London has thousands of indoor activities, perfect for a rainy day. Wander around the British Museum and be amazed at relics from a lost history or head to the National Gallery to appreciate the Old Masters.
Explore Tower of London’s history. Tour the world-famous Tower of London and discover its fascinating history. For something more contemporary, visit the Tate Modern where you can see great exhibits of modern art.
Food lovers will find plenty of fresh, world cuisines at Borough Market. In the meantime, theater lovers can catch a world-class production in the West End.
Families can explore immersive and interactive exhibits at the Science Museum or SEA LIFE London Aquarium. London has something for all tastes, indoors and out.
No matter what you major in—history, art, food, entertainment—you’ll find fulfilling and exciting experiences throughout the year.
1. Explore the British Museum
Discover 2 million years of history on an incredible journey through time at one of the famous museums in London. Explore more than 8 million objects from the cultures of the world! From the Mediterranean to Africa and the Americas, its awe-inspiring collection brings you face to face with the ancient world. This captivating experience is perfect for rainy day activities in London, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in history while staying dry.
The Rosetta Stone is one of the museum’s highlights, acting as the key to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs. The Elgin Marbles are equally impressive, a testimony to the greatness of ancient Greece. One of the most exciting—don’t miss the Egyptian mummies in the Ancient Egypt gallery, where you can examine preserved history up close, making it a fascinating museum experience.
Interactive displays around the museum bring a new dimension to its experience. These exhibits bring history to life in ways that capture the imagination of visitors of all ages. From being able to virtually examine cultural artifacts in detail to learning more about how they were made and what they meant in their time, these attractions make each trip an engaging and educational experience, especially on a rainy afternoon.
Free guided tours are offered to help you make the most of your visit and learn more about the collections. Passionate, engaging guides lead you through incredible stories told by the most important objects, including how the Rosetta Stone helped us unlock ancient languages, which adds to the charm of visiting London.
If you’d rather explore on your own, audio tours are an excellent alternative. Keep in mind some galleries have limited hours, such as Rooms 7, 9, and 19, which are open from 11:00 a.m. To 3:00 p.m. Daily.
When you’re ready for a break from exploring, the museum’s café and other dining options are popular stops. Catch your breath within the Museum Café, with artisan coffee and cake or down at our Pizzeria or terrace café. It’s an ideal interlude during a day of exploration, especially if you’re looking for fun things to do.
The museum provides free access guides, including walking routes for disabled visitors and families with prams. This way, everyone can have a fully inclusive experience. Entry is free, but it’s a good idea to book a timed ticket in advance to ensure your entry.
Walk-up tickets are very limited per day. Special exhibitions are open daily from 10:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays until 8:30 p.m., offering another layer of exploration for visitors, making it a must-visit during your London experience.
2. Visit the Natural History Museum
After that, the Natural History Museum impresses with star attractions like the dinosaur gallery and fascinating exhibits. Right at the entrance, the grand dinosaur skeletons quickly blow you away, giving you a glimpse of what to expect within. The dinosaur gallery is one of the highlights, home to a world-famous Stegosaurus fossil skeleton.
For an even larger wow moment, the blue whale skeleton dangles conspicuously from the ceiling of the main commons. As the most massive animal alive, or ever known to have lived on Earth, it measures an impressive 10 feet high by almost 20 feet in length. This fascinating museum is perfect for those looking for fun things to do on a rainy day.
Interactive science exhibits add a hands-on approach to learning, making this museum ideal for curious minds of all ages. From learning about our planet’s geology to discovering the amazing world of zoology, the Natural History Museum has something for all ages. The zoology display and the mineralogy’s collection, one of the world’s finest, are superb testaments to nature’s art and extraordinary diversity.
Kids aged 7-11 can dive into an exciting museum sleepover experience with their families. They’ll get to experience the museum after dark and engage in some wildly engaging educational activities! This is one of the best rainy day activities in London for families.
Special exhibitions are a good reason to visit, with wide-ranging themes that rotate regularly. These usually take you on a much deeper dive into a specific topic, giving you a different experience every visit. It’s a good idea to check their schedule ahead of time so you can see what’s on display.
Buying tickets online in advance is a great idea, as it helps avoid long entrance lineups. At just $12.50 a ticket, it’s a tremendous value for a day of family fun paired with an engaging educational experience. This is a must-do when visiting London, especially on a rainy day.
The museum’s magnificent design only enhances the mood of the place. The building’s ornate moldings and other architectural details provide a beautiful backdrop for photos. Selfie or family portrait, you just can’t lose. Make sure to capture the moment during your London experience.
Don’t forget to look up to see vaulted ceilings, and down grand staircases. They’re as important to your visit as the exhibits are themselves! Go on a weekday, or during off-peak hours to beat the larger crowds.
