Make it less Sunday, more fun day with these free things to do!
By Steph Dye (follow Steph on Twitter: @HelloIAmSteph)
We’ve all been there. Dreading going back to work the next day and stuck for ideas of what to do. More often than not, a perfectly lovely Sunday is wasted on hangovers, chores or generally feeling moody about going back to the real world. Well, all of that is about to change as we let slip on some of our favourite ways to spend a Sunday with either family, friends or just by yourself. You haven’t even got the excuse of bad weather, as our list contains opportunities both indoor and outdoor. What are you waiting for, grab your coat and get exploring!
#1 | Sunday Stroll | Various Locations
Skating with LFNS ©LFNS via Facebook
What is it?: Get your skates on and see the sights of London on this unusual tour of the city. Taking a different tour of London every week, there is always something interesting to see, whether it be across hilly Hampstead Heath or around the scenic Barnes and Putney. Although you will be travelling on roads, the Sunday Stroll is completely safe, with volunteer marshals directing traffic. However, this is not a tour for the faint-hearted – as each event normally covers around 10-15 miles! Not to worry, the Sunday Stroll takes a very gentle pace and they even have a portable sound system to get everyone in the groove.
When is it?: 2pm, every Sunday. The Sunday Stroll happens all year round but is obviously weather dependent. To find out whether it will be on that day, check the website after 11am.
Where is it?: The event starts on Serpentine Road in Hyde Park. Check the website for more details.
#2 | Barbican Conservatory | Barbican
Barbican Conservatory ©Georgie_Grant via Instagram
What is it?: Who would have thought that the second largest conservatory in London was hidden right here in the middle of the city. In fact, it is so central that many of us probably walk past it on a daily basis, without ever realising it’s there. Still don’t know what we are talking about? The Barbican Conservatory, of course, which is only open on Sunday afternoons. Home to exotic fish and over 2000 species of flora, it’s a great way to chill out on an afternoon: especially when it’s cold outside.
When is it?: 12pm-5pm every Sunday. However, the conservatory is occasionally closed for private events, so check out the website before visiting.
Where is it?: Barbican, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS
#3 | Brixton Farmers’ Market | Brixton
Brixton Farmers Market ©clublolaldn via Instagram
What is it?: Pretty much what it says on the tin, Brixton Farmers’ Market serves up exactly what you would expect: freshly picked fruit and veg, as well as cheeses, meats, bread and cakes. With all those vibrant colours and smells, there will be lots to look at, as well as things to sample – if you ask nicely. It’s also a great place to pick up a cheap, yet tasty lunch, made from the freshest ingredients south London has to offer.
When is it?: 9:30am-2pm every Sunday. Hint: try to get in early before all the best bits are snapped up!
Where is it?: Brixton Station Rd, SW9 8PB,
#4 | London’s Museums | Various Locations
London’s Museums
What is it?: This again should be fairly self-explanatory. London has so many wonderful museums, art galleries and other, cultural experiences that are completely free. Sure, they are open every other day of the week as well but there is nothing quite like a lazy afternoon spent wandering around one of London’s museums. Who knows, you might even learn something!
When is it?: Obviously each museum will have it’s own opening times, however if you are feeling spoilt for choice, we suggest using Time Out’s handy guide.
Where is it? There are museums across London, wherever you live! Time to get searching!
#5 | Columbia Road | Bethnal Green
Flowers at Columbia Road ©heriettayun via Instagram
What is it?: Another market. However, unlike any other market in London, this one deals exclusively in flowers! If the smell alone wasn’t enough to draw you in, the plants on offer definitely are, as traders sell everything from tiny shrubs and bedding plants to 10ft high banana trees. So whether you’ve got a tiny window box or a massive garden, there is something here for everyone. In addition to that, Columbia Road is also home to over 60 independent shops and galleries, so once you’ve finished with the flowers, you can take time out to browse the shops.
When is it?: 8am-around 3pm, every Sunday, come rain or shine.
Where is it?: Columbia Rd, E2 7RG.
#6 | Inner Space Talks | Various Locations
Inner Space London ©innerspace via Facebook
What is it?: Feeling as though you need to focus on your inner peace? Head to an Inner Space talk, which are set at various locations across London and are the perfect place to chill on a Sunday afternoon. Each week focuses on a different area of personal growth and development with a guest speaker invited in to share personal insight and motivational lessons that they have learnt on their own quest for self-fulfillment. The classes often get busy, so whilst they are free, you may need to book in advance.
When is it?: 4:30pm-6pm, every Sunday afternoon.
Where is it?: The classes take place in a different location each week, to find out where the next one is, or when there will be one close by to where you live, check out the website.
#7 | Sunday Artisan Market | Hampstead
Sunday Artisan Market ©The Sunday Artisan Market NW3 via Facebook
What is it?: Just one last market, we promise! And again, it’s doing something completely different. At the Sunday Artisan Market you can pick up a whole host of unusual products and gift-y items. From vintage to handmade, clothing, nick nacks, trinkets, artwork and ceramics, there is stuff here to suit everyone’s tastes. If all that shopping has made you hungry, there is also a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, cakes and Peruvian food. Yum!
When is it? 10am-6pm most Sundays and some Bank Holidays, check out their Facebook page for more details.
Where is it?: 78 Hampstead High Street, NW3 1RE.
#8 | Open Mic Night at the Hope and Anchor | Islington
Open Mic Night Hope and Anchor ©Hope and Anchor Live via Facebook
What is it?: A massive name on the live music scene since the seventies, The Hope and Anchor has hosted many a band that is now internationally known on it’s small, basement stage. The pub hosts an open mic night every second and fourth Sunday of the month. Obviously, as it is a pub, there is also a large food and drink offering to enjoy whilst getting ready for the music!
When is it?: Sign-up starts at 7pm and night itself is usually 8pm-11pm, every second and fourth Sunday of the month.
Where is it?: 207 Upper Street, Islington N1 1RL.
All that sight-seeing making you hungry? Set yourself up for the day with this great breakfasts and brunches.
