the home of science, arts and inspiration

Free Events in South Kensington

Discover an unforgettable day in South Kensington with our guide to free events. Delve into guided tours through galleries, embark on self-led walks, immerse yourself in our new series of Lates events, explore captivating free displays, and journey through miles of galleries showcasing art, science, design, natural history, and beyond. 

Energy: Sparks from the Collection

Until 18th May 2025
10am - 6pm
V&A South Kensington
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This display shines a light on the diverse kinds of energy in photography, from the hidden processes intrinsic to creating a picture, to the subjects in front of the camera.

Young V&A

Opens 1st July
10am-5:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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Get ready to spark your creativity at Young V&A – the museum where children, young people and families can imagine, play and design. From 1 July 2023, be inspired by spaces, explore our collection and get creative. Right now, keep in touch on social.

Quiet and Scenic Walking Routes Around South Ken

South Ken
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If you’re planning your trip to South Kensington, why not take a look at our brand new walking map, created in collaboration with Footways. Get off the tube a stop early and explore London’s home of arts, science and inspiration by foot.

Leslie Linder: Decoding Beatrix Potter

Until 15th Sept
10am - 5.30pm
V&A South Kensington
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On the 50th anniversary of Leslie Linder’s gift to the V&A, This display celebrates his unrivalled Beatrix Potter collection and shines a light on Linder’s contribution to our knowledge of the world-famous author and illustrator.

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Online
Natural History Museum
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Fun, free things to do in a park, on the street, or anywhere outdoors.

Quiet walking routes to and around South Ken

Discover South Kensington
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If you’re planning your trip to South Ken, take a look at our new walking map, created with Footways, where you can discover a range of wonderful routes to take a quiet stroll & discover our extraordinary history. Get off the tube a stop early and explore London’s home of arts, science and inspiration by foot.

Seeing Things Queerly

10am-6pm
Science Museum
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Follow this self-led trail to discover some of the objects on display at the Science Museum that tell stories of queer communities, experiences, and identities.

BBC World Service: The Engineers

Royal Commission for the Exhibition 1851
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Each summer, the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 holds an Albertopolis event in partnership with the BBC World Service bringing together three ground-breaking engineers and a public audience.

Power Up

10am - 5.30pm
Science Museum
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Immerse yourself in this hands-on gaming zone, featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to beat your family at Mario Kart.

The Clockmakers’ Museum

Daily
10am - 6pm
Science Museum
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Discover the world’s oldest collection of timepieces at the Science Museum. See over 600 watches and clocks charting the history of clock making in London.

Rachel Sale: Illustration Residency Open Studios

31st Aug
1pm - 4pm
V&A South Kensington
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Meet the V&A's current Illustration Artist in Residence Rachel Sale, as she opens her studio on site and learn more about her practice and process.

GRAND SUMO Highlights at Japan House London

12th - 28th July
5.30pm
Japan House London
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Follow the action and experience the excitement of the July 2024 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya with a daily screening of NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s GRAND SUMO Highlights.

Seeing is Believing

Until 15th Sept
11am - 7pm
Cromwell Place
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An exhibition of paintings, photography and sculpture by gallery artists who share unique perspectives that awaken us to new ways of seeing the world.

Summer Show 2024

20th July - 21st Sept
11am - 5pm
The Royal Society of Sculptors
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This year's annual Summer Show's theme is Reality Check selected by guest curator David McAlmont. Explore a fabulous showcase of members' and fellows' work at Dora House.

Westminster's Inside Out Festival

Various Dates
Various Times
City of Westminster
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Celebrate open-air arts and culture across Westminster this August with the Inside Out festival. There will be inspiring guided walks, dance and drama performances, family workshops, live music and so much more.

Summer Family Activities

27 July – 1 Sept
11am - 4.30pm
Natural History Museum
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Throughout the Summer holidays discover the Natural History Museum's new gardens and enjoy a whole bunch of free family activities from pond dipping to nature-themed arts and crafts.

London Design Festival 2024

Opens 14th Sept
Various Times
V&A South Kensington
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Experience how design can shape a space, bring people together and foster rituals, through a series of installations exploring global cultures across the V&A.

Social Space

24th August
12pm - 4.30pm
V&A South Kensington
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Create space in the museum with an afternoon of creativity exploring the themes of Wellbeing, Sustainability, and the Future.

Pop up Performance: Anansi and the Lost Sun

31st Aug
11.00am – 3.40pm
V&A South Kensington
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Join Swallow’s Wings Puppetry for a performance mixing puppetry, storytelling, and traditional West African music.

Science City 1550-1800: the Linbury gallery

Daily
Science Museum
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Discover the world’s oldest collection of timepieces at the Science Museum. See over 600 watches and clocks charting the history of clock making in London.

Japan House London Family Workshops

12th - 18th Feb
Various Times
Japan House London
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Explore the cultures of Japan this half term with a series of free family workshops. During each drop-in workshop, participants can enjoy learning about Japan and unleashing their creativity.

The River

26th July - 26th Jan 2025
10am - 4.30pm
Natural History Museum
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Opening Soon! This new sound installation by artist Jana Winderen in collaboration with sound specialist Tony Myatt explores the watery depths of the River Thames. It features captivating recordings from an underwater habitat that’s often inaccessible to our ears.

Cromwell Place - what's on

Daily
Cromwell Place
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Five townhouses in South Kensington hosts a year-round free programme of diverse, interdisciplinary exhibitions and events across beautiful gallery spaces, open to all.

Aeronautics Research Showcase 2024

4th Sept
1pm - 6pm
Imperial College London
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The Department of Aeronautics at Imperial is the UK’s leading Aeronautical Engineering Department and one of the largest in respect of research breadth and volume in Europe. This event aims to showcase the latest research through a mix of posters and panel sessions led by our experts!