Don’t let the rain ruin your day! London is a city of endless possibilities, even when the skies open up.
If you visit London, the chances are it will rain at some point. But don’t despair – whether you seek shelter within world-class museums, cozy up in charming tearooms, or embark on unique indoor adventures, this guide will unveil the myriad of exciting possibilities for an unforgettable rainy day in the UK’s capital.
If you’re looking for suggestions for where you can visit when it rains in London then this article is just for you! I’ve put this list together of the things you can do and places you can visit that will keep you entertained and dry.
So, grab your umbrella and prepare to unlock the secrets of London’s hidden gems indoors while the rain creates a beautiful symphony on the city’s streets. There’s no time to waste – let’s dive into a day of adventure that even the rain can’t dampen.
Contents
Activities
Don’t let the rain stop play – here are some things to do when it’s raining in London.
- Bowling – Enjoy a game of bowling at All Star Lanes at various locations in London. Website
- F1 Arcade – Race a virtual F1 car in this full-motion simulator. Nearest Tube: St Paul’s. Website
- Flight Simulator – Experience the thrill of flying a Boeing 737 in a realistic flight simulator. Nearest Tube: South Ealing. Website
- Go Karting – Drive the UK’s fastest indoor go karting track at Capital Karts in Canary Wharf. Nearest Tube: Canary Wharf. Website
- Indoor Ice Skating – Go for indoor ice skating. Various ice skating rinks throughout the city.
- Indoor Mini Golf – Try indoor mini-golf at various venues. Various indoor mini-golf venues.
- Indoor Rock Climbing – Try indoor rock climbing. Various climbing centers throughout the city.
- Indoor Swimming Pool – Enjoy a swim at an indoor pool with slides at Waterfront Leisure Centre, Woolwich. Nearest Tube: Woolwich. Website
- Luxury Spa Day – Relax with a spa day or massage. Various luxury spas throughout the city.
Attractions
London has many world-class attractions for you to enjoy, so there are plenty of places to visit when it rains in London.
- London Bridge Experience – wander through this interactive experience spanning 2000 years of London’s history. Nearest Tube: London Bridge. Website
- London Dungeon – Scream and laugh your way through an immersive journey through London’s darkest past. Nearest Tube: Waterloo. Website
- Madam Tussauds – Come face to face with over 150 lifelike celebrity waxwork figures. Nearest Tube: Baker Street. Website
- Sea Life London Aquarium – See sharks, jellyfish, sea turtles and penguins. Nearest Tube: Waterloo. Website
- St Paul’s Cathedral – Step inside one of London’s most famous landmarks. Nearest Tube: St Paul’s. Website
- The Tower of London – Admire the Crown Jewels and see where history was made at this historic castle. Nearest Tube: Tower Hill. Website
- Tower Bridge – Explore inside one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Nearest Tube: Tower Hill. Website
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter – Explore the world of Harry Potter. Nearest Tube: Watford Junction (train ride from London). Website
- Westminster Abbey – Experience over a thousand years of history at this royal church in the centre of London. Nearest Tube: Westminster. Website
- Westminster Cathedral – Step inside the largest Catholic church in the UK. Nearest Tube: Victoria. Website
Food and drink
A rainy day is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a nice meal, or a leisurely afternoon tea.
- Afternoon Tea – Indulge in a traditional British tea experience. Various tea rooms throughout the city, often near Tube stations.
- Cat Cafe – Enjoy a drink or snack in the company of cats at Java Whiskers in Marylebone. Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus. Website
- Cooking Classes – Learn to cook with various cooking schools and classes throughout the city.
- Riverside Dining – Dine with a view of the River Thames. Various riverside restaurants, e.g., near London Bridge or South Bank stations.
- Traditional English Breakfast – Enjoy a hearty English breakfast. Various cafes and restaurants, often near Tube stations.
- Traditional London Pubs – Savor a meal and a pint at a cozy pub. Various pubs throughout the city, often near Tube stations.
