AS THE weather seems to have turned rather chilly, it might be tempting to just snuggle up at home this week – but there are some must-see free events across the UK.
Whether you don’t mind the cold and are happy to go on a light trail walk or would rather stay inside watching The Traitors in the warmth of a pub, there is something on for everyone this week.
Winter Light, Southbank, London
Running from January 12 to 18, you can head off on an illuminated walk by the Southbank Centre.
The light trail features a number of artists that have explored topics that are currently being discussed in today’s society, such as identity and technology.
Visitors can even use the Bloomberg Connects App to head on a self-guided tour of the trail and get behind-the-scenes insights.
Mendip Activity Centre, Churchill, Winscombe near Bristol
The Mendip Activity Centre near Bristol is hosting a line-up of free music gigs in the Alpine Lounge as part of its Apres-Ski Fest 2026.
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This week the event will take place on January 16, featuring ‘Silver Line’.
The free live music will be on from 7:30pm.
Harmony with the Volcanic World, Southbank Centre, London
On Saturday evening, head to the Southbank Centre to see Springwatch presenter Kate Humble discussing all things volcanoes.
The free talk takes place before a paid concert.
The talk is from 5pm to 5:45pm, on January 17.
Earth Day Outdoor Photography Exhibition, Ambleside, Cumbria
Head to Ambleside in Cumbria for an outdoor photography exhibition around the grounds of Wray.
The photos show “conversations about the world, its inhabitants, environments and the changing climate”.
The exhibition is running until April 30.
Spies, Lies and Deception at IWM North, Manchester
At the Imperial War Museum in Manchester, visitors can explore the world of spies and how some plots have influenced and altered conflict throughout history.
For kids, there is the chance to visit the ‘Mission Room’ where they can head off on a top-secret exhibition trail and link pieces of information to find out how to succeed as a spy.
Visiting both the museum and the exhibition is free and the exhibition will run until August 26 this year.
Move with On, Battersea Power Station, London
‘Move with On’ will be taking place at the On store in Battersea Power Station on Wednesday.
The free session on January 14 takes place at 7:30am and is mat-based.
It lasts 45 minutes and focuses on functional strength and boosting energy.
Live Traitors screenings, London
Love doing something on a Friday night but also want to stay cosy?
Well, head to The Rising in Elephant and Castle to watch The Traitors at 8pm.
Other pubs across London, like Two Brewers are also doing viewings, as well as some across the UK – so it is worth seeing if there are any in your local area.
Indivisible – Vane, Newcastle
On January 16 and 17 at 12pm each day, head to the ‘Indivisible’ exhibition at Vane in Newcastle to explore works by 14 artists.
All artists’ works come under the theme of ‘EarthFLag’ and show the earth‘s composition, transformation and living systems.
If you can’t catch the exhibition this weekend, there are other dates available.
Family Printing Workshop at Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton, Devon
On January 17, head to Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Devon between 11am and 3pm to make a watery print to celebrate the opening of the new Shifting Waterscapes exhibition.
The session will be run by Emma Molony, who will be on hand to help visitors create their own original print.
The Delusion, Serpentine North Gallery, London
Until January 18, you can head to the Serpentine North Gallery to see Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley’s current exhibition.
The Delusion exhibition shows themes of censorship and social connection and for visitors, it will feel like a post-apocalyptic world.
Essentially, the exhibition is a multiplayer, video game-like immersive experience, where society has broken.
Garden open days, Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey
This weekend marks Hampton Court Palace’s first garden open days of 2026.
Visitors can enter parts of the gardens for free including The Great Fountain Garden, the Kitchen Garden and the Pond Garden.
If you want to head into the palace itself, you will need to pay admission.
The New Wimbledon Theatre, London
On January 17 from 10am, New Wimbledon Theatre is hosting an Open House Day where the public can explore inside the theatre as well as attend a variety of events.
For example, on the stage there will be a Dear England-themed penalty shoot out, where you could win tickets to the show.
Also on the stage will be the Friends couch, for the perfect photo op.
There’s stain glass window making, a Peppa Pig colouring competition and drama wellbeing workshops too.
If you are looking for more things to do across the UK, here are our top picks for ‘fun under £5’ across all £9.50 Holiday destinations in the UK.
Plus, these were the top 15 UK attractions in 2025.