Free things to do in south east London in 2023

You don’t need to travel far if you’re looking for some activities to do in south east London that won’t break the bank.

From museums, street art, art exhibitions or a walk at a park there’s plenty to see and do to keep you busy if you’re trying to watch the pennies.

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Here are some of them:

See some history at Greenwich

The National Maritime Museum

Greenwich has some free museums you can enter if you have an interest in royal history or naval history.

National Maritime Museum, Greenwich (Image: National Maritime Museum)

The National Maritime Museum has several interactive and educational exhibits such as their exhibition on Tudor naval history and an exhibition featuring the coat that Nelson wore when he died in battle. There are several floors to explore and it’s very easy to spend a day browsing the exhibitions if you take your time.

Address: Romney Road, London SE10 9NF

The Queen’s House

Originally built in 1616 for Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I, this building has some stunning 17th century architecture and shows a glimpse into the royal history of Greenwich.

The Queens House, Greenwich (Image: National Maritime Museum)

It also features the famous Tulip Staircase which is a hotspot for instagrammers and photographers.

The Queen’s House is closed until March 1 in preparation for a new exhibition.

Address: Romney Road, Greater, London SE10 9NF

See some fossils at the Horniman Museum

First opened in 1901, the Horniman Museum has a wide collection of historical artefacts including fossils, natural history, musical instruments and more.

The Horniman Museum, Forest Hill (Image: The Horniman Museum)

Don’t forget to check out the preserved Walrus and the huge collection of fossils.

The museum has several floors to explore that are free to visitors, although some of their exhibitions such as their aquarium and butterfly house are ticketed.

It also has 16-acre gardens with a children’s play area and several gardens including a Sound Garden, Bee Garden and Prehistoric Garden.

Address: 100 London Road, London SE23 3PQ

Hang out with the animals at Surrey Docks Farm

This working farm is a small city farm, situated by the riverside, it’s located near Surrey Quays Shopping Centre and several pubs and restaurants by the river.

The farm cares for several animals including goats, poultry, sheep, pigs, donkeys and ponies.

It’s free to enter, although animal feed comes at an extra cost and the farm also welcome donations.

Address: Rotherhithe Street, South Wharf, London SE16 5ET

Take a tour of some art in Deptford and New Cross

Lewisham borough has plenty of street art on offer and in particular New Cross and Deptford are host to a number of them.

His n Hers, Deptford High Street (Image: Emma Davison)

Don’t miss the famous ‘His n Hers’ painted houses in Deptford High Street or the ‘Love Over Gold Mural’ near Creekside.

Check out an art exhibition at Goldsmiths

Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art is a great place to visit if you want to check out some art created by the art students studying at the university.

The exhibitions change regularly and are free to enter to the public.

This Grade II listed building is situated within the Goldsmiths campus, just a short walk from New Cross Station and is surrounded by many pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Address: St James's, London SE14 6AD

Visit a park

South east London has some beautiful parks nestled within the its boroughs.

If you’re in Greenwich, Greenwich Park offers 183 acres of green space which features several historical buildings, wild deer, a duck pond and a boating pond.

If you’re in Lewisham Manor House Gardens is a picturesque park which houses a library, a children’s play area, a lake and a small café.

If you’re in Bexley, Danson Park has plenty of green space along with a tennis court, boating lake and 18th century building.

If you’re in Bromley, Church House Gardens is a lovely spot to take a walk with woodland areas, ornamental gardens and a lake.