overwhelming place if you're strapped for cash. That's why we've put together a selection of great things to do in London entirely for free. From ballet lessons to free opera, cocktails, cabaret and more, the city is positively oozing with secret delights and hidden treasures that you can enjoy without spending a penny. So throw your wallet to the wind and get footloose and fancy free as you check out these fabulous freebies...

Simply click on an image to launch the gallery and let us know your thoughts on Twitter or in the comments section below

  • Learn to dance with the English National Ballet

    Learn to dance with the Eng…

    Where: Duke of York Square, Chelsea When: Friday… More details

    Learn to dance with the English National Ballet

    Learn to dance with the English National Ballet

    Where: Duke of York Square, Chelsea

    When: Friday 13 July

    Whether you're a budding ballerina or simply enjoy live dance, this evening with the English National Ballet is not to be missed. One of the world's leading ballet troupes will be hosting a series of performances and workshops in ballroom, tap and ballet, followed by an outdoor screening of Shall We Dance, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Jazz hands at the ready...

    dukeofyorksquare.com

  • Book an Illamasqua beauty lesson

    Book an Illamasqua beauty l…

    Where: Illamasqua School of Make-Up Art When:… More details

    Book an Illamasqua beauty lesson

    Book an Illamasqua beauty lesson

    Where: Illamasqua School of Make-Up Art

    When: Every day

    In need of a fresh summer look? Get dolled up in style with cult cosmetics brand Illamasqua, who offer free 45-minute creative "sessions" (billed as "so much more than just a makeover") at their flagship branch on Beak Street. There's also a beauty school drop-in on Sunday 1 July, with complimentary lessons in the art of make-up for all who attend.

    illamasqua.com

  • Sponsor an urban pot plant

    Sponsor an urban pot plant

    Where: Gibbon’s Rent, London Bridge When:… More details

    Sponsor an urban pot plant

    Sponsor an urban pot plant

    Where: Gibbon’s Rent, London Bridge

    When: ongoing

    Help transform a long-forgotten alleyway into a slice of urban paradise by sponsoring a pot plant at the Gibbon's Rent project near Bermondsey Street. Lauched this month as part of the London Festival of Architecture, the enterprise is a great way of getting everyone involved in creating a secret oasis of green.

    architecturefoundation.org.uk

  • Join the Friday Night Skate

    Join the Friday Night Skate

    Where: All over London When: Every Friday… More details

    Join the Friday Night Skate

    Join the Friday Night Skate

    Where: All over London

    When: Every Friday evening

    London can seem an intimidating place to don your roller blades - but not if you're part of a giant marshalled group of skaters. That's exactly what happens with the Friday Night Skate, a weekly 10-15 mile street skate that takes in routes all over the capital, from Camden market to the riversides of Putney and Barnes village. Check the website for times and meeting points.

    lfns.co.uk

  • Experience al fresco opera

    Experience al fresco opera

    Where: Trafalgar Square When: Monday 16 July It's… More details

    Experience al fresco opera

    Experience al fresco opera

    Where: Trafalgar Square

    When: Monday 16 July

    It's not often you get to see opera for free, so little wonder London's Big Summer Screenings are massively popular. Grab a blanket and some cava for the live relay of Metamorphosis: Titian 2012, a unique colloboration between The Royal Ballet and the National Gallery inspired by the work of Titian.

    roh.org.uk

  • Mix up a cocktail (and get a free manicure)

    Mix up a cocktail (and get …

    Where: Cointreau Rendez-Vous at ninetyeight Bar… More details

    Mix up a cocktail (and get a free manicure)

    Mix up a cocktail (and get a free manicure)

    Where: Cointreau Rendez-Vous at ninetyeight Bar & Lounge

    When: Wednesday 4 July or Thursday 16 August

    Don your glad rags and think Parisian chic for this opulent cocktail party, comprising delicious Cointreau-inspired drinks, luxury manicures, a collection of couture gowns and masterclasses on the art of cocktail making. There's even a goodie bag to take away at the end of the night, containing everything you need for a killer cocktail. Cheers!

