Don’t let the downpour stop you from enjoying all that London has to offer; With countless things to do and see on a rainy day and plenty of free attractions, it’s the perfect way to get some culture while avoiding the rain. Whether you’re looking for some family-friendly activities or shelter from the rain in one of London’s best pubs, we’ve got it covered.
1) Visit the British Museum
As one of London’s most popular attractions, and open for free every day, the British Museum may be busy on a rainy day – but don’t let that stop you. This museum always has special exhibitions and displays that will engage and educate visitors young and old.
2) Watch a movie
Catch a movie at one of London’s most exclusive cinemas. From classic music in the Prince Charles Cinema to immersive viewing of the latest blockbusters in the BFI Imax, there’s no shortage of places to go.
3) See some art at Tate Modern
Get some culture at Tate Modern, which has an impressive selection of international modern and contemporary art, as well as some special exhibitions for art-obsessed art lovers. Better yet, entry is free.
4) Shopping
Retail therapy in one of London’s largest shopping centres. Westfield has centres in both Stratford and Shepherd’s Bush, with hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafes all under one roof.
5) Visit the National Gallery
Art lovers should head to Trafalgar Square, where the National Gallery is located. Admission is free and you’ll see works by thousands of famous artists, including Van Gogh, Monet and Rembrandt.
6) Experience some history at the Tower of London
Let’s go back in time and explore the Tower of London, where you can learn about its history, and here you can see the crowns on display in the Jewel House – some of which are still used in royal ceremonies to this day.
7) Go to a show
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one of the most popular productions in London’s West End. While you may struggle to get tickets at the last minute, there are plenty of cheap tickets for plays and musicals available at ticket offices around Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
8) Take a stroll around the Natural History Museum
This dinosaur, one of the Natural History Museum’s most famous attractions, may be on tour, but in its place you’ll now see the “Hope” skeleton of the Blue whale, as well as a variety of exhibits on everything from evolution to dinosaurs.
9) Go bowling
A fun rainy day activity with family, friends or on a date, you can’t go wrong with a bowling game! There are plenty of bowling lanes to choose from across the city, including All Star Lane, Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes and Rowan Bowl in Finsbury Park, as well as swimming pools, arcade games and karaoke for hours of fun.
10) Get inspired at the V&A Museum
A museum is a foolproof way to kill a few hours when it’s raining, and the V&A is a must for anyone interested in art and design. In addition to showcasing a wide variety of collections from architecture to fashion, you’ll also find some special exhibits, including some personal handiwork and Frida Kahlo’s clothing collection.
11) Have a drink at the bar
What better way to catch up with friends on a rainy day than in a London pub? .
12) Go see the London Eye
Even if it rains, you can still see some of the city from the shelter of a “pod” on the Coca-Cola London Eye. Of course, visibility may not be as high on a sunny day, but you can still see some landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames.
13) Spend a day at the Science Museum
The Discovery Science Museum is an ideal wet weather event, especially for children, but visitors of all ages are sure to marvel at the award-winning exhibits and exhibits, including some interactive and immersive experiences.
14) Dine in one of London’s many cafes or restaurants
Taking shelter from the rain at a restaurant in London. There are thousands of restaurants to choose from that cater to every taste, whether you just want to grab a bite to eat, indulge yourself with a Michelin-starred meal, or sample cuisines from around the world. The only hard part will be narrowing it down to just one.
15) Walk into St. Paul’s Cathedral
It’s an iconic part of the London skyline, but why not take the opportunity to step inside St Paul’s Cathedral? You will learn about the cathedral’s fascinating history and explore the galleries and crypts.
16) Explore Westminster Abbey
Alternatively, you can visit Westminster Abbey, a famous landmark dating back to 960 AD that has hosted historical events such as the Queen’s coronation, More recently, it hosted the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate in 2011.
17) Visit an indoor market in London
In London’s indoor markets (like Borough Market), where you can sample delicious food or snap up ingredients to make something at home) or go to Leadenhall Market, which has lots of shops and restaurants.
18) To the National Portrait Gallery
If you want to see thousands of portraits in your free days, head to the National Portrait Gallery. The gallery regularly hosts special exhibitions, with recent events including a look at how Michael Jackson inspired some of the leading figures in contemporary art during his influential career.
19) Play indoor golf
Unleash your competitors with a game of mini golf at one of the city’s growing number of competition venues. Swingers currently has two outlets in London, while Junkyard Golf has four nine-hole madness courses at its east London base. One of the latest golf clubs to open is Puttshack in East London, which uses cutting-edge technology to offer a truly modern upgrade to mini golf.
20) Try the escape pod
Gather your friends and test your skills in the escape pod. There are many themed escape room games in London, including the Crystal Maze Live Experience, an amazing team challenge that brings the cult to life in the 90s show.
21) Go to the spa
Relax at one of London’s city spas. You’ll find incredible spas in the city’s top hotels, or you can head to the local salon for a pampering treatment.
22) Go to the Royal Observatory
Time travel in Greenwich, home of the Royal Observatory. In the planetarium, visitors can experience the wonders of space with expert commentary from real astronomers, while you can also stand on the prime meridian of Greenwich Standard Time.
23) Visit the indoor play area with the kids
Any kids coming to play? You’ll want to head to one of London’s indoor play areas for a fun rainy day activity. KidZania London in Westfield, London, is a kid-run indoor city where children can try out 60 real-life activities while parents can relax with a drink in the adults’ garden shed.
