Winter is almost upon us and while the days might get shorter, the fun doesn’t stop. So, it’s about time we supplied you with another burst of budget-friendly activities to enjoy in London, with TfL. 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, Tram and the £1.75 Hopper fare are frozen until March 2025**. Keep reading to find out some of the best things you can do in the city on a budget this autumn…
Use the TfL Go App to plan your journey.
1. London Photo Show
See the world through a totally unique lens at this free photography exhibition. The London Photo Show showcases work from a diverse range of photographers from all over the globe. Explore artwork from striking landscapes to intimate portraits, you can even take home prints of your favourite pieces. For those who are aspiring photographers themselves you can also expand your knowledge with talks and workshops from industry experts, artists and photographers (attendance is free, just let them know you’re coming via Instagram DM!)
Price: Free
Date: November 14-17
Closest station: Hoxton Overground Station
Nearby bus routes: 26, 55, 149, 242, 243, 394
2. Ice Skating at Ally Pally
The days are getting chillier but that means it’s also time for those frosty winter activities we all know and love, like ice skating! The Alexandra Palace ice rink is the perfect place to have a whizz around on your skates with family and friends. Still feel like bambi on ice? You can also take lessons here if you’re looking to improve your skills. Meanwhile, for those wanting to up the festive fun, they host ice discos here too!
Price: £8.50 for a super off peak adult ticket at 3:30pm a Monday (£10.50 off peak, £11.50 standard)
Date: November 14 – December 9
Closest station: Wood Green Underground
Nearby bus routes: W3, 184
3. Fulham Palace House & Garden
Providing a roof over the heads of London’s Bishops since AD 704, this inner city estate is steeped in history. From a summer retreat and a place to entertain important guests, to a hospital for wounded soldiers in 1918, Fulham Palace House & Garden has served many purposes over the centuries. As well as the house and museum, you can also explore 13 acres of beautiful botanical gardens, filled with wildlife.
Price: Free
Closest station: Putney Bridge Underground
Nearby bus routes: 14, 22, 74, 220, 378, 424, 430, 413, 440
4. Penguin Parade Sculpture Trail
If you’re out and about in London’s Fleet Street Quarter this winter, you might just encounter a colony of penguins! Yes, there’s a free penguin parade sculpture trail bringing some Antarctic magic to the likes of Chancery Lane, Ludgate Circus and Fleet Street, and it’s all in support of WWF. Each penguin is adorned in unique festive finery designed by talented artists, and those following the trail can scan QR codes along the way to learn fun facts about these adorable feathered friends.
Price: Free
Date: November 14 – January 9
Closest station: Blackfriars Underground
Nearby bus routes: 26, 76, 15, 341, 17, 40, 63
5. Hire a Santander bike for a leisurely cycle ride
One of the best ways to make the most of a crisp autumn day is to hop on a Santander Cycle and ride round one of London’s gorgeous parks – Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park being one of our faves! From lovely waterways to nature trails, there is so much to see and do there. You can also save 25% on an annual Santander Cycle subscription if you’re a student aged 18 or over.
Price: From £1.65
Closest station: Stratford International DLR station, Stratford Underground
Nearby bus routes: 388, 339, 108, 97
Santander Cycle Stations: East Village, Lee Valley VeloPark, Timber Lodge, Copper Box Arena, Podium, Here East North, Here East South
6. Sahaja Yoga
These free-to-attend yoga workshops are more about teaching you the art of meditation than anything else. Approaching yoga more as a ‘state’ that can be achieved, the goal of each session is to awaken the subtle energies within and help you to connect with yourself. Lasting approximately 90 minutes, guests will first be shown an introductory video, followed by a guided meditation session and a collective meditation workshop. The sessions take place all over London, find one near you here. Plus, there’s no need to book, you can just turn up.
Price: Free
Closest station: Multiple
Nearby bus routes: Multiple
7. Four Quarters
Boasting an impressive collection of original arcade games and consoles from the 80s, 90s, and noughties, Four Quarters is the ultimate nostalgic experience. From Pacman and PS2 to Gamecube and Guitar Hero, you’ll find all the old favourites. It’s the perfect place to go with a couple of friends and challenge them to a tournament for a bit of old school fun.
Price: Four game tokens for £2.50
Closest station: Elephant & Castle Underground, Hackney Wick Overground Station, Peckham Rye Overground Station
Nearby bus routes: 276, 136, 343, 276, 12, 37, 63, 78, 197, 343, 363
8. Peckham Car Boot
Bargain hunters, this one’s for you! Rain or shine, the Peckham Carboot is always brimming with beautiful vintage finds, antique furniture, artwork and more. Allow enough time to peruse at your leisure as you never know what hidden treasures you might find here!
Price: £1 (General Entry after 11am)
Date: every other Sunday
Closest Station: Peckham Rye Overground Station
Nearby bus routes: 12, 36, 136, 171, 343, 345, 436, 37, 63, 197, 363
9. Nairy Baghramian: Jumbled Alphabet
Featuring sculptures from her Misfits series, Nairy Baghramian’s latest solo exhibition continues to confront audiences with their sense of self and space, in relation to the object. Her abstract, minimalist pieces often share a likeness with parts of the body, their ambiguity celebrating the beauty of imperfection, and the empowering nature of deviating from the status quo. You can see Jumbled Alphabet at the South London Gallery until January 2025.
Price: Free
Closest station: Denmark Hill Overground Station
Nearby bus routes: 12, 36, 171, 345, 436
10. Museum of the Home
Home means something different to everyone – and this fascinating museum explores society’s psychological and emotional relationship with the concept. Shining a light on the different ways people have existed and created homes over the past 400 years with personal stories and real objects, the Museum of the Home urges people to rethink the way they live, in hope of a better life for everyone.
Price: Free
Closest station: Hoxton Overground Station
Nearby bus routes: 149, 242, 243, 394
*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.