More free Southbank Centre activities: October–November 2026
- Quentin Blake: The Southbank Parade — free site-wide illustration installation, until 8 November.
- London Literature Festival Book Swap — 21 October–1 November at Royal Festival Hall; bring a book to exchange.
- WordPlay for ages 0–2 and 3–5 — free music and play sessions, selected Fridays 23 October–18 December.
- Cardboard Citizens: The Meaning of Home — free family art and play workshop, Friday 30 October at 10.30am.
Check Southbank Centre’s official free-events listings for availability, access details and whether advance booking is required.
Free Southbank exhibition: Rock, Paper, Scissors
16 October–29 November 2026, Tuesday–Sunday noon–8pm. Free entry, no ticket required. View official details.
Free & Cheap Days Out: London, Greenwich & the South East
A day out shouldn’t require a loan. Find genuinely free places, lower-cost activities and the little extras worth budgeting for — whether you’re going with children, friends or simply having a mooch.
Genuinely free places to start
Start close to home with green spaces, wildlife and heritage you can enjoy without paying admission. Check opening hours before travelling.
Woodlands Farm, Shooters Hill
Free general visiting at a working conservation farm. Check opening times and whether an activity or event is separately ticketed. Seasonal events may be separately ticketed or require advance booking.
Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park
Free entry, no advance booking for ordinary visits; managed by The Conservation Volunteers. Wednesday to Sunday, generally 10am–5pm, closing at dusk in darker months.
Woods, parks and walking
Explore Oxleas Woods, local parks and sections of the Green Chain. Walking itself is free; transport and refreshments may not be.
Creekside and nature learning
Enjoy riverside wildlife and look into Creekside Discovery Centre’s programme. Organised low-tide walks may be paid or booked.
Low cost, and the occasional treat
Cheaper cinema tickets
Our guide brings together ways to save on family films and special screenings. Prices and offers change.
Children’s theatre
Explore family shows, relaxed performances and ticket offers; compare the full booking cost before choosing.
Heritage without the big admission
Start with outdoor ruins, heritage trails and historic streets; Eltham Palace and some interiors are paid attractions.
Museums and gardens
Check which areas or exhibitions are free. Horniman Museum and Gardens is a useful starting point, though some experiences are ticketed.
What might still cost money?
Factor in travel, parking, food, lockers, special exhibitions, timed events and booking fees. A free-entry venue is not always a completely free day out.
Pick a place, or another interest
Greenwich
Local days out and practical visitor ideas.
Bexley
More parks, heritage and family possibilities.
Lewisham
Neighbourhood discoveries and culture.
Nature & wildlife
Free parks, farms and green spaces.
Family adventures
Find outings for different ages.