Things to Do in London

Watch football

Take in a home match of one of the city's 15+ professional football clubs for a true experience of a lifetime as you see the passion of the "World's Game" in its mother country. London will have five clubs in the top Premier League in the upcoming 2015–16 season—Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United. A level down, in the Football League Championship, finds Brentford, Charlton Athletic, Fulham, and Queens Park Rangers (QPR). Five other clubs are in lower levels of the professional league system—Millwall in Football League One; and AFC Wimbledon, Barnet, Dagenham & Redbridge and Leyton Orient in Football League Two. Many of the bigger clubs will require booking in advance, sometimes many months ahead, but smaller clubs allow you to simply turn up on match day and pay at the gate. (Note: Owing to strict anti-tout regulations, the resale of tickets is not allowed.) You ''will'' be able to find a ticket to a quality football match on any Saturday during the season.

Trooping the Colour

A ceremony performed by regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies to mark the official birthday of the Queen. The Queen travels by carriage down The Mall from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, where she inspects the troops and then entire Household Division performs a march past the Queen as she receives their salute. Tickets to Horse Guards Parade are awarded by ballot but the parade along the rest of the route can be watched for free. Up to three tickets can be requested by sending a letter (this is by post only), enclosing a self-addressed envelope, to the Brigade Major of the Headquarters Household Division, in January or February; these will be entered into the ballot and those chosen will be sent offer letters which contain payment details. Those without a ticket can get their best view by standing on The Mall, along the edge of the parade, or on the edge of St James's Park by Horse Guards Parade. Arriving before 09:00 is recommended.

Horseguards Parade, Whitehall

Held annually on a Saturday in June, beginning around 10:00

About £20 if successful in the ballot

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Tours

If you don't feel like splashing out on one of the commercial bus tours, you can make your own bus tour by buying an '''Oyster''' card and spending some time riding around London on the top deck of standard London buses. Of course you don't get the open air or the commentary, but the views are very similar. You will likely get lost but that is half the fun; if it worries you go for a commercial tour. One tour, for instance, can be obtained from The London Pass. There is a website for this company. Essentially what it does is sell a 24-hour ticket to use the company's buses to see the essential sites of London and a boat tour on the Thames (with the same ticket) provides a river tour of some of metropolitan London. Taking a tour like this is a good way to spend much of a first day in London, so you can decide what you want to see up close later. Other commercial tours offer similar services.

The Troubadour

Famous bohemian cafe with a pleasing menu of hearty dishes such as fishcakes, burgers and delicious filling salads. Good wine list too and lovely leafy garden out the back. There is a great little music venue downstairs and even accommodation on the top floor. As a music venue, the Troubadour has been programming acoustic music since the 1950s when Bob Dylan et al took to the stage. It's bigger now and has gone electric but is still one of the best venues in London for up and coming talent. The musical spectrum is broad. On any night you might catch solo singer-songwriters or full bands. No heavy rock or covers bands though. More recently it has hosted Adele, Laura Marlin, Jamie T and The Kleeks. There is a good menu too but arrive early to get a table. It can get very busy. Well worth a visit.

263-265 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 9JA

Café: 09:00–midnight; club: 20:00–02:00

Entry from £6. Food from about £10-20

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Notting Hill Carnival

Two day carnival which takes place every year on the August Bank Holiday weekend. It is said to be the largest carnival of its type in the world, attracts over a million people and is a great celebration of London's modern multi-cultural identity. What really gives it flavour is the large local Caribbean and Trinidadian population. This occurs in an almost circular route north of the Notting Hill, Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove areas. If intending to visit, see Transport For London's website in advance as many tube stations are closed for the duration and bus routes diverted. Driving into the area is highly discouraged - many streets are closed.

Royal Albert Hall

Since opening in 1871 as part of Queen Victoria's memorial to her late husband it has become one of the most famous venues in the UK, and remains one of London's main concert halls. It still mainly caters for a classical audience, but it also hosts many other varied events including the odd contemporary rock/pop acts, and its corridors are sometimes used as exhibition spaces. During July–September the Albert Hall hosts the '''BBC Proms'''. This British national institution is a series of nightly classical concerts with world-leading performers for which standing tickets can be bought on the door on the night for as little as £5.

