Free Things to do in South Bank

From hidden gardens to free exhibitions, pop-up festivals and unusual sightseeing attractions, South Bank has a wealth of different attractions that won't cost you a penny to enjoy.

Note that for most free events you can just pitch up, although some events (particularly those aimed at families) tend to have more limited space and you may be required to register for your free tickets online beforehand.

Free concerts, parties & performances

From live jazz performances, chamber music concerts and open-air DJ parties to traditional dance showcases and pop-up theatre stages, when it comes to live performance, there's always something happening in South bank that you can enjoy for free. Here's a look at what's coming up this season.

Mix & Move

WHEN & WHERE: Monthly Fridays in the Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall. Usually starts from 3pm and lasts 3 hours

Mix & Move is Southbank Centre's monthly programme of accessible dance workshops that are typically aimed at older adults. Showcasing dance styles and dancers from across the globe, each event lets you explore different forms of dance, learn new moves and meet new people. You don’t need to be a dancer, and no experience or dance partner is needed.

17 Apr–16 June
Spring 2026 is Bollywood Groove season led by dance artist Krupa Chavda, who will be taking the room through classic footwork, traditional hand gestures, accessible adaptations and simple routines to make you feel like a pro. Catch these free dance workshops on: Fri 17 Apr, Fri 15 May, Fri 16 June. Find out more here.

Free talks, discussions & workshops

Get creative at a free arts and crafting workshop, explore the neighbourhood on a historical walking tour or join in the debate at a free lecture or discussion.

Creative Encounters at Southbank Centre

WHEN & WHERE: Monthly from 6pm at the Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall

Mould the Moment - Sip Sculpt. Photo by Pete Woodhead

Join Creative Encounters for a social evening of conversation, music, art and making. Each month a different artist leads an evening of playful creativity on a different theme. All events are free and there's no need to book.

WED 27 MAY | Beyond the Algorithm | Come down for an evening of conversation, poetry and collaboration to rediscover your curiosity away from algorithms and digital platforms.
WED 10 JUN | Create with Courage | Bring your stories, curiosity and courage for a special edition of Creative Encounters for Refugee Week 2026, in collaboration with Counterpoints Arts.

Free exhibitions

Many of South Bank's cultural venues, independent galleries and museums host free exhibitions throughout the year that are free to attend. Here's a look at the latest free exhibitions to explore in South Bank this season.

Skate Space 50

WHEN & WHERE: 30 April to 21 June at Queen Elizabeth Hall

Taking place as part of the Southbank Centre's 75th birthday programme, this new exhibition explores the 50-year history of the iconic Skate Space beneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall, a destination often dubbed 'the birthplace of British skating culture'. Hosted in an undercroft space behind the skate park itself, the exhibition looks at the five generations of the skating community who have made this place their home-from-home, portrayed through photography, moving image and sound. Entrance is free for skaters with a board, otherwise entrance is on a 'pay what you can' basis.

Free events for families

Bring your little ones along to South Bank to join in free storytelling sessions, creative workshops and interactive activities that will spark their imaginations.

WordPlay

WHEN & WHERE: Fortnightly on Friday mornings at the Clore Ballroom in Royal Festival Hall

Every fortnight, songwriter Emma Lee Moss performs a magical collection of songs for children at the Southbank Centre's free WordPlay sessions at the Clore Ballroom. Aimed at children aged 0-5 (and their families), WordPlay is all about the joy of words and communication, centred on sing-alongs and storytelling that let little imaginations grow. There are two sessions: the 10:15am session is aimed at children aged 0–2 and the 11:30am session is for those aged 3–5.

Saturday Sessions

WHEN & WHERE: Monthly Saturdays at 1:30pm at the Clore Ballroom in Royal Festival Hall

Aimed at young families (aged 5-11), the monthly Saturday Sessions provide a fun and energetic place for kids to come together and watch a performance, make something and play with other children and their families. There is also a Relaxed Session at 11am, designed for families who would benefit from a sensory-adapted space and smaller group experience. These are free drop-in events and there's no need to book.

Quirky free attractions

In addition to world-famous attractions like the London Eye, South Bank has several smaller attractions that are free to visit including some fascinating cultural spaces where you can often catch pop-up exhibitions, talks, free workshops and other interesting events.

