Looking for ways to keep the children entertained without spending a fortune this summer?
From historic houses and museums to city farms, outdoor cinema screenings and sprawling parks, south east London is packed with free attractions and events throughout the school holidays.
Whether you're planning a family day out, looking for somewhere new to explore or simply want to make the most of the warmer weather, here are ten free things to do across south east London this summer.
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Greenwich
The National Maritime Museum
This free museum in Greenwich is entirely dedicated to maritime history, with exhibitions exploring everything from Britain's seafaring past to Lord Nelson and the famous Battle of Trafalgar.
The museum also offers a host of activities throughout the summer, from crafts and storytelling sessions to character encounters for children.
Entry to the museum is free, with special exhibitions ticketed.
The Queen's House
This historic royal residence in Greenwich was designed by celebrated architect Inigo Jones and completed in 1635. The building is also known to television fans for appearing in Netflix hit series Bridgerton.
Visitors can explore the art-filled interiors while enjoying a programme of summer activities, including storytelling sessions with historical characters, sensory play and hands-on craft workshops.
The Queen's House is free to visit throughout the year, with additional family events running during the summer holidays.
Charlton House and Gardens
Charlton House is one of England's finest surviving Jacobean manor houses and serves as a cultural hub in south east London.
Its summer programme features outdoor performances, community events and opportunities to explore the historic grounds.
Highlights include open-air Shakespeare productions, the popular Brass on the Patio concert series and free Tai Chi and Chi Gong sessions in nearby Charlton Park.
Beckenham
Beckenham Place Park
Beckenham Place Park is one of south east London's largest green spaces, with ancient woodland, landscaped gardens and a swimming lake.
The park hosts free live music performances every Sunday throughout the summer, featuring genres ranging from jazz and folk to reggae and brass.
Visitors can also explore the historic mansion, woodland trails and community gardens, while regular events such as Jam in the Park bring local musicians together for open-air performances.
Bexley
Hall Place
Hall Place is a striking Tudor and Jacobean manor house set within 65 acres of award-winning gardens in Bexley, offering plenty of space for visitors to explore and enjoy a picnic.
The grounds are home to the London Butterfly Gardens, where visitors can get up close to a variety of butterfly species throughout the summer.
Families can also enjoy seasonal events including miniature railway rides, owl experiences and regular farmers' markets, while the historic house can be explored through pre-booked guided tours.
Southwark
Surrey Docks Farm
Surrey Docks Farm is a free working city farm on the banks of the Thames in Canada Water.
Visitors can meet pigs, sheep, goats and other farm animals while learning about urban farming and agriculture in London.
Throughout the summer, the nearby Round The Dock festival offers free family entertainment, including live music, workshops, food stalls and markets.
Lewisham
Creekside Discovery Centre
Creekside Discovery Centre in Deptford offers a unique opportunity to discover the wildlife and ecology of Deptford Creek.
The environmental education centre hosts activities throughout the year, including low-tide walks, nature workshops and family-friendly events.
Visitors can also take part in special summer activities, including bug hunting, crafts and nature-themed events during the popular Sue Godfrey Nature Park Fete.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens
The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill is one of south east London's most popular family attractions.
The museum features natural history displays, musical instruments, an aquarium and 16 acres of gardens overlooking London, alongside the recently opened Kusuma Nature Play area.
Free summer activities include family craft sessions, nature trails and outdoor play, while the gardens also host live performances and events throughout August.
Bromley
Midsummer Movies
Midsummer Movies returns to Bromley's Queens Gardens this August with a weekend of free outdoor cinema screenings.
Families can enjoy popular films including Finding Nemo, How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch in the open air.
Visitors can hire deckchairs on-site, purchase refreshments and take part in a public vote to decide one of the festival's headline screenings.
Crystal Palace Park
Crystal Palace Park is famous for its Victorian dinosaur sculptures, boating lake and vast green spaces.
The park hosts a packed programme of events throughout the summer, including major outdoor concerts and community events.
Visitors can also explore what is often described as London's largest maze, enjoy the dinosaur-themed playground and see the recently restored historic dinosaur statues, which remain one of the capital's most distinctive attractions.
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