Londoners rarely venture out without two things – their Oyster Card and an umbrella.
According to weather data, even in the height of summer there’s a chance of a shower in London every three days. But don’t let that put you off, because there’s enough indoor activities and ways to make the most of the city even when it’s a bit wet outside.
So to make sure you’re prepared, here are a list of things to do in London when it rains.
Southbank Centre Book Market (c) Sam Peach
1. Browse the books
Protected by Waterloo Bridge, the Southbank Centre Book Market is open come rain or shine.
Select from a range of second hand books while you shelter from the elements.
2. See some art
Camden Arts Centre
Many of London’s art galleries are free to wander about in. If you get caught in a downpour in Trafalgar Square, then the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Somerset House are all within a couple of minutes walk of each other.
We’ve also put together a list of some of London’s lesser known art galleries for something a bit different.
3. Watch a film with a cuppa
There’s something deliciously decadent about sneaking off to the cinema during the day. If you don’t fancy the Odeon, try one of London’s independent cinemas, as a lot of them have great bars and cafes inside as well.
4. Get your game on
Draughts in Haggerston has over 500 different games to choose from. The cafe in Hackney also has a full food and drink menu to keep you going if you’re settling in for a game of Monopoly or Risk.
5. Visit a traditional covered market
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is a fine example of a Victorian covered market, and Leadenhall Market or Covent Garden Market also have similar traditional structures. Borough Market isn’t a bad place to get caught in the rain either – especially if you’re hungry.
If antiques are your thing, then Alfies Antiques (and it’s sister market Grays) is a great bet. There are four floors of collectables to browse in what was once a former Edwardian department store. It also has a lovely cafe (with some outdoor seating should the rain let up).
Find out more about London’s markets.
6. Play Pétanque…
Have a go at this game, which is a variation of Boules. The only indoor Pétanque court is in a pretty good bar – Baranis on Chancery Lane.
7. …or Ping Pong
The biggest ping pong bar in town is Bounce near Chancery Lane, and this super-swish club has 17 tables to play at, including table service for drinks and food.
A few pubs are also getting in on the act – you can hire a table at the Old China Hand, Nordic Bar and The Book Club. Book ahead at some of the smaller venues where possible.
8. Go old-skool with pool
The 1920 in Clerkenwell has four American pool tables and a great cocktail bar (try the gin-based Bam-boozled). Number 1 Sports Bar in London Bridge has a large number of pool tables and it turns into a club later in the evening.
For a traditional pool hall, try Rileys Sports Bar in Victoria or Haymarket which also feature big screens showing the latest live sport.
“I’m leaving because the weather is too good. I hate London when it’s not raining.” – Comedian Groucho Marx
9. Give your brain a workout
If there’s a group of you (between three and five), head to Kings Cross and try clueQuest. It’s a live escape game, which sees you and your friends use logic and those little grey cells to spring yourselves from a locked room within an hour.
Imelda Staunton as Momma Rose in Gypsy (c) Johan-Persson
10. Take in a matinee
Watch a musical or play in the middle of the afternoon. Most shows start at 2.30pm to 3pm and finish between 5pm and 6pm.
Discover the latest theatre deals here.
11. Have a peak backstage
Find out more about London’s theatres and venues by taking a tour behind the scenes.
You’ll be able to smell the greasepaint (and even handle some of the props) discover the history of some of these famous buildings and hear little-known stories about actors and actresses who have trod the famous boards.
The National Theatre, Royal Albert Hall and Shakespeare’s Globe have tours taking place daily.
Royal Albert Hall (c) Marcus Ginns
12. Go record hunting
Spend an hour scouring the racks for obscure LPs at one of London’s record shops.
Visit Flashback on Essex Road or Lucky Seven in Stoke Newington and get into the vinyl groove.
13. Play indoor tennis
The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has four indoor courts if you fancy a game, and they’re open every day of the week.
You can hire racquets and tennis balls at the centre – see website for prices and booking.
Waterloo Station
14. The wrong kind of rain….
….has been known to cause train delays.
Storms and flash flooding can sometimes leave you stranded at the station, with a few hours wait on your hands. Good job we’ve rounded up the best pubs near London train stations to keep you refreshed while you wait, then.
The Village, Westfield London W12
15. Take cover in a shopping centre
Westfield has one centre in Shepherd’s Bush and another at Westfield Stratford, and you can find the major high street labels, along with designer outlets at both venues.
They also have huge food courts and scores of restaurants to choose from.