Kensington Gore

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Changing the Guard

The 45 min ceremony which occurs every morning outside Buckingham palace often features Guards regiments with bearskins and red tunics together with military bands. All these soldiers are fighting troops and there will be times when other regiments mount the guard at Buckingham Palace while units are deployed on active service overseas. In Whitehall, cavalry of the Household division on horseback and foot make the formal changeover between the previous guards on duty and the new guards at Horse Guards Parade. The Household division has guarded the royal family since 1660 and continue to do so today.

Buckingham Palace SW1A 1AA

Buckingham Palace: alternate days 11:30 (except daily May-Jul). Horse Guards Arch: M-Sa 11:00, Su 10:00

Chelsea FC

Despite the name, this club is actually ironically located in Fulham. '''Stamford Bridge''' has tours on non-matchdays, though the tickets are fairly pricey, as is the Club Shop for souvenirs. It is the one of the best supported teams, hence tickets are hard to come by, unlike QPR and Fulham to a lesser extent. The stadium has an illustrious history, dating back to before the foundation of the team, and is worth a visit as it may not be around in a couple of years time, if Chelsea's owner has his way.

Stamford Bridge, Fulham Rd, SW6 1HS

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Changing of the Guard

Each morning between May and July at 11:30 the guard changes outside Buckingham Palace. The rest of the year, the guard changes on alternate days, weather permitting. A board is placed outside the palace in the morning to say whether the Changing of the Guard ceremony will take place or not. There is no charge to view the Changing of the Guard—simply turn up and stand at the fence in front of the Palace, but it is worth getting there early to ensure a good view, particularly when the weather is fine.

Buckingham Palace

May-Jul 11:30 daily; for other times, see website

Free

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Electric Cinema

Recently restored cinema boasting all leather armchairs (most with footstools) and a bar in the theatre - this is definitely a Notting Hill experience. The Electric shows a wide range of films from cinema classics, cult and independent films, to regular Hollywood blockbusters. They also have the ''Electric Scream'' session, specifically for parents with screaming babies! Ticket prices vary depending on how fancy your seat is. More expensive than a normal cinema but a fun experience.

191 Portobello Rd

Lord's Cricket Ground

The home of Cricket and a must visit place for cricket lovers. Lord's usually hosts two international five-day Test matches every season, as well as limited-overs One Day International and Twenty20 cricket, although tickets for internationals can be expensive and will often sell out. Lord's is also the site of many Middlesex County Cricket Club home matches, with tickets for County Championship games and day/night limited-overs fixtures available on the day.

Wellington Rd, NW8 8QN

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Boat ride

In summer months, either upriver to Teddington Locks or Hampton Court Palace, or downriver to Westminster, offers a good way to relax while enjoying the riverside scenery. Some boats offer a commentary service. The boat ride to Hampton Court takes about an hour and a half, to Teddington Locks about 45 min, and to Westminster about two hours. Boats depart from a dock close to Richmond bridge. You can also hire ''rowing boats'' next to the bridge.

Putney Arts Theatre

Comes recommended for anyone interested in anything to do with theatre. They run drama courses for adults and children and around eight shows a year are produced by adults and children alike. Putney Theatre company offers opportunities for anyone interested in any type of theater work from acting to writing to set design. Group 64 is the youth drama group for kids, they run weekly classes, holiday projects but also put together shows.

Ravenna Rd, SW15 6AW

The Cuming Museum

The first gallery tells the story of the Cuming family and their collection the second gallery focuses on the history of Southwark and is split into three areas, settling here, a place to visit and world connections - the Southwark gallery looks at the people who have lived and worked here from Roman times to today the third gallery in the museum is the temporary exhibition gallery - our exhibitions change every four to six months.

151 Walworth Rd

Tu-Sa 10:00-17:00

free

The Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre is the largest single-run arts centre in the world and includes The Royal Festival Hall and The Queen Elizabeth Hall. It's one of the largest arts centres in the world, occupying a 21-acre site in the midst of London’s most vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames. It offers a wide-ranging artistic programme including classical & world music, rock & pop, jazz, dance, literature and the visual arts.

South Bank, SE1 9PX

Royal Opera House

One of the world's ''great'' Opera and Ballet venues. Peak time tickets are like gold dust and it is very unlikely that a casual visitor will be able to obtain one. However, at least 65 tickets per performance are held off for on-the-day in person sales from 10AM, and tickets are sometimes available for off peak (especially matinee) performances and can be surprisingly affordable. Check the website or at London ticket agencies.

Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD

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Shakespeare's Globe

Sam Wanamaker's largely authentic reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, built using traditional techniques, stages plays in the Summer months. Around the year, there is an exhibition ending with either a tour of the theatre itself (in winter, and mornings in the summer), or a virtual tour (summer afternoons). Tickets for plays are often available on the day, particularly if you are prepared to stand in the yard.

21 New Globe Walk

May-Sep 09:00-17:00 daily, Oct-Apr 10:00-17:00 daily

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Open House London Weekend

Explore many of the city's most interesting buildings during the London Open House Weekend - usually held on the third weekend of September. During this single weekend, several hundred buildings which are not normally open to the public are opened up. See website for details of buildings opening in any given year - some buildings have to be pre-booked in advance - book early for the popular ones!

The Lyric Theatre

Not to be confused with its West End namesake this fascinating theatre comprises a Victorian interior transplanted into a modern office building. It offers a mix of modern interpretations of Shakespeare, musicals (Sprink Awakenings was a notable success) and plays that reflect the multicultural nature of its location, in particular serving the Asian and Afro-Caribbean populations of West London.

Churchill Theatre

Offers a range of theatrical performances, including touring productions, performances by (very good) local amateur groups, and pantomime during the Christmas and New Year period (usually starring somebody who used to be in Neighbours). '''Bromley Little Theatre''' is close to the North Station. [http://www.bromleylittletheatre.org/home.htm] Bromley also has a medium-sized Odeon cinema.

The Brick Lane Gallery

Exhibits an eclectic variety of contemporary art and street art by British and International artists, focusing mainly on exhibiting emerging and mid-career artists. They present an integrated programme of exhibitions, including solo-shows as well as group exhibitions, introducing innovative developments in painting, sculpture, photography, performance, video and works on paper.

196 Brick Ln

Noon-18:00

Free, but you also can buy the paintings

Prince Charles Cinema

The cheapest and in some ways most interesting cinema in the area. They do not screen the latest films but usually have an interesting selection, including foreign and art house films and often have theme nights. Get hold of the program at the door or on the internet and consider buying the discount-granting yearly membership if you plan to come back a few times.

7 Leicester Pl

M £1.99, Tu-F £2.50, Sa Su £3.50

Wimbledon Stadium

one of the few-remaining dog-track arenas of its kind in London (which once had 23), along with at Walthamstow and Crayford. The football team '''AFC Wimbledon''' plays further west nowadays in a ground-share at Kingstonians, in Berrylands (after the original 'Crazy gang' was forcibily relocated to Milton Keynes by the then-owner for commercial reasons).

Plough Lane

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Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre

Contains six hard tennis courts, two mini tennis courts, a six-rink lawn bowling green and a nine-hole putting green; plus support facilities such as changing rooms and a café. Bowling greens, tennis courts and nearby football pitches can be booked. Putting is mostly drop-in only (as is some tennis). Some equipment can be rented from the sports centre.

South Carriage Drive, W2 2UH

Times vary by month and area; generally open in daylight hours

£7.50 bowling green; £5.50 putting green (adult)

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Institut Francais du Royaume-Uni

The first in a worldwide network of institutes to promote and present the best of French culture. The site includes a café-restaurant, a cinema showing French films, the largest French library in the UK and a French language centre, as well as running other events. Set in a Kensington block that also includes the French consulate and a French school.

17 Queensberry Pl, SW7 2DT

M–F 09:00–23:00; Sa 10:00–23:00; Su depends on events

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Dismounting Ceremony

In the late afternoon at Horse Guards an officer will inspect the guards, after which the mounted sentries return their horses to the stables for the night. They are replaced by two dismounted sentries. This ceremony was born as a punishment detail in 1894 but it was retained as a tradition when the 100-year punishment period ended in the 1990s.

Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall

Daily 16:00

Langtons House

Langtons House is the register office of the London Borough of Havering. It is a Georgian Grade II listed building overlooking landscaped gardens and an ornamental lake. It includes function rooms and is a popular location for weddings and civil partnerships. The grounds are open as a public park. There is an annual free concert in the summer.

