Alice Saville

Look, we love London. But even so, we can't deny that this city is devilishly good at coming up with ways to drain your bank balance, whether it's restaurants that persuade you to order an ever-expanding array of small plates, surprisingly costly pints, or shops so high-end you're scared to so much as sneeze. Still, does that mean you need money to have a good time? Absolutely not. As Time Out editors, we’ve become experts at hunting down ways to enjoy the city on a shoestring. Lots of us started out as broke students here, and since then we’ve scoured every corner for cheap things to do before payday hits.  From free museums and art galleries to gorgeous parks, gratis jazz nights to balletic performances that won’t cost you a penny, you could easily fill every night of the week with free stuff to do in London (although if you’re willing to part with a few quid, there’s plenty more great stuff to do around the city for less than the price of your average Zone 1 pint). So when it comes to planning a fun day or night out in London, 'I'm too broke' just doesn't cut it as an excuse anymore. Read on for some fab, free ways to make yourself (and your bank balance) very happy indeed.  RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in London Best free things to do in London at a glance 🐥 Best for families: Visit a city farm 😂 Best for a laugh: Angel Comedy nights ☀️ Best for a hot day: Visit a park 🛍️ Best for browsing: Visit a market

Running 26.2 miles across our great city dressed as a rhino or Colin the Caterpillar is a feat that the majority of us Londoners will probably never be brave enough to attempt. But some courageous souls who aren’t averse to hours of gruelling training willingly put themselves in the crosshairs of shin splints and runner’s knee and, for that, they should be applauded. So, when 50,000 of them take part in the London Marathon in a few months, it’s your duty to cheer them on. The 2026 marathon will take place on Sunday April 26, and will follow the traditional route from Greenwich Park into central London, through a much-photographed stretch that takes in Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Use our guide below to plan where you’ll station yourself and to track down nearby pubs and bars for when all that whooping and clapping leaves you feeling nearly as parched as the runners. Remember: your presence at this monumental sporting occasion means it is 100 per cent allowed to drink lager or rosé in the street at 10am. Keep in mind that you won’t be having a lie-in until lunchtime if you plan to attend. Everyone taking part laces up pretty early, with elite runners usually starting their slog around 8.30am before the masses join them from 10am. Here’s our winning guide to this year’s marathon. What landmarks can I spot on the London Marathon route? If you hadn’t noticed, the marathon route is loooooong. Starting in Greenwich Park in south-east London and finishing right by Buc

Summer's finally here! And that means it's high time you dug out last year's swimsuit (faintly bobbly though it may be) and took it for a spin in one of London's many gorgeous outdoor pools. But don't even think of heading to your local noisy, chlorine-scented indoor swimming baths. When the temperatures soar, lidos are the only way to go. I'm one of the growing band of Londoners who's been bitten by the outdoor swimming bug, and braved the waters at every al fresco pool I can find in this city. Yep, the water's a bit chilly. But that's the whole point: to feel that rush of exhilaration you only get once your body adjusts to the cool water and starts gliding through it like a dolphin (or in my case, a geriatric elephant seal – I said I'm a keen outdoor swimmer, not a good one).   The seriously dedicated will head to wild swimming spots where you bob about face to face with aggy ducks and the odd bit of pondweed. But if you want to get a proper swim in, lidos are the easiest, freshest way to do it. Heated or unheated, regimented lanes or wide open water, serious fitness or chilled family fun – these are all of London’s best lidos and outdoor swimming pools for making a splash in this summer. Best lidos and outdoor swimming spots in London at a glance 🏊‍♀️ Best for getting lengths in: Tooting Bec Lido 🥐 Best for a post swim brunch: Brockwell Lido ☀️ Best for warm water all year round: Pools on the Park ✨ Best for beautiful views: Parliament Hill Lido 🏖️ Best for hanging ou

They might not be as well-known as Spain’s stretches of sand or the sun-bleached white fringes of the Seychelles, but the UK's beaches still pack a punch. Who needs palm trees or constantly balmy temperatures when you've got the lure of the classic British seaside, from tutti-frutti striped beach huts and deck chairs to stone harbours, donkey rides and fish ‘n’ chips.  If you live in London, the pull of a jolly boys’ outing is hard to resist when the temperature starts to climb in the summer months, and it’s easier to swap views of skyscrapers for salty air and unending sea horizons than you might think. There’s a whole range of secluded, photogenic beach destinations, all steeped in charm, just a short train journey away on the UK’s southern coast. Luckily, London sits within easy reach of seaside towns, scenic coastal walks and even some of the best beaches in the UK.  Whether you want to explore the vast, unbroken expanse of Camber Sands to the eerie, otherworldly beauty of Dungeness, we’ve rounded up the best beaches within two hours of the capital. Best beaches near London at a glance 🏊‍♀️ Best for swimming: East Beach, Littlehampton 🦀 Best for scoffing seafood: Leigh-on-Sea ☀️ Best for secluded sunbathing: Botany Bay, near Broadstairs ✨ Best for sheer beauty: Cuckmere Haven, Seaford 🏖️ Best for seaside kitsch: Clacton-on-Sea, Essex RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from LondonThe best family day trips from LondonThe best weekend trips from London

Once, London's bubble tea culture was confined to a handful of tiny shops in Chinatown. But now, we're in the middle of a serious boba boom, with brand new joints popping up all over the city. Suddenly, Londoners are rarely more than a few minutes away from bubble tea shops that offer a thrilling variety of toppings. Popping pearls, custard, cheese, cornflakes... if you can suck it through an extra-wide straw, you can probably find it in the depths of a bubble tea somewhere in this city.  Bubble tea was invented by an enterprising tea shop in Taiwan's Taichung City, where a cafe owner had the idea of adding chewy tapioca 'pearls' to his signature drink. So it's unsurprising that many of London's bubble tea shops are branches of Taiwan-based chains like Yi Fang or Ding Tea. But there are plenty of smaller outfits serving up creative takes on this fun beverage, alongside snacks like wheelcakes or pork buns. Here's our pick of the very best. RECOMMENDED: The best ice cream in London.

