Things To Do in London When It Rains (That Are Actually Fun)

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Looking for things to do in London when it rains that are actually worthwhile?

I’ve lived in London for the best part of ten years now, so I know how important it is to have a few things to do in London when it rains up your sleeve – because it really does rain a lot. Luckily, there’s no shortage of great indoor activities here. London is a city built for cold, wet weather, and us locals are certainly used to a few wintery months every year.

That said, London can also be romantic in the rain, and it shouldn’t put you off visiting. Instead, embrace it – grab a brolly and discover all the interesting and entertaining indoor activities across the city. Whether you live here or you’re visiting for a few days, this list of fun things to do in London when it rains will keep you busy (and dry!), from cultural classics to unexpected hidden gems.

The Best Things to Do in London When it Rains

From cultural highlights to romantic rainy-evening activities and cosy hidden gems, these are the best things to do in London when it rains. None of these recommendations will leave you feeling like you’ve missed out – even if the weather is a bit grim.

1. Natural History Museum

My all-time favourite museum in London is the Natural History Museum, and let me tell you – it’s huge! You could easily spend a full rainy day here exploring the endless exhibitions. It’s great for kids too, with plenty of interactive displays and hands-on areas.

My personal highlights include the gems and minerals gallery, the dinosaurs, and the earthquake simulator – all classics that never get old. The whole museum is indoors, so it’s the perfect thing to do in London when it rains, and best of all, it’s completely free (unless you’re visiting special exhibitions like Wildlife Photographer of the Year, which I go to annually without fail).

2. The British Museum

The British Museum is another brilliant place to spend a rainy day in London and like the NHM, it’s huge. You could easily fill a whole afternoon here wandering through galleries of ancient artefacts, sculptures, and treasures from around the world. I always make a beeline for the Egyptian and Greek areas, as they’re the most impressive (though very controversial).

It’s completely free to enter, but this is one museum where I’d definitely recommend booking a guided tour. Because there is so much to see, a guide helps you make sense of the highlights and saves you wandering around in circles (which I’ve absolutely done before!).

3. Fashion & Textiles Museum

The Fashion & Textile Museum in Bermondsey is a little different from the big museums I’ve mentioned. It’s smaller, quieter and more focused, but that’s exactly why I love it. Every exhibition I’ve seen here has been so beautifully curated and full of colour and creativity. If you love fashion, pattern, textiles or design, this place is a hidden gem and a great alternative to the V&A (which I also love and recommend, to be fair!).

It’s not free like the others, but the exhibitions rotate regularly, so there’s always something new to see. It’s also far less crowded, making it a really nice, slow-paced rainy afternoon activity. I’d pair your visit with a coffee from WatchHouse Bermondsey if you can brave the weather!

4. The Barbican Conservatory

A true London gem, the Barbican is an iconic Brutalist estate with its own theatre, galleries, cinema, and of course, a tropical Conservatory. It honestly feels like a mini Kew Gardens in the middle of the city but fully indoors. The space is filled with lush greenery, impressive climbing plants, and warm humidity, making it such a cosy escape from cold weather.

If you pair a visit with one of the Barbican’s exhibitions or theatre shows, you can easily spend a whole day here without stepping back outside. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in the Barbican Centre too, including a gorgeous martini bar that feels like stepping straight into the 1970s. It’s super atmospheric and one of my favourite little hideaways.

5. The William Morris Gallery

As a textiles girly, I have to include the William Morris Gallery. It’s one of those true hidden gems, tucked away in Walthamstow – an area most tourists never think to visit. William Morris was a pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement (and a passionate social activist), and his former family home has now been turned into a gallery celebrating his life and work.

Inside, you’ll find beautiful examples of Morris’ iconic wallpapers and textiles, along with sketches, furniture and personal letters that give you a real sense of his imagination and politics. It’s thoughtful, inspiring, and wonderfully calm. It’s also free to enter, and there’s a cosy café overlooking Lloyd Park at the back.

6. Seven Dials Market & Borough Market

These are two of the best indoor markets in London, perfect for rainy days. Borough Market has stalls selling pastries, cheese, chocolate, fresh produce and pretty much every kind of street food, perfect for proper foodies. If you want the full experience, you can book a Secret Food Tour, which takes you to the best stalls and explains the stories behind them.

