Cheap Things To Do In London

'Broke as a joke' is a phrase that gets thrown around on the regular in London; everybody feels it, everybody knows the pain and even if you're lucky enough to have money, it doesn't last for long. If only there was a place where you could find the very best affordable activities and experiences this fun city has to offer. Well, like music to your ears, here lies a nifty little low-down of cheap events in London, where everything from comedy to experiences are coming in around the £5 - £30 mark.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 10th December 2024




Good Ship Comedy

They say laughter is the best medicine, so why not start your weekend early with some of the finest comedians on the circuit? With top-notch headliners from the UK and beyond, as well as some award-winning new talent, Good Ship Comedy will take you on a hilarious journey like no other, starting at just £12 a pop. Spread out all over London town, you can head to Swimmer in Grafton Arms, The Birds in Leytonstone and South London Theatre in West Norwood to revel in the acts of comedians like Ellie Taylor, Shapphi Khorsandi, Bec Hill, Abandoman and many more.

FABAL Beerhall

Whether you're in the mood for stand-up comedy, dancing to live DJ sets or quiz and karaoke nights, you can find it all at Fabal Beerhall. Situated on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, this lively destination is home to some of the best events around.

There's plenty to do here that's entirely free, while most other events cost less than a tenner. You can enjoy their own brand of lager while you're there, alongside wine and cocktails.

DAB, PLAY, WIN: PLONK HACKNEY BINGO!

@ Plonk Golf - Hackney on Thursday 16th January 2025 and 11 other Thursdays

Embark on a wacky journey of bingo and golf which lets you putt through a tropical-themed 9-hole crazy golf course. Navigate through the jaws of a shark, ride down a volcanic slope, loop around a giant stone, and teeter on the edge of a totem, all while enjoying a game of bingo at Plonk Golf Hackney - Bingo Night. Once you've finished your rounds, step into the Club House for a blast from the past to revel in everything from retro arcades to pool tables and a games bar.

The Five Points Brewing Co

The Five Points Brewing Co is inviting you to join them for their brilliant beer-fuelled events in East London, which all happen to be free or less than £20. While some have DJs and focus on guest beers, whatever goings-on you choose, you'll get to nurse tasty Green Hop pints.

Draughts London

Draughts London can be found in Hackney and Waterloo, boasting a selection of nostalgic boardgames and delicious snacks from its kitchen. It's the perfect affordable activity for you and your mates, especially on Tuesdays when it hosts its boardgame meetup from just £7.25 each. 

And for those of you looking to test out your knowledge? Venture down on Thursdays for its quiz nights, sip crips lagers and snack on pulled shitake mushroom bao buns, halloumi fires and short rib birria tacos (plus so much more).

Hashtag Parties

In need of cheap things to do in London for young adults? With tickets from just £5, these epic parties are taking over iconic clubs and bringing you nights out to remember. Join the Hashtag team across the city for themed blowouts, including circus events at Tiger Tiger, Freshers mixers and more.

The Star of Bethnal Green

With two for £12 cocktails every Thursday and £5 margaritas on a Monday, The Star of Bethnal Green is always a great shout for cheap drinks. The events here are pretty affordable too, with tickets to the likes of tequila festivals featuring mariachi bands and high-energy drag bingo with Dame Jane coming in at under a tenner.

EWE Live Pro Wrestling at The Station

@ The Station on Sunday 5th January 2025 and 9 other Sundays

At only £15 adult entry to each of their events, Elite Wrestling Entertainment are bringing you a bargain. Each action-packed event makes sure you get the chance to enjoy all the thrills and spills of the canvas, booing and cheering on as wrestlers take part in their display of passion and athleticism. Plus, if you're bringing your family to an afternoon session, there are great ticket deals.

Golf Kingdom Chadwell Heath

After cheap things to do outdoors in London? Golf Kingdom Chadwell Heath sees you navigating the jaws of a whale, a huge lake and an eight-metre waterfall across the UK's biggest adventure golf course, with tickets starting from £5. Topping it off is the chance to get stuck into FootGolf too.

plonk

Looking for cheap date night ideas? Plonk offers budding golf aficionados the chance to tee off for just £5. Simply nab a couple of off-peak tickets and you can take on these impressive crazy golf courses across the city for yourselves.