Think London museums and you're probably imagining the Victorian-era titans of South Kensington and Bloomsbury, with their grand facades and teeming collections of artefacts plundered from across the world. But although the likes of the British Museum and Natural History Museum are a fine place to squander a day or two, there are plenty of other, more atmospheric treasure troves to uncover in this history-stuffed city. These weird and wonderful museums are often the legacy of a single collector's private passions, and visiting them can feel like stepping inside someone's mind, the walls lined with objects that document their interests and obsessions. Often, that passion can be infectious. You don't have to be a Bridgerton fan to take a flutter on Greenwich's Fan Museum, where you'll find these frivolous accessories actually have a fascinating, often political history. Even if you loathe patterned wallpaper, the William Morris Museum might well intrigue you with its insights into this radical thinker and designer's mind. And you'll emerge an instant old movie buff from your tour of Kennington's Cinema Museum. Read on for our pick of the small museums that outdo the big guys for flair, fun and sheer atmosphere. London’s best weird and strange small museums at a glance: 🎀 Best for gross things in jars: Grant Museum of Zoology, Bloomsbury ⛵ Best for charming kids' toys: Pollocks Toy Museum, Croydon 🪴 Best for feeling like you're time-travelling: Dennis Severs House, Tower Haml

January 2026: It’s official: London is experiencing a fast-mushrooming plant-based restaurant boom. Across the city, creative chefs are showing off their prowess with plants, creating pitch-perfect imitations of meaty comfort food classics, or dreaming up new vegetable-based delights. Whether you’re after a lavish night of culinary theatre, a delicate Middle Eastern spread, or a Michelin-star winning tasting menu, you’ll find it in our list of London’s best vegan restaurants. Read on to plan your next meat-free feast. London’s best vegan restaurants at a glance: 🔥 Best for spicy Sichuan dishes: Facing Heaven, Hackney 🏆 Best for Michelin star dining: Plates, Shoreditch 🌴 Best for Caribbean classics: Jam Delish, Angel 💐 Best for date night: Holy Carrot, Notting Hill 🥪 Best for a swift sarnie: Coven of Wiches, Walthamstow RECOMMENDED: London’s best restaurants for vegetarian food. Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

We all know that London is full of worldclass, crowd-pulling museums, cultural attractions, green spaces, theatres, and music venues. Yawn. You can do better. Because delightful though this city's most famous spots are, there's way more fun to be had plunging off the beaten track and into London's hidden quirky side. Ever wanted to dine in pitch darkness, take up trapeze, chitchat with robots or sleep with the lions? London is full of unique things to do, ready to fulfil your wildest dreams, or to give you some new ones to aspire to. In my decade working as a London arts journalist, I've traipsed across this city hunting out unusual ways to spend my weekend. This winter, there are opportunities to delight in ice sculptures, feast your eyes on a gingerbread city, and even try out curling. Here are the very best, most unusual ways to escape the mundane and try something fresh.  Unique things to do in London at a glance 🧀 Best for foodies: The Cheese Bar 🎢 Best for thrill seekers: Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School 💆 Most relaxing: Sauna Social Club 🌑 Most unique dining experience: Dans le Noir 🎉 Best for parties: House Party RECOMMENDED:The best quirky bars and pubs in LondonOur favourite quirky restaurants in LondonThe 50 best things to do in London

Ancient traditions don’t get much more fun than Holi, the centuries-old festival where revellers mark the start of spring by hurling brightly coloured paint at each other. When is Holi 2026? Holi falls on Wednesday March 4 this year, although many celebrations will take place on the weekends before or after that date. What is Holi festival? It’s a millennia-old tradition celebrated across the Indian subcontinent by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and nonbelievers alike. For Hindus, it’s a time to celebrate the love of Radha Krishna and the triumph of good over evil with events that begin with a ritual evening bonfire, followed by coloured paint flinging, music and feasting the following day. But the paint-slinging part of the festivities is getting more and more popular across the world with both believers and non-believers, as everyone embraces the chance to cut loose, spread a little chaos, and get some dayglo-brite pics for the Gram.  Whether you’re after a traditional celebration of Indian culture or just an excuse to chuck some coloured power around, here are the places to go. Dig out some old clothes you don't mind getting messy and prepare for some serious fun. Recommended: Hungry for more? Check out London’s best Indian restaurants.

