Top 20 Indoor Activities in London for Rainy Days

London is often depicted as chilly, foggy and rainy. Londoners are weather obsessed so they do talk about it a lot. However, locals also say not to worry, it really doesn’t rain that much in London.

The beauty of a city with so many things to do means that there are loads of attractions on hand for when the rain does start to fall or the fog lingers. London is home to many museums, theaters, shopping opportunities, and keep in mind the Thames River boats are covered. So, let it rain on your vacation to London—you’ll have a wonderful time.

Explore the City’s Museums

Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, UK

Phone: +44 20 7323 8299

This is probably the most obvious idea but still worth mentioning as London has so many great museums and galleries. The larger ones are all free, so you can pop in for five minutes when you are in the area if there is a sudden downpour.

Must-see museums include the British Museum. The museum houses interesting and rare collections including Egyptian mummies and pieces of the Parthenon, the game-changing Rosetta Stone, and an enormous Easter Island figure. Located in London’s West End, covering 18.5 acres, the British Museum is not just one of London’s best museums, but one of the world’s.

Military history buffs should visit the Imperial War Museums, which are actually five museums and sites preserving the history of British conflicts starting from WWI to the present day. One of the collection’s most fascinating places to visit is the Churchill War Rooms, a subterranean bunker and network of rooms under the streets of Westminster. You can also visit the Royal Navy ship HMS Belfast, permanently moored in the River Thames. The displays bring military history to life.

Find Your Way out of an Escape Room

Address: 169-171 Caledonian Road, London N1 0SL, UK

Phone: +44 7798 772382

Puzzle your way out of this one. Open from 10 a.m. to late into the evening, an escape room is an excellent indoor option, although you do need to plan ahead.

For this live escape game for teams of three to five people, you’ll select a scenario (and a level of difficulty), get shut in a room, and have 60 minutes to work out how to open the locks and find a way out. The game is suitable for ages 9 to 90 and is a lot of fun.

“ClueQuest – The Live Escape Game” is located at 169-171 Caledonian Road, London, N1 0SL.

Watch Movies

Address: 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX, UK

Phone: +44 20 7734 2222

Who doesn’t love watching a movie when it’s raining outside? Leicester Square is the heart of London’s cinema-land and the location of most London film premieres. In addition to the big cinemas, you’ll also find the Prince Charles Cinema here, which specializes in lower-rate tickets.

There is also an IMAX cinema at Waterloo and another inside the Science Museum. If you’re on your own, head to BFI Southbank to the Mediatheque, which is a space where you can watch the British Film Institute’s archive for free.

Go to the Theater

Address: Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD, UK

Phone: +44 20 7304 4000

London theatre is perfect for taking your mind off inclement weather.

Theaters in London range from those attracting Broadway names in central London’s West End (with 40 theaters) to pub theaters hosting casual productions in separate rooms of pubs.

The performing arts do not stop with theater productions. Year-round, the historic Royal Opera House in Covent Garden hosts The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet, while The London Coliseum in the West End showcases the English National Ballet.

Cruise the Thames

Address: Embankment Pier, Victoria Embankment, London WC2N 6NU, UK

Phone: +44 330 123 9044

As long as it’s not too windy, a rainy day can be a perfect time to take a cruise along the Thames. You can get a dining cruise from Bateaux London (try their dinner and afternoon tea cruises) or on the Silver Sturgeon. Both offer daytime and evening options.

With Bateaux London, you’ll set sail from just outside the Embankment station and enjoy a relaxing three-course meal as you drift past iconic London sights like the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament. They even offer jazz cruises during the Sunday dinner sailing.

Hit the Shops

Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL, UK

Phone: +44 20 7730 1234

London offers some of the best shopping in the world. If you want to stay in one location, consider a large department store such as Harrods or one of the two Westfield shopping malls (Westfield London or Westfield Stratford City).

Oxford Street, lined with High Street shops and many flagship branches, is long—this one street has four tube stations. Turn off at Oxford Circus to explore Carnaby Street or take the kids to Hamleys where there are seven floors of toys.

Ride the London Eye

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, UK

Phone: +44 20 7967 8021

This rotating attraction is definitely a good move on a rainy day as you can enjoy views from a warm, dry capsule. Rain or shine, the London Eye is one of London’s best-loved attractions carrying around 10,000 visitors every day in its 32 capsules.

Yes, there will be raindrops on the windows, but use those to take more interesting photos of the sights in the rain from the London Eye.

Pop into a Restaurant or Pub

Comfort eating can be what’s needed when it’s raining, so go for fish and chips or other British cuisine. Every day is also just right for afternoon tea with fancy cakes and a dainty cuppa. If you’re looking for something more casual, enjoy a pint of real ale and a decent pub pie.

Take the Bus

To make the most of a rainy bus journey, head upstairs and grab the seats at the front, which always bring childlike joy to all who get that position.

Some good routes for simply enjoying the sights include the no.11, plus the no.9 and no.15, which are heritage routes on old Routemaster buses.