- Twinings Tea Shop – Visit the oldest tea shop in London. Nearest Tube: Strand or Temple. Website
Galleries and libraries
If you’d prefer to shelter from the rain and admire some artwork in a gallery, then London will not disappoint. There are many galleries located across the city, with a huge variety of artwork on display.
- British Library – Dive into a vast collection of books and manuscripts. Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras. Website
- Dulwich Picture Gallery – Enjoy a renowned collection of Old Master paintings. Nearest Train: West Dulwich. Website
- Fashion and Textile Museum – Delve into the world of fashion and textiles. Nearest Tube: London Bridge. Website
- Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) – Enjoy exhibitions, films, and contemporary art. Nearest Tube: Charing Cross. Website
- Lambeth Palace Library – Visit a historic library. Nearest Tube: Lambeth North. Website
- National Gallery – Admire masterpieces from renowned artists. Nearest Tube: Charing Cross. Website
- National Portrait Gallery – View portraits of historical figures. Nearest Tube: Charing Cross. Website
- Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery – Visit the former home of architect Sir John Soane. Nearest Tube: Ealing Broadway. Website
- Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration – Dive into the world of illustration and graphic arts. Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras. Website
- Royal Academy of Arts – Explore art exhibitions and collections. Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus or Green Park. Website
- Royal Society – Discover the history of science and exploration. Nearest Tube: Green Park or Piccadilly Circus. Website
- Saatchi Gallery – Discover contemporary art in Chelsea. Nearest Tube: Sloane Square. Website
- Serpentine Gallery – Experience contemporary art in Hyde Park. Nearest Tube: Lancaster Gate. Website
- Sir John Ritblat Gallery: Treasures of the British Library – Explore rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents. Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras. Website
- Somerset House – Enjoy exhibitions and events at this centre for arts and culture. Nearest Tube: Temple. Website
- Tate Britain: Explore 500 years of British art. Nearest Tube: Pimlico. Website
- Tate Modern – Experience contemporary art on the South Bank. Nearest Tube: Southwark. Website
- The Courtauld Gallery – Visit the home to one of the world’s great art collections ranging from the Renaissance through to the 20th century. Nearest Tube: Temple. Website
- Whitechapel Gallery – Experience contemporary art in the heart of London’s East End. Nearest Tube: Aldgate East. Website
- White Cube Gallery – Visit Europe’s largest commercial gallery space. Nearest Tube: London Bridge or Bermondsey. Website
Gardens
Gardens may not be the obvious suggestion when it’s raining, but these are all under cover so the perfect place to visit on a rainy day!
- Barbican Conservatory – Explore tropical plants in a giant greenhouse. Nearest Tube: Barbican. Website
- Kew Gardens – Marvel at one of the world’s most famous botanical gardens. Nearest Tube/Train: Kew Gardens or Kew Bridge. Website
- London Terrariums – Create your own botanical creation at a workshop run by London Terrariums. Nearest Tube: Shoreditch High Street. Website
Historic buildings
London is full of historic buildings – why not visit one of these sites on a rainy day?
