25 Brilliant Things To Do On A Rainy Day In London

Because London’s grey skies shouldn’t dampen your spirits

Let’s be honest – if you’re planning to spend any significant time in London, you’re going to encounter rain. It’s not a matter of if, but when those famous grey clouds will open up and remind you why Londoners have perfected the art of the stoic shrug. But here’s the thing: rainy days in London aren’t a curse, they’re an opportunity. This magnificent city has spent centuries perfecting the art of indoor entertainment, creating a treasure trove of museums, galleries, markets, and experiences that are actually better enjoyed when the weather’s being thoroughly British outside.

From world-class museums that house humanity’s greatest treasures to quirky underground attractions that celebrate London’s wonderfully eccentric character, the capital offers enough rainy-day diversions to keep you busy for months. Whether you’re a culture vulture, history buff, foodie, or just someone seeking shelter with a proper cup of tea, London’s got you covered. So grab your umbrella (though let’s face it, you’ll probably forget it), embrace the drizzle, and discover why Londoners never let a bit of weather stop them from having a brilliant time.

Here are 25 absolutely essential things to do when London decides to live up to its soggy reputation:

1. British Museum – Journey Through Human Civilization

The crown jewel of London’s museum scene, this magnificent institution houses treasures from every corner of human history. From the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures to medieval manuscripts, you could easily spend an entire rainy day (or week) wandering its hallowed halls. The best part? It’s completely free, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike.

2. Tate Modern – Art That Challenges and Inspires

Housed in a former power station on the South Bank, Tate Modern is a temple to contemporary creativity. The building itself is as impressive as the art it contains, and the views from the upper floors across the Thames are spectacular even on grey days. Free entry to the permanent collection means you can pop in and out as the mood takes you.

3. Churchill War Rooms – Britain’s Secret Underground Command Center

Step into the claustrophobic bunkers where Winston Churchill and his team planned Britain’s wartime strategy. This fascinating museum preserves the original underground headquarters exactly as they were left in 1945, complete with Churchill’s bedroom, the map room, and the telephone hotline to Roosevelt. It’s history you can almost touch.

4. National Portrait Gallery – Faces That Shaped Britain

Recently reopened after a major renovation, this magnificent gallery houses the world’s largest collection of portraits, from medieval monarchs to contemporary celebrities. The Tudor galleries are particularly spectacular, while the rooftop restaurant offers stunning views over Trafalgar Square. It’s Britain’s story told through the faces of those who made it.

5. National Gallery – Renaissance Masters and Beyond

Home to one of the world’s finest collections of Western European paintings, the National Gallery houses works by da Vinci, Van Gogh, Turner, and countless other masters. The building’s neoclassical architecture provides the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of artistic contemplation, and the central Trafalgar Square location makes it easy to combine with other attractions.

6. Leadenhall Market – Victorian Splendor and Shopping

This stunning Victorian market, with its ornate roof and cobbled floors, provides shelter from the rain while offering a glimpse into London’s commercial past. Harry Potter fans will recognize it as the entrance to Diagon Alley, while food lovers can sample everything from traditional British fare to international cuisines.

7. Wellcome Collection – Where Medicine Meets Art

This utterly unique museum explores the connections between medicine, life, and art in ways that will surprise and delight. From ancient medical instruments to contemporary artworks about health and humanity, it’s a place that challenges preconceptions and sparks conversations. Plus, it’s free and has an excellent café.

8. London Transport Museum – All Aboard for History

Located in Covent Garden’s beautifully restored Victorian flower market, this museum tells the story of how London became the world’s first modern transport network. Climb aboard vintage buses, Underground trains, and trams while learning how transport shaped the city we know today.

9. Dennis Severs’ House – Step Into the 18th Century

This extraordinary experience transforms a Georgian townhouse into a living artwork that recreates 300 years of domestic life. Each room tells the story of the fictional Jervis family through carefully arranged objects, sounds, and smells. It’s not a museum – it’s time travel.

10. Fortnum & Mason – Luxury Shopping and Afternoon Tea

When the weather turns nasty, retreat to this temple of British luxury for some serious retail therapy. Founded in 1707, Fortnum’s is famous for its hampers, teas, and preserves. Their afternoon tea service is legendary, and the building itself is a work of art with its famous mechanical clock.

11. Sir John Soane’s Museum – An Architect’s Obsession

This remarkable house museum was the home of neoclassical architect Sir John Soane, who filled every available space with art, antiquities, and architectural fragments. The Picture Room, where paintings fold out from the walls on hinges, is pure genius. Free entry, but book ahead.

