Top 10 Things to Do in London This Half Term (Most Are Cheap or Free)
Ten cheap or free things to do in London this October half term, from the Winnie the Pooh trail at London Zoo to Halloween at Kew and Diwali on the Square.
Schools across London break up on Friday 24 October, which gives families a full week of autumn days to fill without blowing the budget. The good news is that the capital is at its best this time of year: parks turn gold, museums put on special trails, and Halloween and Diwali bring the city to life. We've picked ten half-term ideas that work for a range of ages, and most of them are cheap or completely free. Prices and dates are checked at the time of writing, so confirm booking details with each venue before you set off.
1. Winnie the Pooh Storybook Trail at London Zoo
London Zoo in Regent's Park runs a Winnie the Pooh storybook trail over half term, celebrating the real black bear, Winnipeg, who inspired A. A. Milne. Little ones follow illustrated story boards around the zoo between visits to the animals. Book online in advance for the cheapest tickets, and remember under-3s go free. Make a day of it with a walk through Camden and Primrose Hill afterwards.
2. Halloween at Kew Gardens
Kew's autumn half-term programme usually includes pumpkin displays, a family trail through the gardens and a chance to see the arboretum at peak colour. It isn't free, but children's tickets are modest and under-4s go free. Pack a picnic to keep costs down and leave time for the treetop walkway.
3. Diwali on the Square (Saturday 25 October, free)
Trafalgar Square hosts one of the biggest Diwali celebrations outside India, and it's completely free. Expect live music and dance on the main stage, food stalls, henna, yoga and craft activities for children. Arrive early in the afternoon if you want a good view of the performances.
4. London Transport Museum, Covent Garden
Children go free with a paying adult at the London Transport Museum, and adult tickets usually cover unlimited return visits for a year. Kids can climb aboard historic buses and Tube carriages, and the half-term programme often adds hands-on family activities. It's a great rainy-day option right in the middle of town.
5. Free museum trails in South Kensington
The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A are all free to enter and typically run free half-term trails and drop-in activities. Pick up a trail sheet at the entrance, or plan one museum per day to avoid overload. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.
6. RAF Museum London, Colindale (free entry)
Out in north-west London, the RAF Museum offers free entry to hangars packed with more than 100 aircraft, from First World War biplanes to modern jets. Half-term often brings family workshops and interactive galleries. It's easy to reach from Colindale on the Northern line and rarely as crowded as the central museums.
7. London Restaurant Festival family-friendly trails
The London Restaurant Festival runs through October, and some of its tasting trails and set menus are family-friendly. They're a good way to try a new neighbourhood restaurant at a fixed price. For cheaper options, browse our cheap eats in London guide or the full cheap eats directory.
8. Camden Market on a Saturday
Camden Market is free to wander, and Saturdays bring the biggest buzz of stalls, buskers and street food. Set a budget for snacks, then walk along Regent's Canal towards Little Venice or up to Primrose Hill for views across the city. See our Camden local's guide for where to eat.
9. Free borough Halloween events
Many London boroughs and their libraries run free Halloween events over half term, including pumpkin trails in local parks, spooky storytelling and craft sessions. Check your council's events page or browse your area on our London borough hubs. These local events are often the best value of the whole week.
10. An autumn park walk
For a completely free day, head to one of London's great parks while the leaves are at their best. Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath and Greenwich Park are all spectacular in late October. Bring wellies, collect conkers and finish with a hot chocolate.
Plan the rest of your half term
For more ideas, see our free things to do in London and family days out in London guides, check what happens every October in London, or browse all our city guides.
