7 Fun Things to Do in London When It Rains – No. 3 Is Surprising

London and rain go hand in hand, but this does not mean that your day has to be a washout. Some of the best things to do in London when it rains are tucked away inside its grand museums, bizarre hideaways, and unexpected gems. Whether you are going with children, travelling single, or planning a cool day with friends, there is something for everyone.

You will find activities that are independent, fun, and even slightly uncommon. From unusual things to do in London when it rains to cultural must-sees, this article provides more than just shelter. It reveals experiences, adventures, and thrills altogether. From hidden conservatories to food halls, these are kinds of things to do in London when it rains that will make you happy in the downpour.

So grab your umbrella and try out these seven funny, independent, and surprisingly stunning things to do when it rains in London.

Important Results:

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

1. Rainy days in London are perfect for exploring world-class indoor museums like the British Museum and the Tate Modern.
2. You can cosy up in historic pubs or hidden tearooms for a warm and authentic British experience.
3. From indoor markets to escape rooms, London turns gloomy weather into exciting adventures.
4. Rain can’t ruin the fun of London’s immersive theatres, quirky arcades, and scenic covered walkways.

List of 7 Fun Things to Do in London When It Rains

According to Condor Ferries, in 2025, an estimated thirty million tourists visited London, including international and domestic visitors. The rain is not a stranger to London, but this does not mean that your plans will have to be stopped, as mentioned by Last Minute. The city is full of indoor spots that shine when it is grey outside.

Whether you are hunting for fun things to do in London, when it is raining, free indoor activities for adults, or even things to do with kids in London when it rains, you will find the city bursting with possibilities behind every soggy corner. And the best part? Some of the city’s top museums, cafes, and some of the places are even more pleasant with the sound of rain tapping on the windows, and you can stay dry and entertain yourself when the sky opens.

Here are seven cosy, fun, and dazzling things to do in London when it rains. Let’s have a quick look to make your day a memorable and enjoyable one.

1.     Explore the Magical World of the Harry Potter Studio Tour

According to Secret London, when it comes to fun things to do in London when it rains, Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a complete standout. Located in Leavesden, a short train ride from Central London, this immersive attraction allows visitors to step behind the scenes of one of the world’s most beloved film franchises. Perfect for families, joints, or single explorers, it is one of the best things to do with kids in London when it rains – or without them.

Stroll through Diagon Alley, peer into Dumbledore’s office, and sip a Butterbeer under shelter while the rain patters outside. The tour is almost completely indoors, making it an ideal excursion on a rainy day in London. You will be fascinated by the level of expansion and craftsmanship, whether you are a die-hard fan or just eager. It is not only one of the best things to do in London when it rains, but it should also be equally good for film and fantasy lovers.

And while it is not an independent, it is an unforgettable experience that is worth the ticket. For those seeking things to do in London when it rains for adults, Harry Potter Studio Tour also offers evening experiences, themed events, and seasonal surprises, showing that the magic does not stop for the season.

2.     Try London’s Best Vegan Food

Rainy weather calls people to enjoy food that is comforting, nourishing, and guilt-free. London’s vegan food scene ticks all those boxes and more. Whether you are a determined vegan or just interested in tasting, you’ll find mouthwatering options in the city.

Go to Mildreds in Soho for colourful international plates, and enjoy the homely flavours of Vegan Cuisine in West Kensington. You can also try Caribbean-inspired vegan bowls at Eat of Eden in Brixton. On a freezing and watery day, nothing hits the spot like a warm vegan pie. This dish is a rich lentil stew or creamy plant-based mac and cheese.

If you are in London and want to make your trip memorable, giving vegan foods a try is a must. Yet, several students complain that they don’t have enough time to visit such places due to their pending work, and the situation worsens when it comes to completing their dissertation before the deadline. If you are in the same boat, getting plagiarism-free dissertation help from The Academic Papers UK can ease your educational journey, allowing you to visit the places that can boost your knowledge and experience.

3.     Ride a Mail Train Beneath the Streets of London

Here’s the surprise you didn’t see coming. Looks like you have seen everything in London? Think again. There is a forgotten world of tunnels hidden beneath the city’s surface, which once carried the capital’s letters and parcels. Today, the mail rail of the Postal Museum allows you to ride a short train through this underground network. This is an unexpected and thrilling experience. If you are after unusual things to do in London when it rains, it should shoot directly to the top of your list.

As the rain is up, you must be rolling with subterranean tracks, searching for a secret history that most of the London people do not even know. Mail rail riding is fun, educational, and completely indoors – ideal for both adults and children. It is one of the most unique things to do when it rains in London, offering a combination of museum-quality and mini-adventure experiences.

