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.
Catch a free concert at Union Chapel
On Monday evening, Islington’s Union Chapel hosts a free concert featuring original music created by young musicians from Islington and north London.
Making Trouble premieres new songs written and performed by 14-18 year-olds, developed in partnership with professional artists and inspired by the chapel’s unique history as a place of music, debate and social coming-together.
9 February.
Delve into some of Lee Miller’s most striking images
Tate Britain’s (paid) exhibition about photographer and photojournalist Lee Miller comes to a close this week — but you can also take a deep-dive into her world for free. On Tuesday, Miller’s son Antony Penrose gives a Gresham College lecture about his mother’s work, particularly focusing on the powerful photos she took of the Holocaust, which are widely recognised as her most poignant and most important.
You can watch in person at Barnard’s Inn Hall (Holborn) or online.
10 February.
Take a virtual tour of the City’s alleyways
How well do you know the back passages of the City of London? Get better acquainted at Guildhall Library’s free afternoon talk on Tuesday, in which City of London guide and lecturer (and self-confessed map obsessive) Jill Finch takes you on a virtual wander through the lanes, courts and alleyways of the Square Mile.
10 February.
Listen in on London lightning talks
Tune in online to the London Archives’ lightning talks, and hear students and early-career researchers each giving a five-minute talk introducing their work on the history of London and its people. Topics could range from medieval manuscripts, to 20th-century housing, or anything in between.
11 February
Stay late at the Science Museum
The Future Of Food is the theme of this month’s Science Museum Late, which keeps the museum open after hours for all manner of events and activities. It ties in with the current (free!) Future of Food exhibition, which is open to view throughout the evening, along with comedy performances, a silent disco, creative workshops, a board game cafe and a chance to chat to scientists.
11 February.
Watch a free lunchtime concert at LSE
The Kyan String Quartet — consisting of musicians from the UK, the United States, China and France — gives a free lunchtime concert in the Shaw Library at LSE (Holborn). Just turn up to hear them performing a programme including Beethoven’s String Quartet No 15 in A minor, op.132, as well as Danish string quartet arrangement of Scandinavian folk tunes.
12 February.
Wear out the kids on this new Octonauts trail
With half term beginning on Saturday, Forest Hill’s Horniman Museum opens a new, free marine-themed Octonauts adventure. Pick up the trail at the ticket desk, and take part in mini-missions throughout the museum such as searching for shells and mimicking musical instruments. Then head outside to the Sound Garden for a bonus adventure.
13 February-1 November.
Join a queer book club
London LGBTQ+ Community Centre (which sits next to the Tate Modern) hosts its monthly book club on Saturday afternoon: you’ll need to have read Queer Footprints – A Guide to Uncovering London’s Fierce History by Dan Glass. There’s a chance to socialise over non alcoholic drinks afterwards.
14 February.
Visit the newly-reopened Queen’s House
After closing in mid-January for a rehang, the Queen’s House in Greenwich reopens on Saturday, and remains free to visit. Step inside to see the new displays, which include over 450 artworks and pieces by big names including Holbein, Lowry, Kehinde Wiley and Tania Kovats. The building itself isn’t too shabby, either.
From 14 February.
Get free museum entry… on one condition
Here’s a rather niche London freebie: If your name is Sophia or Sophie, you can get free entry to the Brunel Museum on Sunday, to celebrate the birthday of Sophia Kingdom, wife of Marc Brunel and mother of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. To claim your free entry, book a ticket for Sunday 15 February using the code SOPHIA1775, and remember to take some ID to flash when you arrive.
15 February.
View one of three free charity exhibitions
Three art exhibitions supporting three different charities are open at venues across London this week:
ARE YOU BETTER YET? In association with Trekstock Cancer Support, photographer Michael Leckie created exhibition Are You Better Yet? on show at the Fujifilm House of Photography in Covent Garden. View portraits of eight people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, and their lives alongside cancer, whether they are facing a diagnosis, undergoing treatment or navigating recovery. Until 29 March 2026
TOGETHER THROUGH ART: Mall Galleries hosts Together Through Art, a charity exhibition supporting the Sick Children’s Trust. Among the artists taking part are Jonathan Yeo, Kate Morgan and Matthew Rice, (illustrator for Emma Bridgewater), whose work can be viewed from free, either in person at the gallery, or online — and it’s all for sale in aid of the charity. 10-14 February 2026
SHARE YOUR HEART: Over 70 heart-themed artworks go on display at Saatchi Gallery this Valentine’s week, for free exhibition Share Your Heart, in association with children’s charity Chain of Hope. Leading artists and public figures have created the artworks, including Youssef Nabil, Gordon Cheung, Philip Colbert, Gray Malin, Gillian Anderson, Olivia Colman, Alison Hammond and Mel B. All are for sale in aid of the charity. 11-15 February 2026
All exhibitions are free entry, though consider donating to the charity if you can.
Find free things to do this February half term
With the kids off school from this weekend and through next week, we’ve put together a guide to things to do in London in February half term, including a section of free events and activities. In particular, check out our map of playgrounds in central London, and see what’s on at Southbank Centre’s Imagine festival. Some (though not all) of the events and activities are free, including a lip sync brawl performance on Saturday, a Bollywood boogie on Sunday, and a giant chalkboard on the floor, which everyone’s welcome to doodle on.
Cheap events in London this week
😂 Laugh off the Monday blues with a visit to Jester Jesters — a fantastic value comedy night in Farringdon, where you can watch comedians trial new material, for just a few quid. £3, 9 February.
🎤 No Such Theatre is back at The Others in Stoke Newington for another new-theatre scratch night. See what London’s up-and-coming stage talent is up to, then take the chance to mingle with directors, writers and actors over drinks. £5 (+booking), 12 February.
