Things to Do in London When It Rains (That Aren’t Boring)
Some of the most memorable things to do in London when it rains are the ones you might have missed if the weather were perfect.
London is no stranger to grey skies and surprise showers, but that doesn’t mean your plans have to fall apart. In fact, you’ll notice that nothing really changes that much for Londoners when it does rain. Actually, they might ‘moan’ a little bit more, but that’s normal.
If you’re in search of things to do in London when it rains, think about delicious afternoon teas, immersive experiences, museum visits and cultural tours that take place entirely indoors.
Of course, no one wants rain on their London trip, or any holiday for that matter. However, like any city, it’s a reality and can’t be predicted too far in advance.
So, I put together a list of my favourite suggestions of places to go in London that work when it rains.
Whether you live in London, you’re visiting for a weekend or you’re building out a longer itinerary, these are the kinds of rainy-day activities that still feel iconic and worthwhile.
Dine While Touring London on the Bustronome
The Bustronome fine dining bus is one of the things to do in London when it rains. It works because you stay dry while you see iconic London attractions.
What’s unique about this experience is you sit on the upper deck which is enclosed in a sleek glass dome. This offers sweeping views while you enjoy a gourmet multi-course meal.
As you pass London’s most recognisable landmarks, the rain becomes part of the atmosphere rather than an inconvenience.
The onboard experience is polished and peaceful. There is no audio accompanying your journey. So it’s not a journey to take if you want to learn about London’s history and architecture.
The seats on the bus and ambience make the whole trip around town feel exclusive. Whether you go for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, this is sightseeing at its most indulgent. And it’s ideal when the weather is crap. I know this because it was pouring rain the day I did it!
You can read more about this experience in my Bustronome London Review: A fine dining Bus Tour, book the activity here or watch my highlights video.
See a Show: One of the Best Things to Do in London When It Rains
If you’re trying to salvage an afternoon or evening from the rain, London’s theatre scene could be the easiest answer.
From blockbuster musicals to critically acclaimed plays, West End shows are housed in beautiful, historic venues that make even a grey day feel special.
It’s one of the best things to do in London when it rains because you can sip champagne in your plush seat, forget the weather and lose yourself in a performance. There’s no better place for suspension of disbelief to happen!
Most theatres in the West End are in well-connected places by Tube, so you won’t need to battle the elements for long.
Here’s a list of my favourite shows in town right now.
- The Book of Mormon
- Mamma Mia!
- Phantom of the Opera
- Wicked
- Matilda
- Les Misèrables
- Back to the Future
- The Lion King
- Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
- Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
Try an Immersive Experience
Mamma Mia! The Party
Inside the O2, Mamma Mia! The Party is the definition of weather-proof entertainment.
The immersive dinner show unfolds inside a purpose-built Greek taverna where guests are seated at tables, served a full Mediterranean meal and treated to an interactive story that plays out all around them.
It’s warm, high energy and completely unaffected by what’s happening outside.
For the full scoop, read my Advice for Visiting Mamma Mia! The Party in London or watch the video highlights below.
Frameless
This multi-room digital art installation near Marble Arch is one of the more modern indoor activities in London.
Each space features moving visuals, ambient sound and massive projections that reimagine iconic works of art. It’s dry, dramatic and unlike any other gallery experience in the city.
Book Frameless tickets here and take a look at the experience in the video.
Visit a Museum (But Reserve Ahead)
Some of the most dependable things to do in London when it rains are also free- but still require a bit of planning. London’s major museums offer free general admission. However, many now require a timed ticket even for the permanent collections. On rainy days, they’re often at capacity.
Booking in advance guarantees you entry, even during peak hours. From ancient artefacts to bold contemporary art, the city’s museum scene is ideal for slower, rainy days when you want to dive deeper without dealing with crowds or wet shoes.
the best museums in london are:
- British Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- Science Museum
- National Gallery
- Tate Modern
- Moco Museum
Book a Table for Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is one of the most luxurious things to do in London when it rains. You’ll be dry, warm and unhurried, with the kind of surroundings that make a rainy afternoon feel like a treat rather than a letdown.
The tea, scones, pastries and finger sandwiches create a slow-paced experience that make lingering inside to enjoy it even more worth it!
You can also read my Afternoon Tea Etiquette Guide for Visiting London.
my favourite afternoon teas in london
- Theatre Royal Drury Lane
- The Orangery at Kensington Palace
- Corinthia London
- Fortnum & Mason
- Intercontinental London Park Lane
- The Goring Hotel
- Rosewood London
- St James’s Hotel
- The Ritz
- Claridge’s
- The Dorchester
- The Berkeley
- Brown’s Hotel
- Clermont Victoria
- Clermont Charing Cross
2025 Current Ticket Discounts for London
Use Discount Code SUNNYINLONDON10 for these activities. Next update on 1st July 2025
- Minecraft Experience: Village Rescuer 10% off until 30th June
- Paradox Museum– 10% off until 30th June
- Bubble Planet– 10% off until 30th June
- Race Across the World 10% off until 30th June
- Tutankhaman: the Immersive Exhibition 10% off until 30th June
- Jurassic World: The Experience 10% off until 30th June
Take a Tour Indoors
Guided indoor tours are a great way to learn something new while avoiding the weather. They offer structure, comfort and exclusive access to places you might not be able to explore on your own.
The Royal Albert Hall Tour is one of my favourites. I’ve enjoyed it twice since moving to London in 2013.
You’ll get to see inside one of the most iconic performance spaces in the world, with stories about its history, royal connections and backstage secrets. It’s short, indoors and fascinating, especially if you enjoy music, architecture or performance.
Read details in this Royal Albert Hall Tour review.
Book One of London’s Most Popular Indoor Experiences
You’ll notice how flexible Londoners are when it rains. Nothing seems to miss a beat.
So, booking an indoor experience that’s already trending with other visitors is an easy win to blend in. Whether it’s a cooking class, skip-the-line museum ticket or food and drink experience, there are many options that keep you entertained and dry.
These are the most popular immersive experiences in London now.
Christmas in London
Your dream Christmas starts here.
From sparkling lights to the perfect itineraries and everything in between, my brand new Christmas in London guide is packed with festive magic!
Email subscribers get early access and a special discount starting 25th June. Don’t miss out on your Christmas like a movie!
Things to Do in London When it Rains– Final Notes
If you’re researching things to do in London when it rains, you’re already ahead of most visitors. Wet weather doesn’t mean you have to compromise your trip. In fact, some of the city’s most memorable experiences are the ones you book because the weather turned.
For help planning your itinerary, including what to book and when, get the Sunny in London Travel Planner or Guide to Christmas in London. You can also check out my Things to Do in London This Month guide for seasonal events and discounts, many of which are fully indoors.
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