Seven Dials Market in Covent Garden is the slightly trendier, more local-feeling of the two. It’s all indoor street food kitchens and bar seating – warm, fun and exactly the kind of place you’ll want to settle into on a grey afternoon.

7. Cosy Pubs

You cannot be in London on a rainy day and not go to a pub – it’s basically a cultural requirement. When the weather turns, London pubs transform into the cosiest places on earth. I’m talking steamed-up windows, Victorian dark wood panelling, the sound of rain outside and the smell of something slow-cooked coming from the kitchen. Make sure to book ahead if you’re after a Sunday Roast!

A few favourites for rainy days:
– The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead – historic, creaky, candlelit.
– The Crown, Bethnal Green – trendy, cocktails, pre-night out warm up!
– The Queens, Crouch End – proper local, classic Victoriana.

8. Twinings Tea Tasting

How could you not? Especially if it’s your first time in London or you’re a massive tea person. The Twinings Tea Tasting Masterclass is such a lovely rainy-day activity – it’s cosy, indoors, inexpensive and surprisingly educational. You learn about the history of tea in Britain (which is actually very dramatic ) and get to try lots of unusual blends and flavours you wouldn’t normally pick up in the supermarket.

9. Afternoon Tea Experiences

Another London and very English classic. Afternoon tea is basically made for rainy days – scones, tiny sandwiches and endless pots of tea. But I’ll be honest, I’ve actually only ever had afternoon tea in Bath, not London! So if you’re planning a day trip or want to combine your visit with a little adventure, I’ve linked my day trip recommendations here.

For a rainy day in London, here are some of the most-loved afternoon tea spots:
– Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly – classic, elegant, very British.
– The Orangery at Kensington Palace – museum + tea, perfect combo.
– Claridge’s, Mayfair – luxury or special occasion vibes.

10. Harry Potter Studio Tour

Such an obvious but brilliant option for a rainy day in London. The Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour is almost entirely indoors and is one of the best things you can do if you’re a Harry Potter fan. You get to walk through the real sets, see original costumes and props, drink butterbeer and learn how the films were made – it’s magical and I highly recommend going! You can book tickets including transport, which makes life easier too.

11. Frameless Immersive Experience

If you want something a bit different, Frameless is a brilliant rainy-day activity. It’s fully indoors and feels like stepping into the artwork rather than just viewing it. Expect huge projected galleries, colour, sound and movement you can walk through at your own pace. It’s calming, creative and genuinely fun whether you’re going solo, on a date or with friends.

Top Tip: The experience changes depending on the current installations, so it’s worth checking what’s showing before you book, but the atmosphere is always beautiful.

12. Jive Jazz at Ronnie Scotts

Ronnie Scott’s in Soho is iconic and it feels special whether you’re a jazz fan or not. The lighting is low, the atmosphere is warm and intimate, and the music always hits different. I went to a Cuban night once and it was such a vibe – everyone was up dancing, and for a couple of hours, you’d completely forget it’s pouring outside. Make sure to check out their website for tickets as you can’t walk in and the shows often sell out!

13. See a West End Show

Last but definitely not least – seeing a West End show is one of the best things to do in London when it rains. There are so many incredible productions on at any given time, and pairing a show with dinner and interval drinks is peak romantic rainy evening energy.

I’d recommend booking tickets in advance if you have a specific show in mind, as it means you’ll get the seats you actually want. But if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can try your luck on the day. Most theatres have box offices, and there’s also the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for last-minute discounted seats.

FAQs on Rainy London!

• Does it rain a lot in London? Yes, about 156 days a year on average! Make sure to pack a light raincoat and umbrella.
• What are the best free indoor things to do in London? All of London’s main museums and galleries have free entry. This includes the Tate, Natural History Museum, British Museum and V&A, plus many more.
• What can couples do in London when it rains? Try a spa day, afternoon tea or an evening at the theatre.
• What to wear in London when it rains? A waterproof jacket, comfy boots, and layers. Skip the cheap umbrellas, it’s windy here too!

Round Up on Things to Do in London When it Rains

There really are so many things to do in London when it rains – this city is built for grey skies. From museums and markets to shows, bookshops and cosy pubs, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice. So don’t let a bit of drizzle ruin your plans. Lean into it, get a little romantic about it, and enjoy London the way Londoners do – despite the weather!