London On A Budget: A Guide To Cheap Deals For Under 26s

The best cultural offers for young Londoners

By Charlie Walker | Updated Apr 2 2025

A busy riverside promenade with people walking and sitting, overlooking the Thames. London landmarks like the Walkie Talkie and Gherkin buildings are visible in the background. A cruise ship is docked on the left, and street lamps line the walkway. — Image credit: Mike Stezycki via Unsplash

25 or under? Lucky you! We've rounded up some of the best deals for young people in London so that you can enjoy the capital's culture on the cheap.

National Theatre
Throughout the year, National Theatre sets aside tickets to each of its shows on the Southbank specifically for UK residents aged 16 - 25 to attend for a tenner or less!

Click here to see the full roster of shows; for each show you will be offered the chance to ‘unlock 16 - 25 year old’ tickets.

Speaking of top class theatres, shout out to Red Bus Londinium for their robust round-up of Young Person Theatre Discounts at London theatres from the Almieda all the way through the alphabet to The Young Vic.

Young Barbican
14 - 25 year olds can register for FREE to receive the following benefits with Barbican Centre:

- Discounted Tickets: Access to cheaper tickets for exhibitions and new release films, with prices varying from £5 to £15.
- Guest Tickets: Purchase a maximum of two discounted tickets per event—one for yourself and one for a friend also aged 14–25.
- Additional Perks: Enjoy a 10% discount in the Barbican Shop, 20% off at the Barbican Kitchen, and no booking fees on events sold through the Box Office.

Your membership will automatically expire once you turn 26, so enjoy it while you can!

The empty auditorium of the National Theatre on London's Southbank, bathed on blue/purple light — The National Theatre on London's Southbank. SeatPlan.com

BFI (British Film Institute) Southbank
16-25 year-olds can opt in for FREE 25 and Under access to screenings and events: regular screening tickets will cost you just £4 (bookable in advance for all regular screenings), and festival tickets will cost you £5, with special events and preview tickets available on the day of the screening.

To get these benefits check your details on your existing BFI account or create a new account and fill in the date of birth field in the Gift Aid tab for your free 25 and Under access. BFI will verify your age online using AgeChecked. When you log into your account, your ticket option will appear when you book a ticket.

London Symphony Orchestra
If a classical symphony is your kind of thing, Under-18s can attend LSO concerts at the Barbican Centre for £6! Book online, by phone or in person.

Inside and looking down at the huge circular auditorium of Camden Roundhouse, bathed in red light during a performance — Camden's Roundhouse. Roundhouse.org.uk

V&A
Not only are many of the exhibitions at the V&A totally free to visit, but the museum also offers young people opportunities to develop their creative flair. Whether you fancy yourself as a fashion photographer or a spoken word artist, the V&A runs courses - many of which are free - where you can learn more about your chosen craft. What’s more, you can actually get involved in the behind the scenes of the V&A by joining their Young People's Collective. They help put on events, do tours and go on research trips to other museums. So by joining up you can get right at the heart of London’s cultural scene, without spending a penny!

Click here to find out more.

On that note, Camden's Roundhouse takes money from every ticket sold to fund its amazing Youth Program, with affordable opportunities for young people aged 11-30 in music, media, performing arts and professional development.