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Surrey County Cricket Club

Surrey County C.C is one of the 18 professional county clubs which make up the English domestic cricket structure. They play four home games away from the Oval (Kennington, Lambeth/South London) each season. Two of these games are played at the Whitgift School, the other two games are played in Guildford. See their website for fixture list.

Whitgift School, Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT

Sands Film Studios

This film production company runs an informal cinema club which shows seldom seen and rare films. The club aims to disseminate a better knowledge of the history of world cinema. Club screenings are usually at 9PM every Tuesday. Attendance is free but you do need to join the club (also free and easily done by email - check the website).

82 Saint Marychurch St, Rotherhithe, SE16 4HZ

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is widely considered the most prestigious. Naturally it is a regular feature on the Tennis calendar. London goes "tennis crazy" for two weeks when the competition commences in late June and early July. One of the greatest traditions is to eat Strawberries and Cream with sugar.

Wander the streets

Soho is best discovered by simply wandering its streets. Take the less trodden paths and you will be amazed by the rabbit warren of streets and the seemingly endless number of cafes, bars, shops and more. Some highlights are the gay village on Old Compton St, Soho Square and a tea and cakes in one of Soho's great patisseries.

AFC Wimbledon

Founded in 2002 by former fans of Wimbledon F.C. when that club received approval to move from London to Milton Keynes, where the club is now known as Milton Keynes Dons. After a series of promotions in the following years, AFC Wimbledon are now in Football League Two, the fourth tier of England's professional club system.

Earl's Court Exhibition Centre

Hosts frequent conventions, exhibitions, concerts and events. Located on the site used for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in the 19th century. It has two halls, Earl's Court One and Earl's Court Two. See it while you can; the site has controversially been scheduled to be demolished and redeveloped. Times and prices vary.

Warwick Road, SW5 9TA

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Spitalfields Markets

Visit the thriving old Spitalfields markets which were the original London fruit markets. They have a daily market selling amazing vintage odds and ends and new fresh clothes! Visit 66/68 Bell Lane nearby to see a wealthy merchants house, rumor has it John Lennon once played on the roof of this building with Yoko Ono.

65 Brushfield St London E1 6AA

Sadler's Wells Theatre

Leading dance production theatre with an amazing history back to the 1690s. Everything from classical ballet to hip hop. For ballet fans, you have often got a much better chance of securing a ticket here than in the Covent Garden venues. Also attached is the Lilian Baylis Theatre, primarily performances by students.

Rosebery Ave, EC1R 4TN

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Olympia London

Another exhibition centre, owned by the same company as Earl's Court Exhibition Centre. It hosts the same range of conventions, fairs and events. Olympia has four halls and a conference centre, with a mix of trade shows and public events, so there is almost always something to see. Times and prices vary.

Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX

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Wimbledon - Lawn Tennis Championships

It is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, held each year over a two week period in late June & early July. Take tram from Croydon to Wimbledon, then either use special bus service or short walk using directions provided on website. Typical journey time should be no more than 30-40 minutes.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, SW19 5AE

Beating Retreat

This was originally a 16th-century tradition for recalling troops to a castle at sunset before the gates closed. Today, the ceremony has evolved into a military pageant of music and precision drilling, while also serving as practice for military bands. The proceeds from ticket sales go to charity.

Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall

Held on the Wednesday and Thursday evenings before Trooping the Colour

£15–40

Gresham College

Founded in 1597 as London's alternative higher education institution to Oxford and Cambridge, Gresham College continues to provide free public lectures every week during term time. Most lectures require no booking, with wonderful speakers delivering lectures on wide range of interesting topics.

Barnard's Inn Hall, Holborn

Croydon Football Club

Croydon F.C are a semi-professional "non-league" football club founded in 1953, as Croydon Amateurs. They currently compete in the Kent League Premier Division. Croydon Sports Arena is 2 minutes walk away from the Arena tram stop. They are somewhat overshadowed by '''Croydon Athletic''' though.

Croydon Arena, Albert Road, South Norwood, SE25 4QL

Watermans Centre

The Watermans Centre is one of West London's finest arts and cultural venues. Watermans is especially noted for its promotion of Asian arts, particularly in the fields of visual arts, theatre and comedy. It also houses a leading independent cinema, gallery spaces and a noted Indian restaurant.

Brentford

The Old Vic

Kevin Spacey has been the artistic director here since 2003 receiving considerable media attention and starring in a number of the shows himself. Great for something a bit different, and further up the cut you can check The Young Vic which focuses on productions of a younger generation.