Whether you’re a regular in church or only step into one occasionally to admire the architecture, we can all agree that hearing ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ or ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ reverberating around the spires during Yuletide just hits different. Christmas isn’t Christmas without carol concerts. In between all the of the chaos and hubbub of the festive season, from gift shopping to light displays, festivals and big events, most of the carol services offer welcome moments of respite and reflection. London plays host to a huge variety of Christmas concerts (many of the free) in the run-up to the day. And there’s enough to suit all styles and moods, from the iconic splendour of St Paul’s annual concerts to glam charity bashes and events that highlight cultural traditions. Here’s the best of them.  RECOMMENDED: Our comprehensive guide to Christmas in London

It’s hard not to fall in love with London all over again at Christmastime. In the run-up to December 25 each year, the city becomes a glittering wonderland of all things festive, from gorgeous light displays to quaint markets. But all of that would feel like it was missing something if there weren’t a whole host of eye-catching Christmas trees to accompany it. London’s festive firs (and quirky ‘trees’ made out of all manner of creative materials) are the jewels in the crown of its Yuletide makeover, and there are so many to go and marvel at. Trafalgar Square’s annual gift from Norway comes backed by heartwarming tradition and Covent Garden’s doesn’t hold back when it comes to a bit of sparkle. The city’s bougiest hotels, meanwhile, call on artists and fashion designers to give a modern twist on a festive staple. December is here and that means that Christmas trees are popping up all over London. Here's where to spot them. RECOMMENDED: Where to buy a Christmas tree in London. 

Can you believe December is here already? One day you're necking tinned cocktails on a picnic blanket in a packed summer park, the next you're looking up mulled wine recipes and wondering why you don't seem to have a night off til January. But make some time in your packed schedule and you'll find loads to do: you can shop in quaint Christmas markets, arrange family pantomime outing, drag your friends to a jolly carol service, check out seasonal pop-ups and get stellar pics of London's OTT light displays. Time Out’s editorial team started thinking about Christmas long before the first autumn leaves flutter to the ground. We've beaten the crowds for a spot at Somerset House ice rink and strolled around the Southbank Centre’s Winter Market, year after year, and we're ready to show you some more leftfield, imaginative ways to celebrate the season. Read on for everything you need to make the absolute most of the holiday season, London style. London’s best Christmas events at a glance:  Best for families: The Magic of Christmas at London Zoo Best for buying gifts: DIY Christmas Art Market  Best for a party: Humbug: The Immersive Christmas Dive Bar Best for music: Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival Best for festive feels: Christmas at Kew  RECOMMENDED: 🎅Check out our full guide to Christmas in London🎄Discover the best hotels in London for unforgettable Christmas stays

This review is from 2022. The P Word returns to the Bush Theatre in 2026 with the cast unchanged. Waleed Akhtar’s gorgeous, devastating new play is split between two Britains. One’s the twenty-first century, ‘love is love’ home of corporate Pride sponsorship and endless app-enabled sexual possibilities. And the other one’s tougher, older – medieval, almost – a place where gay asylum seekers are intrusively questioned about their sexual behaviour, and banished to their deaths. The resulting drama might sound grim, and sometimes it is, but ‘The P Word’ is also heart-meltingly lovely, full of faith in the transformative power of love and friendship.Akhtar himself plays Bilal, a Grindr-addicted gay man who deals with the lingering stigma of growing up a ‘fat Pakistani poof’ by throwing himself into self-punishing gym sessions. His story is spliced with that of gay Pakistani asylum seeker Zafar (Esh Alladi), who’s living an impoverished existence in Hounslow, advised by his lawyer to back up his case by taking photos of himself participating in a LGBTQ+ scene he couldn't feel more adrift from. Director Anthony Simpson-Pike creates subtle physical echoes between the two – Bilal does push-ups as Zafar offers desperate prayers – that emphasise their different shades of loneliness, both cut off from their families by their sexual identity. Max John’s ambitious set design makes them begin on separate halves of a circular stage that starts to revolve as their stories finally collide.‘

Three moons are shining bright in the sky over the castle. Fearsome guards in eerie gold masks are standing by. And in the secrecy of the grand bedchamber, breathy lady of the manor Cherry (Maika Monroe) is being seduced by her phlegmatic maid Hero (Emma Corrin). The world of director Julia Jackman's queer fable (based on Isabel Greenberg's feminist graphic novel on the same name) is extravagant and strange, blending misty-lensed period drama cliché with surreal Derek Jarman-esque aesthetics and eccentric cameos, including Charli xcx as a witch strumming a vaginal guitar. Still, there's something oddly restrained about her storytelling, which sucks the passion out of this fantastical tale. Greenberg's original illustrations depicted the weird old world she's dreamt up with a scrappiness and affectionate wit that's often missing here. Instead, Jackman focuses on heightening the moody grimness and eccentric details of this patriarchal dystopia. We open with tyrannical deity Birdman (Richard E Grant) stomping around, insisting that women know their place – which is looking pretty, having babies, and certainly not developing any ideas of their own. This doesn't bode well for Cherry. Her new husband Jerome (Amir El-Masry) refuses to sleep with her, even though she'll be put to death by the powers that be if she fails to get pregnant. Then, this charming chap decides to make a bet with his Mills and Boon cover-worthy guy friend Manfred (The Idea of You’s Nicholas Galitzine). If th

Dulwich Picture Gallery's big summer exhibition will be an intriguing contrast with the pastoral landscapes found in its permanent collection. Portrait of a City is all about American urban life, as documented by photographers between 1907 and 2012. It'll offer a fascinating insight into how big cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco grew from low-rise communities into towering assemblages of skyscrapers and multi-lane traffic. Photos from big names including Diane Arbus, Lewis Hine and Dorothea Lange will chart the faces and sights of cities in flux.

