Get yourself Cultured: Autumn-Winter Edition
As the days get shorter and colder (not by much though, thanks global warming) you might find yourself wondering what to do in London - for cheap. We are students, after all. If you’re looking for things to do outside of spending your days at the library, the Griff Inn, and Oslo, look no further!
Fine Arts
October 26 - April 28
The Cult of Beauty at the Wellcome Collection
What’s the only thing better than a cheap art exhibition? A FREE art exhibition!
This autumn/winter, the history and influence of beauty across cultures will be explored in detail at the Wellcome Collection in Euston (which, incidentally, is also a great little study spot). The collection has over 200 items, including historical objects, artworks, films and new commissions and can be viewed entirely for free!
November 10 - April 14
Holbein at The Tudor Court If you ever had a Tudor phase as a child (nope? just me? okay) this exhibition is an absolute must see. Over 100 pieces of artwork from the time of Henry VIII’s reign will be on display, many of which were painted by the portrait artist Hans Holbein the Younger! If that name sounds familiar, he’s the guy that painted the infamous portrait of Anne of Cleves! The exhibition is included in the cost of a general admission ticket - £12 for those 24 and younger.
Comedy and Theatre
From November 7
The Witches at the National Theatre If you’re under the age of 25, the National Theatre offers tickets to many of their productions, including The Witches, for just £10 - sometimes even less! All you have to do is google ‘National Theatre 16-25’, click the very first link, and watch as your bank account magically empties! Please note that if you book tickets via this scheme, you have to bring a valid form of ID to the show, or they might not let you in.
Every Thursday
Backyard Comedy Club
Yes, yes, everybody knows about Backyard in Bethnal Green, which is arguably the best comedy club in East London, but did you know that while weekend tickets are comparatively spenny, the shows on Thursdays can be as low as £7.50? Cheap, close, and always hilarious? Sign me up.
October 23- November 12
La Traviata at the London Coliseum
Don’t skip over this one just because it’s an opera!Operas aren’t just for Tories and people who speak Italian, I promise. This particular production of La Traviata, a very very famous piece of work, is sung in English with subtitles displayed above the stage! Among other things, La Traviata is about cheating and tuberculosis, the two main ingredients in every good love story. Tickets go as low as £13!
Food + Drink
October 28 - January 4
Southbank’s Winter Festival
A personal fave, Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival is NOT one to miss this winter! Plenty of stalls, loads of food, and the best Christmas vibes south of the Thames. The Southbank Centre also have a load of events on offer, including various pop-ups throughout winter featuring The Curling Club, Fire and Fromage, and Choco Fruit!
Various: Try A New Restaurant
Loads and loads of new restaurants are popping up in London every month, so ditch the Rusty Bike (sorry Rusty Bike, I love you Rusty Bike) for something a bit newer! Some new hot spots close to Barts include: Chayote, a Peruvian/Mexican restaurant by St Katherine Docks; Bistro Freddie, a new bistro in Shoreditch; and Taco Taco, a taco restaurant opened by a Chelsea footballer also in Shoreditch!
Other
November 5
Bonfire Night Fireworks
Loads of parks and venues are putting on their annual Bonfire Night firework displays, many of which you can view for free! With countless displays across London, including those in Battersea Park, Dulwich, Victoria Palace, and the ever-trusty Mile End Park, there are plenty of options come November 5th!
November 17 - January 1
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland
No list of things to do in London over the winter season is complete without a mention of Winter Wonderland. Although tickets can be free, depending on what day and time slot you pick, much of the festival is not! With rides, an ice skating rink, and plenty of food and drink, Winter Wonderland is truly a London staple!
As you can see, if you can bear leaving your cosy flat for the cold outdoors, there’s plenty of things to do in London this winter on a budget! From the fine arts to theatre with plenty of festivals and markets in between, you’re sure to never run out of fun activities!
