How to Have Fun in January Without Spending More Than £10

London Under £10: Six Not So Common Ideas

Friendly reminder: London doesn’t need to be done all at once. Especially as students, our schedules are full and our energy is limited... so the only way to survive is to divide and conquer.

And yes, we all know London can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few under £10 ideas you can spread across the month and enjoy without stressing your budget.

🎤 A Night of Laughs Without the Big Price Tag

📍 The Top Secret Comedy Club (Covent Garden)

🔗 https://thetopsecretcomedyclub.co.uk/

This is one of those places that feels like a secret you’re not supposed to know about. Affordable tickets, intimate rooms, and genuinely good comedy make it an easy midweek or spontaneous evening plan.

You turn up, sit down, and let someone else do the entertaining.

Cost: usually £5–£7

🎡 Indoor Fun That Doesn’t Involve Sitting Still (Perfect idea when it's cold!) 

📍 Fairgame 

🔗 https://www.wearefairgame.com/fairgame-city

Fairgame City brings classic arcade games indoors, perfect when the weather isn’t cooperating. You pay per game, so you can keep it light, playful, and within budget.

Great for catching up with friends without committing to a long night out.

Cost: easy to keep under £10

🚲 A Scenic Cycle Past London Landmarks

📍 Hyde Park → Buckingham Palace → St James’s Park → Big Ben & Parliament

This route is ideal when you want to be outdoors without dealing with traffic or crowds. Get on a Santander bike, take it slow through the parks, and let the landmarks appear naturally along the way.

It’s sightseeing that doesn’t feel like sightseeing. You can do it alone or with some friends and maybe stop for coffee along the way!

Cost: £1.65–£3

🗺️ A Quiet Afternoon of Discovery

📍 British Library – Secret Maps Exhibition (until 18 January!!)

🔗 https://events.bl.uk/exhibitions/secretmaps

If you’re in the mood for something calm and thoughtful, this exhibition is a great choice. Historic maps, hidden stories, and a space that encourages you to slow down and explore at your own pace.

Cost: £9 (look for the student ticket)

🌯 One Really Good Meal

📍 Borough Market

Borough Market doesn’t have to be expensive if you go in with a plan. Pick one main dish, skip the extras, and enjoy! A good for saving money tip is to bring your own bottled water!

It’s a satisfying food stop that still feels like a treat.

Cost: £6–£9

🎬 A Cheap Cinema Night

📍 ODEON x Amazon Prime

🔗 https://www.odeon.co.uk/amazon/

With Amazon Prime, you can get discounted cinema tickets and turn an ordinary evening into something cosy and low-effort. Enjoy some of the new releases coming this year... personally I can't wait for the Avatar movie!

Tip: Bring snacks from home to eat during the movie!

Cost: 2 tickets for 15 pounds! (just 7.5 each)