Free and budget-friendly things to do in London this Christmas

Need to fill the gap between Christmas and schools returning in the new year, but need to keep costs down? Take a look at our list of free family-friendly activities below

1. Go on a family walk

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

One of my favourite activities during the festive season is going on a family walk. While there isn’t anything wildly different about going for a walk in the days following Christmas day, there’s something about stepping outside during the festive period that feels extra special. With little ones it never ends up being a particularly long walk for us – usually only an hour or so – but it’s the perfect way to relieve any post-food discomfort, as well as any tension that may have cropped up between siblings – old and young! One of my current favourite walks is the Sydenham to Ladywell Fields along the River Pool. It’s a cycling and walking path only on the Waterlink Way route – so you don’t have to worry about busy cars. Simply join the walk behind the big Sainsburys at Sydenham and follow the pathway for however long you feel up to. If you go as far as Ladywell, you’ll pass at least two playgrounds and a skate park and there’s a café at the end for a quick snack and hot drink – a good pit stop for tired legs! It’s also the perfect route for kids to try out new Christmas skates and bikes!

2. Follow the Penguin Parade

This Christmas, the Fleet Street Quarter is transforming into a winter wonderland with a magical FREE penguin parade sculpture trail in support of WWF. Up until 5^th January, families are invited to discover 12 adorable penguin sculptures decked out in unique festive finery designed by talented artists. Each penguin will be perched in iconic spots such as Chancery Lane, Fleet Street and Ludgate Circus, and each will reveal a fascinating fact about the black and white feathered creatures. All you have to do is scan the QR code on each sculpture. Click here for a trail map and more details on how to donate to WWF.