When you plan a trip to London, it’s natural to wonder about rainy days. London has a reputation for dreary, damp weather. I promise it’s not that bad, but it does rain sometimes. Luckily, London has tons of options for keeping you entertained on even the wettest of days. Here are 41 ideas for your next rainy day in London.
Visit a Museum (or three)
Museums are a wonderful choice when the day looks dreary. London has a museum to suit any interest, and you’ll find items here that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. Even better, some of London’s museums are free to enter! Most larger museums have coat checks, so drop off your umbrella and raincoat for a small fee before you wander.
1. Museum Row: Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and V&A
Located in South Kensington, each of these museums are a short walk from each other and all offer free entry. Check their website to book an entry time slot. Any one of them can occupy you from a few hours to all day. Join a few together if the rain looks persistent.
The Science Museum covers all things science and tech. There are many interactive exhibits, making this a great choice for inquisitive kids.
The Natural History Museum is world famous for a reason. Its grand Hintze Hall featuring a full-size blue whale skeleton amidst beautiful architecture is worth the visit alone. I always find time to visit the stunning gemstone collection while there as well.
The V&A focuses on art and design and seems to have a bit of everything. Wander through a Greek marble statuary collection. Gaze at a jewelry collection including everything from tiaras to a ring owned by Beyonce. Don’t miss the recently redone musical theatre collection with costumes and show pieces from major productions.
2. The British Museum
The first national museum in the world, this is the big one. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures. The covered courtyard is airy enough to feel open even on crowded days and you can usually find quieter corners away from the most famous objects.
3. Churchill War Rooms
Hidden in plain sight in Westminster, this bunker was the home of British war planning during World War II. Even if you’re not a military buff, the Churchill War Rooms provide a fascinating look at the way people lived in this environment below ground.
4. British Library
Home to literary and musical artifacts that will knock your socks off. The British Library’s permanent collection includes the desk where Jane Austen first wrote, Michelangelo’s illustrations, and a folio of work by Shakespeare.
5. Postal Museum
Think postage history will be dull? What if it includes hidden tunnel tours? The Postal Museum makes for a fascinating day in. The interactive exhibits are also a hit with kids.
6. London Transport Museum
Another popular kids option, the London Transport Museum covers the history of transport in London. Lots of interactive exhibits, including a chance to drive a train simulator and clamber on old vehicles.
7. Museum of London Docklands
The original Museum of London closed for a big move at the end of 2022, but you can still visit the Docklands branch in East London. This museum gives a great look at London’s history, major events, and cultural touchpoints.
8. Smaller Museums: London Mithraeum, Sir John Soane’s Museum, and the Wallace Collection
When you only expect a short rain shower, or you just need an indoor break, these smaller museums provide big returns for an hour or so of your time.
Where else but London would you find a complete Roman temple under a bank building? The London Mithraeum is just that and provides a firsthand look at the temple ruins and artifacts from the area.
Sir John Soane’s Museum is the personal collection and former home of this 19th Century architect. Expect an artist’s eye for capturing light amidst art and items collected over his lifetime. You’ll feel as though you’ve walked into an eccentric cabinet of curiosities.
The Wallace Collection is housed in a townhouse (truly a mansion by London standards) and holds treasured art pieces and a staggering amount of decorative weaponry. The elaborately decorated rooms make you feel as if you have stepped into your incredibly posh relative’s home.
See an Indoor Historic Site
While many historic sites are outdoors or have a combination of indoor/outdoor spots to visit, these have a lot to offer under one roof.
9. Westminster Abbey
Save taking your pictures of the beautiful exterior for a less soaked moment, and step into history inside Westminster Abbey. This church is tightly tied to the royal family and has seen weddings, coronations, and funerals. The 2022 funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was held here. Many historic figures have been laid to rest here as well, including Sir Isaac Newton, Queen Elizabeth I, and Charles Dickens.
10. St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral has long been the focal point in London. Step inside to appreciate the beauty of this place and experience the architecture, art, and church history that have shaped London.
11. Kensington Palace
Unlike Buckingham Palace, which most visitors only view from the outside, Kensington Palace hosts rotating exhibits inside its walls. Visit state apartments or check out one of the rotating exhibits. 2023 brings Crown to Couture, exhibiting historic clothing and modern celebrity-worn designs.
Admire an Art Gallery
If art is your primary goal, London has got you covered. From classic to modern collections, and from a reformed power station to pairing with an indoor rainforest, these galleries will keep you intrigued indoors.
12. Barbican
The Barbican combines music, theatre and art into one artistic setting. Exhibits change frequently, so check the website for what’s on now. If you’re missing nature, but avoiding the rain, check out the tropical oasis in the Barbican’s indoor conservatory.
