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.
And hot off the press, we have a brand new guide to where to see live music for free in the capital.
Feast on sounds from live bands
Featuring in our recent roundup of places to feast on live music for free across London, the Shacklewell Arms in Dalston boasts yet another week peppered with no-entry-fee gigs, including Red Ivory, (2 Feb), Underdown (3 Feb), a ‘Hideous Panda’ label showcase (4 Feb), Miss Hernia (5 Feb) and Half Star (6 Feb). Buy a couple of drinks if you can!
All week.
Learn about Croydon’s industrial past
Bubble cars, planes, beer, Chanel perfume: all have been manufactured in Croydon over the decades and centuries, as free exhibition Forge: Industries of Croydon explores. What’s more, some industries continue to thrive, including a world-renowned bell maker, and a family-run forge dating back to the mid 18th century. This excellent exhibition is open Wednesday-Sunday weekly.
Until May 2026
Look back at Queen Victoria’s funeral, 125 years on
125 years since the funeral of Queen Victoria, Guildhall Library hosts City Guide Robert Stephenson to talk about what her death and burial meant for the country, and around the world. Hear about the role played by London as her body passed through on its final journey.
2 February.
Get to the bottom of the Thames Torso Murders
If you watched the recent Lucy Worsley documentary series, you’ll be familiar with the case of the Thames Torso Murderer, a serial killer committing crimes in the capital around the same time that Jack the Ripper was at large. On Tuesday lunchtime, author Sarah Bax Horton is at Guildhall Library to discuss the contemporaneous police investigation into the Thames Torso Killer. Based on research for her latest book, Horton suggests a previously unknown prime suspect.
3 February.
Hear about 200 years of wildlife science
ZSL, the charity which runs London Zoo, celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. On Tuesday, it offers a free talk delving into how wildlife science has changed over that time. A panel of speakers, hosted by scientist Adam Rutherford, looks at scientific breakthroughs over the past two centuries, followed by a Q&A session.
3 February.
Learn something new at Gresham College
There’s a cracking trio of free lectures on the cards at Gresham College this week. On Tuesday, Professor Matt Jones ponders whether we as humans are destined to become pets of AI, in the same way we domesticated wild wolves and dogs and brought them into our homes. Swing by on Wednesday to find out why our planet is so special, and how we might investigate whether similar worlds exist. And on Thursday, find out what coroners actually do, under which circumstances they are required to get involved in a death, and how they arrive at a conclusion.
All lectures can be watch in person at Barnard’s Inn Hall at Holborn, or online.
3-5 February.
Treat your ears to a free piano concert
Pianist Antoine Préat takes to the stage on Wednesday, giving a free performance in the Shaw Library as part of the LSE Arts Lunchtime Concert Series. Expect to hear works by Haydn, Schumann and Debussy.
5 February.
See Science Museum’s new, free photography exhibition
Science Museum’s free new exhibition Water Pantanal Fire displays photographs showing the fragile beauty of the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland which is located across Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, and is home to jaguars, howler monkeys and various species of fish and birds. 60+ images by leading documentary photographers Lalo de Almeida and Luciano Candisani capture both the breathtaking beauty of the Pantanal and the devastation it now faces.
6 February-31 May.
View a new Roman-inspired exhibition
Chelsea Space presents artist Eva Sajovic’s Rise and Fall of a Temple, an exhibition on empires, power and legacy. Inspired by Sajovic’s time in Rome, the show features sculptural work, tapestries, embroidery and film — all of which invite visitors to reconsider the idea of ’empire’ and its continued relevance in contemporary society.
6 February-17 July.
Visit London’s Sewing Machine Museum
The monthly opening of London’s Sewing Machine Museum is a chance to visit a private collection of historic sewing machines, including one which once belonged to Queen Victoria’s daughter. There’s usually an expert on hand to tell you a bit more about them too. Entry is free, though charity donations are appreciated — a bargain for visiting what has got to be one of London’s most niche museums.
7 February.
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Garden Museum
With Lunar New Year coming up to welcome the Year of the Horse, there are plenty of themed events going on in London. Lambeth’s Garden Museum starts the celebrations early, with a free family dance day (recommended age two-eight) themed on the legends of Lunar New Year. Join in with dance and movement activities, while learning about the monster of Nian and other myths and legends.
8 February.
Cheap events in London this week
A couple more top things to do in the capital that won’t cost you more than a fiver:
🎲 BOARD GAMES NIGHT: If you find yourself at a loose end on Thursday night, head for Waterstones Gower Street’s board games night. Your ticket includes a drink from the store’s Dillons coffee shop, to enjoy as you get stuck in and meet fellow gamers. £5, 5 February.
📷 WAR PHOTOGRAPHY: The London Archives in Clerkenwell holds a document-viewing event, where you can view the original photographs of the Second World War from the Cross and Tibbs collection — the work of City of London Police Constables and photographers Arthur Cross and Fred Tibbs, who recorded damage done to London during the Blitz. £5, 6 February.