If you haven't yet set foot in the Institut Français, housed in an ornate red-brick building in south Kensington, then its annual film bonanza is a great excuse to visit. This November, its French Film Festival returns for its 33rd year with a hefty programme that showcases the freshest and best new films from across the Channel. Taking place across two weeks in the venue's two-screen Ciné Lumière, this bigger-than-ever edition features more than 76 screenings of 33 Gallic cinematic treats, including plenty of UK premieres of newly released films, a number of which were released to critical acclaim at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. Highlights include this year’s Palme d'Or winner It Was Just an Accident by the award-winning director Jafar Panahi, a thriller exploring political repression. In Black to the Future, comedian Jean-Pascal Zadi imagines the first African space mission as creating a place of refuge for a whole diaspora. And The Voice of Hind Rajab by Kaouther Ben Hania won a Silver Lion at Venice and an astonishing 23-minute standing ovation for its moving depiction of suffering in Gaza. There's also a classic cinema strand featuring freshly-restored copies of French landmarks, and some spectacular animated works aimed at families: browse the full programme for details. 

What is it?  Ever wanted to escape to Far, Far Away, where donkeys talk, dragons soar, and Puss in Boots has surprisingly impressive sword skills? Here's your chance. This 70-minute interactive tour through the world of Shrek is a Southbank attraction that's squarely aimed at family audiences. It's made by the team behind London Dungeons so expect a similar walk-and-gawk approach (but with a lot less creepy, gory stuff of course). Live actors will embody some of your faves from the films, while impressive cinematic effects will create 3D visuals that'll make you feel like you're meeting dragons for real. Why go? Perhaps you're a parent giving in to pester power. Or perhaps you're a Shrek fan full of nostalgia for this lovable movie. Either way, you'll find all the green ogre-based silliness yor heart could desire at this offbeat attraction. Don’t miss:  The Magic Bus is a red double decker that'll take you on a 4D simulated journey through Far Far Away, with Donkey in the driving seat. In a fun London touch, you'll even drive through a deserted tube station past posters for Madame Tussauds (another Merlin attraction, of course). When to visit:  You can visit Sunday-Wednesday 10am-3pm; Thursday 11am-3pm; Friday 10am-3pm; Saturday 10am-4pm.  Ticket info:  Standard adult tickets are £32, with children £26. Plus £2 extra for Shrek ears! Time Out tip: Cringey though it might feel, interact with the actors to get the most out of your experience.

This review is from Soho Theatre in 2022; it transfers to Kiln Theatre with a partially changed cast that includes Liz Carr and Leah Harvey. The rainbow flag offers an idealised portrait of the LGBTQ-plus community: people of different stripes co-existing in harmony, each taking up an equal amount of space. But the reality is messier, scribbled over with conflicts and inequalities. Iman Qureshi's warm, complex play 'The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs' explores just how difficult it is to create a queer space, while showing how beautiful it can be when the stars align. Things start out in pretty formulaic style. Each week, a disparate gaggle of lesbians meet up in a leaky-roofed hall to sing in a choir, with the lofty goal of performing on the main stage at Pride. There's wildly confident womaniser Ellie (Fanta Barrie), hyper-woke academic Ana (Claudia Jolly), and her reluctantly-tagging-along butch engineer girlfriend Lori (Kibong Tanji) who turns out to have an amazing singing voice, all arranged into an approximation of harmony by self-styled OWL (older wiser lesbian) Connie (Shuna Snow). It could all be the beginnings of a dykier, hopefully less doomed remake of 'Glee'. But Qureshi's play is way smarter than that. She toys enjoyably with lesbian cliches (sensible footwear, veganism, buzzcuts) only to reach beyond them to tell less familiar stories. Like that of Dina (an engagingly puppyish Lara Sawalha), a Muslim woman who throws herself into choir as an escape from her forb

What is it?  The centre of political life in the UK, housed in the labyrinthine Palace of Westminster on the banks of the Thames. This location has been the permanent seat of Parliament since 1532, when Henry VIII presided over intricate Tudor political wranglings. Still, most of the current Palace is quite a bit newer than you might expect: the Parliament buildings were designed in 1860 by Charles Barry (ably assisted by Augustus Pugin) to replace the original building, which had been destroyed by fire in 1834. It's a wonderful mish-mash of styles, dominated by Gothic buttresses, towers and arches – plus the world-famous Elizabeth Tower housing Big Ben. It's also dauntingly vast, with 1,000 rooms, 11 courtyards, eight bars and six restaurants, plus a small cafeteria for visitors. Of the original palace, only the Jewel Tower and, within the Parliament buildings, Westminster Hall, remain.  Why go? If you've ever found yourself glued to 'Prime Minister's Question Time' or listened out for the bongs of Big Ben, you'll be exhilarated to find yourself in the heart of the action: the place where massive decisions about the UK's future are made.  Visitors to House of Parliament have three main options; Palace of Westminster: Discover the history of this elaborate building and get insights in the modern-day workings of Parliament on this tour, available as a 90-minute guided visit or as a self-led audio guide.Speaker's House: This 75-minute tour takes you inside the historic Speaker'

