TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day | Indoor Activities and Sights
Discover the best things to do in London on a rainy day beyond museums! Covered markets, afternoon tea, sky gardens, and more! These are my top picks for indoor activities.
Chances are high that you'll experience a rainy day (or multiple) during your visit to the UK. That's just what comes with the territory of this region.
Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities in London to fill your time. And guess what? It doesn't have to be a museum. If you've already hit the museums or are just looking for something more memorable, this post is for you.
These are my favorite things to do in London on a rainy day. In fact, many of these activities are my top picks in general, regardless of the weather!
This map shows all the top indoor activities in London for a rainy day. Click the icon on the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Select the top right button to enlarge the map (which will automatically save it to YOUR Google Maps). To access this map once saved, open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), tap the "You" icon at the bottom, scroll to the bottom, and select "Maps". Your newly saved map should be listed at the top.
- Black - top things to do in London on a rainy day
- Blue - favorite afternoon tea spots
- Red - London (covered) markets
- Purple - still want a museum? These are my favorites.
The Making of Harry Potter
The Making of Harry Potter - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day
1. The Making of Harry Potter - Warner Bros Studio Tour London
One of the best indoor activities in London for families
You'll never find me upset over a rainy day in London as it's the perfect excuse to visit The Making of Harry Potter - Warner Bros Studio Tour. This is a particularly good indoor activity as it will keep you busy for several hours (at a minimum) and appeals to visitors of all ages.
So if you're looking for a one-and-done indoor activity vs. knitting together a handful of sights/rainy day stops, this is it.
While most visits take around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, Harry Potter fanatics could easily spend the better part of a day here...especially once you account for the time to get to and from the studios.
Highlights include: wandering the sets used in the Harry Potter films, seeing props and costumes up close, visiting the back lot with the Night Bus and Privet Drive, learning about special/visual/creature effects, and sampling butterbeer.
I do recommend purchasing the digital guide (£5.25) as the included audio/videos were super interesting.
The studio has recently added several experiences, like breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner featuring Harry Potter-inspired menus. Add that to your tour, and you have your entire rainy day planned! Unless specifically stated "in the Great Hall", these dining experiences are typically at "The Hogwarts Table", which is a separate dining room inspired by the Great Hall.
Tickets MUST be booked in advance.
How do you get to The Making of Harry Potter? I recommend taking the included shuttle bus from Watford Station (take the Tube to Watford Station). It's a 15-minute drive in a Harry Potter-inspired double-decker. All information on getting there can be found on the website.
Not surprisingly, this is one of my favorite things to do in London on a rainy day. I’ve been twice and could easily go a third time with everything there is to see.
Even if you aren’t a big Harry Potter fan and are just appeasing someone in your group, it's still a worthwhile experience to see a live set and learn how the movies were made.
Photo: Sanderson London - Madhatter's Tea
Fortnum & Mason - amazing scones!
Chesterfield Mayfair themed afternoon tea
2. Afternoon Tea
One of the best indoor activities in London for foodies
Afternoon Tea should be experienced on every visit to the UK and is easily one of the best things to do in London on a rainy day. It's particularly cozy to sip hot tea and nibble on warm scones as you watch the gloomy weather outside.
Your best traditional (and higher-end) options are Claridge’s, The Dorchester, Fortnum and Mason, and The Ritz. For something a little different try Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson Hotel.
Two recent favorites of mine are The Contemporary Art Tea in the Mirror Room at the Rosewood London Hotel and The Chesterfield Mayfair rotating themed tea.
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Lion King - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day
Frozen - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day
3. London's West End (Theatre District) – See a Show
One of the best evening activities for a rainy day in London
London’s West End has quite the reputation, offering world-famous shows at reasonable prices...often a fraction of what you'll pay in NYC.
Not only are the prices a fraction of what you'll pay in NYC, but the atmosphere is also considerably better. The venues in London are smaller and historic, offering a more intimate vibe with character opposed to the modern NYC venues.
Book tickets in advance or visit the famous TKTS booth in Leicester Square to find a deal on shows that day. Most tickets will be 50% off. Don't hesitate to book a few shows or plays if the weather forecast predicts several rainy days.
Sky Garden - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day
View from Sky Garden - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day
4. Sky Garden
One of the best free things to do in London on a rainy day
London's highest public garden is quite the stunner. Sky Garden has a gorgeous 2-story interior filled with plants and greenery (beyond Instagrammable), and offers stunning views of the city below.
