London’s skies, bless their unpredictabilty, have decided to throw a bit of a liquid party. And honestly? It’s the perfect excuse to dive headfirst into the city’s real rhythm. Forget tourist traps; this is your chance to play Londoner for a day, dodging raindrops like a pro and discovering the city’s hidden charms. This isn’t about hiding indoors. It’s about finding those cosy pubs tucked away down winding alleys or cosy cafés where the chatter is warm and the drinks are even warmer. It’s about catching the knowing glances of locals, a silent acknowledgment that you’re in on the secret: London in the rain is a whole other kind of magic. It’s a chance to ditch the itinerary and embrace the spontaneous. London and rain indeed go hand in hand, but don’t let a downpour ruin your trip! The British capital is full of exciting things to do, no matter the weather. Rain is never an excuse to stay in! From fascinating museums to cosy tea rooms and hidden cocktail bars, here are the best things to do in London when it rains.
Umbrella or not, embrace the magic of the city—rain and all!
And, if you’re feeling brave (or foolish), give a Cockney phrase a whirl. You’ll sound utterly absurd, guaranteed. But that’s the point, innit?
The best free & fun indoor activities: explore London’s museums
Rain is the perfect excuse for curious minds to dive into London’s incredible cultural scene, interactive exhibits and prestigious permanent collections with world-class art. The best part? Most of the city’s major museums are free!
- British Museum – Travel through two million years of history, from Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone.
- Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs! Whales! Giant crystals! This Victorian wonderland is packed with skeletons, sparkling rocks, and enough animal oddities to fill a million rainy afternoons with the kids in tow.
- National Gallery – Admire masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, and Da Vinci in the heart of Trafalgar Square.
- Tate Modern – For contemporary art lovers, this former power station is now one of the most-visited museums in the world.
- Victoria & Albert Museum – Fashion and design enthusiasts will love this museum’s spectacular collections, from Victorian dresses to David Bowie’s stage costumes.
- Churchill War Rooms – Deep beneath London, the Churchill War Rooms offer a glimpse into the tense, cramped, and historically vital nerve center where Britain’s wartime strategies were forged.
👀 Insider Tip: For something a bit different, visit Sir John Soane’s Museum, a quirky townhouse filled with fascinating objects—including an Egyptian sarcophagus!
Rainy day in London? Indulge in a royal afternoon tea!
Nothing beats a classic afternoon tea to escape the rain while treating yourself to fluffy scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and fragrant tea served in fine china.
- The Ritz – The most legendary afternoon tea in London, served in a setting straight out of a fairytale.
- Sketch – A modern, artistic take on the tradition, featuring an all-pink room as Instagrammable as the pastries.
- Fortnum & Mason – A favourite of tea lovers for over 300 years.
🍰 Looking for a more casual spot? Try Peggy Porschen or Cutter & Squidge, two cafés known for their charming decor and delicious treats.
Find refuge in a pub — one of the best free things to do in London when it rains
When the rain pours, London’s pubs are the perfect refuge to warm up, chat for hours, and enjoy a proper pint. These timeless institutions are more than just bars—they’re places where people debate, laugh, and make new friends over a cold beer.
- The Market Porter, Southwark
- The Flask, Hampstead
- The Cat & Mutton, Hackney
- The Nag’s Head, Belgravia
- The Duke of Cambridge, Islington
- Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich
- Lore of the Land, Fitzrovia
- Southampton Arms, Kentish Town
Wander through London’s hidden victorian arcades
Few visitors know that London is home to stunning Victorian-era covered passages, perfect for a sheltered stroll.
- Leadenhall Market – A stunning, colourful arcade with a glass roof, said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
- Burlington Arcade – An elegant passage filled with luxury boutiques, fine jewellery, and bespoke tailors.
- Piccadilly Arcade – The go-to place for classic menswear, vintage accessories, and fine fragrances.
