Let’s be honest, London’s weather can be just as unpredictable as a cat chasing its tail. One minute you are indulging in a picnic in Hyde Park and the next you are hiding under the closest shelter because it is pouring out. However, this is the thing: just because it is a rainy day in London does not mean that Netflix and take out is your only option (not that there is anything wrong with that). I have found some crazy awesome activities to do indoors that will make you actually want those gray clouds.
Now for someone who has spent all those lazy rainy days binging indoor attractions in the city, I have gathered a ton of good options which will not be a waste of your hard earned money. These are not ordinary tourist attractions – these are the places which the local Londoners choose over spilling rain and just enjoy themselves. Want to have some fun irrespective of the whether? Click here to see my number one, or just scroll down below for the entire List.
Step Into Another World at DNA VR
Wondered what it’s like to be on a alien planet while you munch on your sandwiches? Or perhaps blast away zombies while staying completely dry? London’s first ever virtual reality arcade, DNA VR, will put those fantasies to rest. Consider a fully functioning teleporter for rainy days, minus the need for real-world teleportation, instead you get a high end goggle which lets you get into a variety of virtual worlds.
But why this place is remarkable is not just because of the tech (though it is very cool) – it is the fact that there can be up to 10 of you in the same virtual world. Think of how convenient it would be to ask your whole friend group to help you to battle virtual dinosaurs while being cozy and on the comfort of your couch. The best part? You don’t even have to be a pro gamer. From tech challenged uncles to savvy millennials, I have seen them all having the best time of their lives.
Price Range: ££-£££
Best for: Groups of 2-10 people
Location: Multiple venues in London
Duration: Sessions from 30 minutes to 2 hours
Art Made Awesome: Museums With a Twist
Make sure to erase any thoughts you have. Remember how boring museums could be? The art scene in London is changing at a speed quicker than your Instagram feed and these aren’t the dull classrooms with paintings your school trips took you through. The Tata Modern’s gigantic installations located at the turbine hall appear to be a set of a science fiction movie instead of a classic art exhibition. The cherry on top? Most major London museums won’t charge you a penny.
Here’s my tip: Visit the British Museum on a rainy afternoon and proceed to Room 33 (the China and South Asia gallery) because it is usually less crowded than the main ones. The view of the rain-smeared windows, combined with the dim lighting, makes for an outstanding setting. In addition, the local cafes offer some of the best scones in London which is exactly what you need for that culture craving you have.
Price Range: Free (special exhibitions may charge) Best for: Solo explorers or small groups Peak times: Weekends and school holidays Hidden gem: The members’ cafe at the V&A has incredible views of the courtyard
Get Your Climb On: Indoor Rock Climbing
If you think climbing is just for adrenaline junkies, think again. London’s indoor climbing centers are like adult playgrounds, minus the weird looks you’d get at an actual playground. At places like VauxWall or The Castle Climbing Centre, you’ll find everyone from complete beginners to people who probably should’ve been born as mountain goats.
The best part? It’s impossible to worry about work emails when you’re figuring out how to get your left foot above your right ear. Plus, the climbing community is incredibly friendly – don’t be surprised if you end up making friends with the person who just gave you tips on conquering that tricky yellow route.
Price Range: ££
Equipment: Available for rent
Difficulty: All levels welcome
Top tip: Book an intro session – your future arms will thank you
Escape Rooms: Like Being in a Movie (But You’re the Star)
Remember those “choose your own adventure” books? Escape rooms are like that, but in real life and with better special effects. London has some of the most creative escape rooms I’ve ever seen. At places like clueQuest or Escape Plan, you can find yourself doing anything from defusing a bomb to stealing a priceless artifact (legally, of course).
The best ones in London aren’t just about solving puzzles – they’re full-on productions with movie-quality props and effects. My favorite is a World War II themed room where you have to crack actual Enigma-style codes. Just don’t be that person who tries to solve everything yourself – I learned that lesson the hard way.
Price Range: ££-£££
Group size: 2-6 people
Duration: Usually 60 minutes
Success rate: Varies (don’t feel bad if you don’t escape)
Craft Beer Adventures: The Sophisticated Pub Crawl
Let’s be honest – any activity that involves tasting different beers automatically qualifies as “adult entertainment” (not that kind, mind you). London’s craft beer scene has exploded like a poorly sealed fermenter, and many breweries offer indoor tasting tours that are perfect for rainy days.