While some may argue to time your visit on a sunny day for the clearest views of the landmarks, I think it's a really cool rainy day activity.
Just imagine what it's like to be 35 stories up and watch the rain fall from the giant multi-story windows. It's quite memorable to say the least.
I've visited both in sunny and rainy conditions. I actually preferred my rainy day visit. The vibe was quite moody. It wasn't too cloudy, so I was still able to enjoy sweeping views of the city below.
Don't forget to reserve your FREE tickets in advance.
There are also two restaurants and two bars if you want to prolong your visit.
Covent Garden - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day
Borough Market - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day
5. London Markets
A foodies dream of how to spend a rainy day in London
If the weather isn't too terrible and you're happy as long as you're doing something that's covered...a visit to some of the best markets in London is a must.
Leadenhall Market supposedly inspired JK Rowling for Diagon Alley. In fact, it makes an appearance in the first movie. There are shops and restaurants here, but I would save your appetite for Borough Market.
Covent Garden Market is a must for any tourist. The main market is a two-level, covered area filled with shops and restaurants. It's also a very popular Instagram spot. The surrounding area around the market is known for upscale shopping, dining, and pubs.
A 2-minute walk from Covent Garden Market is one of my favorite coffee shops in Covent Garden, Abuelo Cafe. Warm up with a craft coffee and one of their . I highly recommend trying one of their cakes. The cafe is a 2-minute walk from Covent Garden Market.
Borough Market is where you want to save your appetite for. This food market is huge and filled with food stalls offering almost every type of cuisine imaginable It's also mostly covered...hence why it's perfect for a rainy day in London as long as it's not too cold.
Diehard foodies could spend several hours here. Though, I'm usually fine wandering around for an hour or two before I stuff myself into a food coma.
St. Paul's Cathedral - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day
St. Paul's Interior
6. St. Paul’s Cathedral
A must for any visit to London, whether it's raining or not
Climb up 257 steps to the base of the dome to reach the whispering gallery. Whisper into the wall, and your friend will be able to hear you on the opposite side. The perfectly curved wall carries your whisper all the way around and has made this quite a popular tourist activity.
Buy your ticket in advance to skip waiting in the rain if there is a line.
Westminster Abbey - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day
St Margaret’s Church - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day
7. Westminster Abbey
One of the best indoor activities in London for history buffs (that isn't a museum)
The Abbey is not only the site of coronations, but houses the tombs of royalty, famous poets, politicians, and other notable figures.
For an in-depth look, join a 90-minute, verber-guided tour.
Consider returning to Westminster to attend a free Evensong service, held most days at 5:00 pm (3:00 pm on Sundays). Check the schedule for performance days and times.
Buckingham Palace - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day | Indoor Activities and Sights
8. Buckingham Palace
One of the best things to do in London when it rains during the summer months
Buckingham Palace opens to the public during the summer months (typically July through late-September). This is a rare opportunity to tour a working palace and residence of the reigning monarch!
Highlights include: State Rooms, Throne Room, Ballroom, Green Drawing Room, Grand Staircase, Picture Gallery, and gardens.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance from the official website.
For those visiting outside the summer months, there are typically one or two specialized tours featuring sections of the palace, like the East Wing or specific State Rooms. Expect to pay at least £100 for these off-season tours.
AWA Tip: If it's raining, I would save the Changing of the Guard for another day. There's more to it than the actual event in front of Buckingham Palace. To do this ceremony justice, it's best to join a tour that follows the changing of the guard...which means you spend a good deal of time outside.
Jake and I booked Fun London Tours and loved it. They do a wonderful job at explaining what you’re seeing, the history behind the ceremony, and getting you to the correct spots to watch each segment. It’s a moving ceremony.
Natural History Museum - TOP Things to Do In London on a Rainy Day | Indoor Activities and Sights
Still interested in a museum or two?
If you're planning out how to spend a rainy day in London and enjoy museums, my favorites are the Natural History Museum, Churchill War Rooms, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
In Summary
A rainy day in London does not mean you have to fill your day will multiple museum visits. There are plenty of indoor activities in London to fill several days.
From covered food markets, afternoon tea, evening theater performances, and a trip to the Making of Harry Potter, you could easily fill a week-long itinerary without having to spend much time outside.
**London Hotel Recommendations**
Luxury/5-star hotels in London:
- Corinthia London
- The Savoy
- Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
- The Connaught
- The Goring
- Ham Yard Hotel
Midrange hotels in London:
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TOP Things to Do in London on a Rainy Day | Indoor Activities and Sights