- Apsley House – Explore the historic residence of the Duke of Wellington. Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner. Website
- Banqueting House – Visit the grand setting of historic royal banquets. Nearest Tube: Westminster. Website
- Benjamin Franklin House – Visit the former home of the Founding Father. Nearest Tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square. Website
- Charles Dickens’ House – Visit the former home of the famous author. Nearest Tube: Russell Square. Website
- Ham House and Garden – Visit a well-preserved 17th-century mansion. Nearest Train: Richmond. Website
- Handel & Hendrix in London – Explore the homes of two musical legends. Nearest Tube: Bond Street. Website
- Keats House – Explore the former residence of the Romantic poet John Keats. Nearest Tube: Hampstead. Website
- Queen’s House Greenwich – Admire art, architecture and sublime views at this former royal residence. Nearest Tube: Cutty Sark DLR. Website
- Royal Hospital Chelsea – Visit the historic home of the Chelsea Pensioners. Nearest Tube: Sloane Square. Website
Markets
- Borough Market – Enjoy food and drink at this vibrant market. Nearest Tube: London Bridge. Website
- Greenwich Market – Take cover in this historic indoor market selling unique gifts. Nearest Tube: Cutty Sark DLR. Website
- Leadenhall Market – Browse a unique selection of boutiques, shops, restaurants in this historical Victorian indoor market in the heart of the City of London. Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street. Website
- Spitalfields Market – Shop for food, fashion and art in this lively East London market. Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street. Website
Museums
A rainy day in London is the perfect opportunity to visit one of London’s many museums. From natural history to the early days of medicine, there’s a museum for almost any subject somewhere in London.
- Bank of England Museum – Learn about the history of money and banking. Nearest Tube: Bank. Website
- British Museum – Explore world-class art and historical artifacts. Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road. Website
- Brunel Museum – Visit a historic tunnel shaft and learn about one of Britain’s most famous engineers. Nearest Tube: Rotherhithe. Website
- Cartoon Museum – Explore the world of cartoons and comic art. Nearest Tube: Holborn. Website
- Churchill War Rooms – Visit Churchill’s secret underground headquarters. Nearest Tube: Westminster. Website
- Clink Prison Museum – Step back in time at one of England’s oldest prisons. Nearest Tube: London Bridge. Website
- Cutty Sark – Tour a preserved 19th-century tea clipper. Nearest Tube: Cutty Sark DLR. Website
- Dennis Severs’ House – Step back in time in a unique historical setting. Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street. Website
- Design Museum – Explore contemporary design and architecture. Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington. Website
- Eel Pie Island Museum – Learn about the legendary music history of Eel Pie Island. Nearest Train: Twickenham (a train ride from London). Website
- Fan Museum – Experience a unique museum dedicated to fans and fan-making. Nearest DLR: Cutty Sark DLR. Website
- Florence Nightingale Museum – Learn about the pioneer of modern nursing. Nearest Tube: Lambeth North. Website
- Freud Museum – Explore the former home of Sigmund Freud and his psychoanalytic legacy. Nearest Tube: Finchley Road. Website
- Garden Museum – Exlore the art, history and design of British gardens and climb a medieval tower. Nearest Tube: Waterloo. Website
- God’s Own Junkyard – Home to a collection of neon signs. Nearest Tube: Wood Street. Website
- Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy – Discover a fascinating collection of zoological specimens. Nearest Tube: Euston Square. Website
- HMS Belfast – Explore a historic warship on the River Thames. Nearest Tube: London Bridge. Website
- Horniman Museum – Learn about world cultures, music and the natural environment. Nearest Tube: Forest Hill. Website
- Hunterian Museum – Discover the art and science of surgery from ancient times to the present day. Nearest Tube: Holborn. Website
- Imperial War Museum London – The world’s leading museum of war and conflict. Nearest Tube: Lambeth North. Website
- Leighton House Museum – Explore the former home of artist Frederick Leighton. Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington. Website
- London Canal Museum – Discover the history of London’s canals and waterways. Nearest Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras. Website
- London Fire Brigade Museum – Learn about the history of firefighting in London. Nearest Tube: Southwark. Website
- London Transport Museum – Learn about the city’s transportation history. Nearest Tube: Covent Garden. Website