    facebook.com/cointreau

  • Wind down with evening meditation

    Wind down with evening medi…

    Where: Covent Garden and The City When: every… More details

    Wind down with evening meditation

    Wind down with evening meditation

    Where: Covent Garden and The City

    When: every Thursday and Friday

    Fancy accessing some inner calm without denting your credit card? Inner Space, "London’s oasis of calm and insight," offers free seminars in relaxation, positive thinking and creativity, among other things. Its evening meditation classes run every week and are the perfect way of washing off city stress.

    innerspace.org.uk

  • Pop by the Marylebone farmers' market

    Pop by the Marylebone farme…

    Where: Just off Marylebone High Street When:… More details

    Pop by the Marylebone farmers' market

    Pop by the Marylebone farmers' market

    Where: Just off Marylebone High Street

    When: Every Sunday morning

    London is not short of farmers' markets but this is a particularly nice one. Located just a moment away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street yet with a distinct village-y feel, you can spend a very happy Sunday morning amid fresh flowers, organic cheeses and artisan breads - and with the waft of friendly chit-chat and just-c00ked burgers in the air. Plus, Regent's Park is just a stone's throw away should you want somewhere nice to feast on your purchases.

    lfm.org.uk

  • Get groovy at the Kit Kat Kabaret

    Get groovy at the Kit Kat K…

    Where: Cellar Door, Aldwych When: Every Thursday… More details

    Get groovy at the Kit Kat Kabaret

    Get groovy at the Kit Kat Kabaret

    Where: Cellar Door, Aldwych

    When: Every Thursday evening from 4pm

    Calling all swingin' cats and urban toe-tappers: this weekly freebie of decadent jazz cabaret is sure to delight. Based in Cellar Door, a tiny bar underneath Aldwych, it sees seductive swing duo Kitty La Roar & Nick Of Time (who first found fame at one of Hugh Heffner's legendary Playboy parties) take to the floor for a night of pure entertainment.

    cellardoor.biz

  • Attend a trial at the Old Bailey

    Attend a trial at the Old B…

    Where: Central Criminal Court/Old Bailey When:… More details

    Attend a trial at the Old Bailey

    Attend a trial at the Old Bailey

    Where: Central Criminal Court/Old Bailey

    When: Ongoing, Monday - Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm

    Watch justice at work in one of the most famous courts in the world. Seeing a trial unfold might not be everyone's idea of fun but it does offer a fascinating insight into the inner workings of the British legal system and with bigger trials, the opportunity to see history in the making. Public galleries are open every week day for viewing of trials in session - click on the link below for court listings.

    justice.gov.uk

  • Access your inner poet

    Access your inner poet

    Where: Southbank Centre When: Tuesday 26 June -… More details

    Access your inner poet

    Access your inner poet

    Where: Southbank Centre

    When: Tuesday 26 June - Sunday 1 July

    If you love nothing better than live poetry, pop by Poetry Parnassus on Southbank. Set to be the largest poetry festival ever staged in the UK, this six-day event will see poets and spoken-word artists from all over the world gather for readings, workshops and discussions. All competing Olympic nations will be represented and each poet will contribute a work in their own language.

    festival.london2012.com

  • Play tennis on Clapham Common

    Play tennis on Clapham Common

    Where: Clapham Common tennis courts When:… More details

    Play tennis on Clapham Common

    Play tennis on Clapham Common

    Where: Clapham Common tennis courts

    When: Wednesday 4 - Sunday 8 July

    Get your serve on as Wimbledon gets underway with Clapham Common's free allplay tennis park. Anyone can join in and there's an opportunity to pick up tips on techniques and burn a few calories with special "cardio tennis" sessions. You can also keep up with all the action from Wimbledon on a giant screen. Game, set, match...