🎭 Bonus stop: Near these arcades, don’t miss Liberty London, a beautiful Tudor-style department store perfect for a rainy-day shopping spree.
Slip Into a secret cocktail bar
London is packed with hidden cocktail bars that are perfect for escaping the rain. These speakeasies bring an air of mystery and adventure to your night out.
- Cahoots – A quirky 1940s-themed bar set in an old underground station.
- The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town – A speakeasy hidden behind a fridge door in a diner.
- Nightjar – A jazz-age hideaway serving stunning, theatrical cocktails.
🍸 Pro tip: Some of these bars require a password or secret booking—check ahead to make sure you can get in!
Is London fun in the rain? With night tickets for the West End, it is!
London is one of the world’s theatre capitals, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to experience a musical or play in the mythical West End. There are plenty of options and venues to choose from, from matinée to early evening showings.
- The Lion King – A breathtaking production with spectacular costumes and set design.
- Les Misérables – One of the most famous musicals in the world, perfect for lovers of epic storytelling.
- Book of Mormon: Ancient Americans, prophets, Jesus in the New World, and golden plates – basically, a wild, scripture-filled adventure.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – A thrilling two-part show for dedicated Potterheads.
- Phantom of the Opera – Masked music genius throws a tantrum for love, chandeliers fall, opera gets wild. It’s a classic!
🎭 On a budget? Head to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for last-minute discounted tickets.
Lose yourself in London’s most deautiful bookshops
Is there anything better than spending a rainy afternoon in a warm, inviting bookshop? London is home to some of the most magical book havens in the world.
- Daunt Books – A traveller’s paradise, with books organised by country.
- Hatchards – London’s oldest bookshop, founded in 1797, and an official supplier to the royal family.
- Word on the Water – A floating bookshop on a canal boat, with a uniquely cosy atmosphere.
📖 Bonus idea: Grab a coffee and settle in at Foyles, one of Europe’s largest bookshops, with an entire floor dedicated to fiction.
Find a window seat in a cosy café
Sometimes, the best way to spend a rainy day is to sit by a window, sip a steaming coffee, and watch the city bustle past under a sea of umbrellas. London is filled with cosy cafés perfect for slowing down and soaking up the atmosphere.
Best cafés for people-watching on a rainy day:
- The Attendant Marylebone – A café set in a converted Victorian public toilet, full of quirky charm.
- Fidelio Café – A music café where live piano performances accompany your espresso.
- Burr & Co – The perfect spot for a quiet break in the city centre.
- Rustique Literary Café – The dream spot for book lovers, surrounded by inspiring novels and poetry.
- Host Café – A unique café set inside a historic church, offering a peaceful, meditative escape.
- Climpson & Sons Café – A must-visit for true coffee enthusiasts, known for its artisanal roasting.
What to see in London when it rains? The Making of Harry Potter
London’s throwing a tantrum of rain? Perfect! Your escape hatch: the Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter, a top attraction guaranteed to enchant the whole family. Forget soggy sightseeing; dive into the magic where special effects wizardry trumps any London drizzle.
Your entry ticket whisks you away to iconic sets like the Great Hall, where you can almost hear the Sorting Hat’s pronouncements. You’ll be wandering Diagon Alley, not dodging puddles, and marvelling at the Great Hall, not the grey skies. Peek into the intricate details of Dumbledore’s office, wander through the Weasleys’ kitchen at The Burrow, a charmingly chaotic space, and marvel at the sheer scale of the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾.
🧙 Butterbeer? It’s basically a magical, rainy-day-approved treat. Even for the little ones!
Catch a classic movie at an old-timey cinema
The Electric Cinema in Notting Hill? This place is a real treat. Forget those sticky cinema seats, they’ve got spacious leather armchairs you can sink into, with footstools and side tables. It’s like watching a film in your posh mate’s living room. It’s got that old-school cinema vibe as well as its own fully functioning bar and diner next door, so you can get your snacks before you settle in for an unforgettable movie experience.
