Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-jaw-dropping-views-sky-garden">For jaw-dropping views: <a href="https://skygarden.london/booking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sky Garden</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="598" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/default.jpg" alt="Sky Garden London " class="wp-image-86168" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/default.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/default-600x359.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Most amazing views in the capital come at a cost (think London Eye and The View from the Shard) but this foliage-filled atrium on the 43rd floor of 20 Fenchurch Street (you know, the Walkie Talkie building) is totally free. Camera phone at the ready because there are stunning scenes through the floor-to-ceiling windows, particularly at sunset. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-laughs-angel-comedy">For laughs: <a href="https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angel Comedy</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="684" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image.png" alt="The Bill Murray venue at Angel Comedy Club, London" class="wp-image-86171" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-600x410.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Watching some of the best comedians in the biz for free? Sounds too good to be true, but this lol factory’s RAW nights (see website for listings) at The Camden Head and The Bill Murray venues don’t cost a penny. Showcasing plenty of fresh new talent, past performers have included Romesh Ranganathan, Bridget Christie and Josie Long. Warning &#8211; get there early as it’s not ticketed and fills up faster than a glass of Prosecco at a mums’ bottomless brunch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-interiors-inspo-william-morris-gallery">For interiors inspo: <a href="https://wmgallery.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">William Morris Gallery</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="602" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-22-at-15.58.39.png" alt="William Morris Gallery in London " class="wp-image-86173" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-22-at-15.58.39.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-22-at-15.58.39-600x361.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Currently crushing on William Morris patterned wallpaper? Gotta pay a visit to the designer&#8217;s former 19th Century Walthamstow Georgian mansion, now transformed into a museum and gallery showcasing his work and activism. While you&#8217;re there, catch current exhibition <em>Radical Landscapes</em>, which ends in Feb and includes more than 60 works spanning two centuries by artists like Derek Jarman and JMW Turner. Also don’t miss cake and a cuppa in Deeney’s Cafe overlooking Lloyd Park. Open Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-art-lovers-the-line">For art lovers: <a href="https://the-line.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Line</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="625" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-22-at-11.25.52.png" alt="Anish Kapoor’s Arcelor Mittal Orbit" class="wp-image-86174" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-22-at-11.25.52.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-22-at-11.25.52-600x375.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pull on your trainers and head east to navigate the city’s biggest public art trail linking Stratford and Greenwich. The (aprox four-hour) route kicks off at Anish Kapoor’s Arcelor Mittal Orbit (like a helter-skelter on acid) and takes you on a meandering trail past parks and waterways while spotting 20 sculptures by artists like Tracey Emin and Anthony Gormley, before ending at Alex Chinneck’s <em>A Bullet from a Shooting Star </em>(looks a bit like an upside down pylon to Muddy) on the Greenwich Peninsula. <a href="https://the-line.org/map/." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Downland map here</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-culture-vultures-live-at-lunch">For culture vultures: <a href="http://www.roh.org.uk/tickets-and-events/live-at-lunch-details" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Live at Lunch</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="712" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-22-at-16.03.12.png" alt="live at lunch at The Royal Opera House in London " class="wp-image-86175" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-22-at-16.03.12.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-22-at-16.03.12-600x427.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pricey opera tickets not top of your essentials list this never-ending (never-spending) Jan? Well you can get a culture fix for free if you pop to The Royal Opera House for a Live at Lunch gig. Muddy&#8217;s pleased to hear there&#8217;s a rolling programme of comp performances ‘inspired by the heritage of the ROH&#8217; which last about 45 mins. Taking place in Paul Hamlyn Hall until 31 May, you can’t book tickets so arrive early as these are popular my friend. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-chinese-new-year-celebrations-chinatown">For Chinese New Year celebrations: <a href="https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/4733685-chinese-new-year-in-london" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinatown</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cny-2018-stage-performers-1920.jpg" alt="Chinese new year celebrations in London " class="wp-image-86177" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cny-2018-stage-performers-1920.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cny-2018-stage-performers-1920-600x338.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>New Year in London can be a pricey, over-hyped and a bit meh, right? Not so Chinese New Year a few weeks later, which is pretty much always a fun, colourful, day-long celebration for all the fam. This 11 Feb marks the year of the Dragon, and the centre of London will be buzzing with parades and free stuff to do, including a kids zone in Leicester Square with arts and crafts, Chinese calligraphy and dressing up, kids&#8217; activities and costume displays at the National Gallery and lion dances, music and thousands of lanterns in Chinatown. Do dodge the firecrackers, don&#8217;t miss the massive evening firework display above Trafalgar Square. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-tasty-bites-borough-market-nbsp">For tasty bites: <a href="https://boroughmarket.