London On The Cheap

Two weeks into the New Year and it's important to find things to distract yourself from the grey weather, gym timetables, failing diets and attempts to avoid alcohol. If you're still feeling the pinch post festive season then we've got some excellently cheap things for you to do this week to cheer, edify, inspire and amuse you.

Monday: Happy days! The Fonz will be at Forbidden Planet for a book signing between 5-6pm. It's free but expect long queues. Also note, he's only signing his Hank Zipzer children's books. And his real name's Mr Winkler.

Tuesday: Got itchy feet but stumped for travel ideas in 2008? Then find your way to the biggest map show in town to hear Lonely Planet's Tom Hall promote the Blue List: The Best in Travel 2008 book. Tickets are £2 and you need to book in advance. Wandering around Stanfords is always a pleasure too and that's completely free.

Wednesday: Flex the little grey cells at Gresham College's free lecture tonight, Squaring the Circle and Other Impossibilities from 6pm. Mathstastic. Thursday: Bunk off work early (haven't you got a medical appointment?!) and get to the British Museum for 4pm to watch a free screening of David Holzman's Diary - arguably the first mockumentary - about a young man obsessed with film and film making. Definitely an event for film geeks and those wishing to broaden their film horizons this year. Plus, of course, wandering around the huge British Museum is completely free too. Friday:Free flamenco in Hornsey, free sax on the Southbank, free gypsy jazz at the Royal Albert Hall and free comedy recording at the Drill Hall. Saturday:Classic eighties Spielberg adventure The Goonies is being screened at the East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf at 7.30pm completely free! How retrotastically nostalgic. Sunday: Sieze a unique opportunity to explore the hallowed and mysterious grounds of the Middle and Inner Temple at the start of the year long Temple Festival. Home to the Knights Templar and revered centre of law, this is a brilliant place to poke about in on either Saturday or Sunday, between 10.30am - 4.30pm. We'll certainly be there! Or, you could stay in and move your furniture around.
With many thanks to the London Freelist. Check the websites for more information.