    lta.org.uk

  • Discover modern masterpieces in the Square Mile

    Discover modern masterpiece…

    Where: Broadgate When: Ongoing Few people know… More details

    Discover modern masterpieces in the Square Mile

    Discover modern masterpieces in the Square Mile

    Where: Broadgate

    When: Ongoing

    Few people know it, but the Square Mile is home to one of the most impressive collections of modern and contemporary art in the City of London. Culture vultures can't go wrong with Broadgate's free tours through this veritable hotbed of artworks, from Danny Lane's glass sculpture Colour Eclipse (pictured) to Jim Dine's wall-mounted bronze torsos and more.

    broadgate.co.uk

  • Get lost in the Horniman gardens

    Get lost in the Horniman ga…

    Where: Horniman Museum, Forest Hill When: Daily,… More details

    Get lost in the Horniman gardens

    Get lost in the Horniman gardens

    Where: Horniman Museum, Forest Hill

    When: Daily, 10.30am - 5.30pm

    The Horniman Museum in South London is home to a spectacular 16-acre garden with an abundance of exotic flora and fauna to explore. When you're done admiring the wild flower displays, sundials and the art deco-style bandstand, you can always head indoors where a number of free exhibitions await - the African Worlds collection of sculpture and decorative arts is one of our favourites.

    horniman.ac.uk

  • Fly a kite on Parliament Hill

    Fly a kite on Parliament Hill

    Where: Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath When:… More details

    Fly a kite on Parliament Hill

    Fly a kite on Parliament Hill

    Where: Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath

    When: Anytime of the year, as long as there's a fair wind!

    The crest of Parliament Hill affords beautiful views over the city of London and is littered with kite enthusiasts, especially on clear days. Whether you're a kiting pro or a total rookie, there's nothing quite like the sheer exuberance of grabbing a kite (you can buy them from around £6 in local shops) and giving it a spin amid the throng of dog-walkers, joggers and buggy-pushers on Hampstead Heath.

    cityoflondon.gov.uk

  • Hit Friday Late at the V&A

    Hit Friday Late at the V&A

    Where: The Victoria and Albert museum When: The… More details

    Hit Friday Late at the V&A

    Hit Friday Late at the V&A

    Where: The Victoria and Albert museum

    When: The last Friday of every month (except December)

    Forget scrambling to see a painting amid a gaggle of school kids - this is how museums should really work. On the last Friday of every month, the V&A is open until 10pm with live performances, debates, late night exhibitions and guest DJs. Entrance to the museum itself is free, although some events may be ticketed.

    vam.ac.uk

  • Listen to live jazz with sundaes

    Listen to live jazz with su…

    Where: The Foundry, Camden When: Every Sunday… More details

    Listen to live jazz with sundaes

    Listen to live jazz with sundaes

    Where: The Foundry, Camden

    When: Every Sunday from 8 July

    OK the sundaes aren't free (a Sicilian Lemon sorbet will set you back £5), but the live jazz sessions are, with performances lined up from Kaz Simmons, Jasmine Nelson, Angelita Jiménez and more. Nab your ice-cream and get settled in for a chilled weekend wind-down.

    forgevenue.org

  • Explore London's waterways by bike

    Explore London's waterways …

    Where: All over London When: Anytime of year From… More details

    Explore London's waterways by bike

    Explore London's waterways by bike

    Where: All over London

    When: Anytime of year

    From Regents Canal to Little Venice and the Thames to London Docklands, the capital is a vertible treasure trove of scenic cycling routes. So what better way to wile away an afternoon for free than by hopping on your bike and exploring them? Transport for London has helpfully compiled a list of off-road cycle routes (see the link below) and if you're minus a pair of wheels, Boris bikes can be hired from just £1 for a half hour ride.

