Discover the best indoor activities for adults on a rainy day in London, from mini-golf to shopping, culture, and afternoon tea.
London and rain sort of go hand-in-hand. As wonderful as it is to explore this city on a bright, sunny day, chances are that if you’re here, it’s probably raining. The good news is that London is fully equipped for rainy days. From cosy coffee shops to world-class museums, there is plenty to enjoy when it’s cats and dogs outside. Here are the best things to do in London on a rainy day. Don’t forget to bring your brolly!
When it’s truly throwing it down outside, consider both of our London Swingers locations as harbours in the storm. Not only can you have a couple of rounds of crazy golf, you can also get comfortable in one of our indoor bars and tuck in to some scrumptious gourmet street food. And best of all, all of our mini golf courses are indoors. With Swingers’ elegant 1920s British theme and Gatsby-esque decorations, this crazy golf venue is sure to give your afternoon or evening a memorable aesthetic. But heads up – when the storm lets up, you might not want to leave.
It can be hard to contain all that built-up energy when it’s raining outside. Burn it all off at Oxygen Freejumping at the O2. This giant indoor activity park features 150 interconnected trampolines, dodgeball courts, a mega airbag, foam pits, reaction walls and more. Bounce the day away as it thunders down outside. As it’s located at the O2, there’s plenty of food options and even shopping to enjoy once you’re all jumped-out. Rainy day plans sorted.
Time for a little retail therapy. The famous Spitalfields market is fully covered and has hundreds of stalls. Whether you’re looking for vintage fashion, quirky accessories, vinyls, or a new piece of art for your home, there are plenty of unique pieces to ponder here as you shelter from the rain. All that shopping can build up a bit of an appetite, and you’re in luck – there’s an impressive line up of stalls and trucks serving up street food from all over the world. We recommend Yum Bun followed up with a sourdough doughnut from Crosstown. If you’d like to sit down and do a little people watching, grab a spot in The Grocer.
If you’d like to venture further afield, Mare Street market is also a stone’s throw from Brick Lane and just around the corner from Shoreditch. But make sure you have a waterproof coat with you, as these destinations aren’t covered up.
Still in the shopping mood? Westfield White City boasts more than 300 shops ranging from high street favourites to designer brands. And they’re all under one roof. You can easily make a day of it here by including a trip to the shopping centre’s cinema, bowling, and a meal of many of the restaurants on offer.
A rainy day is the perfect excuse for indulging in a little learning. Head on over to The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, and spend the afternoon learning about the history of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Relax in the planetarium and learn about our universe, see one of the world’s largest refracting telescopes, or even book an astronomy course. Greenwich itself is a beautiful place to spend some time, with charming side streets and markets. For a wonderful view of the city, a short walk to Blackheath is well worth it. Just make sure you’re wearing a raincoat and waterproof shoes! Heck, if you get a bit soggy, you can always duck into one of the nearby cafes for a warming drink and a time to dry off.
If there’s one thing we Brits do well, it’s cosy pubs. Picture the scene – dark wood panels, the soft glow from a fireplace, a snuggly armchair, and a glass of something warm and comforting. Whether you’re thinking of a pint of Guinness, mulled wine, or spiced apple juice, there’s a plethora of options in London to get your snuggly pub fix. But where to start? Well, if you’re a history buff, how about checking out one of London’s oldest pubs? There might be some local tales you can learn about when you visit. Or if you’ve got drenched on the journey, what about going for choosing one of these pubs with open fires to get toasty in front of? So settle in, bring a book, and relax as you hear the rain splatter against the windows. Heavenly!
Located on London’s famous Southbank, the Royal Festival Hall is a fantastic spot for a rainy day. This venue plays host to a wide variety of gigs, plays, workshops, and exhibitions, as well as seasonal festivals. Whatever culture you’re into, you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy here. Pro tip – there’s a cafe at the main entrance of the venue that has fantastic views of the Thames, so do stop in for a drink and a tasty snack whilst you’re there!
Quintessentially British, taking afternoon tea is sure to brighten up even the dullest of rainy days. And as you’d imagine, London is not short on afternoon tea options. Here’s some of our favourites:
If you’re looking to splash the cash for a classic afternoon tea experience try the Diamond Jubilee Salon at Fortnum & Mason, starting at £78. This luxurious treat takes place in the historic tea salon, and features finger sandwiches, scones with lemon curd, and some extremely tempting sounding patisserie. For anyone in your party who doesn’t have a sweet tooth, a savoury option is available too.
For a more affordable alternative but still in an iconic setting, how about Afternoon tea at the British Museum? At a slightly-more budget-friendly £35, this experience is worth every penny. Sit under the great glass roof as you tuck into sandwiches, delicate cakes, and earl-grey soaked scones. Make a real treat of it and add on a glass of prosecco for an additional £4. Cheers!
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