It's no secret that the British weather isn't the most reliable. London is definitely used to drizzly days and not-so-delightful down pours, but did you know that there's plenty of things to do and places to visit even when the sun isn't shining - and not just your usual list of rainy day bars. With everything from the cutest cafes to grab a coffee to the most famous immersive art galleries, there's something for everyone to enjoy indoors. Here are some great things to do on rainy days in London.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 11th April 2025
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For fans of the famous game, Monopoly Lifesized is the ultimate indoor experience that's perfect for a group of friends when it rains. You'll get the chance to complete escape-room style challenges on a huge 15m x 15m board, while building houses along the way. Feeling hungry after all the fun? Head to the quirky Top Hat Bar & Restaurant for some delicious treats, including signature cocktails, juicy burgers and an indulgent brownie sundae.
If the UK weather isn't playing ball, then maybe you can instead? Head over to All Star Lanes for a game of bowling - perfect if you're wanting to compete with your friends. These guys also have a stylish restaurant and bar which gives you the perfect excuse to try out their juicy burgers and work your way through the cocktail menu. Book in at their Brick Lane, Holborn, White City and Westfield Stratford locations.
Taking place at locations in both Haggerston and Tooting, The Big Bakes is a fun, interactive experience that's ideal for couples or pairs of friends. Head into their tent to try your hands at baking all kinds of tasty dishes, competing against other groups across the 90-minute session. All the ingredients you need will be provided as part of your ticket, which starts from £36 for two, with up to 12 teams taking part at a time.
Lucky Voice in Soho, Holborn, Liverpool Street and Waterloo is the ultimate spot for karaoke fun with over 10,000 hits. They've got private rooms, funky props, and delicious cocktails – perfect for birthdays and hen parties. You'll enjoy two hours of non-stop singing in your own pod with disco balls and room service at the touch of a thirsty button. And when you need to refuel, they've got a menu of pizza and other delicious snacks to keep the party going.
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This newly opened Irish pub in the heart of Shoreditch is one of the most perfect things to do in London when it's raining, especially with a pint of Murphy's in hand. Nancy Spains pride themselves on their classic Irish hospitality, whiskey knowledge and incredible live music that gets everyone in the mood for a sing-song. It's also an amazing place for a bite to eat, thanks to their menu that's oozing with flavours of the Domincan.
Whether you're in Aldgate, Brixton, Holloway or Oxford Street, No Escape is the eerie escape room brand that's taking over the city with its spooky scenarios. Whether you fancy investigating an abandoned toy store, experiencing a demon barber shop or breaking out of prison, with space for between two and six players at a time, with prices starting from £40 each.
Looking for a meal with a view, but don't want to be sat outside? Then try out Bustronome, the fine dining experience aboard a double decker bus, which provides 360-degree views of the city's best landmarks. You'll get to enjoy a six-course tasting menu for £120 per person, with an optional wine pairing for £30 extra. They cater to most dietary requirements, with the chance to learn fun facts about London throughout your journey.
Rainy day in London? Dabbers Bingo has the perfect solution. Head to this trendy East London venue for a night filled with interactive bingo games, live entertainment, and delicious food and drinks.
Whether you're into Comedy Bawlers Bingo or the fun-filled Pick N Mix Bingo, you'll stay dry and entertained all evening. It's one of the best things to do in London when it rains - bingo, food, drinks, and good vibes all under one roof.
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Found on Cabot Square in Canary Wharf, with a second site in King's Cross, Electric Shuffle is a quirky activity bar where you and your pals can get competitive over a game of shuffleboard. Groups of up to 16 people can play at once, with creative cocktails like the Pimm's Sundowner or a watermelon sugar slushie to enjoy throughout. They also offer a brilliant brunch social on weekends, where you can enjoy unlimited pizza and a bottle of prosecco while you play.
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No need to head out to the busy streets of London when it's raining, as the F1 Arcade in St Paul's gives you the chance to cruise down the road from the comfort of their cutting-edge racing simulators. They've got 69 unique simulation experiences to choose from, with comfy racecar-style seats to relax on. And if you're hungry? Then head to their stylish bar area afterwards, where you can enjoy everything from caprese salad flatbreads to tandoori chicken tacos or wagyu beef burgers, paired with a cocktail or two.
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Did you know there's a hidden tropical jungle in the heart of London? The Barbican Conservatory is one of the best places to visit on a rainy day, as you can transport yourself into a tropical rainforest (without having to catch any flights). There's more than 2,000 species of plants and trees, as well as finches, quails and a selection of exotic fish.
Situated in Aldgate, AIM Escape is one of the best escape rooms around. They've got four different themed games to choose from with unique designs in each, all of which feature multiple rooms. They even offer an outdoor escape experience, using augmented reality and high-tech gadgets to interact with famous London landmarks in a whole new way. Prices start from just £20 per person, with room for up to 100 players at once.
