London and rain 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!
Explore London’s (free!) museums
Rain is the perfect excuse to dive into London’s incredible cultural scene. 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.
- 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.
👀 Insider Tip: For something a bit different, visit Sir John Soane’s Museum, a quirky townhouse filled with fascinating objects—including an Egyptian sarcophagus!
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.
Escape to a pub and watch the rain with a pint in band
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.
Cosy pubs to check out on a rainy day:
- 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!
Watch a West End show
London is one of the world’s theatre capitals, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to experience a musical or play.
- 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.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – A thrilling two-part show for dedicated Potterheads.
🎭 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 – A warm, classic café perfect 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.