    tfl.gov.uk

  • Play swingball in the city

    Play swingball in the city

    Where: Broadgate Circle, London When: Tuesday 3 -… More details

    Play swingball in the city

    Play swingball in the city

    Where: Broadgate Circle, London

    When: Tuesday 3 - Thursday 5 July

    Swingball is a sport that no-one call really fail at, so there's everything to play for as city workers, school children and others compete in the nation's biggest Pro Swingball Challenge. The contest ends with a summer party, with live music, free hot dogs and Pimm's - as well as the chance to win a swingball set. What more could you want?

    broadgate.co.uk

  • Watch a laser fusion light show

    Watch a laser fusion light …

    Where: The King's Cross Filling Station When:… More details

    Watch a laser fusion light show

    Watch a laser fusion light show

    Where: The King's Cross Filling Station

    When: Monday 16 - Thursday 19 August

    Once a disused petrol station, the Filling Station is a funky new site in the heart of King's Cross playing host to a number of cultural events this summer, including the Vauxhall Ampera x Super/Collider Science Weekend. This four-day event will feature pioneering installations along with talks, live demonstations and nightly laser fusion light shows.

    kxfs.co.uk

  • Chill out with a lunchtime recital

    Chill out with a lunchtime …

    Where: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar… More details

    Chill out with a lunchtime recital

    Chill out with a lunchtime recital

    Where: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square

    When: Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 1pm

    St Martin-in-the-Fields' free lunchtime recitals is a tradition that reaches back to the start of WWII and offers a platform for emerging young artists. Wallow in the historic setting of this landmark London church as you soak in its wonderfully diverse selection of music; upcoming performers include the Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir, a piano recital from Sergiu Tuhutiu and Jun Sasaki on the 'cello.

    smitf.org

  • Step back in history with the Lea Valley walk

    Step back in history with t…

    Where: Waltham Abbey to Limehouse Basin When:… More details

    Step back in history with the Lea Valley walk

    Step back in history with the Lea Valley walk

    Where: Waltham Abbey to Limehouse Basin

    When: Anytime

    This rustic but lengthy walk (it's 18 miles in total) offers a wonderful snapshot of Britain's industrial past and is peppered with idyllic-looking houseboats on Limehouse Basin marina. You can choose to start or finish at the Olympic Park and get a look at preparations for London 2012 before the crowds descend. It's pretty much the king of walks.

    walklondon.org.uk

  • Book a bunting masterclass

    Book a bunting masterclass

    Where: Peter Jones and John Lewis stores in… More details

    Book a bunting masterclass

    Book a bunting masterclass

    Where: Peter Jones and John Lewis stores in Stratford City and Oxford Street

    When: From Wednesday 4 July

    Thought bunting began and ended with the Jubilee? Think again. The Queen's birthday merely whetted our appetite for this oh-so-flexible of decorations. Put your craft genes to the fore and come armed with arty ideas as you bag a place on one of John Lewis' free Great British Bunting classes, starting next month.

    To book, email events_london@johnlewis.co.uk

  • Meet Banksy’s protégé

    Meet Banksy’s protégé

    Where: Opera Gallery When: Tuesday 12 July- … More details

    Meet Banksy’s protégé

    Meet Banksy’s protégé

    Where: Opera Gallery

    When: Tuesday 12 July- Tuesday 10 August

    Love him or hate him, Mr Brainwash - aka Thierry Guetta - has stamped his name across the art world. You can meet Banksy’s protégé (and the man behind Madonna's cover art for greatest hits album, Celebration) in person at his free pop-up summer show in the capital, with canvases, stencils, installations and in a first for the artist, sculptures.

    operagallery.com

  • Picnic in Greenwich park

    Picnic in Greenwich park

    Where: Greenwich park When: Monday 4 July to… More details

    Picnic in Greenwich park

    Picnic in Greenwich park

    Where: Greenwich park

    When: Monday 4 July to Monday 9 August for Greenwich Summer Festival

    You're spoilt for choice for picnic spots in London but if you like sweeping city views combined with historic buildings and a great, relaxed ambiance, Greenwich park ticks all the boxes. Bring your own food or stock up from goodies in the nearby Greenwich market, then find the perfect patch to eye the river and urban skyline. If you have a bit of spare time afterwards, take a look round the Greenwich naval college for free. Don't miss the Greenwich summer festival hosted there from 4 July, with live dance performances, circus workshops, Olympic screenings and more.