What is it?  Remember when the whole world tuned into Will and Kate's big royal wedding in 2011? Well, that spectacular setting was Westminster Abbey, the storied London church where generations of monarchs have tied the knot through the centuries. It was built between 1220 and 1272 by King Henry III, its gorgeous gothic confines growing more and more elaborate as time wore on.  Why go? Well, obviously it's stunning as a piece of architecture, with its elaborate perpendicular gothic facade decked with innumberable turrets that pierce the sky like something out of Lord of the Rings. Its interior is equally striking, especially the elaborately vaulted stone roof that'll have you gazing up in wonder. Look down and things get even more interesting. Like the Pantheon Crypt in Paris, where you can see the tombs and memorials to great figures from history, Westminster Abbey is full of a historic array of graves, tablets, busts and stone dedications. Seventeen kings and queens are buried here, along with dukes, countesses and history’s ‘celebs’ – including George Frideric Handel and Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, Hardy, Behn, Olivier, etc. There’s an entire stained glass window dedicated to Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and the famous Poet's Corner memorialising famous authors in the South Transept, including DH Lawrence, Jane Austen, Dylan Thomas, Lewis Carroll, Shakespeare and many more.Shake off any morbid thoughts after all that grave-visiting by exploring the Abbey's beautiful grou

If you wish to indulge in the luxuries of old Vienna, there’s nowhere finer to do so than in Hotel Sacher, a storied establishment that sits amongst the grand museums and galleries at the city’s heart. Of course, this is the birthplace of Austria’s beloved sachertorte, an oh-so-sweet chocolate cake best enjoyed masked with clouds of whipped cream. But your eyes will feast too, on Belle Époque-inspired interiors that shine like glacé fruit – a richly brocaded cherry red foyer, a lime peel green restaurant – or gleam with the snowy intricacy of an old-fashioned wedding cake.The more restrained bedrooms and suites are a breath of fresh air after the richness and grandeur downstairs, with their pale neutral colour schemes and sizeable windows. Still, even the smaller rooms are decked out with crystal chandeliers and oil paintings (its visionary former owner Anna Sacher was a keen artist), while the suites boast impressive views over the Opera House and its glamorous clientele, as well as elaborate marble-decked bathrooms and chaise longues to swoon over. In the hotel’s boutique spa, you can have your whole body wrapped in a chocolate mask Things here could easily feel stiff or intimidating, with photos of famous former clientele from Sharon Stone to JFK surrounding the reception desk and immaculately uniformed staff perpetually standing to attention. Thankfully, though, this family-owned hotel has a genuinely warm and welcoming approach, full of thoughtful touches (from kettles

‘Mrs Doubtfire’ is the latest in a seemingly endless post-pandemic string of musical takes on retro movies. ‘Back to the Future’, ‘Dirty Dancing’, ‘Groundhog Day’... if you were born in the ’80s, the West End has decided that by now you're obviously loaded and ready to be milked of your money like a pantomime cow. Only this genuinely funny comedy musical doesn't feel like a cash grab, thanks to its twenty-first-century jokes, perfectly paced book, and silly voices galore. Writer John O’Farrell has worked on ‘Have I Got News For You’ and ‘Spitting Image’, and some of that topical flair can be seen here. Freshly divorced dad Daniel is a comic actor whose voiceover recording seshes ingeniously break out of the American world of the story: he begins with a witty theatre pre-show announcement, then breaks into non-naff impressions of Prince Harry and Boris Johnson. Refreshingly, this production has resisted the temptation to cast a famous funny person in the role, and musical theatre actor Gabriel Vick pulls off both the gags and the songs with impressive aplomb.This story’s serious bits aren't quite as well-handled. O’Farrell struggles a little to make Daniel’s ex-wife Miranda (Laura Tebbutt) more than a boring disciplinarian foil to Daniel's relentless zaniness (here, she gets an improbable fashion career and a 2D hunky love interest). Karey and Wayne Kirkpatricks’ lyrics don't zing with the kind of psychological insights or witty couplets musical theatre fans dream of. But who

This review is from 2018; Hansel and Gretel returns for 2024. Engelbert Humperdinck’s 1893 opera for kids is as warm as a witch’s kitchen, and as dark as the forest outside. It swaps the Grimm Brothers’ fairytale’s wicked child-abandoning parents for a desperately poor couple who send their kids into the forest in a much-regretted flash of anger. And Antony McDonald’s stylish new production mixes in more than enough wit to leaven the bleakness of black forest poverty. The witch’s gingerbread house is a masterstroke: a lopsided cottage impaled with a giant knife that might just have been a warning to savvier kids than these two. But Humperdinck’s parent-provoking children are a refreshingly naughty antidote to all the saintly moppets that fill Victorian fiction. They gobble strawberries and leap up to tramp folk dances across the kitchen table. These stamping, finger-clicking scenes are probably the most German thing you’ll ever see outside a beer hall, and they make for moments of gutsy energy in a score that’s otherwise all about lush, rich romanticism. It might be nominally aimed at kids, but ‘Hansel and Gretel’ is musically complex, and its central duo are played by adult performers Hanna Hipp and Jennifer Davis. They mix knockabout tomfoolery with beautifully blending soprano voices that soar through the towering darkness of the forest – a place that hides a magical array of leaping woodland animals and fairy story characters who play in the shadows. The only disappointme