103 The Cut, SE1 8NB

Green Bridge

Walk over the Green Bridge, a unique structure that joins Bow Common to Mile End Park with its urban nature reserve, taking the park over the busy A12 road, ensuring uninterrupted greenery for several miles, from the bottom of Bow Common to the top of the beautiful Victoria Park.

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Excel

Exhibition and conference centre. The venue hosts such public events as the London Boat Show, the British Motor Show and the London Triathlon as well as numerous trade shows. It was a venue for the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics for sports such as boxing, table tennis and fencing.

1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock

Chinese New Year Festival

Worth seeing, though Gerrard St can get unbelievably crowded, as the dragon dancers pass along the street to collect goodies hung from windows above the shops. In recent years, the festival has expanded south into Leicester Sq and Trafalgar Sq to try to alleviate the congestion.

Tooting & Mitcham United Football Club

The ''Stripes'' are a football club based at Imperial Fields. This recently built stadium got promoted into Ryman Premier, two seasons ago looking forward to go into higher divisions. The club has a café/bar with real ale and with big screen TV (sky sports) and has a gym.

Imperial Fields, Bishopsford Rd, Mitcham

Blackheath Heath Fireworks Display

Every Guy Fawkes night (5th of November) Lewisham council put on a spectuacular free fireworks display. In the past few years, crowds of over 100,000 have amassed so stake a good spot earlier. The heath also host funfairs and circus at various times of the year.

Free

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Crystal Palace Football Club

Crystal Palace F.C are a professional football league club. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, capacity 26,309 (all seated), where it has been based since 1924.

Selhurst Park Stadium, Whitehorse Lane, SE25 6PU

Tooting Bec Common

is a real gem, with tennis courts, football fields and plenty of open space. Sports facilities include Tooting Leisure Centre and Pool, golf, horse riding, Tooting Bec Lido (the biggest open air pool in the UK), athletic track and the nearby Streatham Ice Rink.

The National Theatre

The Royal National Theatre is one of the UK's two most prominent publicly funded theatre companies. The controversial building is "an aesthetic of broken forms" meaning a concrete monster. The riverside forecourt has outdoor performances in the summer.

South Bank, SE1 9PX

Watch a film

As well as the world-famous blockbuster cinemas in the West End, London has a large number of superb art house cinemas. In the summer months, there are often outdoor screenings at various venues, such as Somerset House and in some of the large parks.

The Menier Chocolate Factory

This small theatre adjacent to Borough Market has done spectacularly well with revivals of musicals, including 'Sunday in the park with George' and 'A Little Night Music' both by Stephen Sondheim and which had runs in both the West End and Broadway.

Bike along the riverside

Follow the Thames path to Richmond upon Thames, Kew (home of the botanical gardens) and beyond into Barnes and Putney. In the opposite direction you will find Hampton Court, which has open air picnic concerts during the summer months.

London Wetland Centre

Substantial nature reserve on the old disused Barn Elms Reservoirs. A major wetland habitat for wintering wildfowl and an excellent choice for any keen birders visiting London, and an entertaining place for kids to learn about nature

Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes

£4.50-8.13

Everyman Cinema

One of London's most notable art house cinemas which offers a high quality experience. You pay for it, but the environment is very classy indeed. Has a sister cinema just down the hill in Belsize Park - The Everyman Belsize Park.

5 Hollybush Vale, NW3 6TX

from £13

The Royal Court

This theatre specialises in new writing, and recent productions that have transferred to great acclaim include 'Enron' by Lucy Prebble and 'Jerusalem' by Jez Butterworth, which had long runs in both the West End and on Broadway.

London Cru

Urban winery based in West London run by a team of experts that include international winemaker Gavin Monery and Master of Wine student Mark Andrew. The winery offers public tours, wine tastings, courses, and custom winemaking.

21/27 Seagrave Road

from £15

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St. Alfege Church

A beautiful Baroque church designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, (and is rumoured to have links with Occultists, Freemasons and such-like) and hosts classical music concerts and organ recitals. Its Christmas choir is enjoyable also.

Greenwich Church St, SE10 9BJ

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Free Walking Tours

There are a number of regular free walking tours in London but the most well known leaves from The Duke of Wellingon Arch twice daily and covers many of the important sights in Westminster. Duration about 2 and half hours.