The museum also offers a lot of interactive displays, making London a great option for things to do when it rains with children or curious adults who love bizarre history. And when it is not free, the experience is packed with value, earning it among the best things to do in London when it rains. In fact, for the experience of London on a different rainy day, the mail rail proves that even underground, the city has secrets worth searching for.

4.     Get Lost in the Colours of God’s Own Junkyard

Looking for eccentric, bold, and memorable? In the Walthamstow God’s Own Junkyard, it can be one of the most unusual things to do in London when it rains.  This vibrant indoor place is a warehouse-gallery hybrid filled with vintage neon signals, film props, and retro artwork. If your ideal rainy day in London includes a cup in hand, surrounded by an Instagrammable installation with a cup of coffee, then this is your place.

Best of all? It is completely independent to enter, and it is a gem among free things to do in London when it rains. According to Time Out, whether you are sheltered with a drizzle or escape from a fully developed downpour, it offers a warm and visually stunning hideaway. And in search of free indoor activities in London for adults, for locals or visitors, this is no more original. It is perfect for anyone seeking creative photographers and a break from traditional rain-fasting-day hunting.

5.     Watch a Last-Minute Show at Camden Roundhouse

Don’t allow the grey sky and rainy day to destroy your evening plans. Instead, run to the Camden Roundhouse. This is a place where you can experience historical art performances with your loved one. The Roundhouse, with its scenic, circular, and intimate environment, hosts a vibrant and spirited mix of live music, comedy, spoken word events, and theatre. Individuals who are fond of literature and visual arts can enjoy live performances, historical movement presentations, and colourful vibes here. This will help you learn and utilise the knowledge when crafting research papers.

If you get worried about the last-minute ticket, you can check the website to get one. The buzz of Camden, combined with the warmth inside the venue, makes this a perfect urban escape from the rain. If you are tired of museums and shopping malls, add it to your list of things to do in London when it’s raining. It is a great place for couples or groups of friends seeking fun things to do in London, and even when it’s raining, it doesn’t feel like a typical tourist trap.

6.     Visit Museums Around London

When it’s pouring and grey outside, London’s world-class museums offer a dry and inspiring shelter. The good news is that many of them offer free entry, making it easy for visitors to explore at their leisure without needing a plan. The British Museum lets you walk through millennia of human history from ancient Egyptian mummies to Roman mosaics. If you are interested in innovation and creation, the Science Museum is packed with interactive displays and exhibitions, making it a must-visit destination for both adults and children.

You can enjoy such moments, make new memories, and boost your mood to brighten your tomorrow.  This museum allows you to click pictures of the art and pieces on display there without any charges. So, add it to your visiting list whenever you plan to head to London.

7.     Visit Borough Market Near London Bridge

A rainy day in London is the perfect reason to visit one of the largest and oldest Borough Markets. This market is known as a place where the smells, tastes, and buzz will warm you right up. Nestled under Victorian arches, this market is one of the oldest and most beloved in the city. From artisan cheeses and homemade pastries to global street food and hot mulled cider, there’s something to tempt every tastebud.

Don’t miss the mushroom risotto, raclette cheese melting onto potatoes, or gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches; all dishes are perfect for rainy weather cravings. It’s a spot where you can stay for a while, have a snack, and watch the crowds.  The sound of the rain tapping on the roof just adds to the charm, beauty, and attraction, making the rainy day a romantic one.

Where To Go If It’s Raining In London?

As per TripAdvisor, when it comes to things to do in London when it rains, finding the right indoor places can make all the difference. Whether you are after free things in London, when it rains, fun experiences for adults, or things to do in London when it rains with children, the capital has got you covered. From grand museums to hidden greenhouses, a rainy day can be as exciting as sunshine.

Below is a curated list of the best places to visit when it’s raining in London, offering comfort, culture, and some truly unusual things to do in the city.

1. The British Museum: This is a free and iconic spot, perfect for all ages, and one of the best things to do in London when it’s raining.
2. Natural History Museum: The Natural History Museum is an independent and iconic institution, offering something for all ages, and is perfect even in the rain in London.
3. The Barbican Conservatory: This venue is packed with great and attractive performances for families, making it ideal for things to do in London when it rains with children.
4. The Tate Modern: Modern art, riverside views, and free entry at the Tate Modern make it a top option for free indoor activities in London for adults.
5. Sky Garden: A succulent, sky-high public park that provides shelter and city views-forward for mobile access.
6. Somerset House: A cultured rainy day in London is perfect for exhibitions, creative workshops, and indoor cafes.
7. Westfield Shopping Centre: This place is known for its shopping and dining options. Visitors can do fun things when it’s raining in London.
8. Covent Garden Market: Covent Garden Market is a lively, vibrant, and entertaining space. This spot is ideal for browsing or cutting. Visit it, and you won’t be disappointed at all.
9. Royal Observatory Planetarium: An Educational and Atmospheric Experience. The Royal Observatory Planetarium is a top pick for people looking for the most engaging activities to do when it rains in London, especially those with a curious mind.