From iconic performances like Moulin Rouge and The Lion King to the acclaimed Book of Mormon, London's musical scene continues to thrive. Explore the latest musicals in London to enjoy with your family and friends, including award-winning productions and beloved classics.
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Looking for something a little different to distract you from the weather? The head to Flight Club in Shoreditch, Victoria or Islington. These exciting spots boast cutting-edge electronic dartboards, which add up your scores for you as you play all kinds of quirky minigames. Their fairground-themed interiors add to the fun of the experience, and you can enjoy tasty pizza paddles and cocktails throughout the session.
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Looking for things to do on a rainy day in London for adults? Well, this award-winning fairground is the perfect place to go. Get immersed in Fairgame's classic fairground activities such as Whac-A-Mole, Skeeball and Shoot the Clown, while eating some delicious food from their vendors, including Burger & Beyond, Rudy's Pizza and Taco Collective.
The colorful, nostalgic venue can be found in Canary Wharf, even boasting cutting-edge wristband technology that adds up all your scores on a virtual leaderboard as you go. Plus, the bar is whipping up inventive cocktails such as the popcorn old fashioned or a gin and marshmallow-based Helter Skelter.
If cosy nights filled with board games and delicious snacks are your thing for when it's raining, head over to Draughts London in Hackney or Waterloo. With shelves full of throwback games and a kitchen serving up comfort food, it's the perfect spot to unwind with friends - especially on Tuesdays for their board game meetup.
For trivia buffs, Thursdays are quiz night. Enjoy a laid-back evening with cocktails and treats like pulled shiitake mushroom bao buns and mouthwatering short rib birria tacos. So grab your mates, put your thinking caps on, and settle in for a night of tasty fun.
With venues in Camden, Battersea and Hammersmith, DNA VR is the place to go for all your virtual reality needs. Head to one of these futuristic spots to battle zombies, walk with dinosaurs or dance on out of this world stages, all accessed through a state-of-the-art headset. You'll get to play with up to 10 other people at a time, though you'll all get your own private booths. The experiences take place in hour-long sessions, with prices starting from £27 per person.
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One of the best indoor activities in London for when it rains is obviously busting out a classic board game at Draughts. Their Hackney hub is home to the largest boardgame collection on display in the country, so you'll always have something new to play. They've even got a cosy lounge to sit and chill, a shuffleboard table and a massive beer garden. The Waterloo branch is also a great place for some light-hearted competitive socialising, where you can sip on great cocktails and beers while challenging your friends.
@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Tuesday 15th April 2025
Looking for some exciting immersive fun? Then check out the Moonshine Saloon in Houndsditch - a Western Cocktail Experience that sees you donning cowboy-style outfits and playing cards with the locals, while being sure to avoid the sheriff. You'll get to enjoy four bespoke concoctions as part of your £36.50 ticket, created from a bottle of spirit that you've smuggled in, with live actors bringing the bar to life.
Sitting in a cafe while drinking your favourite coffee and delving into a good book is the ideal way to spend a rainy day. Luckily, the city is brimming with incredible cafes including Caravan in Covent Garden (their vanilla pancakes are a must-try) and Fidelio Cafe, which showcases a whole host of live jazz and piano. You can also visit those that are a little on the quirky side, such as Pawsitive Cafe - a dog-centric eatery that you can enjoy with your furry friend.
With venues in Aldgate, Wandsworth, Oxford Street and Greenwich, Boom Battle Bar is an exciting activity bar that's packed full of fun things to do. Get competitive over axe throwing, shuffleboard, augmented reality darts, American pool and even crazy golf, with beer pong and karaoke at some of their locations. And after all that gaming? Be sure to check out their menu of mouthwatering pizzas, Buffalo chicken wings, classic hotdogs and more.
The city has an abundance of incredible museums, perfect for history buffs and art lovers alike - and for those looking for free things to do on a rainy day in London. Head over to the famous Tate Modern to admire the works of world-renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, or take a step back into the pre-historic era by wondering around the Natural History Museum. You'll see everything from fossils and glow-in-the-dark crystals, to Dippy (the nation's favourite diplodocus skeleton). Other incredible museums include the V&A, The British Museum and The National Portrait Gallery to name a few.
An iconic part of London's history that also makes for a great day out, be sure to check out Battersea Power Station next time the weather's not so great. This stunning Grade II-listed building is home to all kinds of designer clothes shops and great bars or restaurants like JOIA and Searcy's. And if you head up to the top of the North West chimney, you can enjoy 360-degree views of London from 109 metres up.
Get ready to dive into interactive adventures at Twist Museum and stroll among the fabulous masterpieces of Van Gogh, Monet, or Wes Anderson in the Big Smoke's epic art scene. Say goodbye to boring gallery trips and quiet corners — these are the top-notch immersive art shows in London that promise mind-bending experiences.
There's no place like London art galleries to experience the best exhibitions on offer, including Tate Modern, White Cube, the National Gallery, the Saatchi Gallery and more. Whether you're into the latest trends or old-school classics, there's a gallery ready to cater to your next art adventure.