12. Borough Market – Food Heaven Under Victorian Canopies

London’s oldest food market offers shelter from the rain under beautiful Victorian iron and glass canopies. Sample artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, exotic spices, and street food from around the world. The atmosphere is intoxicating, and the free samples are legendary.

13. Wallace Collection – A Mansion Full of Treasures

This stunning collection of art, armor, and decorative objects is housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion near Oxford Street. The Great Gallery, with its incredible ceiling and Old Master paintings, feels like stepping into a French palace. Free entry and a lovely courtyard café.

14. London Dungeon – Deliciously Dark History

For those who like their history with a side of theatrical horror, the London Dungeon offers a journey through the capital’s grisliest past. From Jack the Ripper to the Great Fire, it’s educational entertainment at its most dramatically macabre. Not for the faint-hearted, but brilliantly done.

15. Guildhall Art Gallery – Roman Ruins and Victorian Art

Hidden beneath the modern City of London lies the Roman amphitheater where gladiators once fought. Above it, the Guildhall Art Gallery houses the City’s impressive art collection. The combination of ancient ruins and Victorian paintings creates a uniquely London experience.

16. Hunterian Museum – Curiosities and Medical Marvels

This fascinating collection at the Royal College of Surgeons displays medical specimens, surgical instruments, and anatomical preparations that chronicle the development of surgery and medicine. It’s not for everyone, but those interested in medical history will find it absolutely captivating.

17. Old Operating Theatre Museum – Victorian Surgery

Located in the garret of an old church, this unique museum houses Europe’s oldest surviving operating theater. The herb garret, where medicinal plants were dried and stored, provides insight into pre-anesthetic surgery. It’s small but utterly compelling.

18. Cartoon Museum – British Humor on Display

Celebrating the rich tradition of British cartoon art, from Hogarth to modern political satire, this charming museum showcases the wit and irreverence that defines British humor. It’s a delightful way to spend a rainy afternoon, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the cartoon’s role in British culture.

19. Benjamin Franklin House – America in Georgian London

The only surviving home of Benjamin Franklin offers an intimate look at his 16 years in London as a colonial agent. The historical experience uses lights, sounds, and live performance to bring the 18th century to life in this beautiful Georgian townhouse.

20. Geffrye Museum (Museum of the Home) – Domestic Life Through the Ages

Now reopened as the Museum of the Home, this institution explores how the English middle class lived from 1600 to the present day through a series of period rooms. Each room represents a different era, showing how domestic life, decoration, and design evolved over four centuries.

21. Sky Garden – London’s Highest Public Garden

When it’s raining, head to London’s highest public space for spectacular views over the city. The three-story garden at the top of the “Walkie Talkie” building offers 360-degree views of London, and watching the rain from 35 floors up is oddly therapeutic. Free, but book ahead.

22. Southbank Centre – Culture by the Thames

This brutalist arts complex houses concert halls, galleries, shops, and restaurants. Even when it’s pouring, you can wander the covered walkways, browse the book market under Waterloo Bridge, catch a performance, or simply people-watch while staying completely dry.

23. Liberty London – Shopping as Art Form

This Tudor Revival department store is a work of art in itself, built from the timbers of two ships. The beautiful galleried interior makes shopping feel like exploring a stately home, while the carefully curated selection of fashion, homeware, and gifts represents the best of British design.

24. Royal Academy of Arts – Blockbuster Exhibitions

Burlington House hosts some of London’s most talked-about art exhibitions, from major retrospectives to cutting-edge contemporary shows. The beautiful courtyard provides a moment of calm in busy Piccadilly, while the RA’s own collection includes works by every Royal Academician since 1768.

25. Traditional London Pub – The Ultimate Rainy Day Refuge

No list would be complete without mentioning London’s greatest rainy-day institution: the pub. Whether it’s a historic tavern like The George Inn in Southwark, a cozy neighborhood local, or a grand Victorian gin palace, London’s pubs provide warmth, comfort, and conversation when the weather turns unforgiving. Order a pint, settle in by the fire, and watch the rain streak down diamond-paned windows while you plan your next adventure.

The beauty of rainy days in London is that they give you permission to slow down, to linger longer in museums, to savor that afternoon tea, to get properly lost in a good bookshop. So next time the heavens open, don’t curse the weather – celebrate it. After all, there’s something distinctly London about making the best of a grey day, and these 25 options ensure you’ll never be caught short when the city lives up to its watery reputation.