London is one of the most happening cities in the world and is tough to beat when it comes to all the cultural goings-on that take place each and every day. But all those exhibitions, gigs, and theatre tickets come at a cost, right? Wrong! There’s loads on offer where you can have a great time without spending a dime (or pound for that matter). From football fever taking over Trafalgar Square to the return of Europe’s biggest street festival, here are some of the best pocket-friendly things to check out in the capital this summer. And what’s more, you can get there your way with FREE NOW, the mobility super app that allows you to choose between four modes of transport: black cabs, private rides, eScooters and eBikes. But more on that below. First, let’s plan your social calendar, shall we?
Anytime
There is a wealth of green spaces ripe for exploring in London, but the majority rely on the weather playing ball – and with this being the UK, that isn’t always guaranteed. This roof garden in Canary Wharf is ideal during a seasonal summer shower and is jammed with enough exotic flora to give Kew a run for its money. Head along for sunset and drink in the views across the capital with a beverage from one of the neighbouring bars.
July 10
Soho is a vibrant place to walk around at the best of times, but once a year, transforms itself into a full-on village fete complete with bunting, tug of war and a raffle. If you’re heading down, be sure not to miss the legendary Waiters’ Race. Setting off from the French House, it sees waiters and waitresses from Soho’s bars charge around the streets while balancing a napkin, Champagne flute and half a bottle of bubbly on a tray – creating the ultimate adult egg and spoon race.
July 15-August 14
The National Theatre’s free weekenders return across five dates in July and August with a variety of performances for all ages. Renowned LGBTQ+ venue The Glory will be kicking off the opening weekend with more drag shows than you can shake a glittery stick at, while other curators include Manchester’s cultural hub, HOME; the best up-and-coming talent courtesy of Hackney Empire Young Producers; a celebration of all things dance with the award-winning Hofesh Shechter Company; before the National Theatre throws its own closing party to remember.
July 23-31
The beautiful game is returning to the capital once more this summer as Wembley Stadium hosts the Women’s Euros final. If you missed out on a ticket, it’s not too late to get involved in the action with a fan park rolling into Trafalgar Square for the last nine days of the tournament. As well as showing the semis and the final live on the big screen, there will also be a screening of Bend It Like Beckham and plenty of football-themed fun to sink your studs into.
August 20-24
The six-day Victoria Park shindig rolls around once more this August but it’s not all guitar gods and banging baselines. In the middle of the two weekends of partying, the festival arena opens its doors for four days of wholesome, free activities for all the family, including open-air film screenings and kids’ creative workshops.
August 28-29
Notting Hill Carnival needs no introduction, but here’s one anyway. The mas bands, colourful costumes and sound systems have become a staple of the city’s summer since the ‘60s, bringing a two-day celebration of Caribbean culture to the streets of west London. This year marks the first edition of the iconic street party since 2019, and after two years away, it’s sure to be one of the biggest ones yet.
Thanks to FREE NOW, the mobility super app, you can travel on your terms this summer, keeping you connected with the things you love across the capital. FREE NOW is fast, flexible and offers four different transport types at the tap of an app:
Black Cabs
FREE NOW is the UK’s biggest black cab app, which means there are plenty of these iconic cars to go ‘round. What’s more, you can select an electric vehicle, and your expert driver can actually use the bus lane to get you to your destination faster.
Private Ride
Convenient, affordable and available in London, Private Rides are always there when you need them.
eScooters and eBikes
Zip around with ease, sun on your cheeks. FREE NOW has partnered with two London suppliers (Tier and Dott) which means you can legally scoot or cycle around the capital.
