Seven great (and affordable!) things to do in London this spring

We’ve teamed up with Transport for London to bring you our top picks of festivals, exhibitions, Easter family fun and more

We all have that London itch by now. You know the feeling: the evenings are longer, the air is warmer, the cherry blossoms are emerging and you feel ready to go out and explore the capital. We are here to help! Thankfully, there are plenty of low-budget (or even free) events, exhibitions and festivals taking place in London this spring, meaning you can stay within your budget while making the most of the city. Below you’ll find seven great activities, all accessible via the TfL network. When you travel on public transport, not only are you moving more sustainably, but you could also save money (especially when you travel after hours!).

And remember, when you travel with TfL, not only are you traveling more sustainably, you could save money too! Adults can travel between Zone 1 and Zone 2 for just £2.80, children under 11 travel free on the tube and under 18s travel free on buses and trams*. Winner!

 Cherry blossom season at Greenwich Park

That gorgeous shade of pink is synonymous with early spring – and nowhere is it more enchanting than in Greenwich Park. Follow a road just past the cricket ground and you’ll discover an archway of cotton candy flowers bursting into glorious life, leading you straight to a charming Georgian mansion called Ranger’s House.

Greenwich Park, SE10 8QY. Free. Buses: 53, 54, 129, 177, 188, 199, 286, 202, 380, 386. DLR: Cutty Sark.

 Horniman Museum Spring Fair

There’s more to this south-east London gem than its famous stuffed walrus: the Horniman Museum hosts a plethora of family-friendly events throughout the year, including this Spring Fair. Enjoy the beautiful views from the museum grounds as you enjoy live music, craft workshops, shows, games, face painting and miniature golf.

100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ. £5, £2.50 child (up to three years free). Saturday 8th April Bus: 176, 185, 197, 356, 363, N63, P4. Above ground: Forest Hill.

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Whether you’re an experienced gamer or not, we guarantee the unexpected at this annual eight-day family-friendly festival of experimental game design at Somerset House. This year’s theme is love in all its forms and there are tons of events to choose from, including a live-action role play (LARP) set at the end of the world, an interactive show by Alistair Aitcheson with a specially designed app and colorful installation called ‘Rainbow Paths’, which stretches through Somerset House and is filled with mini-games, play spaces and hidden objects.

Wire, WC2R 1A. £9, £6.50 child. April 1-9 (not April 3). Buses: 1, 6, 9, 11, 15, 26, 59, 68, 76, 87, 91, 139, 168, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521 and X68. Tube: Temple.

 Queer Britain

Last year, the UK’s first museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and culture opened its doors in King’s Cross, so if you haven’t been yet, now is a great time. Inside you will find objects, stories, voices and images spanning 100 years of queer life in the UK; think inspiring activism, eye-opening artwork, and more, with a focus on intersectionality and inclusiveness.

2 Granary Square, N1C 4BH. Free. Buses: 17, 30, 73, 91, 205, 259, 390. Underground: King’s Cross St. Pancras.

 Easter egg hunt at Osterley Park and House

Do you have curious little ones on your hands? This Easter, West London’s stunning Georgian country estate, Osterley Park and House, will host an epic hunt through the gardens. Children will be given a trail map and a pencil, then nature-inspired and poetry-inspired activities will be introduced.

Jersey Road, Isleworth, TW7 4RB. £3 per route. £14, £7 entry fee for children at Home and Gardens. April 1-16. Buses: H91, H28. Tube: Osterley.

 The Great Flea of London

Discover vintage treasures, meet local artists and shop for one-of-a-kind salvaged items at one of London’s best markets. This iteration of the Hackney Flea Market will be held in a particularly atmospheric venue, Evolutionary Arts Hackney (or Earth), located in the restored and once abandoned Savoy Cinema.

Land, 11-17 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 8BH. £1. Sat 16th April. Buses: 67, 76, 149, 236, 243, 488 Overground: Dalston Kingsland.

 Eid in the square

Eid al-Fitr is a celebration of the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and everyone is welcome to join this free festival in Trafalgar Square. Here for its 18th year, this one-day event will showcase London’s diverse Muslim communities through dance, storytelling,