Free And Cheap Things To Do In London This Week: 2-8 October 2017

By Jordan Waite Last edited 78 months ago

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Free And Cheap Things To Do In London This Week: 2-8 October 2017

All week

There's a whole world beneath your feet

TUNNELLING THROUGH TIME: London is a city built on tunnels. From the worms that inspired famous engineer Brunel, to the mechanical giants burrowing beneath our feet,  dig deeper into the hidden world of underground engineering at this exhibition. The Institution of Civil Engineers (Westminster), free, just turn up, 10am-5pm, weekdays only

GOLDEN WEEK: Sample the delights of China as you shop among beautiful Chinese lanterns, soundtracked by traditional musicians and lion dancers. There are 50,000 lucky golden scratch-cards to be given out with every purchase too, all celebrating China's Golden Week. London Designer Outlet, free entry, just turn up, noon-4pm, 3 October-8 October

TOUCH WOOD: Plywood isn't the most exciting material around, but half of the modern world is made from the stuff. From planes to skateboards, learn how this versatile material is made, and how it's shaping our lives. The V&A Museum, free, just turn up, 10am-5.30pm, until Sunday 12 November

Monday 2 October

British prisoners of war share their stories

STUDENT NIGHT: Harvesting discounts is par for course of being a student. This four-hour super saving opportunity is your chance to get up to 40% off at the London Designer Outlet, and devour some of the offers at some of the 20 bars and restaurants, too. London Designer Outlet, free, just turn up, 5pm-9pm

PRISONER OF WAR: British prisoners of war were held all over Germany, bearing witness to all kinds of Nazi atrocities. Using eyewitness testimony, this talk tells their story. The Wiener Library (Bloomsbury), free, just turn up, 6.30pm-8pm

Tuesday 3 October

Are science and faith at war?

UNDER THREAT: As both science and religious faith face declining authority in western culture, Professor Alister McGrath explores whether the two doctrines are at war, and how we can encourage a positive and enriching dialogue between them. Museum of London (Barbican), free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm

LETTERS FROM HISTORY: 15 years after the conclusion of the East Africa campaign, British Army officers were invited to comment on drafts of the official history. These deeply personal responses provide a unique view of a harrowing campaign. The National Archives (Kew), £5, book ahead, 2pm-3pm

BEHIND THE SCENES: There's more to a stunning natural history programme than a good bit of camera equipment, you know — a lot of it is down to hard work and planning. Join Dr George McGavin as he takes a look at the highs and lows of producing television documentaries. Museum of London (Barbican), free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm

IN CONVERSATION: Veteran politician, and former leader of the Labour Party, Lord Kinnock reflects on the issues of the day in this free public lecture. You are free to put your questions to him in the public Q&A, and a drinks reception follows the event. Queen Mary University of London, free, book ahead, 7pm-9.30pm

COMEDY GROTTO: Pierre Novellie of The Mash Report fame is joined by a line-up of established names and bright new sparks for an evening of laughter, all in aid of the Syria Relief Appeal. The Star of Kings, £5, book ahead, 8pm

Wednesday 4 October

What a load of crap this looks

TIME CRYSTALS: In this exhibition of personal recollections, artist David Panos examines the contemporary revisiting of motifs from the alternative and rave subcultures of the 1980s and 1990s. Pump House Gallery, free, just turn up, 11am-5pm, until 17 December

CRAP FILM: Wouldn't it be much more fun to go and see a screening if it was complete crap? Rats: Night of Terror is a 1984 post-apocalyptic thriller film, and trust us, it fits the bill quite nicely. The Book Club (Shoreditch), £5, book ahead, 7pm-10pm

BINGO WITH A TWIST: Take your standard game of bingo, and replace the numbers with music — anything goes, and there are three rounds, each covering a different genre. With a pint prize for a line, and a shot for two lines, this one could get messy. Star of Bethnal Green, £1, just turn up, 7.30pm-11.30pm

Thursday 5 October

Do female lawyers need to be Superwoman to survive?

POOLSIDE CONVERSATIONS: Using the image of a swimming pool — a visceral symbol of privilege in South Africa — artist Gqunta highlights the structures of colonialism that are still in place today. Kelder Projects (Islington), free, just turn up, 10am-5pm, until Sunday 17 December

CAFE FROM CRISIS: This east end cafe from homeless charity Crisis is holding a monthly late night opening, bringing Brazilian vibes for a last taste of summer. The cafe provides a route into employment for many of London's homeless. Cafe from Crisis (Spitalfields), free, just turn up, 5pm-10pm

EQUALS AT THE BAR: Do female lawyers need to be Superwoman to survive? Professor Jo Delahunty QC explores whether women really are equals at the bar, and whether gender is relevant at all. Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn), free, just turn up, 6pm-7pm

SIX O' CLOCK CLUB: It might be the end of the working day, but there's always time for some more networking. This relaxed meet-up is for start-ups and business superstars to forge some new connections. The Melior Street Bar (London Bridge), free, just turn up, 6pm-8.30pm

Friday 6 October

India in pictures at Science Museum

LINO AND LIGHT: Take inspiration from the River Wandle, and learn how to translate its flora and fauna into a delightful lino print. This walk and workshop make for a very relaxing afternoon indeed. All Saints Centre (Hackbridge), free, book ahead, 1pm-4pm

INDIA'S ICONOGRAPHY: This ambitious photographic survey of India draws from material dating all the way back to the 1840s, following the introduction of the medium by the British — including works by the often overlooked Indian photographers of the time. Science Museum (South Kensington), free, just turn up, 2pm-7pm

HANDMADE IN HIGHGATE: Spend an evening browsing the delightful handmade gifts in this historic Highgate building. Over 30 makers will be exhibiting their wares, and there's a small artisan food emporium for a quick snack, too. The Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, free entry, just turn up, 6pm-9pm (and until 8 October)

Saturday 7 October

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the outlawing of pirate radio

A MUSEUM SUBMERGED: The National Maritime Museum is to be flooded — figuratively, not literally — with a range of cultural, artistic and scientific activities for all the family to enjoy, including a very special appearance from Captain Barnacles of CBeebies fame. The National Maritime Museum, free, just turn up, 10.30am-5pm

IN STITCHES: Only London, the museum capital of the world, could have an entire museum dedicated to the humble sewing machine. It's only open one day a month, and there are more than 600 sewing machines spanning five decades in its collection. London Sewing Machine Museum (Balham), free, just turn up, 2pm-5pm

BEER BIRTHDAY: Help celebrate the Roaring Four Brewing Co's second birthday with a load of food, music, and well, beer. They're heading back to where it all began at the London Beer Lab, so expect some exclusive collaborations on the day. London Beer Lab (Brixton), free entry, just turn up, 2pm-10pm

LONDON IN LIMBO: With skyrocketing prices, choking pollution and rampant gentrification, are we happy with the direction our city is heading in? This talk delves into London's past, present and future, to ask how change can be instigated. The Silver Building (Silvertown), free, just turn up, 3pm-5pm

Sunday 8 October

Plenty of vintage bargains to be had

VINTAGE VAUXHALL: This monthly vintage market is the perfect place to pick up something stylish, yet affordable. A collective of professional UK and European dealers will be selling a wide range of antiques, collectors items and accessories. The Workshop (Lambeth), free entry, just turn up, 10am-4pm

Last Updated 28 September 2017