This review is from the London Palladium in July 2023. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ returns in 2024 to the Gillian Lynne Theatre with a new cast. Crashlanding onto the stage of London's Palladium, this high-octane 'Wizard of Oz' promises to obliterate the wicked witch of school holiday boredom, banishing her memory in an all-consuming explosion of video projections, perky songs and old-fashioned sap. It's certainly not subtle. But kids will complain that TikTok feels too slow after a few hours in its exhilarating company.Director Nikolai Foster's production started out at Leicester Curve theatre last year: now, it's hitting the West End with a souped-up cast designed to wring some humour from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams's overly sincere book. Now, comedian Jason Manford is playing the Cowardly Lion, but the book is light on jokes for this star to milk, so when Manford incongruously announces that 'I'm a friend of Dorothy', it brings the house down. In a less successful bit of star casting, reality telly personality and dance troupe Diversity's choreographer Ashley Banjo pops up as the Tin Man. His singing skills are somewhat rusty, so it's a relief when he breaks into a 'Hamilton'-style musical theatre rap.The standout performances here are the most vocally accomplished. As Dorothy, Georgina Onuorah delivers a subtle, rich 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow,' its wistful tone a welcome contrast with the score's bombastic newer songs. And Christina Bianco is an enchanting good fairy G

Next month a historic, often-overlooked London building will come roaring back to life. After a £1.3 billion transformation, west Kensington’s Olympia will reopen in stages from Monday June 15. We already know that there’s going to be a massive 3,800 capacity live music venue (opening with a gig from Self Esteem on June 16), an 83-metre digital art screen, new public spaces, plus a Hyatt Regency hotel. But now, details are out of its reimagined rooftop space, which’ll be a prime spot for drinking and carousing with views over west London. And because costa del Kensington doesn’t always serve up the sunny weather we dream of, there’ll also be a retractable glass roof over the venues, so we can get a breezy outdoor feel whatever the weather. The new rooftop space will be called Canopy, and Olympia has filled it with an array of new, own-brand drinking and dining options to pick from. Head to Bar Arriba for Mexican-inspired cocktail and small bites, Wolves of Tokyo for after-dark tippling and Japanese food, or Lillie’s for small plates and English wines. Or opt for something a bit more casual at Arbour, a food hall with four spots to choose from: gourmet fried chicken spot Fry Baby, farm-to-fork diner The Rambler, smash burger joint Whammy Burger, and artisanal coffee bar Café Modo. Image: Courtesy of OlympiaThe Canopy, a new rooftop area at Olympia in London These freshly announced eateries offer a slightly more relaxed, accessible alternative to the oh-so-glamorous dining sp

The British Museum’s blockbuster exhibitions always have a bit of a buzz around them. In 1972, queues stretched round the block as punters battled to glimpse treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb. In 2007, there was a rare chance to see China’s Terracotta Army, with visitors wowed by the sight of hundreds of mysterious, slumbering clay soldiers. Now, there’s another great treasure from the history books set to visit London, and it’s set to be one of the hottest tickets of this autumn. The Bayeux Tapestry is returning to the UK for the first time since it was made nearly a millennia ago, in a huge coup for the British Museum. It’ll be on display from Thursday September 10 until July 11 2027, putting visitors face to face with the historic embroidered cloth. The tapestry’s scenes document the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, offering a fascinating snapshot of 11th century English life and warfare. And of course, because this is 21st century London, its arrival in London won’t just be an exhibition, it’ll be an ‘experience’, with digital elements designed to bring the story to life. Additional items will also be on display, including silver pennies from the Chew Valley Hoard, while the museum itself will be transformed into a ‘medieval forest’. Photograph: British MuseumMedieval woodland on the Bayeux Tapestry All these extras and add ons don’t come cheap, and there’s anticipated to be high demand for this rare event. So that means that the top ticket

Londoners fell hard for Fool’s Spring last weekend – and not for the first time. One minute we were baring our legs and souls over Aperol spritzes in rooftop bars. The next, we were digging out our winter coats and huddling together for warmth in cafés, watching our outdoorsy social plans fall apart as messily as an over-stuffed pita. And it wasn’t pretty. So all things considered, it’s almost hard to get excited this for weekend when the best we can hope for is light rain and temperatures that creep into the mid teens. But don’t sink into despondency just yet. What this weekend lacks in radiant weather, it makes up for in abundant opportunities for free fun. You don’t need to drown your sorrows in expensive bars, cloak yourself in panic-bought jumpers from Hackney boutiques, or shell out for pricy tickets to indoor gigs to escape the gloom. Read on and start planning with our spirit-lifting line-up of events that won’t require opening your wallet. Just remember to bring a cardigan or a waterproof coat, so nothing can rain on your parade. RECOMMENDED: London travel disruption this weekend – full list of tube and train closures for May 16-17 2026. The best free things on in London this weekend, May 15-17 2026 1. Embrace the chill at a free Scandi festival Why not replace your dreams of warm weather with a day of wholeheartedly appreciating the culture of one of the world’s cooler countries, Norway? Covent Garden Piazza is laying on free festivities in honour of Syttende Mai (

