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Finding vibrant, soulful things to do in London doesn't have to mean watching your bank balance vanish into thin air. As the blossoms hit their peak and the city shakes off the last of the winter chill, May is the perfect time to get out exploring without overspending. Whether you’re a local looking to spice up your routine or you’re planning cheap day trips to London, there’s plenty of accessible joy waiting for you.
We know the city has a reputation for being pricey, but with a few savvy London budget tips, you can have a world-class experience on a shoestring. From hidden garden gems to creative workshops that cost less than a fancy dinner, here is your ultimate guide to low budget London this May.
How to navigate the city on a shoestring
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk strategy! If you’re figuring out how to spend a Saturday in London without breaking the bank, your first step is mastering the art of the A to B. Here are our top tips for getting around for less:
- Hop on the bus: At just £1.75 per journey, the bus is significantly cheaper than the Tube. Even better, the Hopper fare means you can take unlimited bus or tram journeys within one hour for that single price – perfect for a quick scenic tour!
- Tap and go: Never buy paper tickets! Use a contactless card or phone to tap in and out. The system automatically calculates the best fare and applies a daily cap (£8.90 for Zones 1-2), so you never pay more than you should.
- Walk the short cuts: Central London is surprisingly compact. Walking between stations like Leicester Square and Covent Garden actually takes less time than the Tube (and it's free!).
- Rent a Boris Bike: For just £3.50, you can get 24 hours of access to the Santander Cycles system. It’s a breezy, fun way to see the parks!
25 ways to enjoy low budget London escapades
1. Experience global cuisine without buying a plane ticket
Who needs a long-haul flight when you can find a Mexican Supper Club in the heart of the city? For £69, you get an authentic, multi-course feast and a chance to meet new people. If you’re looking for places to meet up in London, grab your mates, ditch the noisy, pricey restaurant and dive in!
Where is it? East Finchley, North London
How much does it cost? £69 for four courses
2. Catch a flick at the Herne Hill Film Festival
The Herne Hill Free Film Festival runs from the 27th April to 22nd May 2026, and is a May must-do. Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and enjoy a cinematic masterpiece under the stars. It’s a community-led gem that proves the best things in life (and London) really can be free.
Where is it? Herne Hill, South London
How much does it cost? Free
3. Level up your foodie game
Grab a coffee and spend your morning enjoying the scents (and tastes!) of Borough Market, then head to a tea towel lino printing workshop nearby. You’ll finish the day with plenty of local ingredients, new creative skills and hand printed kitchen textiles to remember the day – what’s not to love?
Where is it? Southwark, Central London
How much does it cost? £40, plus funds for tasty treats from Borough Market
4. Visit the new V&A East Museum
The much-anticipated V&A East is a total game-changer for low budget London activities; it’s completely free to enter and offers a fresh, contemporary look at global creativity. We think it’s one of the best places to meet up in London if you want a dose of culture without the hefty price tag.
Where is it? Stratford, East London
How much does it cost? Free
5. Relax with a picnic and watercolour painting
If you’re wondering how to spend an afternoon in London, Hyde Park is the answer! Enjoy some al fresco food with a picnic by the Serpentine, and then head to a beginners’ watercolour class in Victoria and use your morning immersed in nature as inspiration. It’s a peaceful, creative way to soak up the May sunshine.
Where is it? Victoria, Central London
How much does it cost? £26, plus whatever you spend on the picnic
6. Get inspired by an exhibition and then create your own masterpiece
London’s art scene is buzzing in May! Check out In Other Worlds at the Barbican (£19), the Whistler exhibition at Tate Britain (£24), or for a super saver option try Somerset House’s Holy Pop, which is pay what you can. Feeling inspired? Finish off the day by heading to a BYOB paint and sip experience to create your own wall-worthy piece of artwork
Where is it? Paint and sip experience in Finsbury Park, North London. Exhibitions at various locations across the city
How much does it cost? £28 for the paint and sip workshop, exhibitions vary
7. Meet local makers at open studio events
Fancy a sneak peek behind the curtain of the city’s creative hubs? Open studio events are a fantastic way to meet local makers, chat about their work and see creative spaces that are usually closed to the public. Art House Open Studios from Arts Richmond (the last two weekends in May) features talks and demonstrations from local artists in everything from ceramics and fluid art to cyanotype and photography.
Where is it? Richmond upon Thames
How much does it cost? Free
8. Walk The Line
Connecting Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and The O2, The Line is a free outdoor art trail. You’ll see sculptures by world-renowned artists, immerse yourself in nature and explore local heritage while getting your steps in along the waterways. A great freebie for a lovely sunny day in May!
Where is it? East London
How much does it cost? Free
9. Master the art of kintsugi
Looking for low budget London activities that offer a bit of zen? Try a Kintsugi taster class. Led by a pottery pro, you can learn the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold, turning those mistakes into masterpieces.
Where is it? Hackney, North London
How much does it cost? From £40
10. Visit the Sky Garden
You don't need to pay for the Shard to get a bird’s eye view of the city! If you book in advance, access to the Sky Garden is totally free, and it’s one of the most spectacular places to meet up in London for a sunset view.
Where is it? The City of London
How much does it cost? Free, for a limited time
11. Try a flower pressing workshop
May is the height of spring, and this season is all about the blooms! Join a dried meadow hoop workshop to preserve your favourite florals, and turn them from a simple bouquet into an everlasting work of art.
