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During the week, we can all be guilty of letting our free time slip away from us. But there are so many fantastic cultural events and fun activities to be enjoyed across the city. So we’ve partnered with TfL to find some of the best, wallet-friendly ways to enjoy London. With the daily cap, you can make unlimited trips all day long in Zones 1-2 and never pay more than £8.50*. What’s more, TfL pay as you go fares on bus, Tube, DLR and the £1.75 Hopper fare are frozen until March 2025**
Use the TfL Go App to plan your journey.
1. Stepney City Farm
Relax in a tranquil oasis spread across 4.5 acres – home to an array of adorable farm animals including sheep, goats, donkeys and pigs. At the farm you’ll also find an allotment, used as a community food growing site. Here, they harvest produce all year round, which is then supplied to a number of local restaurants including their own onsite cafe.
Price: Free
Closest DLR station: Limehouse
Nearby bus routes: 339, 309
2. Sergio Strizzi: The Perfect Moment
Having worked with the likes of Audrey Hepburn and John Huston, (not to mention a number of James Bond film sets!), Sergio Strizzi is widely considered one of the world’s greatest set photographers. Until September 9, Estorick Collection in Highbury & Islington is currently showing the first showcase of his work in the UK, giving you the chance to peer behind the scenes of some truly iconic films, at a remarkable 80 photo exhibition that spans Strizzi’s entire career.
Price: £7.50
Closest Tube station: Highbury & Islington
Nearby bus routes: 4, 19, 21, 30, 43
3. Lore of Loverboy
Harry Styles and Tilda Swinton are just two massive British names who are great fans of fashion powerhouse Charles Jeffrey. His punk-inspired, gender fluid LOVERBOY is regarded as a rule-rewriting work of art, and Somerset House is currently showing an exhibition co-curated by the designer himself. Visit before September 1 to explore sensorially led, immersive spaces, brought to life by his signature style, including both archival artefacts and new commissions.
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Closest Tube station: Temple
Nearby bus routes: 1, 59, 68, 76, 139, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, SL6
4. Horniman Museum Aquarium & Butterfly House
If you’ve got family members who love getting up close with nature, The Horniman Museum is the perfect place for you. From the British pond to the Fijan coral reefs, their aquarium features aquatic environments from around the globe (and the species that live within them!). Visit the aquarium daily from 10.30am-5.30pm to become acquainted with these fascinating creatures. The Horniman Museum Tropical House is also home to an enchanting butterfly house, where you can walk among beautiful, free-flying creatures – entry is timed by ticket and we’d advise booking ahead for this one.
Price: Aquarium (free) Butterfly House (£9)
Closest Overground station: Forest Hill
Nearby bus routes: 176, 185, 197, 356, 363, P4
5. Watch major sporting events on the big screen
There’s no better way to get into the spirit of a major sporting event, than watching it outside in the sunshine on a big screen. And this summer, you can do exactly that in Canada Square Park and St James’s Market. Both spots are offering al fresco viewings of Wimbledon, the Olympics and the Paralympics – seats are free and available on a first-come-first-served basis!
Canada Square Park
Closest station (Tube, Elizabeth line and DLR): Canary Wharf
Nearby bus routes: 135, 277, D3, D7, D8
St James’s Market
Closest Tube station: Piccadilly Circus
Nearby bus routes: 9, 14, 19, 23, 38, 139,159,12, 88, 94, 453
6. You Belong Here & Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms at Southbank Centre
This summer, Southbank Centre’s public art is championing unsung stories and forgotten trail blazers, in keeping with the theme: You Belong Here. Until September 1 you can enjoy free art from the likes of Florence Blanchard, Serena Brown, Yinka Ilori and more. And if the weather’s looking good, be sure to check out Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms outdoor water installation, the children’s favourite that has returned for the summer.
Price: Free
Closest Tube station: Waterloo
Nearby bus routes: 1, 59, 68, 76, 139, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, N1, N68, N171, N343, SL6
7. Rowan’s Ten Pin Bowl
If you’re looking for a fun evening out with friends and a hefty dose of nostalgia on the side, Rowan’s Ten Pin Bowl is the perfect choice. This American retro-style bowling alley is somewhat of an institution for North Londoners. Situated right in the heart of Finsbury Park, this two-floor entertainment palace even has its own in-house DJs to provide great music whilst you bowl.
