Free things to do in London this week.
TUBE STRIKES: At time of writing, Tube strikes look set to go ahead between midday on Tuesday 19 May-11.59am on Wednesday 20 May, and from midday on Thursday 21 May-11.59am on Friday 22 May. TfL expects to run a service on most Tube lines, but is warning of disruption.
Catch the final days of this free film festival
Herne Hill Velodrome hosts a free outdoor screening of The Fastest Bicycle on Thursday. The film tells the story of Barney Townsend — grandson of Sir Roger Bannister — attempting the world human-powered vehicle land speed record at Battle Mountain, Nevada.
The screening is part of Herne Hill Free Film Festival, which also screens cult classic Jennifer’s Body at Bird House Brewery on Monday, and comes to a close with a silent move night outside Herne Hill station on Friday.
Until 22 May.
Wander around these blooming lovely free flower festivals
The notoriously spenny Chelsea Flower Show is on this week, but if your pockets aren’t that deep, there’s plenty of free floral fun running alongside the main event.
Free flower festival Chelsea in Bloom 2026 adopts an ‘Out Of This World’ theme, incorporating a nod to Sir David Attenborough in the month of his 100th birthday.
Meanwhile Belgravia in Bloom 2026 — another free trail — is themed on fairy tales. In both neighbourhoods, shops, restaurants and cafes install large-scale colourful floral displays outside, which everyone can enjoy for free. They’re close enough that you can follow both trails in a single day — provided you wear comfy walking shoes!
Both 18-24 May.
Learn about 200 years of student life
The Fitzrovia Chapel hosts a lunchtime talk on Tuesday, exploring how students have shaped the capital through activism and community since 1826. Professors Georgina Brewis and Sam Blaxland discuss their new research on the history of higher education, accompanied by a short film about student life in London’s historic university quarters.
19 May.
Attend a lecture at the zoo
As part of the 200th anniversary celebrations of ZSL — the conservation charity which runs London Zoo — it’s offering a series of free public lectures. This Tuesday, professor, author and presenter Dr Chris van Tulleken leads a panel discussing how the health of humans, animals and ecosystems are deeply connected. Learn why caring for and protecting ecosystems all over the world is critical for human health, followed by a Q&A session.
19 May.
The man behind the Great Exhibition
Alice MacDonnell — Sir Henry Cole’s great (x4) granddaughter — tells the story of Cole’s work on the Great Exhibition, the V&A and South Kensington and his campaigns from postal reform to the Christmas card. Watch the free lecture on Wednesday afternoon in person at Guildhall Library, or online via livestream.
20 May.
Be surprised by a mystery film
Visited Theatreship yet? The 305 tonne cargo ship is permanently moored in Docklands, functioning as a cultural centre with a 100-seat cinema and theatre, offering events throughout the year.
Every Wednesday, it holds a free mystery cinema screening. You won’t know what film is being shown until you arrive (though clues are posted on Instagram). Once there, if you buy a round of drinks at the bar, you get a chance at guessing the film. The first person to guess correctly gets their whole round for free.
20 May (and every Wednesday).
View an exhibition about slavery under the Nazis
On Wednesday, the Wiener Holocuast Library opens a new exhibition on the topic of Nazi slave labour. The Library’s own records and collections show how the SS, as well as chemical and manufacturing companies, profited off and exploited slave labourers between 1930 and 1945.
20 million individuals were exploited as slave and forced labourers by the Nazi regime, including concentration camp prisoners, POWs and foreign civilian workers. Some of their stories, including Jewish labourers in Auschwitz subcamps and prisoners of war in the Channel Islands, are told in the free exhibition.
Contemporary photographs of survivors of Nazi slave labour by portrait and documentary photographer Mike Stone also go on display for the first time.
20 May-30 October.
Get a first look at this popular museum’s new gardens
Be among the first to visit the new areas of the gardens at the Horniman Museum, as they open on Thursday. A nature-themed play area, a family-friendly cafe, improved access and interpretation on the existing nature trail, an AR trail, a new nursery glasshouse and a community garden are among the fresh elements you can enjoy from today, marking the start of the museum’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
From 21 May.
Chill out at a free lecture about polar exploration
Physicist and oceanographer Professor Helen Czerski is at Barnard’s Inn Hall in Holborn to give an illustrated lecture about the history of polar exploration, the current state of knowledge about the ice at both poles and the scientific consequences of a changing climate.
21 May.
Soak up some open air blues
If you like free stuff and blues music, you’ll already be au fait with Soho’s Ain’t Nothin’ But blues bar, where you can feast your ears on raw, soulful sounds most nights, with no cover charge. This Saturday and Sunday the bar sets up outside, with Kingly Court Presents: Open Air Blues — featuring live sets from acts including Dom Glynn (Sat) and Savannah Gardner (Sun). Full details still to be announced: keep posted here.
23-24 May.
Have a giggle at a comedy street party
It’s free entry at the Angel Comedy Street Party on Sunday, which sees comedians performing on the roof of the Bill Murray in Islington. Head down and grab yourself a seat in the street to watch Barry Ferns, Flo & Joan, Chloe Petts and Paddy Young performing.
Though it’s free, booking is recommended, and donations to the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants are encouraged.
24 May.
Find free things to do in May half term
May half term begins on Saturday, and our helpful half term events guide is packed with ways to entertain children and teenagers in London over the coming week — including a whole section of free things to do. Follow an Octonauts trail, celebrate a beloved author’s birthday, explore London’s free maze or simply burn off excess energy at a playground — just some of the ways to keep busy without parting with any cash.