The Star of Kings

The Star of Kings fills with revellers after work in the evening as it's a characterful boozer nestled in a prime location: Kings Cross. Kitted out with dark furnishings, rose gold light fixtures and floral wallpaper, it makes for a pretty setting to enjoy a pint or two, alongside some Breddos Tacos. On Tuesdays, you'll find its weekly quiz in full swing for £2 each, run by a master with over thirty years of experience in the business and throughout the week you can always count on a spot of karaoke to get you in the mood to party.

Laugh Train Home Events

Spend an evening watching a hilarious lineup of seasoned comics and talented up-and-comers at Laugh Train Home, a brilliant comedy club in London. Catch names such as Rhys James, Jen Brister and Jack Barry for the wallet-friendly price of £7.

Elephant & Castle Stand Up Comedy Night - It's Comedy

@ Upstairs at the Spit & Sawdust on Wednesday 8th January 2025 and 3 other Wednesdays

If you're in the mood for some guaranteed giggles, head to Upstairs at the Spit & Sawdust for the London Bridge Stand-Up Comedy Night, hosted by Buffering Comedy. The best part? Entry is free - just pay what you can. Kicking off from the 23rd of October, it's your midweek dose of laughs.

Every Wednesday, you'll be treated to stand-up from comedians who've graced the stages of BBC, ITV, Netflix, and more. Whether it's date night or a catch-up with mates, this night is sure to have you rolling in the aisles.

The Phoenix Events

Located in Cavendish Square, The Phoenix is a lively venue which hosts all sorts of affordable fun, with some events costing just £4. They've got entertainment like game shows and live music, as well as quizzes themed around popular films and TV shows, from Friends to Harry Potter.

Neon Naked Life Drawing

If you want to take part in a quirky activity that won't break the bank, Neon Naked Life Drawing is the event for you. The affordable art class will have you playing with neon paints and letting out your creativity in a fun, welcoming setting, all for just £15. 

Gameshow Spectacular - An Immersive Gameshow Experience

@ Shoreditch Balls on Thursday 23rd January 2025 and 4 other dates

Step into the spotlight and become the star of your own gameshow at Shoreditch's Gameshow Spectacular - The Ultimate Interactive Quiz Experience. Forget everything you think you know about dull trivia - this is an action-packed, immersive experience full of outrageous costumes, quirky challenges, and plenty of laughs.

Gather your squad and dive into a series of hilarious games that'll keep everyone on their toes. Tickets start at just £10, so grab yours now and prepare for an unforgettable night of comedy, trivia, and pure fun.

Thats Drag Bingo

Paying homage to the power of community and the magic of drag, Thats Drag Bingo in Shoreditch and High Barnet invites everyone to be part of something extraordinary. Your hosts for the night will be Orange Gina, the one with the juicy bits, and her trusted sidekick and spouse, DJ Ariel Bold, guiding you as you get ready to battle it out for the lip-sync crown, compete in dance-offs, and enjoy a night filled with interactive fun, community and cheer starting at just £5 a pop.

The Libra Theatre Cafe

Step into the world of creativity and culture at The Libra Theatre Café, where the magic of theatre meets a cosy, welcoming café atmosphere. Perfectly situated for those looking for a pre-show drink or a relaxing space to unwind, this hidden gem offers more than just a place to grab a coffee.

Whether you're grabbing a quick bite, enjoying a cocktail, or attending one of their intimate live performances or quizes, The Libra Theatre Café is the perfect blend of artistic flair and delicious food and drinks. It's the ultimate spot to combine your love for the arts with a relaxed, vibrant setting.

Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours

With tickets from just £10, these events are not only fun and uplifting, but they're purse-friendly. Expect to see some of London's iconic landmarks as you scour the streets, soundtracked by hits from the 70's to present day; there's even the occasional flash mob to enjoy along the way. 

