Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best free things to do in London during the summer of 2024. At the end of the post, you will find some of the best offers and complimentary gifts if you have an upcoming birthday!
Southbank Centre – Sister Midnight’s Terrace Takeover
In collaboration with Sister Midnight FM, there are four free dates this summer to attend sets by emerging DJ’s from South East London, live on the terrace.
Line-up:
Thu 1 Aug: Kamar and Chantz
Thu 8 Aug: Andre Larnyoh and Suren Seneviratne
Thu 15 Aug: Mollyjune and Deptford Northern Soul Club
Thu 22 Aug: Donwella and Last Nubian
Open-air cinemas
There are several free open air cinemas across London this summer. Pictured is Everyman’s Screen on the Canal, located a 5 minute walk away from King’s Cross. This cinema is does not require a ticket for entry, so we recommend arriving early to secure your spot on the steps. Showings will be running until Sunday 18th August.
See the full screenings list here.
Additional free open-air cinemas include: Merchant’s Square, Summer by The River in London Bridge and Summer Screens in canary Wharf.
Petting Farms
Located in East London, Mudchute Farm offers free admission to its farm spanning 32 acres, housing over 100 animals. We recommend arriving early in the day, as most of the animals turn in at 4:00pm. From small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, to goats, llamas and peacocks, Mudchute Farm is. a great day out.
Further free petting farms include: Vauxhall City Farm (Entry to the farm is donation based if you are a group of less than 10 people, larger groups will need to pre-book), Spitalfields City Farm and Gardens (open 10:00am – 4:00pm) and Oasis Farm Waterloo (smaller scale).
The Sky Garden
Tickets are free but need to be pre-booked and ID will need to be provided for entry. Found in The Fenchurch Building (The Walkie-Talkie), the Sky Garden offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
Parks & Gardens
London is full of large scenic parks and hidden, tranquil spots, adding pockets of green to the city.
We recommend visiting The Rose Garden in Hyde Park, Greenwich Park, Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park (in general Richmond park is great for deer spotting), and Primrose Hill (for skyline views and sunsets).
The Scoop, London Bridge
As part of the London Bridge City Summer Festival, a variety of free screenings and activities will be taking place at The Scoop. These include, sports screenings, films, music and theatre, as well as riverside food and drink. The area is for those aged 13 and above and is open from Thur/Fri: 7 PM, Sat: 1PM & 7PM, Sun: 1PM.
Exhibitions & Galleries
Current free exhibitions include:
Tate Modern – Bob and Roberta Smith: Thamesmead Codex (closes 08/12/2024), Inside Job Staff Biennale 2024 (closes 20/08/2024), ARTIST ROOMS: Art and Text (closes 08/12/2024) and many more.
Victoria & Albert Museum – free to enter Taylor Swift: Songbook Trail (closes 08/09/2024), Energy: Sparks from the Collection (closes 18/05/2025), Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration (closes 05/01/2025) and many more.
Outernet – it’s free to view the giant screens at Outernet. They are found in three areas: The Now Building, Now Trending and Now Arcade. You can view what is displaying at each of the locations here.
Galleries with free admission:
British Museum
National Portrait Gallery
Natural History Museum
Free gifts if you have an upcoming birthday
If you have a summer birthday, her is a list of places that will give you a complimentary item on your special day:
Gail’s bakery – free sweet treat when you sign up to their app and input your birthday.
Krispy Kreme – free doughnut in your birth month once you sign up to their rewards app.
Rituals – free product worth £12 with the purchase of any product, once you have signed up to ‘My Rituals’.
Hotel Chocolat – download their app and register for their VIP club to receive a gift on your birthday (usually either £5 off or £5 to spend with them).