Where is it? Hillingdon, West London
How much does it cost? £35
12. Explore the Barbican Conservatory
This tropical oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle is free to visit (just be sure to book your slot!) and is perfect for a rainy May afternoon.Surrounded by trailing vines and exotic fish, you'll feel like you've discovered one of the most serene places to visit in London without spending a single penny.
Where is it? City of London
How much does it cost? Free
13. Try a Macramé plant hanger class
Give your houseplants a lovely new home with a macrame plant holder class. It's a crafty way to spend a few hours, meet some new people and leave with something beautiful for your home. A win-win-win!
Where is it? Woolwich, South-East London
How much does it cost? £38
14. Wander through Columbia Road Flower Market
Even if you don't buy anything, the atmosphere here on a Sunday is electric! It’s a top pick for cheap day trips to London – this floral heaven is the perfect place to people-watch with a coffee in hand, and once the market starts to wind down, you can explore the quirky independent shops that line the road for a bit of window shopping.
Where is it? Tower Hamlets, East End
How much does it cost? It’s free – plus whatever you spend on blooms and beverages!
15. Learn DIY soy candle making
Fill your home with scent by attending a candle making workshop. For £35, you’ll learn the chemistry of wax and fragrance, and you’ll leave with a custom candle that would cost a fortune in the shops!
Where is it? Woolwich, South-East London
How much does it cost? £35
16. Discover the God’s Own Junkyard neon wonderland
If you’re looking for the most amazing places to visit in London on a budget, head out to Walthamstow to find this incredible neon warehouse. It’s completely free to enter and wander through a psychedelic maze of vintage signs, movie props, and glowing art. It’s an absolute dream for your social media feed and one of our favourite London budget tips for a rainy day.
Where is it? Walthamstow, East End
How much does it cost? Free
17. Beginners’ calligraphy session
Go analogue in May and swap the laptop for a nib and ink. A calligraphy class is a great way to improve your focus, and it’ll give you the skills to make beautiful cards, invitations and even wordy wall art to brighten up your space.
Where is it? Hackney or Homerton, East London, dependent on dates
How much does it cost? £35
18. Watch a show at The Globe
Think going to see a play is super pricey? Think again! At The Globe, you can snag standing Groundling tickets for just £5-£10. You’ll be right in the thick of the action, experiencing Shakespeare exactly as the Elizabethans did.
Where is it? Southwark, Central London
How much does it cost? £5-£10
19. Have a go at terrazzo coaster making
Eco-resin is all the rage – it’s super creative and sustainable as well, making your next art project good for the planet and your pad! Spend a sunny afternoon in May at a terrazzo workshop, where you’ll get to mix your own colours and create a set of coasters that look like they’ve come straight from an interior design magazine.
Where is it? Haringey, North London
How much does it cost? From £30
20. Stroll through the Kyoto Garden
Located in Holland Park, this Japanese garden is a pocket of total tranquillity and makes the perfect spot to sit with a book or simply enjoy a moment of stillness. It’s completely free and features a waterfall and peacocks – we think it’s one of the most amazing places to visit in London if you’re looking for affordable things to do.
Where is it? Holland Park, West London
How much does it cost? Free
21. Try a perfume blending taster
Ditch the shop bought perfume and discover your signature scent without the designer price tag! A perfume making workshop lets you play with high-quality oils and fragrant notes, and what better way to channel all that spring bloom inspo?
Where is it? Southwark, South-East London
How much does it cost? From £49
22. Explore the Horniman Museum
From the fascinating musical instrument gallery to the Grade II listed conservatory, this museum in Forest Hill is completely free and delightfully quirky. If you’re looking for places to meet friends in London that offer a bit of culture alongside a great view, this South London gem is a total winner.
Where is it? Forest Hill, South London
How much does it cost? Free
23. Hand-building pottery class
Get your hands messy and discover the tactile joy of a clay workshop. Led by a pottery pro, you can learn the fundamental basics of pinch pots and coiling, which are surprisingly easy to master (even if you’re a total newbie!). The meditative process of shaping your piece is brilliant for a bit of mental reset, and you’ll have a bespoke piece of stoneware to show off on your coffee table!
Where is it? Spitalfields, East London
How much does it cost? From £20
24. Walk the Regent’s Canal
Looking for ways to spend a sunny May day in London? Then get your comfy shoes on and follow the sparkling water from the houseboats of Little Venice all the way to Camden Town. This peaceful route is our favourite way to go in London for a long, slow Sunday morning, offering a quiet view of the city away from the noisy main roads.
Where is it? North London
How much does it cost? Free
25. Paint your own street art
If you’ve ever admired the murals of Shoreditch, why not grab a spray can yourself and get stuck in? A street art workshop Is an absolute blast and one of the most vibrant things to do this May. Under the guidance of a local pro, you’ll learn stencilling and can control techniques to create your own urban masterpiece – perfect if you want to get a little rebellious with your creativity!
Where is it? Brick Lane
How much does it cost? £40
Make the most of your May
By following these London budget tips, you can fill your May calendar with culture, craft, and community – without the financial hangover. Whether you’re figuring out how to spend a Saturday in London by the canal or learning a new skill in a hidden studio, this is the perfect time to explore. The city is waiting – go and find your joy!
Runs regularly
Nine Elms
1 to 65 guests
£34 - £40
6 years in business