Watch archive films at the BFI Mediatheque

Explore highlights from the world’s greatest film and TV archive in BFI Southbank’s free digital viewing space, the Mediatheque. Visitors can view over 95,000 titles from the BFI National Archive. The available film footage covers more than a century of film and TV material including news reels, feature films, TV shows and commercials. Simply choose a booth and touch the screen to start your viewing. Headphones are provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own. The Mediatheque is very popular, so we recommend arriving early to grab a space (they open from 11am Tue-Sun). Find out more here.

Go behind the scenes at Sherling High-Level Walkway

Described as central London's biggest factory, every aspect of the National Theatre's theatre production works - from metalwork, carpentry and painting to prop manufacture and rehearsals - takes place inside the theatre complex itself. You can view the theatre's workshops from the Sherling High-Level Walkway where informative exhibition boards outline the different production preparations taking place. Open 12pm-6pm on Wed and Sat, entrance via Dorfman Theatre.

Poetry at The National Poetry Library

The National Poetry Library (located on the 5th floor of the Royal Festival Hall) is the largest public collection of modern poetry in the world. In addition to a massive selection of anthologies, magazines and journals, the library hosts free temporary exhibitions themed around poetry and poets.

Iconic sights

They say the best things in life are free and when it comes to iconic sightseeing opportunities that won't cost you a penny, you are spoiled for choice in South Bank! Take a stroll along the river and stop and sit for a while to soak up the views.

Sightseeing on the Queen’s Walk

Possibly London’s most famous riverside promenade, the Queen’s Walk is stacked with iconic views. Favourite photo opportunity stops include the world-famous views of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the grandeur of the London Eye and the views of St Paul’s Cathedral as seen from Observation Point in front of Gabriel’s Wharf. Read our guide to what to see on your Queen's Walk stroll here.

Watch graffiti artists at work on Leake Street

This 300-metre-long tunnel runs all the way beneath Waterloo Station connecting South Bank with the Lower Marsh High Street in Waterloo. Leake Street is London’s longest graffiti wall and every inch of space is covered with an ever-changing collection of street art murals. Anybody is free to leave their mark and the graffiti changes daily. A great place to take some fun photos and to watch local graffiti artists at work!

A street acrobat performs in front of Jubilee Gardens

Watch the street performers

While strolling the Queen’s Walk take time out to watch the street performers. Every day brings a different collection of talented buskers, acrobats and other performers to the banks of the river. Performers can be found at the dedicated busking spots near the Southbank Centre in front of Jubilee Gardens, next to Hungerford Bridge and on the pedestrian crossings of the Golden Jubilee Bridges.

A view of the London Eye from Jubilee Gardens on a sunny day

A picnic in the park

Next to the London Eye, take time out from the crowds with a picnic on the lawns at Jubilee Gardens. Behind the iconic Oxo Tower is the pretty Bernie Spain Garden and its lush herbaceous borders. A little more off the beaten track, is Archbishop's Park (once part of the expansive Lambeth Palace Gardens), where you’ll find an excellent kid's playground and some ping pong tables. The small St Thomas Gardens next to the hospital have a handful of picnic tables and benches offering some of the best views of Big Ben.

More ways to save in South Bank

While the following activities aren't all free entry, here are some more top tips on how to make the most of South Bank on a budget.

NATIONAL THEATRE FRIDAY RUSH
Looking for bargain-priced tickets for the National Theatre's shows? A limited number of £20 tickets are available to purchase directly at the box office in South Bank on the day of a show from 10am. Even better yet, every Friday at 1pm £10 Friday Rush tickets are released online for each of the following week’s performances. An incredible offer worth setting an alarm for!

LAMBETH AND SOUTHWARK RESIDENTS DISCOUNTS
If you are a resident of the Lambeth or Southwark boroughs you can become an OV Local member at the Old Vic, which entitles you to 20% off tickets, food and drinks at the Old Vic. Find out more here. Lambeth residents can also get £8 tickets to exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery Wed–Fri and after 5pm on Saturday, as can visitors aged under 30. Find out more and book online here.

Pagination