Winter Warmers: London’s Great Indoor Activities

Find free comedy, cheap cafes & discounted dance classes in London

By Helly Barrett

Oh baby its cold outside! As temperatures plummet in the cold winter months it can beg the question: what is there to do in London to keep warm that doesn’t involve a lavish theatre trip or extravagant restaurant reservation? We’ve already sourced the best free museums for you, but there are so many other indoor attractions on offer in London. So, if Jack Frost is nipping at your toes, while pinching all the change from your pocket, read on to find out where to stay toasty without the price-tag.

#1 Warm up those funny bones

Laughter is the best medicine, especially when it comes to a fix for aching bones and shivering bodies. Lucky for you, London is home to a whole host of amateur, albeit talented, comedians, looking to ‘warm up’ an audience. As you might expect, its London’s quirkier Boroughs that are home to the hidden hilarity. Head to Camden’s Angel Comedy for free stand up and sketches every night. Saturday is the day to catch the more familiar faces for free, however pick your favourite people carefully and get there early, they don’t accommodate for groups of more than 8 people. Shoreditch’s Comedy Café Theatre is another great venue for comedy on the cheap. Wednesday’s are new act nights and include dinner and a show for just £12, perfect for those who are both cold and hungry on hump day.

See Timeout’s extensive list for more of London’s up and coming free comedy

#2 Get coZy at ZIFERBLAT

Looking for a fun and innovative way to stay warm? Then head to Old Street in Shoreditch where you’ll find London’s first pay-per-minute cafe. Grab a coffee, get competitive over a vintage board game or even work up a sweat in a Saturday morning yoga class! Originating from Russia and described as an ‘adults’ treehouse’ everything at Ziferblat is free – food, drink and activities. All they ask is you respect the café, the other people in it and donate 5 pence a minute while you’re there. That’s just £3.00 for an hour filled with unlimited nibbles, warm drinks and fun – all without the feeling that you should cast yourself back into the freezing cold because you’ve out stayed your welcome!

#3 Shake it off

Another great way to stay warm in the cold months is of course to get yourself moving. However, if you don’t have the funds for a gym membership or the idea of a brisk winter’s run chills you to your core, why not try one of London’s free dance classes? Bar Salsa in Charing Cross offers free beginner dance classes every week night, ranging from Samba to their Salsa Extravaganza! So grab the girls (or the boys), down that home-made mojito for some liquid confidence and then head on over to your local bar to get those feet tapping instead of those teeth chattering.

#4 Mooch around an indoor market

London may play host to some infamous outdoor markets, (Camden Lock and Portbello market are great for a lazy summer’s day), however there are also some fantastic indoor and covered flea markets that definitely deserve your time and attention as well. Alfie’s Antique market in Marylebone is perfect for those on the hunt for a unique interior design find, or just for those hoping to bump shoulders with a few famous faces – Georgia McJagger we’re looking at you! Meanwhile, food and vintage lovers should get themselves down to the Old Truman Brewery which transforms into international food halls and authentic vintage markets each and every weekend.

So, now you know that when it comes to heading out and making the most of London, neither money nor the weather is an excuse anymore! For more tips on how to enjoy London for free (in the cold or not) check out our Free entertainment page.

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You may also want to check out the free fitness classes in London.