Free and Cheap Things to Do in London This Weekend (31 Jan

London can drain your wallet fast — but weekends don’t have to. The trick is leaning into free culture, walkable “mini-adventures”, and one or two small “treat” spends that make the day feel special. This weekend (Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February 2026) is packed with exactly that.

Before you go: quick travel heads-up (so your “free day” stays stress-free)

If you’re planning to use the Tube/Overground, check disruption first. This weekend includes Central line closures in east London and Overground Mildmay line disruption, plus a few other reduced services.

The best FREE things to do this weekend

1) Last-chance glow walk: Canary Wharf Winter Lights (ends Saturday)

If you do one thing after dark, make it this: a self-guided wander through illuminated installations around the docks and plazas. It’s free, photogenic, and genuinely lifts your mood in late January. It runs until Saturday 31 January.

Budget tip: grab a snack from nearby stalls after you’ve done the busiest sections, to dodge queues.

2) Bankside’s Frost Fair (Saturday)

A history-inspired riverside fair with outdoor games, performances, craft activities and stalls — a fun “different” London experience without paying entry. Saturday 31 January.

3) Free hot chocolate treat at Battersea Power Station (Saturday)

If you want a free “cosy moment”, this is the move: a giveaway linked to National Hot Chocolate Day with 1,000 free cups at Battersea, handed out first-come-first-served (pop-up outside the station).

4) Free “new artists” fix: South London Gallery — New Contemporaries

Want something that feels properly “London” but costs nothing? The New Contemporaries show runs 30 Jan – 12 Apr 2026 and is free — perfect for a weekend gallery reset.

5) Free sculpture / installation hit: Barbican Curve

The Curve often delivers big impact for zero cost. This current show features uncanny sculptural forms and is free to visit (running into April).

6) Free pop-up cinema: PictureEast Film Festival (through Sunday)

Free screenings in unexpected spaces across Newham and Barking & Dagenham — a great option if you want “going out” energy without “going out” prices.

7) Skyline views for £0: Sky Garden

One of the best free views in the city — but you generally need to book a free ticket (released up to a few weeks ahead). If tickets are gone, limited walk-ins can happen, but don’t rely on it.

8) Classic free culture: British Museum (and other free museums)

If the weather is grim, go full “London winter mode”: museums. The British Museum’s permanent collection is free (special exhibitions may cost).
For more ideas, Visit London keeps a solid list of top free museums across the city.

9) Riverside reset walk (free and always worth it)

If you want a no-spend “mini break”, do a South Bank riverside loop: street performers, views, hidden corners, and plenty of warm-up stops for a cheap coffee. South Bank’s own guide has free highlights you can stitch into a route.

10) Greenwich on a budget: Greenwich Park + riverside vibes

Greenwich is ideal when you want “day out” energy without ticket prices. Many local highlights are free (including permanent galleries at the National Maritime Museum area), and it’s a great walking zone. Note: the Queen’s House is closed 26 Jan–13 Feb 2026.

Cheap (but worth it) ideas if you’re okay spending a little

“Pay a little, get a lot”

Vintage browsing at Hackney Depot (ticketed): wander stalls of furniture, homewares, art and fashion.
Live gigs for Independent Music Venue Week: prices vary, but many shows are cheaper than big-ticket arenas and you’ll be supporting local venues.

(Because prices change fast, list the experience as “ticketed/low-cost” and link out from your WordPress post.)