Your Ultimate Guide to a Budget-Friendly Summer!
Summer festivities are in full swing in London, which means long days, warm nights and (fingers crossed) lots of sunshine ☀️
But let’s be real: between beach getaways, amusement parks and last-minute trips, your wallet is sure to feel the heat before the sun-cream makes it out the bag.
The good news is, whether you’re looking for some quality me-time, planning a friends get-together, or keeping the family entertained, there’s tons of ways to soak up the sun without having to break the bank!
To make things easier, we’ve gathered our favourite activities around South London this summer, from the best street food and picnic locations to movies and live sports streaming 🎾
Check out Local Festivals 🎡🎪🎠
Bandstands are the perfect places to enjoy free live music - good thing they can be found in lots of parks across South London, like Battersea, Greenwich, Myatt’s Field, and Victoria Park to name a few!
There’s no better way to soak up the sun than by diving into London’s buzzing festival scenes. If food trucks, live performances and vibrant community vibes are your thing, then you’re in for a treat. Enjoy FREE entertainment at Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, London’s leading outdoor theatre and performing arts event. With family-friendly street performances, circus acts, and games installations, it’s the perfect day out for all ages.
But the summer fun doesn’t stop there, as the Clapham Common Bandstand Concerts are returning this year! The annual live music takeover will continue this summer, with free concerts every Sunday through till August (from 2pm to 4pm) - expect an exciting line-up reflecting Clapham’s diverse community, including Afro-Cuban beats and an unforgettable local choir performance. Plus, new to the festival, enjoy a selection of delicacies from 10 traders as part of the new street market!
Looking for something a bit more hands-on? Join the fun at Happy Streets Festival, taking place across two days for the first time! Dance workshops and performances on a solar-powered stage are not the only entertainment, get messy with arts and crafts workshops run by local artists, enjoy free pizza-making sessions, or even put your pedalling to the test and make your own smoothie. The festival runs on Saturday 5th July (12pm-6pm) and Sunday 6th July (12pm-5pm) across various locations, so make sure to check the website for more information!
Catch a Show on the Big Screen 🎞️🎬
Pack a blanket and grab some popcorn - open air screenings are back this summer! From Disney classics showings like Aladdin to newer releases like Twisters, there’s plenty of films for all ages. With open air cinemas all over South London, there’s no shortage of options for all movie lovers looking to enjoy the warm summer nights outdoor!
Lower Marsh Lates returns this year with FREE open-air screenings on the last Thursday of every month, starting from Thursday 26th June (running until August). with the all-time favourite Mamma Mia!. If you’re feeling fancy, why not join the community by dressing in theme for each film - who knows, you may even win one of the prizes for the best dressed participants! // Make sure to book your FREE ticket in order to attend //
Enjoy the likes of Wicked, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and Moana 2 at the Summer by the River Festival, at London Bridge’s The Scoop area. With no booking required, all you need to do is find a place to sit, relax and enjoy the movie! The festival will run from June through till August, all along the bank of the Thames, have a look at their website for all upcoming events!
Sports more your thing? Catch the Wimbledon Finals live on screens across South London - catch the finals with a view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, head over to the iconic Battersea Power Station for live screenings of both Wimbledon and the Olympic Games, or even head to Wimbledon itself to enjoy the games just over a mile away from the action!
Soak in the natural landscape 🌿🍃
When the sun finally shines, riverside walks and laid-back picnics are a great way to pass the time whilst taking in scenic views. Whether you’re after swimming lakes, open fields, or peaceful green spaces, South London has some of the best spots to enjoy this summer.
Crystal Palace Park offers playful mix of beautiful mazes and walking trails through nearly 200-year old dinosaur sculptures - a great day out with family or friends!
Stretching over 90 hectares, Beckenham Place Park is Lewisham’s largest green space, boasting large ancient woodlands, nature trails and London’s first purpose-built swimming lake, with pre-booked swimming and paddle-boarding sessions available.
Can’t get enough of London’s skyline? Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill has it all: beautiful floral displays and extensive garden spaces, architectural treasures, and an Animal Walk, all accessible for FREE!
Or why not go for the iconic Greenwich Park, and spend the day picnicking with a view, strolling through the rose gardens and cherry blossom pathway, or hike up the hill and enjoy a fantastic view point just outside the Royal Observatory!
Dulwich’s Green Flag Park offers a boating lake, picturesque landscapes and plenty of picnic spots, making it great for days out with the family or more intimate activities. If you have green thumbs, you can even get involved in their community garden, open Wednesdays and Sundays!
Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more livelier, Crystal Palace Park is the perfect mix of sights and scenery, with its iconic dinosaur statues and flower gardens!
Escape to the City Farms! 🐔🐷🐮
Want to get away from the urban buzz? City farms offer a charming escape from all the excitement of summer in London, making it perfect for a low-cost day out. Head to places like Vauxhall City Farm, Deen City Farm in Merton, and Surrey Docks Farm in Rotherhithe for a more countryside feel. With FREE ENTRY to all (though donations are encouraged to help keep the farms running), enjoy a mix of friendly animals, flourishing gardens, as well as pre-booked events. For a small fee, some of the farms meet & greet and feeding sessions!
These farms are a great way to reconnect with nature at a slower pace, whilst also supporting local communities - all without leaving the city.
Summer in South London doesn’t need a big budget, not with a city full of free and low-cost entertainment for all ages. Lively festivals, natural havens, community events, there are endless ways to enjoy the sunshine to the fullest, without the huge price tag. So make a switch this year - throw on your sunglasses, gather your friends and family, and make the most of a budget-friendly summer!