- Magic Circle Museum – Discover the history of magic and illusion. Nearest Tube: Euston. Website
- Museum of Comedy – Laugh your way through the history of comedy. Nearest Tube: Holborn. Website
- Museum of Docklands – Learn about the maritime history and transformation of London’s Docklands. Nearest DLR: West India Quay. Website
- Museum of London – Discover the history of London. CURRENTLY CLOSED – OPEN IN 2026 Nearest Tube: Farringdon. Website
- Museum of the Home – Explore the history of domestic interiors and the concept of “home.” Nearest Tube: Hoxton. Website
- National Maritime Museum – Learn about maritime exploration and exploits. Nearest Tube: Cutty Sark DLR. Website
- Natural History Museum – Marvel at a vast range of natural history exhibits. Nearest Tube: South Kensington. Website
- Postal Museum – Explore postal history and ride Mail Rail. Nearest Tube: Farringdon. Website
- RAF Museum London – Explore the history of the Royal Air Force. Nearest Tube: Colindale. Website
- Royal College of Physicians Museum – Discover medical history and art. Nearest Tube: Regent’s Park. Website
- Royal Observatory Greenwich – Learn about astronomy and stand on the Prime Meridian. Nearest Tube: Cutty Sark DLR. Website
- Sambourne House – Step inside the Victorian family home of legendary illustrator Linley Sambourne. Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington. Website
- Science Museum – Engage with interactive science exhibits. Nearest Tube: South Kensington. Website
- Sherlock Holmes Museum – Visit the legendary detective’s home. Nearest Tube: Baker Street. Website
- Sir John Soane’s Museum – Explore the eclectic collection and former home of the famous architect. Nearest Tube: Holborn or Chancery Lane. Website
- The Cinema Museum – Explore cinema history and artefacts. Nearest Tube: Kennington. Website
- Old Operating Theatre Museum – Visit Europe’s oldest surviving operating theatre. Nearest Tube: London Bridge. Website
- Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – Discover art and design collections. Nearest Tube: South Kensington. Website
- Young V&A Museum of Childhood – Learn about the history of toys and childhood. Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green. Website
Music, theatre and cinema
What better way to stay dry on a rainy day in London than by taking in a show, or watching a film.
- Independent Cinemas – Watch a movie at unique independent cinemas. Various independent cinemas, often near Tube stations.
- Live Music Concerts – Attend a live music concert or performance. Various music venues throughout the city.
- Royal National Theatre – Watch a play at this prominent theater. Nearest Tube: Waterloo. Website
- West End Theatres – Enjoy a world-class theater performance. Various theaters near Leicester Square, Covent Garden, or Piccadilly Circus.
Roman London
Explore London’s Roman history at one of these locations – all under cover.
- Billingsgate Roman House and Baths – Get close to some of Roman London’s most fascinating remains. Nearest Tube: Monument. Website
- City Wall at Vine Street – view a huge chunk of an ancient Roman wall. Nearest Tube: Tower Hill. Website
- London Guildhall – visit the only Roman amphitheatre in London. Nearest Tube: Bank. Website
- London Mithraeum – explore a hidden ancient temple at the Roman Temple of Mithras. Nearest Tube: Bank. Website
Shopping
Shelter from the rain and treat yourself to something nice at one of these shopping destinations.
- Fortnum & Mason – Drool over luxury hampers and delicious food. Nearest Tube: Piccadilly and Green Park. Website
- Harrods – Shop at the world-famous luxury department store. Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge. Website
- Selfridges – Explore a renowned department store. Nearest Tube: Bond Street or Oxford Circus. Website
- Silver Vaults – Visit the home of silver shopping, and browse beautifully crafted antique and modern silver, and jewellery from 25 specialist shops. Nearest Tube: Chancery Lane. Website
- Westfield Stratford City – Shop at Europe’s largest shopping centre. Nearest Tube: Stratford. Website
Viewing galleries
Sometimes it’s nice to stand inside and watch the rain. These viewing galleries give you the opportunity to gaze across London from above.
- Horizon 22 at 22 Bishopsgate – Take in panoramic views of London from London’s highest free viewing gallery. Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street. Website
- The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate – Admire London’s iconic landmarks from the 50th floor. Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street. Website
- The View from The Shard – Enjoy stunning views of London from the tallest building in Western Europe. Nearest Tube: London Bridge. Website
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