Price: £8.70 during the week
Closest Tube station: Finsbury Park
Nearby bus routes: 106, 236, 4, 19, 153, N19, 29, 210, W3, W7, 253, 254, 259, N29, N253, N279
8. Pedalos in Regent’s Park
London boasts a seriously impressive array of gorgeous green spaces. And during the summer months, there are few places we’d rather be than floating along on a rowing boat or pedalo, soaking in the beautiful surroundings of Regent’s Park. Available for hire throughout the summer until October, this is the ultimate relaxing activity, to enjoy as a family. You can have up to four adults in a pedalo at one time, and all children and young adults under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult – but there is also a separate children’s boating pond for youngsters aged 3-12.
Price: £9.90 (adult) and £4.50 (child) for half an hour
Closest Tube station: Regent’s Park
Nearby bus routes: 13, 18, 27, 30, 74,113, 205, 274, N113, 453
9. IFS Cloud Cable Car
Bridging the gap between North Greenwich and Royal Docks, the IFS Cable Car offers Londoners a breathtaking way to experience the city skyline. As you fly above the Thames, you’ll be able to spot landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The Gherkin, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and more. The Cable Car is wheelchair accessible, and you can even bring bikes (excluding e-bikes) on board to continue cycling after!
Price: £6 one way and advance round trip from £8.40***
Closest stations: North Greenwich Tube station / Royal Victoria DLR station
Nearby bus routes: 161, 180, 472, 108, 335, 422, 486, 129, 33,188, 132, 330 (Greenwich) 147, 474, N551 (Royal Docks)
10. Genesis Cinema
Arthouse Cinema in Stepney Green is a locally-loved picture house showing both blockbusters and independent films. It’s a spot where both film buffs and casual moviegoers can find something they’ll enjoy, and trust us when we say the cosy sofas will elevate every viewing experience. And despite what you might think, seeing the latest releases doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg!
Price: £6.75 Monday-Thursday
Closest Tube station: Stepney Green
Nearby bus routes: 25, 205, N25, N205
11. Brompton Cemetery
At Brompton Cemetery you can walk among grounds where over 200,000 people lay to rest. From suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst to trailblazing physician John Snow, this scenic inner-city haven is truly steeped in history. Decorated with gothic monuments, the cemetery is also home to an abundance of wildlife including birds, butterflies, bats, and beetles – so keep your eyes peeled as you stroll through.
Price: Free
Closest station (Tube and Overground): West Brompton
Nearby bus routes: 14, 211, 328, 414, 74, 430, C3
August Events
12. Serpentine Pavilion 2024, Archipelagic Void
Serpentine Pavilion 2024, Archipelagic Void
Running until October 27, this 2024 Serpentine Pavilion, titled Archipelagic Void, will break the tradition of previous years, with not one but five structures on display. This captivating exhibition, by Minsuk Cho, will delve into previously untold spatial narratives across five ‘islands’, each different in shape, size and form. The timber structures will depict the traditional layout of Korean housing, with an open courtyard at the centre, and as you explore The Gallery you can enjoy a six-channel sound installation, created by composer Jang Young-Gyu.
Price: Free
Closest station (Tube and Overground): Lancaster Gate
Nearby bus routes: 9, 52, 452,
13. Family Festival of Caribbean Culture
Celebrate London’s diverse Caribbean culture at Museum of London Docklands on August 23 & 24. Across two days you’ll be able to enjoy East Caribbean Nzinga Dance classes, create wonderful crafts with Indo+Caribbean community artists, try your hand at food-themed workshops, and explore the Museum of London Docklands which will have a Caribbean takeover in honour of the celebration.
Price: Free
Closest station (DLR): West India Quay
Nearby bus routes: 135, 277, D3, D7, D8,
14. Taylor Swift Songbook Trail
Listen up, Swifties! This summer you can explore the most iconic looks of your favourite, 14-time Grammy award winning artist on a 13 stop trail across the V&A South Kensington. As you explore the trail you’ll delve into a different chapter of Taylor Swift’s remarkable career, from her costumes and accessories, to music videos, instruments, music awards and unseen archive, giving you exclusive insight on how this global star came to be.
Price: Free
Closest station (Tube): South Kensington
Nearby bus routes: 430, 14, 74, 414, C1,
*Always use the same card or device when touching in and out. Excludes London Cable Car, River Bus, Southeastern high speed services. Daily capping applies to trips completed between 4.30am and 4.29am the following day.
**Excludes fares on the Elizabeth line beyond Zone 6 and some fares on London Overground.
***£8.40 is the price for a ticket booked at least seven days in advance for an off-peak period, which are weekdays that aren’t school holidays or bank holidays. See TfL website for full terms and conditions.