13. National Gallery
Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is likely a short stop from wherever you are in Central London. Expect all of the big name classical artists in a building where the architecture manages to challenge the art for your attention.
14. Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi Gallery supports young and international contemporary artists. Exhibits are housed in a massive building and you can easily spend hours here.
15. Tate Modern or Tate Britain
Whether your taste runs modern or classic, the Tate collections will meet your artistic needs. The Tate Modern is located on the South bank of the Thames in a former power station. Head up to the viewing deck for epic views across the river toward St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Tate Britain is a bit further down the banks of the Thames. It provides an extensive collection of classic British art from the 16th Century onward.
Go Shopping
A rainy day is an excellent time to explore London’s famous department stores. You also shouldn’t count out visiting one of London’s markets. Covered spaces make market browsing pleasant in all weather.
16. Harrods
If you’ve only heard of one shop in London, this is probably it. Harrods has a well deserved reputation for excess, and this posh landmark lives up to every inch of it. Be sure to check out the Egyptian themed escalator and the massive Food Hall.
17. Selfridges
Another well-known name in upscale shopping, you can find it all at Selfridges. With late dining options and a cinema on site, you could spend many hours here.
18. Liberty
If you’re looking to be wowed by the atmosphere as much as by the price tags, I highly recommend a trip to Liberty. Liberty’s building near Oxford Circus is iconic, and the interior features an open central forum surrounded by stories of carved wood balconies. Sewing fans will also want to stock up on Liberty’s famous floral print fabrics.
19. Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly store exudes luxury. Well known for its tea selection, the entire shop looks like it was created on a movie set. Think classy displays, wood bannister staircases, and a mouthwatering confectionary department.
20. Covered Markets: Borough Market and Old Spitalfield’s Market
Borough Market is perhaps London’s best known food market. It is a foodie heaven and a great place to grab a meal or stock up on treats and food gifts. While it is outside, it is largely covered due to its location under a main train line.
Old Spitalfield’s Market is the best market in town for a rainy day. Its large market building keeps out the rain while you peruse art, books, fashion, and crafts.The market is open daily, with an antiques market running every Thursday. The market is also home to 40+ food and drink vendors, so you don’t have to leave when you need a shopping break.
Quick honorable mention to Camden Market. This market has many indoor or covered spaces, but you’ll need to duck outside a good bit to get between them.
Duck Into a Cozy Pub, Cafe, or Indoor Food Market
When it’s raining outside, stay in for a meal or just cozy up at a pub table until the waterworks finish. You can find excellent pubs all over London, so don’t feel that you have to travel far to find a spot out of the rain. Most London pubs are family friendly during the day. I’m sharing my favorite London pub, as well as some indoor markets that offer many dining and drink options under one roof.
21. The Prince Alfred
Open since the 1800s, The Prince Alfred pub in Maida Vale is historic and a great spot to grab a drink or a meal. The Victorian building retains it’s old wooden features and carved glass “snob screens”, which were intended to separate patrons by class and gender. They also have a lovely dining room serving a delicious menu – no bland pub grub here.
22. Cafe in the Crypt
For a spot out of the rain in an offbeat location, stop in to St. Martin in the Fields church near Trafalgar Square. The church cafe makes for a tasty lunch or tea and cake visit. It also happens to be located in the church crypt. Don’t worry, though. The arched brick ceilings make the atmosphere more cozy than creepy.
23. Leadenhall Market
This 19th century iron and glass-covered market is worth a stop in any weather. Harry Potter fans may recognize it from the first film as it includes the film entrance for the Leaky Cauldron. On a rainy day, stopping here for a meal can be great. Many of the restaurants have tables “outside” under the market’s beautiful arches.
24. Seven Dials Market
You’re hungry, you’re soggy, and you have the strongest craving for cheese. Well, step right into the Seven Dials indoor food market. Can I interest you in a conveyor belt cheese bar? Thought so. If your taste buds have something else in mind or you’re part of a group with varying cravings, this is still your spot. This hall in Covent Garden brings together food and drink vendors of all varieties and centers around a communal dining space. All completely inside and rain protected.
Savor Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a UK tourist must, and a rainy day makes it even easier to savor the experience. You can find delicious and over the top afternoon tea at many major tourist spots and hotels in London. These tend to book up well in advance, though, so what to do if you’re looking to while away a rainy afternoon last minute?
25. Fortnum & Mason Tea Room
This is a great spot on a rainy day as it’s the classic English ambience for sale here, rather than a spectacular view. It feels fancy, but not overly formal. I’ve had afternoon tea here with a 5-year-old and had a lovely time. It’s still best to book ahead here if you can, but stop by and ask for a last minute table if you’re in the area.