At the Stratford site you’ll find a huge, 17 digital screen cinema, with large comfy seating, as well as a bowling alley and casino.
16. Buy a bespoke umbrella
James Smith & Sons are one of the finest purveyors of umbrellas in London. The company has been in business for more than 180 years and have sold their wares to prime ministers like Andrew Bonar Law and William Gladstone.
They still manufacture the umbrellas in the basement of the shop in New Oxford Street, which is a fine example of Victorian store design, keeping many of the original fixtures and fittings.
17. And if you leave one behind on the tube
You won’t be the only person – the TfL’s Lost Property Office at Baker Street has collected around 12,000 umbrellas over the years.
Any brollies handed in are logged and stored, so if you have a distinctive one – maybe give them a call – it might have been handed in.
Umbrellas at the Lost Property Office (c) Transport for London-(TfL)
18. Well, if you’re going to get wet anyway…
The Lee Valley White Water Centre was built to host the canoe slalom events at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Now, you can have a go in a canoe or kayak or tackle the rapids by white water rafting.
If you just fancy taking a dip in one of London’s outdoor swimming pools, you’ll probably have a lot more room in the lanes.
19. Relax at a spa
Grange St Pauls’ swimming-pool
You can try one of the top 10 hotel spas in London, many of which have pools, or just go for a relaxing massage or facial with one of these spa deals.
21. Go ten pin bowling
London is blessed with a decent indoor bowling scene – and prices are generally cheaper in the off-peak day time.
All Star Lanes have four venues in the capital, Holborn, Bayswater,Brick Lane and Westfield Stratford City, or at Bloomsbury Lanes you can literally enjoy a slice of the action with their American pizza offerings while you bowl.
20. Have a restorative cuppa
The Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley
Possibly as quintessential as the UK’s wet weather is the concept of afternoon tea.
Take time out of your day to experience this British tradition in London – the best afternoon teas is a good place to start, or get a last minute afternoon tea deal if you’re caught out.
22. Singin’ (not) in the rain
Karaoke Box has three venues in Mayfair, Smithfield and Soho, where you can hire rooms from 5 people to up to 12 people by the hour. You can also get waiter service.
Islington and Soho also has Lucky Voice, where you can sing along with inflatable instruments as props. Bloomsbury Lanes also have four private singing rooms if you want to combine a few tunes with a game of ten pin bowling.
23. Go gaze at something at home in the water
Museum fish curator James Maclaine with aquarium © NHM, London
Seeing the fish and amphibians at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a very calming way to spend the day.
Watch the Penguins potter about or see the sharks gliding past in the huge tanks – if you time it right you can also catch the daily feeds.
24. Have a game of (indoor) golf
Choose between Soho Golf & Country Club or Royal Smithfield venues for Urban Golf. After playing on one of their state-of-the-art simulators, treat yourself to the traditional 19th hole drink in the cocktail bars and lounge.
City Golf & Sports Bar also has six simulators, featuring more than 50 of the world’s best golf courses to try your arm at. Most of the venues have cheaper “tee times” during the day.
25. See some really dark skies
(c) The Royal Observatory
If visibility is a bit rubbish, take refuge in one of the Royal Observatory’s Planetarium shows.
Stargazers in Greenwich can enjoy the latest HD technology beamed onto the domed roof and discover more about the universe.
26. Batten down the hatches at the Barbican
The Barbican is a great place to hang around – you can see some exhibitions or just have a drink in one of the cafes.
They also have free WIFI in the public area.
27. Mooch about in a museum
The Great Court at the British Museum
Many of London’s museums are free, like the Wellcome Collection which has some intriguing exhibits (as well as a library, restaurant and cafe to hang out in).
If you’re caught in the rain in South Kensington, you’ll find the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A all within a short walk of each other, or try one of these London museums instead
28. Shelter under the umbrellas at London Bridge
Umbrellas’ at Brew Wharf (c) Del Mercato via Vinopolis
This unusual umbrella art installation at Vinopolis Piazza was part of a marketing strategy for Procter and Gamble’s “athlete’s mum” campaign – however it has stayed in situ ever since as a colourful landmark at London Bridge.
While you visit you can also go wine tasting at Vinopolis or try a craft ale at Brew Wharf.
Need any further inspiration
Our 100 Things in London page is designed to help you find unusual places to visit in the city.
You can also find the latest events and happenings going on in London right now.
For all the latest news and travel information, visit the Transport for London website.
And finally, remember to check out the weather forecast.
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