London is a fascinating city that’s absolutely bursting with things to do. The magic of this mega-metropolis doesn’t fade with a little drizzle. Instead, it transforms into a symphony of puddle-jumping delights and cozy indoor escapes. Join us as we work our way through the ancient capital, putting together a list of exciting activities that will turn a dark, wet day into a sparkling, fun-filled adventure!

From world-class museums and sensational gourmet experiences to ancient indoor markets and glamorous West End shows, there are loads of things to do in London in the rain. Whether you decide to relax with a stroll in a beautiful garden, check out underwater magic at an aquarium, say “cheers!” in a traditional British pub, or something else entirely, our tips will help you have a fantastic vacation.

Sightseeing in bad weather doesn’t have to be a disappointing experience. Add these London rainy day activities to your itinerary and you’ll be prepared for anything, whatever the weather!

10 Fun Rainy-Day Activities in London, UK

1. Stay Dry at the Sea Life Aquarium

Keep warm and dry while admiring all kinds of fascinating creatures that live below the water’s surface at the Sea Life Aquarium. One of the top things to do in London when it rains, spending the day here is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip.

This sprawling aquarium is divided into five different sections, including a spectacular polar zone home to genuine snow and curious penguins. Other animals you’ll see here include giant sand tiger sharks, intelligent octopuses, friendly sea turtles, and a rainbow of coral reef inhabitants. 

The Sea Life Aquarium hosts many events throughout the year. So check the website to see what’s going on during your visit!

2. Indulge with a Bottomless Brunch

If you’ve woken up to bad weather, you’ve got two choices. You can go back to bed and sleep the day away or you can head out and treat yourself to a bottomless brunch! One of our favorite rainy-day activities in London is indulging in a gourmet brunch with all the drinks we can handle. It’s a great way to forget about what’s happening outside!

Held every Saturday, Mrs Fogg’s Live Music Brunch has a stellar reputation for its incredible brunch, which includes two a la carte choices, plus all the prosecco you can drink for 90 minutes. All this, and you’ll get live music, too. For a healthier option, check out the party-centric bottomless brunch offered by The Skinny Kitchen!

3. Get Lost in Sky Garden

Get away from the rain and the crowds by heading to the Sky Garden. One of the top indoor activities in London, spending the day here allows you to stay completely dry while wandering around an award-winning green space brimming with plants and flowers from around the world. The highest public garden in the city, Sky Garden stands 525 feet above the city, giving you the feeling that you’re walking in the clouds.

The space is free to enter unless there’s a special event going on. Then you’ll need a ticket, but the events are so incredible that they’re worth paying for. If the weather improves during your visit, you’ll be treated to spectacular views that stretch all across London.

4. Spend Time at the British Museum

If you’re looking for things to do in London when it rains, the British Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, making it a great place to seek shelter when it’s predicted to rain all day. It first opened its doors to the public way back in 1759 and has been improving ever since.

Here you’ll find captivating exhibits dedicated to culture, art, and history with valuable artifacts collected from all over the world. Some pieces are around 2 million years old!

The museum’s countless highlights include centuries-old Egyptian mummies, the mysterious Rosetta Stone, and the Elgin Marbles that once adorned the Parthenon. One of the best things about the British Museum is that it’s completely free to enter, although some special temporary exhibitions may require a ticket.

5. Test Your Limits in an Escape Room

If you’re traveling with at least one other person, challenging them to an escape room challenge is one of the most fun indoor activities in London. During this interactive experience, you’re locked in a room and surrounded by clues to solve and puzzles to figure out before you can escape. They’re great fun and incredibly addictive! 

Clue Adventures is the very first escape room in London created for just two people. You’ve got to work out who the madman and his gang are before they destroy the city. Enigma Quests offers excellent escape rooms, too. Here, you can choose between “Harry Potter,” spy, and submarine-themed rooms.

6. Enjoy an Afternoon Tea

Don’t let a bit of rain dampen your day. Brighten up your mood by treating yourself to a traditional afternoon tea. A sophisticated selection of tiny sandwiches, flaky pastries, and delicious sweet treats accompanied by a hot cup of tea (or a glass of champagne if you’re feeling ultra fancy) is a great way to spend a rainy day in London.

The Orchid Lounge at Pan Pacific London does an amazing afternoon tea. This high-end hotel offers several tea options – the classic afternoon tea, a “free from” tea that avoids most allergens, and a charming children’s tea so everyone can indulge.

7. Play a Board Game

Looking for indoor activities in London that don’t require a lot of energy? Head over to Hackney and spend the day playing board games at Draughts! All you’ve got to do is reserve a table, and you’ll have unlimited access to the board games library for the duration of your stay.

With more than 1,000 games to choose from, you’re sure to find some fantastic ones here. It doesn’t matter how many people you’re with, what your ages are, or what type of game you’re looking for – Draughts is sure to have it! As an added bonus, the games room also has a menu packed with delicious bites that are perfect for eating while playing.

8. Take in a West End Show

The West End, synonymous with world-class entertainment, offers a diverse array of shows that are never affected by a little rain. Whether you’re captivated by the soaring melodies of a musical or enthralled by the intensity of a dramatic performance, the West End has something guaranteed to wow you.

Sit back and be prepared to get lost in the captivating narratives, dazzling performances, and the timeless allure of London’s theatrical heartbeat. There’s always a fantastic selection of shows to choose from. “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Misérables,” “Wicked,” and the “Lion King” are some of the best.

9. Explore the Natural History Museum

Visiting a museum is always one of the top things to do in London when it rains, and the Natural History Museum is one of the best in town. Established in 1881, this world-famous museum boasts an extensive collection of specimens from various branches of natural history, including botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology. The collection is home to over 80 million specimens in total!

One of the most interesting displays is a life-sized blue whale skeleton, which hangs from the ceiling in the center of the museum. The 122-129-million-year-old Mantellisaurus dinosaur fossil is also a fascinating thing to see.  

10. Eat at Borough Market

Eating is always a great idea when it comes to what to do in London when it rains. And out of all the places you could dig into delicious eats, Borough Market is undoubtedly one of the best. One of the biggest and oldest food markets in the city, this site dates back to the 12th century and is absolutely bursting with things to eat and drink.

Browse the stalls and you’ll find everything from British sausage rolls, Middle Eastern mezze, and French wine to Spanish ham, Italian gelato, and Cypriot street food. With more than 100 stalls to shop at, you’ll find plenty of options, whether you want to stop your stomach from growling or you’re looking for gifts to take back home.

there you have it! The 10 best things to do in London in the rain. What are your favorite rainy-day activities in London? Let us know so we can add them to our list!

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