London has a reputation for rain, and while the city is often drier than visitors expect, a wet day is almost guaranteed at some point in any trip. The good news is that London is one of the best cities in the world for indoor sightseeing. Here are ideas that make a rainy day a highlight rather than a write-off.
1. The Free Museums
London’s great national museums are free to enter, so you can stay as long or as short as you like. South Kensington has three side by side: the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A. In Bloomsbury, the British Museum could fill several rainy days on its own. Our free museums planning guide groups them by area and explains when to book free timed tickets.
2. Galleries
The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery next door, Tate Britain on the river and Tate Modern on the South Bank are all free for their main collections. Tate Modern’s vast Turbine Hall is a good place to wait out a shower.
3. Covered Markets
- Covent Garden’s market building for shops, cafés and street performers under cover.
- Leadenhall Market in the City, a beautiful Victorian arcade.
- Old Spitalfields Market, covered and full of stalls and food traders.
- Borough Market, partly covered, for some of London’s best food.
4. London from Above, Without Getting Wet
Views from indoors are spectacular on a moody day. The Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street has free entry but tickets must be booked in advance. Paid options include The View from The Shard. On a heavy rain day the clouds may hide the view, so check the forecast before you book a fixed time.
5. History Under Cover
The Churchill War Rooms beneath Whitehall tell the story of Britain’s wartime leadership in the original bunker. The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral all have long indoor sections, though you will cross some open ground between buildings.
6. Afternoon Tea
A long afternoon tea is the most British way to sit out the rain. Hotels across Mayfair, Knightsbridge and the West End serve them; book ahead for weekends.
7. A Matinee
West End theatres run afternoon performances on several days of the week. Our West End theatre guide explains show times and same-day ticket options.
8. Shopping in the Department Stores
Harrods, Liberty, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason are attractions in their own right, with food halls and cafés to linger in.
9. For Families
Children are well served on rainy days by the Science Museum’s interactive galleries, the Natural History Museum and the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. See things for kids in central London.
Getting Around in the Rain
Rain makes buses slower and taxis harder to find. If you have a full day of indoor stops planned across different parts of London, an hourly hire car keeps a driver on hand to take you from door to door, which is particularly useful with children or older family members. Alternatively, a private driving tour lets you see the landmarks from the comfort of the car.
What to Bring
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket. London rain is more often drizzle than downpour, and showers frequently pass within an hour.