London’s full of some amazing sights - the London Eye, Hyde Park and even Oxford Street, but not all of those are designed to be done in the wet weather. London is full of some hidden gems, all under cover. From royal palaces to museums, afternoon teas to champagne, there’s bound to be something out there that’ll take your fancy! Whether you want a relaxing afternoon or a spooky evening, check out our 10 favourite London activities for a rainy day.
1. St. Paul's Cathedral
Saint Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most famous landmarks - it’s recognisable worldwide. Enjoy this visit - with tickets helping you skip the queues on entry - and explore this landmark. View many of the different galleries, including the Whispering Gallery, the Stone Gallery and the Gold Gallery, with the latter giving amazing views over the city of London. If it’s your sort of thing, you can also take a trip down to the cathedral’s crypt. You have the choice of exploring the cathedral on your own, or joining onto one of the (free) organised tours - don’t worry, you have as much time as you’d like to explore the cathedral!
Book Tours : St Paul's Cathedral Admission Ticket
2. A day at the Museum
Enjoy this two and a half hour tour around the British Museum. The museum is full of artefacts, over 8 million in total, spanning over 6000 years of history. As well as getting to see these sights, thanks to this tour you also get to learn all about them too! The tour is customised to what the guide thinks you’ll enjoy, and you’ll feel as if you’re a part of the history as you walk around. There’s a maximum of eight people on the tour, so you’ll never feel overwhelmed, or that you’re missing out.
3. Pretend to be Will and Kate
Stand under the looming doors of Westminster Abbey, and recreate some of Will and Kate’s wedding photos. Westminster Abbey is full of history, from royal weddings and funerals to the graves of some of the world’s best scientists. Again, the entry cost includes an audio guide, so you’re not going to have to worry about missing some of the stories of this beautiful building. You can spend as much time as you’d like exploring this beautiful place - but remember, it is a church, and tours only run Monday to Saturday as there are normal services on Sundays.
4. See the exhibits at the V&A East Storehouse
Recently opened in May 2025, the V&A East Storehouse is considered to be the sister museum of the historic Victoria and Albert Museum. Located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park near East London hotels, it takes you on a different museum experience as it showcases objects from the Victoria and Albert collection not typically on display. The V&A East Storehouse also gives visitors a better appreciation of what goes into a museum, from discovering why and how objects are collected to getting behind-the-scenes information on how they are cared for.
V&A East Storehouse
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East Storehouse, V&A, Parkes St, London E20 3AX, United Kingdom
Website: V&A East Storehouse
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm Sunday to Wednesday; Friday); 10am to 8pm (Thursday and Saturday)
London Tour Guide
Robert Woolf
I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Gu... Read more
Tours by Robert
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5. Visit the home of Henry VIII
Ever wanted to see inside the home of a Prince but neither Prince William or Prince Harry invited you in? Then here’s your chance! Hampton Court Palace was once home to Henry VIII and some of his wives. You also get to visit some of the Queens State’s Apartments. There are also some beautiful palace gardens for you to enjoy. Throughout the palace, you’ll find guides dressed in opulent costumes, giving you all the information you may need. There’s no time limit on the ticket, so you could spend all day exploring.
Book Tours : Hampton Court Palace Entrance Ticket
6. See the remains of the famous Curtain Playhouse at the Museum of Shakespeare
For fans of the iconic playwright and poet, the Museum of Shakespeare is set to open in 2025 and will showcase the archaeological remains of the Curtain Playhouse. Believed to have hosted the initial renditions of Romeo and Juliet and Henry V, these ruins are located underground, with raised glass walkways and viewing platforms provided to give visitors a closer look. The Museum of Shakespeare is conveniently located near Shoreditch High Street Station, and is surrounded by cheap Airbnbs for budget travelers who want to make the most of their stay in London.
Museum of Shakespeare
Address: 10-14 Hewett St, London EC2A 3NN, United Kingdom
Website: Museum of Shakespeare
7. Head to the top of The Shard
Fancy heading up the tallest building in Western Europe? Yes? Then The Shard is for you! Enjoy 360-degree views from the top, and try and spot all of London’s most famous sights, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London - and of course, the Gherkin. Although you don’t get an audioguide, there is a running commentary as you walk around the viewpoint, so you’ll never be confused at what you’re looking at. You’re able to upgrade your ticket for a small price and get a complimentary glass of champagne.
Book Tours : The View from The Shard Ticket with Champagne Option
8. Feel nostalgic as you spend the day at The Paddington Bear Experience
If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the newly opened The Paddington Bear Experience! Opened last May 2024, this attraction transports you to the world of the beloved bear through interactive sets and activities. Start your adventure at Mr Gruber’s Antiques Store before heading to Paddington Station and boarding the non-stop train that will take you to 32 Windsor Gardens, where Paddington lives with the Brown family. Take part in the lively Marmalade Day Festival celebrations, and don’t forget to buy a souvenir or two while you’re here! Its location in London also brings it close to plenty of Airbnbs, so you’ll never run out of accommodation options here.
Book Tours : The Paddington Bear™️ Experience ticket
9. Meet your favourite celebrity!
Everyone wants to meet their favourite celebrity, and Maddam Tussauds is the place to spot them all! By purchasing tickets here rather than turning up on the day means you get to skip all the queues and see your favourite celebs even quicker! London’s Madame Tussauds is home to Leonardo DiCaprio, the Royal Family and even the Kardashians - it’s a game of spotting who you don’t know, more than who you do! At the moment, there are two special exhibitions as well - Star Wars and Marvel Super Heroes - you’re going to want to go before they’re gone!
Book Tours : Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket
10. Learn all about the London Dungeon
Fancy a unique look at London’s underground? And no, we don’t mean the train system! The London Dungeon was once home to some of the UK’s most notorious killers and was even linked with the Great Plague. Learn all about this history as you take a tour of the dungeons, following the footsteps of hundreds of years of history. Learn about the Great Fire of London, and head out on a boating adventure! There’s even an added bonus of a drink token, which you’ll need to calm your nerves after the tour’s finished!
Book Tours : The London Dungeon Admission Ticket
What else?
Naturally, London is full of shops! Head to the famous Oxford Circus, where you can find all the high street brands, visit the famous Selfridges, Liberty of London and Hamley’s - every kid’s dream. Spend time wandering in Covent Garden or enjoying some amazing food at the Borough Market. You’ll never be stuck for choice in London!
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