Duke of Wellingon Arch

11:00 and 13:00 daily

Free/donation

The Oval

The second home of English cricket in London after Lords. You will find getting a ticket to a match involving England very difficult but Surrey play their home games here and tickets are nearly always available for those.

Kennington, SE11 5SS

Musical history tour

Tom Vague - a local music journalist and historian has put together an excellent do-it-yourself tour of Notting Hill focusing on its rich musical history. You can download it to you mp3 player from the Council web-site.

Thames Path

Start from Embankment St. If you feel energetic, from Embankment street walk south to Lower Richmond Rd via Festing Rd (a road of cute little white houses). Continue walking to the west until you reach Barnes Village.

The London Eye

Giant Ferris wheel on the south bank of the river Thames built to celebrate the new millenium. Incredibly busy, gives great views over London but best on a clear day. Best to book in advance and seek special offers.

Riverside Bldg, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB

Somerset House Ice Rink

In the courtyard of Somerset House, this has become a Londoner's favorite, although how it will compete with the newcomers remains to be seen. It is preferable to visit at night, when the Christmas tree is lit up.

Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club

Ronnie Scott's world-famous jazz venue. Most performances get booked up quickly: you need to reserve space on a table for dinner. Upstairs, there is a bar ("Ronnie's Bar") with more of a club-like environment.

47 Frith St, W1D 4HT

M-Sa 20:30-03:00 including Bank holidays (closed 24-26 Dec); live music 21:45-02:00

Non-members admission M-Th £20, F Sa £25; members admission M-Th £5, F Sa £10 (ordinary membership £60 per annum)

London Jewish Cultural Centre

Offers the widest range of Jewish learning opportunities (over 75 courses a term) and Jewish cultural events in the UK. Frequent concerts are hosted here and this is the former London home of Anna Pavlova.

Ivy House, 94-96 N End Rd, NW11 7SX

Hampstead Theatre

A repertory theatre that is about as far removed from glitzy west end productions as you could imagine. Dedicated to exposing new writing talent. Harold Pinter gained some of his earliest experience here.

Eton Ave, NW3 3EU

£15-20

Language Centre

Learn French or take courses on French culture from France's official teaching centre in the UK. Intensive courses can be completed in just two weeks, general courses are closer to 10–15 weeks.

13 Cromwell Pl, SW7 2JN

M–Th 09:00–20:30; F 09:00–16:00; Sa 09:30–16:30

From £295 per course & from £120 for 3 sessions of private tuition

Stockwell Skate Park

Also ironically named ''Brixton Beach'', this free skate park was originally built in 1970s. Both skateboarders and BMXers can regularly be seen riding or simply hanging out on the edges.

Stockwell Park Walk

English National Opera

A little easier to get tickets here than it is at the Royal Opera House but still difficult for the most notable productions. Look for last minute availability and off peak performances.

London Colliseum, St. Martin's Lane, WC2N 4ES

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East London Art Walks

A friendly, qualified art guide will take you round a selection of the most interesting exhibitions on at the moment and also talk about the history of contemporary art in East London.

20 Rivington St

Sa 15:00

£5/4

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Brentford Football Club

Known for being one of the more family-friendly London football clubs, with a loyal local following and deep roots in the community. Uniquely, there are (good) pubs on all 4 corners!

London School of Economics

LSE hosts a prestigious public lectures programme, which is nearly always free to attend, but may require a ticket in advance for a lecture by a Head of State or Nobel Prize winner.

Conference and Events Office, Houghton St, WC2A 2AE

Usually free.

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Walk Hackney Marshes

Lovely walk along the River Lea and canal which stretches across much of East London and further. A surprisingly rural experience in an otherwise densely built district of London.

St John's Smith Square

Former baroque church by Thomas Archer. From the '60 converted into a concert hall and featuring world class classical music performers with daily concerts from September to July.

St John's Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HA

Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm

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Croydon Grants

Entertainment Venue. Includes a large 11-screen Vue Cinema, The Milan Bar (a Wetherspoons chain pub), Reflex 80's Bar and Disco, Nandos and Tiger Tiger restaurant and nightclub.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Site of the London 2012 olypics and the [https://tickets.arcelormittalorbit.com/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=AMOc&C=AMOCS ArcelorMittal Orbit] with the worlds longest slide.