Play Ping Pong

Address: 241 Old Street, London EC1V 9EY, UK

Phone: +44 20 3657 6525

At Bounce London, play table tennis at the location where ping pong was created and patented in 1901. You can reserve by the table, making this a great option for large groups to have fun indoors together.

Walk in the Rain

Address: Westminster Station, Bridge Street, London SW1A 2JR, UK

Phone: +44 7889 259312

The streets will certainly be less crowded, which can be delightful for visitors from hot climates. The shopping areas offer fun walking opportunities, allowing you to duck into a store or tea shop if you start to feel damp.

Walking tours occur even on rainy days, with many options featuring indoor stops. Consider a museum-focused tour, a food tour, or a City of London Walking Tour, which focuses on the old Roman settlement, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London.

If you are not afraid of getting wet, enjoy the rain! Umbrellas are sold year-round in London, so wear a raincoat and grab a brolly for protection.

Feel the Magic on a Harry Potter Studio Tour

The Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour offers an opportunity to delve into the world of Harry Potter by exploring two sound stages and a backlot with original sets, moving creatures, and impressive special effects. Interactive activities are available along the way.

Visitors can view the original Hogwarts Express steam engine and step onto Platform 9¾. Throughout your time there, you’ll discover how the special effects in the film were made and, at the end, can do some wand-shopping or enjoy a Butterbeer. There is a Studio Café, Starbucks, and a Backlot Café situated about halfway through the Studio Tour.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available online.

Take a Tower of London Tour

Address: London EC3N 4AB, UK

Phone: +44 333 320 6000

While the Tower of London has extensive grounds, there is much to see indoors.

Consider taking a Yeoman Warder’s tour or Beefeater’s tour and opt to visit the Crown Jewels, too. The hour-long tours by the Tower’s special guards are generally offered every half-hour. Your guide will give brief talks about the Tower of London’s history, tell spine-tingling stories, and take you through some of the buildings.

Go on a Pub Crawl

Address: Piccadilly Circus, London WIJ 9HP, UK

Phone: +44 343 222 1234

Consider the Soho Legends and Pub Tour for a lively walk through history with a small group. Enjoy a pint or two and wander through trendy Soho with your guide while experiencing the area where many famous musicians and celebrities lived and worked.

The tour starts in Piccadilly Circus and stops at several colorful pubs along the route. Guides share stories about pop culture icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Jimmy Hendrix, Keith Moon, and Paul McCartney who frequented the area.

Shop at London’s Covered Markets

Address: 5B Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ, UK

Consider visiting Borough Market, one of London’s oldest food markets, if you’re hungry or shopping for ingredients for a meal. Vendors sell hot foods, and there are restaurants where you can sit down to enjoy an informal meal, as well as stalls featuring produce and international delicacies like chocolates and cheeses.

Victorian covered markets are worth exploring for both their architecture and their interior offerings. Greenwich Market is a great example, along with Leadenhall Market and Covent Garden Market.

Enjoy an Indoor Garden

Address: Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS, UK

Phone: +44 20 7870 2500

At the Barbican Conservatory, you can enjoy the company of birds such as finches and quails while strolling through gardens featuring 2,000 species of tropical plants and trees, all under a glass roof.

Afternoon tea is available during your visit, with a selection of handmade cakes and savories inspired by plants grown in the Conservatory. Reservations can be made online.

The Conservatory is open on selected Sundays each month and on bank holidays from noon—5 p.m. Admission is free.

Take a Theater Backstage Tour

Address: London SE1 9PX, UK

Phone: +44 20 3989 5455

London’s theaters are renowned worldwide, and you will likely take in a performance or two. Moreover, learning about the inner workings of production offers valuable insight into how performances are designed and executed.

You will learn about the fascinating histories of these famous buildings and the actors who have performed on their stages. The National Theatre, Royal Albert Hall, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theater offer backstage tours available most days.

Hop on and Hop off the Bus

Big Bus London provides multiple routes where you can take refuge on the bus while it rains and hop off between showers at one of their 45 designated stops. There are three different routes available.

You can hop on and off as much as you want within your ticket’s validity. Get off at London’s best attractions or simply sit back and enjoy the trip from inside the bus.

Warm up With Bakery Goods

Address: Abbot Street, London E8 3DP, UK

If you’re looking for warmth on a rainy day, London is known for its bakeries, offering international selections ranging from Japanese sweets to French pastries that reflect the city’s vibrant diversity. Something warm out of the oven has a special attraction.

An innovative sandwich from the Dusty Knuckle, such as one with porchetta and salsa verde or spiced cauliflower and tahini, is an enjoyable alternative to the average fare.

The markets are ideal for pastry and bread-hunting. Bread, at Borough Market, is known for doughnuts and also serves delicious cheese and olive sticks. They even offer baking classes.

Enjoy Elegant Afternoon Tea

Partake in an iconic British pastime—afternoon tea. Experience this tradition in an iconic setting; tea at the Ritz Palm Court is a top London experience. Men must wear jackets and ties for tea at the Ritz. You’ll enjoy fine sandwiches, scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and a delightful selection of delicate pastries and cakes. Although there are 18 different types of loose-leaf tea to choose from, you can also sip a glass of Champagne.