There’s no denying that London is famous for its rain so knowing what to do in London when it’s raining, is something you’ve probably considered when planning your trip to the British capital. We should point out that it certainly doesn’t rain every day of the year and it tends to be intermittently when it does, however, it’s not a bad idea to have a plan up your sleeve for things to do in London when it rains, especially if you’re visiting London with kids.
What to do in London when it rains
Here are some ideas to keep in mind for rainy days in London:
1. Visit a top London attraction
We start off with great news! Many of London’s top attractions are indoors or undercover, so there’s still plenty of opportunities to make the most of your day. Here are some of the best London attractions for when it’s raining.
1. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the celebrity figures and themed experiences. The attraction is indoors, making it one of the easiest options for escaping persistent rain; booking a timed ticket in advance is sensible on busy dates.
⇒ Buy tickets: Madame Tussauds London
2. London Dungeons
If you think being scared is a better option than getting wet, visit this underground house of horrors. With its blood-curdling interactive shows and thrilling rides, you might just be glad to get back to the open air, even if it’s still drizzling.
⇒ Buy tickets: London Dungeon
3. The Tower of London
The Crown Jewels, White Tower and several exhibitions are indoors, but the Tower of London is a large historic site with exposed courtyards, walls and queues between buildings. It works for light or intermittent rain; for a downpour, bring waterproof clothing or choose a fully indoor attraction.
⇒ Buy tickets: Tower of London
4. London Aquarium
Surround yourself with water without getting wet! Located next to the London Eye the London Aquarium is one of the most famous and fascinating attractions in the city.
⇒ Buy tickets: Sea Life London Aquarium
2. Discover at least one of London’s most famous museums
Visiting one of London’s famous museums is probably the most obvious thing to do in London when it rains. With so many wonderful museums to explore, waking up to rain, really isn’t the end of the world.
Most of the museums in London are spectacular, so we guarantee that a visit won’t leave you disappointed. And the best thing is that most of London’s museums are free to visit, so if you’ve had enough or it’s stopped raining and you want to go somewhere else, you can simply move on. However, many of the museums have cafes and restaurants, so you can easily spend a whole day there should you wish to.
Our top recommendations would be the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum for interactive family galleries, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the London Transport Museum. General admission to the Natural History Museum and Science Museum is free, but booking a free entry ticket ahead is recommended; the London Transport Museum is a paid attraction.
Easy rainy-day combinations: the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A are close together in South Kensington, while SEA LIFE London Aquarium and the London Dungeon are next to each other in County Hall on the South Bank. Staying within one area reduces time outside and gives you a backup if your first choice is full.
⇒ Find out more: Top Museums in London
3. Visit one the lesser known museums of London
If you’re already familiar with the larger London museums, why not check out some of the lesser-known museums such as the Old Operating Theatre or Sir John Soane’s Museum? As these museums are smaller, you don’t need as long to visit them, so they offer a wonderful way to escape a London rain shower here and there.
4. Go shopping at the famous luxury department stores
Why not indulge in a spot of shopping and see iconic sights at the same time? Probably the most expensive thing to do in London when it rains is to visit the famous shops and department stores. After all, who hasn’t heard of Harrods?
If you’re a fan of luxury shops, make sure you include a trip to Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly Street next to the Ritz Hotel and Liberty on Carnaby Street. Although, you’ll find some great boutique and high street shops on pretty much every corner of the city.
5. Explore an indoor market
Old Spitalfields Market has a covered market hall, and parts of Camden Market and Borough Market are under cover. None is a completely indoor experience: routes between halls, stalls and nearby shops can still be exposed. They are good choices for drizzle, but a museum or shopping centre is more reliable during heavy rain.
⇒ Find out more: Top Markets in London
6. Go shopping!
If you want to do some serious shopping, Westfield London in White City and Westfield Stratford City both place a large choice of shops and eateries under one roof. Canary Wharf is another useful wet-weather option because its shopping malls and many passages are covered. If the weather improves, each area also has plenty to explore outside.
⇒ Find out more: Shopping in London
7. Go to the cinema
London has cinemas that feel more distinctive than a standard multiplex, so a rainy day is a good excuse to try one. Check the current programme at Everyman Hampstead, the Prince Charles Cinema near Leicester Square or BFI IMAX at Waterloo, and book ahead for popular screenings.
8. Go to the theatre
Escape from the rain for a few hours by going to see one of the best musicals in London. Matinee and evening schedules vary by production and day, so check the performance calendar rather than assuming there are two shows. For same-day options, see our guide to cheap and last-minute theatre tickets.
9. Wander around Covent Garden
For us, Covent Garden is one of the most magical parts of London. The piazza itself is open-air, but the Apple Market arcades and Jubilee Market provide useful shelter, and the London Transport Museum is a fully indoor option nearby. This combination works best for showers rather than continuous heavy rain.
10. Walk around with an umbrella!
If you’re visiting London from warmer climes, it may be an idea to simply embrace the rain and live like a local. Make sure you bring a good pair of shoes with you and a waterproof jacket whatever the season, and take to the streets of London with an umbrella. You will see that life goes on in London when it rains, and actually the wet weather provides the opportunity for some pretty cool photos.
11. Take refuge in an English pub
This shouldn’t take too much convincing but another obvious choice for what to do in London when it rains is to take shelter in one of London’s traditional English pubs. Have a beer or try a traditional British dish like a Sunday Roast or Fish & Chips, both of which are great warming options after being out in the London rain.
12. Go for Afternoon Tea
A rainy day provides the perfect excuse to sample a traditional British afternoon tea. Warm up with tea (or champagne), sandwiches and scones. Many hotels offer afternoon tea, including the Waldorf Hilton. The British Museum’s Great Court Restaurant also serves afternoon tea; advance booking is essential, although walk-ins may sometimes be available.
13. Take a sightseeing bus tour
Although it might not be the obvious choice for things to do in London when it rains, many of the open-top sightseeing buses in London actually have a covered section at the front of the bus, giving you the opportunity to take shelter but still see the sights. And if you are lucky enough for the day to brighten up, you can move back out to enjoy the sunshine as well as the views.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.