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Young Vic Theatre

Fab theatre on The Cut which is home to younger theatre artists, especially directors. Presents plays for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Lively bar and restaurant too.

The Cut, Waterloo

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02 Shepherd's Bush Empire

Built in 1903 and at the centre of the entertainment scene ever since, the Empire is one of London's premier live music venues, with an emphasis on contemporary rock and pop.

Shepherd's Bush Green, W12 8TT

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Ealing Comedy Festival

Ealing hosts an annual comedy festival in the summer. Speaking of comedy in Ealing, in the late 1940s and 1950s Ealing was famous for a series of comedy movies filmed there.

Ealing

Cineworld Haymarket

Slightly off the main area for cinemas and entertainment around Leicester Square and Theatreland this cinema offers projections of recent movies on three large screens.

63-65 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RL

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Canary Wharf Ice Rink

A café and bar, and the only genuine Central Park style skating in London, in the smart Canada Square park surrounding by glittering office tower blocks. Winter only.

Greenwich Picturehouse

Tends to show art-house films along the High St. The large Odeon multiplex has 18-screens, but is located a bit out-of-the way, at Bugsby Way, on the way to the 02.

180 Greenwich High Rd, SE10 8NN

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Conway Hall

Theatre and concert hall. Home of the National Secular Society and the South Place Ethical Society: often hosts lively debates on religion, politics and secularism.

25 Red Lion Sq, WC1R 4RL

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Blackfriars Westminster Walking Music Project

Users can download an mp3 that soundtracks their walk between Blackfriars Bridge and Westminster Bridge. The tailor made music reflects the changing environment.

Frog Tour

Along the Thames and through the streets of London in an amphibious vehicle. Operated by Capital Frogs Ltd, County Hall, on the south side of Westminster Bridge.

Queens Ice and Bowl

Queens is an entertainment centre with 50,000 sq ft of activities including ice skating, 12 lanes of ten pin bowling, karaoke rooms, bar, food and video games.

17 Queensway, W2 4QP

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London Palladium

Famous old London music hall whose boards have been trodden by many legendary names. These days it shows mostly blockbuster musical productions for the masses.

Argyll St, W1F 7TF

Football

Football enthusiasts can catch two clubs that play at Kingsmeadow, also known as The Cherry Red Records Fans' Stadium due to a commercial sponsorship deal.

Jack the Ripper Tour

For those of you with a morbid fascination with this 19th century murderer, this will hopefully feed your curiosity. Approx 2 hours. Book through website.

£8 per person

New End Theatre

The home of the New End Theatre Company and Pluto Productions. Has a fine reputation for producing high quality dramas away from the commercial spotlight.

27 New End, NW3 1JD

£16-18

Chocolate Factory

Converted sweets factory now used by local artists; there are regular shows and events here. The annual Open Studios is on the second weekend in November.

Clarendon Road, N22 6XJ

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Lord Mayor's Show

The ceremony celebrates the appointment of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London. It is one of the great annual processions held in all London.

Annual, normally November

Camden Town Audio Tour

Download the audio tour and take to the streets with Camdenite celebrity Robert Elms and explore Camden Town, an area known for being different.

Digital Revolution

An exhibition of digital art and creativity, including film, music and games, and the effect of technology on the arts. Runs until 14 September.

Barbican Centre

Th 11:00–22:00; F–W 11:00–20:00

£12.50 standard admission; £10.50 concessions; £8.50 students

London Walks

Consider going along on one of the many excellent guided tours of the City, often with an evocative theme for example ghosts or Jack the Ripper.

Rio Cinema

A splendid old cinema dating back to the 1900s. Specialises in foreign language films, offbeat arthouse productions and children's programming.

107 Kingsland High St, E8

Arsenal FC

The famous Premier League club play at the Emirates Stadium in the north of the district. Count yourself very lucky if you can secure a ticket!

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Curzon Mayfair

Retro 70s decor, a relaxing bar area and comfortable seating combine with a great art-house billing, easily one of the best cinemas in London.

38 Curzon St

La Médiathèque

The largest French library in the UK. Read and borrow French books from the library. Non-members are free to browse; members can borrow books.

17 Queensberry Pl, SW7 2DT

Tu–Sa noon–19:00 (18:00 on Th)