The Bermondsey Beer Mile is basically a beer lover’s pilgrimage, with most venues having indoor seating. Places like Brew By Numbers and Kernel Brewery don’t just serve great beer – they’ll teach you enough about brewing to sound impressive at your next dinner party. Just remember to eat something substantial before you start your “educational journey.”
Price Range: ££
Best time: Saturday afternoons
Pro tip: Book a guided tour – they often include special tastings
Food: Most places offer snacks or have food trucks nearby
Cooking Classes: Because Everyone Should Know More Than Just Toast
Ever wanted to learn how to make proper pasta from scratch? Or maybe master the art of sushi rolling? London’s cooking classes are like the ultimate rainy day activity – you learn a new skill, eat the results, and often get to take leftovers home. Places like Borough Kitchen Cook School and L’atelier des Chefs offer classes that range from basic knife skills to advanced pastry making.
The best part is that most classes are designed for complete beginners, so you don’t need to worry if your current culinary expertise extends only to microwave meals. Plus, cooking with strangers is surprisingly fun – there’s nothing like collective panic over whether your soufflé will rise to break the ice.
Price Range: £££
Class length: 2-4 hours
Skills level: Beginner to advanced
Top tip: Book evening classes – they often include wine
Board Game Cafés: Not Your Average Monopoly Night
Remember when board games meant endless rounds of Monopoly that never actually finished? London’s board game cafés have leveled up that experience significantly. Places like Draughts in Hackney and Loading Bar offer hundreds of games, from classic strategy to modern indie gems that’ll make you forget your phone exists.
The atmosphere is more ‘cozy living room’ than ‘competitive arena’, with comfortable seating and good food. Most importantly, they serve excellent coffee and craft beers – because nothing improves your Catan strategy quite like a well-timed pint. The staff are like walking board game encyclopedias, ready to recommend and explain games based on your mood and group size.
Price Range: £ (plus game fee)
Food quality: Actually good!
Best time: Weekday evenings are quieter
Pro tip: Book ahead for weekends
Theater Shows: Because Netflix Can’t Compare to Live Drama
Yes, going to the theater might sound like something your grandmother would suggest, but London’s theater scene is far from stuffy. Beyond the famous West End shows, there’s a whole world of immersive theater, comedy shows, and experimental performances that’ll make you forget all about that Netflix queue.
The matinee performances are perfect for rainy afternoons, and here’s a secret: many theaters offer last-minute discount tickets. The Harold Pinter Theatre and The Royal Court often showcase new works that are edgier than your typical musical – think Black Mirror live rather than The Lion King (though that’s brilliant too).
Price Range: ££-££££
Best deals: TKTS booth in Leicester Square
Top tip: Follow theaters on social media for flash sales
Extra perk: Most theaters have excellent bars
Indoor Mini Golf: Not Your Standard Putting Green
Forget everything you know about mini golf. London’s indoor courses are more ‘art installation meets crazy golf’ than ‘windmill and clown’s mouth’. Places like Swingers and Plonk Golf have created adults-only venues that combine challenging courses with proper bars and street food vendors.
Think glowing UV rooms, holes inspired by famous London landmarks, and cocktails that make missing that easy putt a lot more bearable. It’s competitive enough to be fun but silly enough that nobody takes it too seriously. Plus, the indoor setting means you can play in your nice clothes without worrying about mud or rain.
Price Range: ££
Group size: Best for 2-6 players
Duration: About 45 minutes per course
Pro tip: Book early evening slots – they’re less crowded
Remember, London’s rainy days don’t have to be about hiding under your duvet or camping out in the nearest Pret. These activities aren’t just backups for bad weather – they’re legitimate entertainment options that just happen to be indoor-friendly. Whether you’re into high-tech adventures, creative challenges, or simply want a sophisticated way to spend an afternoon, there’s something here that’ll make you actually look forward to those gray clouds rolling in.
And let’s be honest – in a city where it rains roughly 106 days a year, having a solid list of indoor activities isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential survival knowledge. So next time the weather forecast shows rain (so, probably tomorrow), you’ll know exactly where to head for a proper grown-up adventure.
Weather stat: Based on recent London meteorological data
All prices are accurate as of 2024
Booking ahead recommended for most activities