    greenwichsummerfestival.co.uk

  • Revel in Paradise with fireworks and street art

    Revel in Paradise with fire…

    Where: London Pleasure Gardens When: Saturday 30… More details

    Revel in Paradise with fireworks and street art

    Revel in Paradise with fireworks and street art

    Where: London Pleasure Gardens

    When: Saturday 30 June 1pm -11pm and Sunday 1 July 1pm-10pm

    The London Pleasure Gardens - an ambitious cultural project set in a 20-acre waterfront site on London Docklands - kicks off in spectacular style with its Paradise Garden Festival. This free opening party goes above and beyond your average fare, with a pyrotechnics show based around a listed building, live performances from Alabama 3 and Ska Cubano, a vintage funfair, a ballroom, a village fete and much, much more.

    londonpleasuregardens.com

  • Get fit with weekly park runs

    Get fit with weekly park runs

    Where: London parks including Hampstead Heath,… More details

    Get fit with weekly park runs

    Get fit with weekly park runs

    Where: London parks including Hampstead Heath, Dulwich park, Crystal Palace, Highbury Fields and more

    When: Every Saturday at 9am

    If you want to shape up or train for a big event, these free 5km runs are great for maintaining fitness. They're open to everyone and take place in parklands across London (and around the world). All you need to take part is a pair of trainers and bit of stamina - sign up on the link below.

    parkrun.org.uk

  • Don't miss First Thursdays

    Don't miss First Thursdays

    Where: galleries and museums of east London When:… More details

    Don't miss First Thursdays

    Don't miss First Thursdays

    Where: galleries and museums of east London

    When: the first Thursday of every month

    If you love modern art, installations, live performances and more then east London on the first Thursday of every month is THE place to be. Over 100 galleries, museums, art studios and tours open their doors for free until 9pm, in an eclectic celebration of all things culture. Ones to watch include Belgian artist David Claerbout's first solo exhibition at Parasol unit and The Vanity of Small Differences show - exploring Grayson Perry's fascination with taste - at the Victoria Miro gallery.

    firstthursdays.co.uk

  • Try a spot of ping pong

    Try a spot of ping pong

    Where: Locations across London When: Friday 29… More details

    Try a spot of ping pong

    Try a spot of ping pong

    Where: Locations across London

    When: Friday 29 June to Thursday 26 July

    Smash, serve and spin in style with Ping! 2012, a mass ping-pong event with 100 free tables placed across the capital from Canary Wharf to The British Library, the Natural History Museum and even Heathrow. Avid fans can pair with Olympic players in show matches during the launch event on Friday 29 June and the game will be given a cabaret twist in a performance at The Roundhouse in Camden.

    pinglondon.co.uk

  • Grab your copy of Stylist magazine!

    Grab your copy of Stylist m…

    Where: Major transport hubs and French Connection… More details

    Grab your copy of Stylist magazine!

    Grab your copy of Stylist magazine!

    Where: Major transport hubs and French Connection stores across London

    When: Every Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning

    Want the latest in travel, fashion, beauty, current affairs and more, all rolled up in one fabulous freebie? Then get stuck in with your latest issue of Stylist; simply grab a copy along with your favourite guilty pleasure snack (triple chocolate brownie anyone?), find your perfect reading spot - be it train, plane or a sunny patch of the park - and enjoy!

    stylist.co.uk

Tags: London, events

Share on

or email.

  • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Delicious
Add a comment

Comments

Add a comment

Your Vote Counts

My New Year's resolution is:

My New Year's resolution is: