Things to Do in South Kensington Under £15

Indulge in a cultural extravaganza in South Kensington without emptying your wallet. Take a leisurely stroll through the stunning Royal Parks, soak up the buzzing atmosphere of South Kensington or immerse yourself in captivating exhibitions- all within your budget of £15 or less.


Dwellings, Rehomed

Visit the Design Museum garden and explore a vibrant collection of birdhouses by some of London’s most innovative designers.

Sir Richard Owen: A Natural Legacy

In this free display, look at the life of the man whose vision led to the creation of the Natural History Museum. On display for the first time are a selection of his published works and original drawings.

18 July 2025 – 23 July 2026

10am-6pm

Natural History Museum

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Quiet and Scenic Walking Routes Around South Ken

If you’re planning your trip to South Kensington, why not take a look at our brand new walking map, created in collaboration with Footways. Get off the tube a stop early and explore London’s home of arts, science and inspiration by foot.

South Ken

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Sing in French

Come and sing with Institut français at one of their monthly singing group sessions. They are open to all levels and will feature songs from the classic repertoire as well as modern tunes. Expect songs by the likes of Brassens, Piaf, Aznavour, Trenet, Renaud, Zaz, Louane and many more.

Under the sea 3D (U)

Narrated by Jim Carrey and using incredible 3D technology, Under the Sea will leap off the screen and take you on a fascinating journey to discover the mysteries of the ocean floor.

Kyotographie: Kawada Kikuji x Iwane Ai

Encounter two of Japan’s most exciting photographers – Kawada Kikuji and Iwane Ai – in a rare opportunity to see their thought-provoking works in the UK.

3rd June - 18th Oct 2026

Mon - Sat: 10 am - 8 pm; Sun: 12 pm - 6 pm

Japan House London

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Power Up

Immerse yourself in this hands-on gaming zone, featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone.

Mon - Sun

10 am - 5.30 pm

Science Museum

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The Royal College of Music Museum & Guided Tours

The Royal College of Music's Museum offers a unique opportunity to interact with over 500 years of musical history. Items include the world’s oldest guitar and earliest keyboard instrument with strings. Enjoy a tour of the Museum, led by their knowledgeable team on Wednesdays at 12:30pm.

David Hockney: A Year in Normandie and Some Other Thoughts about Painting

Presented at Serpentine North, the exhibition will showcase seminal works, shown in the UK for the first time. This event is free!

Cecily Brown: Picture Making

Known for her vigorous brushwork, vivid colour and dynamic compositions, Cecily Brown presents paintings inspired by Serpentine’s unique location in Kensington Gardens, a site of personal significance to the artist.

Until 6th Sept 2026

10 am - 6 pm

Serpentine

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Visions of Nature: A Mixed Reality Experience

Equipped with a mixed reality headset, be transported a century into the future to explore what could lie ahead for the planet.

Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep

Meet the legends of Earth’s prehistoric oceans and and decide who really was the most ferocious of them all. Dare to touch a mosasaur tooth, feel a shark’s skin and come face-to-face with fearsome marine crocodiles.

Until 3rd Jan 2027

10 am - 4.30 pm

Natural History Museum

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African & Caribbean Heritage tour: Past Meets Present

Join volunteer guides as they bring African and Caribbean heritage to life, uncovering powerful narratives that have too often been overlooked.

Women in Science Tour

Join this volunteer-led tour to discover incredible stories of women in the field of science.

Visions of Nature: A Mixed Reality Experience

Equipped with a mixed reality headset, be transported a century into the future to explore what could lie ahead for the planet.

The Great Arch

The Great Arch is the true story of Danish architect Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, an unknown talent who wins a major French competition to design the Grande Arche in Paris. In this film, director Stéphane Demoustier weaves together the vision of an architect with conflicting politics.

From 11th Mar

Dates & times vary

Institut français

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Friday Late

Bringing audiences together with leading and emerging artists and designers through live performance, film, installation, debate, DJs and more. Friday Late is free and drop-in.

Various dates & times

V&A South Kensington

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Future of Food

A free exhibition examining how science can help us find more sustainable ways to grow and produce, purchase and cook, eat and enjoy food to help protect the planet.

Until 1 September 2026

10 am - 6 pm

Science Museum

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PLATFORM: Simone Brewster

PLATFORM is an annual display dedicated to showcasing contemporary design practice. Opening in February 2026, the second edition in the series will present the fascinating work of designer Simone Brewster.

Until Jan 2027

Mon to Thur: 10 am – 5 pm; Fri to Sun: 10 am – 6 pm

the Design Museum

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Kids Tour: The Young Explorers

This fun, interactive tour is packed with stories, activities and surprises for young explorers. Prepare to discover a world of dinosaurs, giant mammals and much more.

Star Trek Warp Trail

Calling all Starfleet recruits! Discover iconic Star Trek objects and outfits across the Science Museum in this free trail.

Until 8th Sept 2026

10 am - 6 pm

Science Museum

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V&A Illustration Awards 2026

The V&A Illustration Awards is a free, biennial competition celebrating excellence in illustration and contemporary practice, and judged by a panel of prominent illustrators and industry experts.

2nd July - 4th Oct 2026

10 am - 5.30 pm

V&A South Kensington

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Design Researchers in Residence: 2025/26 Mineral

This year's Design Researchers in Residence are responding to the theme of ‘mineral’. Visit the display to explore four of the UK’s geological landscapes (lithium, copper, silica, and chalk) and their relationships to the green transition.

Until 20th Sept 2026

Mon to Thur: 10 am – 5 pm; Fri to Sun: 10 am – 6 pm

the Design Museum

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Frederic Leighton’s Arab Hall

Join Dr Melanie Gibson for a discussion on one of London’s most extraordinary interiors ‒ Frederic Leighton's Arab Hall.

15th July 2026

3.30 pm - 4.30 pm

V&A South Kensington

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