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Borough Market</a>&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Our-story.jpg" alt="Borough market in London " class="wp-image-86179" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Our-story.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Our-story-600x338.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>London’s foodie Mecca&#8217;s always worth a visit, whether you’re searching out perfect picnic ingredients or a hot new café, however what we <em>really </em>love about it is how many snacks we’re offered. Whether it’s a glistening olive, bit of brownie or a chunk of jambon, the samples wafted in your face as you wander the stalls makes it an unbeatable place to snack and sightsee. And it’s close to Tate Modern (also fee).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-st-paul-s-vibes-st-stephen-walbrook">For St Paul’s vibes: <a href="https://ststephenwalbrook.net/history/st-stephen/#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Stephen Walbrook</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20220926-4Z4A0499-LR-2048x1366-1.jpg" alt="Sir Steven Walbrook church in Lodon " class="wp-image-86181" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20220926-4Z4A0499-LR-2048x1366-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/20220926-4Z4A0499-LR-2048x1366-1-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>With tickets to St P’s pushing £25 a pop, this dome-tastic (and totally free) church in the City makes a great alternative. Doubtful? Don&#8217;t be because St Stephen&#8217;s was designed by St Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, boasts a stunning dome and huge circular alter created by sculptor Sir Henry Moore. And that’s not all. Call in on a Tuesday lunchtime and you’ll catch a free concert, Wednesday lunchtime listen to a 10-person choir or how about Rush Hour Jazz. What’s not to love? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-a-light-show-battersea-power-station">For a light show: <a href="https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Battersea Power Station</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="868" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Battersea-Power-Station-render-portrait_RGB_Adj3_FudgedWide-1-scaled-e1704486886173.jpg" alt="Light show at Battersea Power Station in London " class="wp-image-86182" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Battersea-Power-Station-render-portrait_RGB_Adj3_FudgedWide-1-scaled-e1704486886173.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Battersea-Power-Station-render-portrait_RGB_Adj3_FudgedWide-1-scaled-e1704486886173-600x521.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Let there be light! Remember the big Battersea Power Station reno and reopening 15 months ago? Well now there’s another reason (aside from all the shiny new shops and restaurants) to head there &#8211; an annual light festival (25 Jan &#8211; 25 Feb). Spread inside and out of the power station, there are seven installations from top artists to browse (ok Instagram), including giant butterflies, a huge diamond, playable lit up piano and a cycling light battle.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-young-kids-ahoy-children-s-gallery">For young kids: <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum/attractions/ahoy-childrens-gallery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AHOY! Children’s Gallery</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AHOY-Childrens-Gallery-Childrens-Play-Area-L8624-001_tile.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86184" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AHOY-Childrens-Gallery-Childrens-Play-Area-L8624-001_tile.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AHOY-Childrens-Gallery-Childrens-Play-Area-L8624-001_tile-600x600.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AHOY-Childrens-Gallery-Childrens-Play-Area-L8624-001_tile-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AHOY-Childrens-Gallery-Childrens-Play-Area-L8624-001_tile-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pretending to stoke a ship’s boiler, sell fish at a market, dress up like a pirate and navigate an ice-breaker boat in the Arctic is pretty brilliant if you&#8217;re aged seven and under (or, confession, in your 40s). Seems hard to believe the young kids’ section of the National Maritime Museum can be educational, fun AND free, but it is, so grab the little &#8216;uns and hop on a train to Greenwich pronto. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-lunchtime-lectures-the-v-amp-a-nbsp">For lunchtime lectures: <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/whatson/programmes/lunchtime-event" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The V&amp;A&nbsp;</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/p23099-lunchtime-lecture-acts-of-resistance-photography-feminisms-and-the-art-of-protest_1920.jpg" alt="Free lunchtime talks at the V&amp;A in London" class="wp-image-86185" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/p23099-lunchtime-lecture-acts-of-resistance-photography-feminisms-and-the-art-of-protest_1920.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/p23099-lunchtime-lecture-acts-of-resistance-photography-feminisms-and-the-art-of-protest_1920-600x338.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ok we know the Victoria &amp; Albert Museum costs nada anyway, which is a total win as it’s a brilliant place to visit whether you’re 6 or 60, but Muddy recently found out it also throws in a free lunchtime lecture from time to time. Yep, you can go super high brow and attend stimulating talks throughout the year, such as<em> Photography, Feminism and the Art of Protest </em>(7 March; 1-1.55pm).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-yoga-classes-tara-yoga-centre">For yoga classes: <a href="https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/free-hatha-yoga-2/">Tara Yoga Centre</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B7A6941-scaled-1.jpg" alt="Tara Yoga Centre in London " class="wp-image-86187" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B7A6941-scaled-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/B7A6941-scaled-1-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Time to embrace your inner zen with a free Hatha Yoga Class at the Tara Yoga Centre in EC1. How come they&#8217;re free? Apparently teachers don’t view it as a job, but rather a spiritual practice (karma yoga) acting unselfishly from the heart (though you can make a donation if you&#8217;re feel generous). Themes include calm your mind (Tues), yoga for happiness (Weds) and yoga for the heart (Thur). See you on the mat. </p>


12 free things to do in London this January and beyond!

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