What To Wear in London When It Rains?

A rainy day in London may be unexpected, so smart dressing is cleverly important, especially when you’re going between museums, galleries, or quirky cafes. Whether you are searching for free things to do in London when it rains, or you leave to search for unusual things in London when it rains, being dry and comfortable will make all the difference. Even the best things to do in London when it’s raining can lose their charm if you are soaked through.

Here is a quick guide on what to wear for a wet-weather city day – for adults, children, and anyone eager to discover the amusing aspects of London’s rainy weather.

• A lightweight, breathable jacket with a hood is a must for sudden downpours.
• Great to take Increase to carry and take care of during quick walks between indoor spots.
• Opt for boots or strong shoes – free indoor activities in London for adults or kids to navigate the puddles near London.
• To go between hot museums and cold roads, enjoying the best things in London when it rains.
• Keep essentials safe and hands free while enjoying things to do in London when it rains with kids or solo.

What Month Does It Rain the Most in London?

As per London Walks, October is usually the most spectacular month in London, as the city experiences more frequent and prolonged rainfall during this period. While the London season is famously unpredictable, October consistently brings drizzle, grey skies, and cooler temperatures. For people studying abroad or for those who plan an educational trip to London, it is worth considering when choosing their travel dates.

If you are a student, aim to arrive in late August or early September. This allows you to settle before the educational year starts while avoiding the summit of rainy-day London. This is a great time to enjoy the outdoor orientation events and explore the city while the weather is relatively mild. But if you have a dissertation to submit between these months, no need to worry or be stressed out at all. The best solution to your problems is hiring a London-based dissertation writing company. Experts can better handle your workload, while you can have an excellent time in this city.

That said, even during the wet months, London offers a lot of free indoor activities and things to do in London when it rains, from the collections to libraries, and it is a student-friendly city, making it a great place throughout the year. Just don’t forget your umbrella!

Where Can I Go Indoors in London for Free?

You can detect amazing free indoor attractions like the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the V&A Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. These are perfect for a rainy day and offer enriching experiences without spending a penny.

How Hard Does It Rain in London?

Rainfall in London is usually light and dripping, not heavy. Rains are often brief, and intense downpours are rare. This is more about the grey sky than thunderstorms, so a compact umbrella or raincoat usually works.

What To Do When It’s Sunny in London?

When the sun’s out, Hyde Park, Regent Park, a walk along the South Bank, or enjoy a picnic in Greenwich Park. Outdoor markets such as rooftop bars, canal walk, and Boro Market are also perfect for Sunny days.

What To Do in London Not Touristy?

Try the music hall of Broadway Market, Gods on Junkayard, Wilton, or find Little Venice. For authentic local vibes, go to quirky bookshops, hidden speakeasies, or local walking trips in areas such as Peckham or Hackney.

Which Month Is Sunny in London?

July is usually the biggest month of sunlight in London, offering the hottest weather and longest daylight hours. It is a great time for external festivals, visible places, travel, or study trips without normal rain disruption. If you enjoy exploring things during daylight hours, you should plan your visit for these months.

What To Do Outdoors in London?

Go to Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, or go boating in Hyde Park. You can also explore street art in Shoreditch, catch an outdoor cinema, enjoy the Thames riverside walk, or spot the deer and panoramic city scenes through Richmond Park.

Final Words

Rain or shine, London never stops offering adventure. Whether you are into art, history, hidden gardens, or just staying dry with style, there’s no shortage of things to do in London when it rains. From free indoor activities for adults to fun things to do in London when it’s raining with kids, the city makes every rainy day in London feel like a chance to explore differently. You can try those seven stunning things mentioned above when it rains in London and make your day memorable.

Giving a try to these dry, fun, and thrilling activities not only saves your day from a waste but also boosts your mood and allows you to meet like-minded people. So next time the skies open up, don’t cancel your plans, just switch them. You can embrace the drizzle, uncover unusual things to do in London when it rains, and make memories no matter the weather.  Got a favourite rainy day spot? Share it with your friends and loved ones, and inspire someone else’s soggy London stroll.