26. The English Rose
Located near Buckingham Palace, the English Rose tea shop does a nice afternoon tea and only takes walk-ins. They’re also open for breakfast in case a rainy morning inspires you toward a Full English.
Relax
If the weather has you in mind for some self-care, consider the healing power of books or take a Roman-inspired spa break.
27. Daunt Books
Daunt Books in Marylebone feels like unwrapping an unexpectedly wonderful present. Fairly simple looking from the street, wander through the back to a multi-level treasure complete with narrow balconies and floor to ceiling books. The shop has a few seats while you browse, or take your new purchase to one of the many cafes or coffee shops on the Marylebone high street.
28. Aire Ancient Baths
This spa leans heavily into London’s Roman past and offers a soothing spa break heavy on candlelit bath spaces rather than outdoor vistas. All the spa treatments you could want in a dramatic setting.
Get a Moody View
London is beautiful in any weather. Try one of these vantage points for a view of London’s best sights.
29. London Eye
I don’t love the London Eye in general, but it is a surprisingly good fit for a rainy day. Each of the viewing pods are completely enclosed, so your entire turn around the wheel will be dry. Take in views over the Thames and across cloud-strewn London.
30. Sky Garden
This is my preferred way to get your London vista photos. Visiting the Sky Garden is free, but you need to book a ticket in advance. If you’ve missed the free tickets, look for dining reservations to pair the view with a nice meal. Even in the rain, looking out over London is beautiful.
31. Bus tour
If the day has brought you an annoying drizzle rather than a full rain shower, this is actually a great day to take a bus tour. Hop on hop off tours operate in all weather, and a rainy day is a good time to hop on and take in the full tour. You’ll get to see the sights and learn a bit about the city without getting wet.
Visit the Theatre
London is a fantastic city for theatre. Whether you take in a show or tour one of the historic venues, this can be the perfect escape on a rainy day.
32. Theatre Royal Drury Lane
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the oldest continuously running entertainment venue in the world. This theatre has seen some things and has many stories to tell. Tours take you behind the scenes and share interesting bits of history.
33. Royal Opera House
A variety of tours are available at the Royal Opera House, whether you’re interested in history or going behind the scenes of the current performances.
34. Last Minute Show Tickets
Want to escape the rain to take in a show, but don’t have tickets? Check for last minute discounted seats at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square. You can also check for seats through them online. I also have had good luck finding cheap seats through London Theatre Direct.
Try a Unique Experience
Looking for an indoor experience that says “London”, or at least says “Quirky”? Here are a few ideas for unique ways to spend your time.
35. Sherlock Holmes Baker Street Escape
What better theme for an escape room than the most famous detective of all time? This escape room will test your mind and immerse you in the world of Sherlock Holmes.
36. Bounce Ping Pong Bar
Grab a paddle and your friends and get ready to stay active inside when you book a table at this bar.
37. Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium
Enjoy a snack and make some new furry friends at London’s original cat cafe. Note that they only welcome children over 12.
38. Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station
Visit King’s Cross Station and see the spot where Harry first departed for Hogwarts. It should be no surprise that you’ll find a photo opportunity and a shop selling Harry Potter merchandise on the spot.
Go Outside Anyway
Can’t stomach coming all this way just to stay inside? Put on your wellies and your raincoat and just head out anyway. Here are a few spots worth checking out even when the weather is damp.
39. Hampstead Heath
Get a taste of English countryside without leaving London. This wild park is over 800 acres and includes multiple viewpoints looking over the city. On a rainy day, you can soak up the atmosphere (see what I did there?) before heading back into Hampstead to toast yourself dry in a cozy pub.
40. Tower of London
The Tower of London includes a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, but don’t cancel your visit plans to avoid the rain. There are plenty of covered or indoor exhibits, including the Crown Jewels, if you need to dash out of a rainstorm. A dark and stormy day also adds to the atmosphere when you’re walking the tower’s walls or visiting centuries-old prison chambers.
41. Chinatown
Snacking your way through Chinatown has become pretty famous on social media. None of the streets in this area are covered, but a downpour may be your sign to commit to that restaurant you’re eyeing. You may also have better luck with short queues if the weather has discouraged some influencers.
Don’t Worry About Rainy Days in London
You may see some rain on your visit, but this city knows how to keep going when the weather turns dreary. It’s also worth checking your hourly forecast on a rainy day. They aren’t foolproof, but can give you an idea of just how much of the day will actually have rain. It’s not uncommon at all to see a rainy morning followed by brilliant blue skies in the afternoon. Grab your raincoat just in case and get out there!
