17 Budget-friendly bank holiday activities in London in 2026
TL;DR
Looking for bank holiday activities in London that don’t cost the earth but keep the whole crew happy? This guide covers 17 of the best budget-friendly activities to make the most of the summer sun, including fast-paced fun like StreetHunt Games.
How to plan a bank holiday activity in London without overspending
A good low-cost day out isn’t about cramming in as much as possible; it’s about choosing the right things. We like to say a good low-cost day usually has one main activity, a bit of movement, and a couple of well‑timed breaks.
The trick is to centre the day around something that lasts a few hours, then build around it. One solid activity often works out better (and cheaper) than lots of small impulse spends. Pick something that gets you exploring, gives the group a shared mission, and leaves room for late‑afternoon relaxation in the sun (fingers-crossed).
17 budget-friendly things to do in London this bank holiday
1. Try a StreetHunt Games outdoor adventure game
StreetHunt Games is a city-wide adventure where teams explore London while solving puzzles and completing challenges together. Use your phone as a guide, follow clues through the city, crack riddles linked to landmarks, and race to checkpoints to solve the mystery.
It’s one of the most accessible bank holiday activities, and booking is simple and flexible.
Reserve online in minutes, start from the designated location, and play at your own pace without needing a guide or complicated planning. Choose from either The Case of Colombia’s Finest or Will Breaker.
⭐ Best for: Team bonding, birthday groups, work socials, competitive friend groups
📍 Location: Blackfriars or Holborn
💰 Price: ~£16.50 per person
⏳ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
2. Buzz Bingo
Buzz Bingo is a low-stakes, high‑energy classic. Located in Tooting, they offer bingo cards from as little as £1.50, making it one of the cheapest group activities in the city. Expect a lively crowd, quick-fire rounds, and the kind of suspense that costs less than a coffee. The hall itself feels more like a social club than a traditional bingo hall, with music, drinks, and themed nights running regularly. This makes it easy to drop in for an hour or stay for the whole evening.
⭐ Best for: Groups who love a bit of friendly chaos
📍 Location: Tooting
💰 Price: From £1.50 but prices vary
⏳ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
3. Draughts board game café
Draughts is London’s original board‑game café, and is perfect for a bank holiday afternoon. Hundreds of games, expert staff to guide you, and a cosy atmosphere that works for groups of any size. You pay for a session (usually 2–3 hours) and gain access to all board games available. Food and drinks are available throughout, so it works well as a full afternoon stop.
⭐ Best for: Friends who love strategy, snacks, and a bit of competition
📍 Location: Waterloo & Stratford
💰 Price: £7.50 off-peak hours and £9.50 peak hours
⏳ Time Needed: 2–3 hours
4. IFS Cloud Cable Car
Cloud Cable cars provide a scenic glide across the Thames with skyline views that feel far pricier than the ticket. Great for couples, families, or anyone who wants a breezy break between busier stops. The journey runs between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, taking around 10 minutes each way, and operates continuously throughout the day, making it easy to fit into a wider itinerary.
⭐ Best for: A quick, memorable moment with a view
📍 Location: Greenwich Peninsula
💰 Price: £14
⏳ Time Needed: 20–30 minutes
5. Crossrail Place roof garden
This rooftop garden is a lush, tropical hideaway above Canary Wharf. Wander through bamboo groves, grab a bench in the shade, and enjoy one of London’s most underrated free spaces. It’s covered, so it works in all different types of weather, and the layout follows a circular path split between plants from the Eastern and Western hemispheres, making it feel more immersive than your average city garden.
⭐ Best for: A calm reset between activities
📍 Location: Canary Wharf
💰 Price: FREE
⏳ Time Needed: 30–60 minutes
6. Barbican conservatory
This conservatory is a brutalist jungle in the heart of the city. With over 1,500 species of plants to view, it’s a peaceful, cinematic backdrop for a slow wander. Entry is free, but tickets must be booked in advance and are released approximately 1 month in advance via the Barbican website. Spaces fill quickly, so it’s worth joining the waiting list early to secure a slot. It’s typically open on selected Sundays, and bank holiday openings are not guaranteed, so check dates carefully before planning.
As far as quieter bank holiday activities go, this is a great option if you’re looking to escape the crowds and slow things down for an hour or two.
⭐ Best for: Anyone who loves architecture, greenery, or both
📍 Location: Barbican
💰 Price: Free
⏳ Time Needed: 1 hour
7. Babylon indoor theme park
Babylon is London’s first-ever indoor themepark. It’ a neon‑lit playground with rides, games, and immersive zones. Great for families or groups looking for something weather‑proof and energetic. Inside, you’ll find arcade games, small rides, and fun attractions spread across multiple levels, with a pay-as-you-go or wristband system depending on how long you want to stay.
⭐ Best for: Rainy‑day fun
📍 Location: Camden
💰 Price: ~£30
⏳ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
8. Camden Town brewery tour
Take a behind‑the‑scenes look at one of London’s most iconic breweries. At a Camden Town brewery tour, you can expect tastings, stories, and a relaxed vibe. Tours typically run several times a day across weekends, lasting around 90 minutes and including guided tastings, making it a structured but social activity. Booking ahead is recommended for bank holiday slots.
