the home of science, arts and inspiration

Things To Do for Under £15

Indulge in a cultural extravaganza in South Kensington without emptying your wallet. Take a leisurely stroll through the stunning Royal Parks, soak up the buzzing atmosphere of South Kensington or immerse yourself in captivating exhibitions- all within your budget of £15 or less.

Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries

Daily
10-6pm (last entry 5:15pm)
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

Showcasing extraordinary medical artefacts including the world’s first MRI scanner, Fleming’s penicillin mould, a professional pianist’s prosthetic arm and even robotic surgery equipment.

The Raphael Court

Daily
Daily: 10am-5:45pm - Friday: 10am–10pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

Rediscover the newly refurbished V&A’s Raphael Court - home to the iconic Raphael Cartoons. Commissioned in 1515 by Pope Leo X for the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, they depict the lives of the apostles, Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

V&A jewellery collection

Daily: 10am-5:45pm - Friday: 10am–10pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

One of the finest collections of jewelry in the world - over 3,500 jewels, including pendants given by Queen Elizabeth I.

Hop on a Santander bike

Santander Bikes
Visit Website

Why not hop on a Santander bike and explore South Kensington - take a ride through the Parks, pass Kensington Palace, around the Serpentine and arrive at the Museums.

Engineers

Daily
10am-6pm
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

Engineers shape the world that we live in, creating bold, ground-breaking innovations that respond to global challenges and improve billions of lives. But how much do we know about the people behind these innovations?

Seeing Things Queerly

10am-6pm
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

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.

Quiet and Scenic Walking Routes Around South Ken

South Ken
Visit Website

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.

Young V&A

Opens 1st July
10am-5:30pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

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.

RGS Exhibitions

Monday to Friday
10am-5pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
Map
Visit Website

The Royal Geographical Society Pavilion has a constantly changing programme of displays that include exhibitions created by external organisations, broadly linked to geographical themes and also by selected sponsors of the Society.

Ciné Lumière for under 25's

Institut français
Map
Visit Website

If you love cinema, and you’re 25 years old or under, Ciné Lumière For A Fiver is for you! Whether you want to see the latest releases or discover French classics, attend special Q&As or explore world cinema, enjoy discounted tickets with no booking fees.

Boating on the Serpentine

Daily except Nov- March (Wed - Sun)
From 10am (closing times vary)
Hyde Park
Map
Visit Website

Head to the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen to hire a boat over the summer. Recognised as one of the most famous boating spots in London, Hyde Park is the perfect place to take in the scenery, enjoy an ice cream and float down the Serpentine in the middle of the park.

Hyde Park

Daily
Hyde Park
Map
Visit Website

One of the greatest city parks in the world covering 142 hectares with over 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow and further ornamental flower gardens, all here in the home of London’s arts and science district.

Power Up

10am - 5.30pm
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

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.

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Online
Natural History Museum
Map
Visit Website

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

Footways - exploring London on foot

Online Map
Footways
Visit Website

Why not plan your visit to South Ken using the Footways walking map available at railway stations and online? You can plan your route away from the busy roads and discover a quiet and alternative side to London.

Kensington Gardens

Daily
Open from 6am
Kensington Gardens
Map
Visit Website

Formal avenues, magnificent trees, ornamental flower beds, and wildflower meadows outside Kensington Palace make this a stunning end to our trail as well as home to the Princess Diana Playground, the Italian Water Gardens and the Albert Memorial.

IMAX: The Ronson Theatre

Daily
Varies
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

Experience this fully immersive IMAX, on one of the biggest cinema screens in the UK. With an IMAX laser 4k projector and an IMAX 70mm film projector, this experience is great for all cinema lovers. Regularly showing are scientific documentaries and the latest blockbuster releases.

A Beautiful Planet 3D (U)

Dates & Times vary
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

Experience Earth like never before in a breath-taking portrait of the planet captured from the International Space Station on the biggest screen in Europe. See fantastic images of the Earth from the Space Station and gain a new understanding of how wonderful and unique our planet is.

Hot Milk

4th-`16th July
Various Times
Institut français
Map
Visit Website

Rebecca Lenkiewiczs’ directorial debut is a poetic adaptation of Deborah Levy’s Booker Prize-nominated novel.

South Asia Heritage Month: Family Drop-In

30th & 31st July
11am-4pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

Across two days, get creative with hands-on block printing inspired by the V&A's South Asia Collection. This event is free!

Pavilion Family Day

19th July
11am-3pm
Serpentine
Map
Visit Website

Join a free, vibrant Family Day at the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Marina Tabassum Architects. Immerse yourself in a day of creativity and culture with hands-on activities and performances for all ages.

American Photographs

Until 16th May 2027
10am-6pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

The V&A's collection of photography from the United States – one of the largest outside North America – reveals the breadth of the country's photographic traditions and the central role of image-making in American life. This event is free.

Play in the Park

10 April - 14 August 2025
11am - 3pm
The Royal Parks
Map
Visit Website

The Play in the Park project offers a free play programme of fun, creative activities and events inspired by the Royal Parks’ wildlife and open spaces

Summer Nature Roadshows

30 July – 21 August
11am - 3pm
The Royal Parks
Map
Visit Website

Join the Royal Parks this summer for FREE drop-in activities perfect for families, nature-lovers and budding environmentalists!