The museum runs great adult-only guided tours, including the Secrets of the Natural History Museum Tour. With an extra kick, you can have a special behind-the-scenes session in the library, adding to the allure of this historic London attraction!
3. Experience the Tate Modern
After that, you’re in for an amazing opportunity to explore modern and contemporary art at the Tate Modern, one of the famous museums in London. The expansive museum welcomes works from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama. Its immense collection, both historical and contemporary, features some of the most incredible paintings, sculptures, and large-scale installations that occupy the massive gallery spaces.
Along the way you’ll encounter art that provokes and inspires, all set within one of the world’s most stunning spaces. Works such as Henri Matisse’s large scale cut-outs or Kusama’s immersive installations are must-see experiences for anyone with a love of creativity.
The experience doesn’t end with simply seeing art. The Tate Modern is a fascinating museum that routinely holds workshops, classes, and other programming specifically intended to make art more hands-on and accessible. These free, hands-on sessions for all ages invite you to engage with art in unexpected ways.
Take an adult class learning the techniques of modern painting or take part in a family-friendly creative activity. These events create a fun and unique experience for your visit! Additionally, with children 11 and under free, it’s a fantastic choice for families on a rainy day.
If you ever need to step away from the action, the museum has much more to see and do outside of the exhibitions. Our quiet room on Level 4 of the Natalie Bell Building provides a calming escape. If you need a break, this is a great place to recharge in a beautiful, calming space.
For refreshments, the museum features several dining spots, like the Espresso Bar on Level 3 or the Terrace Café on Level 1. For something more refined, head to the Restaurant on Level 6. Absorb views from the restaurant that can’t be beat. Enjoy an exquisite menu paired with unparalleled views of the Thames River.
Speaking of views, be sure not to miss the amazing view of the city from the Members Bar on Level 5. …and it’s a pretty excellent introduction to London’s skyline.
Once you visit this gallery of modern masterpieces, a walk along the Thames is the ideal accompaniment. It’s hard to beat those breathtaking waterfront views and bustling city energy in a single day’s experience, making it one of the best rainy day activities in London.
Before you go, visit the museum’s three shops for unusual art-themed souvenirs, from books to items developed by the museum’s renowned design department.
4. Enjoy a West End Theatre Show
Watching a theatre show in London’s West End is an unforgettable experience. It’s the hub of the city’s thriving entertainment scene and has been wowing visitors for more than 350 years. It’s best to book your tickets well in advance, particularly for the more popular productions such as The Phantom of the Opera or Les Misérables.
Booking early not only allows you to get the absolute best seats in the house but usually the best prices as well. All these online platforms make it easy to see the seating chart in detail, meaning you can pick the perfect view for your budget.
The shows themselves are a testament to that There’s truly something for everyone. It’s a great chance to discover an exciting new genre. You’ll see award-winning, dazzling musicals like Hamilton and Wicked, and eye-opening, thought-provoking dramas like The Mousetrap.
The family will enjoy productions such as The Lion King, whereas comedy fanatics can make their way to light-hearted plays. With such a variety available you can always find a performance that suits your mood and tastes.
Arriving early to explore the Covent Garden area only heightens the experience. This lively waterfront community is famous for its welcoming street performers, independently owned shops, and colonial charm.
It’s the ideal place to absorb the frenetic energy of the West End before you take your place in the auditorium. If you’re a history buff, enjoy the Theatre Royal Drury Lane’s interiors. This chapel-like, candle-lit venue is a perfect remedy for an overcrowded theatre scene and is the West End’s oldest still operating theatre dating back to 1663.
Pairing your West End theatre show with a dining experience close-by creates a fabulous London evening out. The West End is home to a huge variety of restaurants, from convenient pre-theatre menus to fine dining establishments.
Or you can enjoy fine British cuisine at Rules, a London restaurant steeped in history. Or, for something completely different, head to Flesh & Buns for trendy, Asian-inspired fusion fare. Many restaurants even coordinate their service times with the shows, so you’ll never be rushed.
Conclusion
London is full of things to do indoors that will have you laughing, learning and having fun rain or shine. You can dive into history at the British Museum or explore nature’s wonders at the Natural History Museum. Cultural connoisseurs can get their fill of contemporary art at the Tate Modern, or experience an amazing performance on the West End that won’t soon be forgotten. These hangouts do more than kill the clock—they’ll make your trip unforgettable.
Whether you’re a Londoner or just visiting, there is no shortage of exciting things to experience indoors. Enjoy London London has so much to offer – plan your day around these unique experiences to maximize your time! So don’t let a rainy day get you down—there’s a universe of culture and adventure just beyond those storm clouds. Come start your adventure and find your own perfect experience in this wonderful city.