You can barely walk three paces in central Liverpool without bumping into some kind of tribute to the Beatles: there are the gang’s memorialised childhood homes, two whole museums, statues, murals, walking tours, and even the camera crews for Samuel Mendes’ forthcoming quartet of films. But even though London is where the Beatles honed their sound and played some of their biggest gigs, the infamous Abbey Road crossing is currently the only real site of pilgrimage for fans. Now, all that’s set to change, with an ambitious new visitor attraction springing up on a site that’s pivotal to the band’s story. And the location will be familiar to anyone who made it through Get Back, Peter Jackson’s epic eight-hour Beatles documentary, which captivated fans in 2021. It's Mayfair building 3 Savile Row, which was once the site of record label Apple Corps, which the band started in the 1960s so they could regain control of their finances and working methods. The big climax of Get Back is a public gig on its rooftop, with flabbergasted fans watching from the ground below, in what turned out to be the band’s last ever public performance. Two police officers scrambled to control the crowd’s hysteria, eventually climbing up to the roof and unplugging the amps. Now, that rooftop is getting the heritage site treatment, as part of a massive seven-floor museum. Photograph: Shutterstock In recent years, this Georgian mansion has been used as an unremarkable branch of preppy clothing chain Abercr

May is an utterly lovely month for anyone who loves nice weather, tulips, and reacquainting themselves with pub beer gardens. But for anyone who’s trying to save money, it’s a total nightmare. There are not one but two bank holiday weekends, which means that an epic amount of carousing must be funded by a single meagre paycheck. Did we stay within a sensible budget last weekend? Did we heck. And now this weekend’s plans are paying the price. Fortunately, there’s tons to do in London that doesn’t involve plunging headfirst into your overdraft, like a hapless spring duckling plopping into a treacherous river. Stick with us and we’ll steer you towards some cost-effective and enjoyable things to do this weekend. Grab some free grub, browse some art, dance to DJs, and have the kind of fun that money literally can’t buy. You’re welcome! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in London this weekend, free and not. The best free things on in London this weekend, May 8-10 2026 1. Eat some novel cereal at a pretty pink pop-up Photograph: courtesy of Nesquik's Pink Cereal Cafe Okay, we’re going to get this one out of the way first because frankly, queuing up to crunch some cereal in a Nesquik brand activation is not for everyone. But if your inner or indeed actual child is excited by the idea of eating some of Nesquik’s new strawberry-flavoured breakfast in a fully pink cafe then by all means beat a path to Covent Garden. You’ll find a pop-up café with pink walls, pink tables, and themed a

Ninety-three-year-old artist Quentin Blake’s scratchy illustrations are recognised the world over, beloved for capturing all the mischief and magic behind stories like Fantastic Mr Fox or Matilda. But instead of resting on his laurels, he’s spent the past two decades trying to get a new project off the ground, one that’ll foster a new generation of British illustration talent. In 2002, he set up a charity for illustration, and between 2014–2020 the House of Illustration hosted small exhibitions in a temporary space in King’s Cross. Now, London’s on the brink of getting a permanent centre for illustration, named after its biggest champion: ‘I am proud to think the centre has my name on it – illustration is a wonderful universal and varied language,’ said Sir Quentin. The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will be housed in a formerly-derelict 18th century waterworks in Clerkenwell: an imposing brown brick building surrounded by gardens and cobbled terraces. Inside, visitors will find three exhibition spaces, a shop, a cafe, plus a free-to-access library and creative studio for aspiring illustrators to hone their skills. Works have been underway for some time, and now, there’s finally an official opening date: Friday 5th June, this year. The gallery’s debut exhibition MURUGIAH: Ever Feel Like will showcase the surreal world of British Sri-Lankan illustrator Murugiah, who explores identity and mental health in pop art-inspired cartoons. Image: Quentin Blake Centre for Illust

For travellers looking to explore Covent Garden and the West End, Charing Cross station is an invaluable jumping off point, with trains from all over the southeast terminating at this major transport hub. But this summer, getting into town will be a little bit more fiddly. Southeastern trains has warned that the stretch of railway leading from London Bridge to Charing Cross is in serious need of an upgrade, so it’s embarking on a three week long programme of engineering works. Usually, works like this are staggered over a series of weekends. But after conducting a review, Southeastern trains has discovered that the works are so extensive that the line would need to be closed for more than a year’s worth of weekends (120 days in total). As well as being highly disruptive, that would have a catastrophic knock-on effect for businesses who rely on weekend visitors buzzing into the city’s entertainment centre to enjoy its restaurants, cinemas, theatres and bars. So instead, the plan is to go for a single 22-day summer closure period, chosen to be a time when schools are on holiday and commuter numbers are lower. During this time, engineers will replace over 1,800 metres of worn out track that’s been in situ since the early 1990s. In recent years, growing numbers of faults on the track have caused hundreds of hours of delays, so this work will have a positive impact on future journey times. The programme of works will also include drainage improvements at Waterloo East station, whi

Spring is here and all over this city (and beyond), runners are taking their training to the next level ahead of the London Marathon on Sunday April 26. Hill training, cross-training, stretching, calculating fuelling strategies... we’re exhausted just thinking about it. But actually finishing the world famous course comes with some serious bonuses, and we’re not just talking about the official marathon runner’s race kit (which includes your race number and safety pins, a timing chip, and a final event guide, as well as an optional finisher’s T-shirt and medal after the race). Or the warm, sweaty glow that comes from having pounded your way past Cutty Sark, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace in the company of thousands of fellow runners. London’s restaurants, pubs, cafes and fitness companies are increasingly laying on perks for marathon finishers (and running their way into some free publicity, into the bargain). Every year the list seems to get longer and leftfield: in 2026, your medal will get your free cheesecake, Lush smellies, socks, steak, pints, and Peleton seshes. Just don’t wear yourself out running round town to bag ’em all. You’ve earned a nice sit down. LONDON MARATHON GUIDES📍 Where to watch the London Marathon: the best places along the route map.⛔️ London Marathon 2026 road closures – full list.🌤️ The 2026 London Marathon weather forecast.👟 How to track runners at the 2026 London Marathon.✅ How to enter the 2027 London Marathon ballot.⏱️ All the race waves and sta

