Arts and culture
London is one of the world's cultural hot spots with an abundance of visual and performance arts right on your doorstep. Here are some of our cultural highlights for you to explore.
Explore arts and culture in London:
Peckhamplex
Peckhamplex
The Peckhamplex is a multiplex cinema located in the centre of Peckham. It shows a great selection of movies, from the latest blockbusters to documentaries.
What it's best known for is its ticket price. £5.99 for all films, any day of the week. This makes it one of the most affordable cinemas in the UK, just a short bus ride from campus. It may not be fancy, but it's full of old-school charm and great value for money.
Location: Rye Lane, Peckham
Price: Tickets are £5.99 every day of the week!
Plus: Cheap ticket prices and a great range of movies.
Minus: Seating isn't assigned so you'll need to get there early for good seats for busy screenings.
South London Gallery exhibition
South London Gallery
South London Gallery is one of London's leading visual arts galleries. Just a short bus ride to Camberwell, this free art gallery plays host to a changing series of contemporary art exhibitions.
The gallery also offers a variety of talks, film screenings and workshops to suit all tastes. If you're feeling peckish you can also grab a coffee and bite to eat at their on-site cafe.
Location: Camberwell
Price: Free.
Plus: Exhibitions change throughout the year so there's always something new to see.
Minus: Their cafe can be slightly expensive so don't forget your student ID to get 10% off!
There are plenty of vibrant arts, performances and music venues in the area hosting iridescent cultural events. All you have to do is be eager to engage, experience and explore.
Zi, MA Contemporary Art Theory
It's not the sea to drink, MA Performance Making
Comedy in London
Comedy fans in London are spoilt for choice! From local venues like Up the Creek in Greenwich and Laugh Train Home in Honor Oak, to the more well-known Bill Murray Comedy Club in Angel.
Just down the road from campus, The Shirker’s Rest host ‘Gigl’ a comedy night taking place every second Thursday of the month.
In London, you'll be able to enjoy a great range of comedy including stand-up and drag!
Location: Various across London
Price: Varies depending on the artist and venue.
Plus: Many different venues and options in SE London and beyond.
Minus: Some locations and artists may sell out in advance so it's best to check ahead to avoid disappointment.
National Theatre
Theatre in London
London is a dream destination for lovers of theatre. Although live performance is known for being expensive, many of London's venues offer student discounts and cheap tickets if you book in advance.
The National Theatre offers tickets to under 25s starting from £5, The Young Vic has student rates from £12 as well as £10 previews, and Shakespeare Globe ticket prices start from £10 if you're happy to stand.
Location: Across London
Price: Depends on venue.
Plus: Access to some of the world's greatest shows and venues.
Minus: Cheaper tickets tend to book up far in advance, so you may have to be quick!
Horniman Museum, Forest Hill
Horniman Museum
The Horniman Museum is one of London's hidden gems. It's a classic museum featuring collections of global cultures and the natural world, and their infamous taxidermy Walrus even has its own X (formerly Twitter) account!
The museum is surrounded by a beautiful garden which plays host to a petting zoo complete with Llamas and goats, and a farmers market every Sunday.
Location: Forest Hill
Price: Free for the permanent collection and gardens.
Plus: It's not as busy as museums in central London so you can explore at your leisure.
Minus: Some areas of the museum such as the Aquarium and Butterfly House have an entry fee.
Deptford X
Taking place just down the road from campus, Deptford X is an annual free visual arts festival, celebrating the talent of local artists. Founded in 1998, it is London’s longest-running festival of its kind.
Each year, many of our academics and students take part by putting on performances, hosting exhibitions or running workshops.
Whether you choose to get involved by hosting your own event or exploring what’s on offer, Deptford X is a great way to engage with the local community and find out more about the cultural scene on Goldsmiths’ doorstep.
Location: Deptford
Price: Free
Plus: Deptford X offers a vast range of activities so there's plenty to get involved with.
Minus: The festival typically takes place during the last week of September, so you may not always be back on campus to catch it.