⭐ Best for: Beer fans and curious drinkers
📍 Location: Kentish Town
💰 Price: £26.25
⏳ Time Needed: 1.5 hours
9. Mr Fogg’s Pub Quizventure
Mr Fogg’s is a quirky twist on the classic pub quiz, complete with themed rounds and theatrical flair, and it’s all for the price of a bus fare. Every Monday at 5:30 pm, you can expect immersive storytelling, costumed hosts, and interactive challenges alongside traditional quiz rounds, all set inside a fun, decorated Victorian-style venue.
⭐ Best for: Groups who love trivia with a side of spectacle
📍 Location: Mr Fogg’s City Tavern, Liverpool Street
💰 Price: £2 per head
⏳ Time Needed: 2 hours
10. Sky Garden yoga class
At Sky Garden, you can start the day above the city with a yoga session surrounded by panoramic views. Calm, atmospheric, and surprisingly affordable. Classes typically run in the early morning (around 7–9 am) on weekdays, with some weekend availability depending on the season. Sessions are released in advance and can sell out quickly. Bank holiday availability can vary, so it’s best to check the schedule ahead of time and book early if sessions are running.
⭐ Best for: Early risers and wellness fans
📍 Location: Fenchurch Building
💰 Price: £20–30
⏳ Time Needed: 1 hour
11. Greenwich Peninsula golf range
A modern driving range with skyline views and plenty of space to practise your swing. Greenwich Peninsula is great for beginners and seasoned players alike. It uses ball-tracking technology and offers both walk-in bays and a putt-putt course, making it easy to drop in casually or plan for a group activity.
⭐ Best for: Groups who want something active but relaxed
📍 Location: Greenwich
💰 Price: £12–31
⏳ Time Needed: 1 hour
12. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a London classic. Wander through dinosaurs, gemstones, and immersive exhibits without spending a penny. Entry to the main galleries is free, but some special exhibitions, such as Our Story with David Attenborough, require tickets. It’s one of the most popular bank holiday activities in London with around 20,000 visitors a day, so arriving early or later in the afternoon can help avoid peak crowds.
⭐ Best for: Families, first‑timers, and anyone who loves a good museum
📍 Location: South Kensington
💰 Price: FREE
⏳ Time Needed: 2–3 hours
13. Highgate cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is one of London’s most atmospheric and historic spots, offering a peaceful escape from the city with winding paths, overgrown greenery, and striking Victorian architecture. It is split into two sections (East and West). The cemetery is known for its famous residents, including Karl Marx, George Michael, and more. The East Cemetery is open for self-guided visits, while the West Cemetery can only be accessed via guided tours, which adds to its more preserved, almost storybook feel.
⭐ Best for: History lovers, photographers, and slower-paced exploring
📍 Location: Highgate
💰 Price: ~£6–15 depending on access
⏳ Time Needed: 1–2 hours
14. The Garden at 120
The Garden at 120 is one of the most stunning rooftop gardens in London, with sweeping views of the City, and there is no booking required. Perfect for a spontaneous stop. Unlike many rooftop spots in London, it’s completely free and walk-in only, with wide pathways, seating areas, and uninterrupted skyline views that make it ideal for a quick but memorable visit.
⭐ Best for: Skyline seekers
📍 Location: Fenchurch Street
💰 Price: FREE
⏳ Time Needed: 30 minutes
15. Tate Modern
Tate Modern is one of the world’s leading modern art museums and is entirely free to enter. The Turbine Hall alone is worth the visit, often showcasing large scale pieces of art. Alongside its permanent collection, Tate Modern regularly hosts major exhibitions, which may require a ticket. Over the May bank holidays, there are headlining contemporary exhibitions like Nigerian Modernism, Tracey Emin: A Second Life, and large-scale installations in the Turbine Hall worth checking in advance.
⭐ Best for: Culture lovers
📍 Location: Bankside
💰 Price: FREE
16. Shakespeare’s Globe £5 rush tickets
At Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, every Friday at 11am, a limited number of £5 tickets are released. A rare chance to experience the Globe for less than the price of lunch. These are sold on a first-come, first-served basis for selected performances, so arriving early or being ready online at release time gives you the best chance of securing tickets. Current active shows include The Tempest and Deep Azure.
⭐ Best for: Theatre fans and spontaneous planners
📍 Location: Bankside
💰 Price: £5
⏳ Time Needed: 2–3 hours
17. Spitalfields City farm
The final stop on our list, Spitalfields City Farm, is a charming community farm with animals, gardens, and a relaxed atmosphere. Great for families or anyone craving a slower moment.It’s free to enter and open most days, with opportunities to see and interact with animals, explore small gardens, and enjoy a quiet break from the city’s busier areas.
⭐ Best for: Kids, animal lovers, and low‑key afternoons
📍 Location: Buxton Street
💰 Price: Free
⏳ Time Needed: 1 hour
How to make the most of your bank holiday in London
Start with one main bank holiday activities in London, ideally something that gives the day shape. Then build around it with movement (a walk, a rooftop, a garden) and a couple of well‑timed pauses. Mix one “main event” with a few free or low‑cost stops, and you’ll be able to stretch the day without stretching the budget.
If you try one thing this bank holiday, make it the one that turns your whole city into your personal gameboard.
StreetHunt Games is a wonderful, budget‑friendly activity that carries the day, brings everyone together, and leaves you ready to chill out for the evening.
Choose from two daring mysteries, race against the clock and solve the case before it goes cold forever.
Book your StreetHunt Games adventure now.