The last weekend of April is heading our way and what a splendid – and spenny – month it’s been. First, the Easter bank holiday weekend imperilled our finances with four lovely days off, spent squandering our cash on brunches, boozy lunches, and sunny days out. Then the warm(ish) weather and lighter evenings went to our heads and got us buying breezy summer fits, cooling iced coffees, and refreshing pints after work – when it’s light til 7pm, it would be a waste not to! Now, here we are at the end of the month, contemplating the grim consequences of our own extravagance. But before you resign yourself to a tedious, oh-so-sensible two days of telly and laundry, take heart. There’s loads of free stuff coming up that’ll brighten your weekend without lightening your wallet. Read on for six ways to have fun in London without hammering your credit card. RECOMMENDED: 📍 All of the best things to do in London this weekend. The best free things on in London this weekend, April 24-26 2026 1. Cheer on the runners at the London Marathon If you’ve only ever experienced the London Marathon as a serious travel inconvenience (spawning road closures and cancelled buses) then maybe this is the year to remedy that. Head in to watch the runners pound their way through the city and you’ll find a festival atmosphere, with massive crowds assembling to cheer on their faves at key spots like Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf and Tower Bridge. This year, you’ll be able to spot celebs including Cynthia Erivo, J

When Record Store Day started out in 2007, it really did feel like vinyl might be on the way out: thousands of independent music traders were closing their doors as fans fled to cheaper (but less magical) digital ways of consuming their fave bands. These days, it’s more like a victory lap for the fantastic record shops that have created whole scenes around themselves, and become sites of pilgrimage for loyal customers. This year’s event falls on Saturday April 18, and as ever, it’ll be a stellar excuse to beat a path towards your local store for exclusive releases, special gigs, and perks including free bevvies. This year’s exclusive record list includes limited editions from massive music industry names, whether they’re established legends like Black Sabbath and Madonna or hyped contemporary acts like Charli xcx, Pinkpantheress and CMAT. Queue up at your fave store to get your hands on a copy: many will be open early for eager fans to get in there fast. But you don’t need to fill your tote with fresh vinyl to get in on the RSD 2026 fun. There’ll be special gigs, surprise guests, and dance floor-filling sounds at stores and bars across London, all designed to celebrate the dark miracle of vinyl. Read on for the best ways to get into the groove. RECOMMENDED: The 30 best record shops in London. The 10 best Record Store Day 2026 events in London 1. Record Store Day at Rough Trade  No record store pilgrimage to London is complete without a visit to Rough Trade. The indie music la

If, like us, your bank account is reeling after a double bank holiday spent tapping your credit card with joyful abandon, then you may be in need of a somewhat more frugal couple of days this weekend. Well, fear not. The second weekend of April is shaping up to be an excellent one for penny-pinching Londoners looking for a good time. From classical concerts on council estates to a major new regular flea market in east London, there are loads of reasons to get out and about this weekend, even if the glorious mid-week sunshine is, in typical fashion, set to be replaced by clouds and showers as the weekend arrives. Ah well. Us Londoners know better than to let a little rain ruin our plans.  RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in London this weekend.❌ London travel disruption this weekend: full list of tube and train closures for April 11-12. The best free things on in London this weekend, April 10-12 2026 1. Get a free dose of youth culture at Roundhouse Three Sixty Iconic Camden arts venue The Roundhouse will be buzzing this weekend, as the Three Sixty festival fills its walls with music, poetry and performances heralding a new generation of artists and fans. Book a free slot at interactive exhibition From Soundboy to Streaming and you’ll get to experience all the highs of London’s underground music cultures, as curated by local young people, including photographs, gig tickets, zines and more. Or tune in to Transmission, a live podcast recording with special guests from the

At most times of the year, poking around in London’s shrubberies and bushes isn’t a particularly rewarding activity (unless you’re a womble in search of litter). But Easter’s nearly here! And that means that the fabled Easter bunny is about to hop his way round the city, depositing eggs for us to find and feast on. Traditionally, Easter egg hunts are all about little kids filling their baskets with goodies. You’ll find a few of those in town over the long weekend, but most 21st century hunts take things a little further. There are clues to solve, worksheets to fill out, and even apps to follow as your search your way to a grand (and often-chocolately prize). And best of all, there’s no age limit involved. Read on for some hunts that’ll crack open your sense of adventure this spring. RECOMMENDED: 🐣 Time Out’s ultimate guide to Easter 2026 in London.💸 The best free things to do in London in the Easter holidays. London’s 10 best Easter egg hunts for the 2026 Bank Holiday weekend 1. Easter Egg Hunt at Vauxhall City Farm City farms come into their own in spring, when even the most jaded, winter-wearied Londoners will go weak at the knees at the sight of a wobbly newborn lamb, or a huge sow surrounded by improbably tiny pink piglets. Vauxhall City Farm is one of the city’s loveliest spots for animal-lovers, with its handpainted wooden signs, attractive flower beds, and charismatic crew of goats, cows, pigs, chickens and more. They’re going all out to appeal to families this Easte