The Chocolate Cocktail Club

Just £10 nabs you a table and your first drink at The Chocolate Cocktail Club, a delectable den of truly indulgent tipples and treats. Use the likes of Toblerone and Terry's Chocolate Orange-inspired concoctions to wash down light bites or cake, perfect if you're after cheap things to do in London for couples.

The Heathcote and Star

A sky-light filled cosy boozer in Leytonstone, The Heathcote And Star has everything you need for an unforgettable time. Whether you want to laugh your socks off with their Oh So Funny comedy nights or eat your heart out at their delish Sunday roasts, they've got you covered with the best eats and entertainemnt.

SUPA DUPA FLY

It's doesn't have to cost a bomb to party at some of the best places in London as Supa Dupa Fly proves, with tickets starting from £5. The legendary club night is taking over London's coolest spaces for their huge hip hop nights, and best of all, you can always afford to join in with the fun.

Sky Garden

Searching for cheap and free things to do in London? Check out Sky Garden for their morning yoga classes if you're looking to stretch while admiring panoramic views of the city, for less than £10 each. Or you can opt for the venue's music-themed nights so you can have a cocktail while jamming out to tunes.

Ballie Ballerson London

After cheap activities in London? Head to Shoreditch where Ballie Ballerson is offering you entry from as little as £5, as well as themed cocktails, giant ball pits and even bottomless brunch starting from £25. What more could you want?

Brixton Jamm

When it comes to affordable group nights out in London, few places are as fun as Brixton Jamm. Providing massive club nights, themed quizzes, brunches, comedy and bingo events, this spot has something for everyone without breaking the bank.

Tuesday Night Stand-up Comedy, Soho

@ The Spice of Life on Tuesday 24th December 2024 and 157 other Tuesdays

Make your way to The Spice of Life from Leicester Square, grab a drink at its well-stocked bar and take a seat in front of the glowing red lights to witness a lineup featuring some of London's top funny-makers. With credits from the likes of Mock the Week and Netflix, Tuesday Night Standup Comedy at this quirky haunt is bound to impress. What's more, tickets are only a fiver. Bargain. 

Zebrano London Soho

Looking for affordable things to do in Soho? Zebrano London is a seriously cool, hidden cocktail bar that's hosting cheap and free comedy nights, where you'll see talented new names hitting the stage, as well as pub quizzes that'll only set you back £3.

The Velvet Rodeo

@ Sarah Kravitz Gallery on Tue, 17th Dec 2024 @ multiple start times (see ticket info)

The Velvet Rodeo is the one-week-only, totally free event that's coming to the Sarah Kravitz Gallery. Get your disco-country dancing boots on for a live immersive show, country karaoke and even DJs for entertainment, as well as line dancing, cowboy hat-decorating and goes on their very own Platinum Pony.

Themed cocktails? Got those too. Better yet, entry is totally free.

Nordic Bar

Head to Nordic Bar every week for Stock Exchange Fridays, where screens across the venue display live prices for drinks that rise and fall depending on demand - meaning you're sure to bag a bargain and even try something new. But that's not all, as there's live music each Thursday and live sport too.

The Horatia N7

A proper pub in Highbury & Islington, The Horatia boasts an exciting calendar of affordable events, from dedicated vinyl nights on a Friday to Wednesday quizzes. Whether music, sport or trivia is your pastime of choice, this place has it either for free or a small cost.

ROLLING STOCK EVENTS

Rolling Stock knows what's up when it comes to hosting fun-filled events for Londoners. Fronting arched walls and glitter balls, this quirky haunt hosts quiz nights on Thursday where there's a £20 bar tab up for grabs each round. Then, on Sundays, you'll find some of the city's most talented musicians playing gorgeous jazz music.

Events at Gipsy Hill Brewery

If you're looking for cheap things to do in South East London, then make sure to check out Gipsy Hill Taproom. Here, you'll find a wicked Wednesday quiz night that'll only cost £2 to enter, plus all kinds of unique, pop-up events and brilliant brewery tours every Sunday.