Indoor Activities for a Rainy Day in London

It’s that time of year again. The weather’s turning and the days of BBQs and picnics in the park are behind us. That said, the colder months can be glorious, with some seriously cosy activities on offer. If you’re looking for things to do during rainier days this Autumn, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of 15 top indoor activities in London to take advantage of.

 

Food & Drink

 

Cosy Up in the Pub with a Pint

In the heart of Hampstead, you’ll find The Holly Bush, a centuries-old pub in a Grade II listed building. The pub has plenty of comfy spots and a real fire to cosy up next to. The menu serves up some fantastic comfort food dishes made with seasonal ingredients. If you’re not in the mood for food, you can relax with a pint or a glass of wine from the pub’s hand-picked selections.

 

Cuddle Some Cats in a Café

Escape the bad weather with some furry friends who probably hate the rain too, at Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium - London’s first-ever cat café. Cuddle up with a group of adorable cats, including Legolas, the ‘biggest cuddle bug the café has ever seen’ and Daz, ‘a very friendly, chatty, and flirty lad’.

 

Relax with a Cocktail and Live Music

For fans of the sophisticated gentleman’s club vibe, Scarfes Bar is the perfect place to relax and escape London in the rain. The bar’s vintage decor provides a perfect cosy setting, accompanied by a roaring fire and bookshelves packed with more than 1,000 antique books. Sink into velvet armchairs and enjoy complimentary live music. The bar also offers a creative cocktail list and hearty bar snacks.

 

Explore Borough Market

Nestled near London Bridge station, Borough Market is an iconic space, with a history spanning around 1000 years. While partly exposed to the rain, there are plenty of covered areas around the market to seek refuge, whether it’s under the roof that covers much of the market, or underneath the railway tracks that run above it. The market is famous for its wide selection of stalls, offering a range of speciality food and drink from around the world. Whatever you’re after, the market is bound to have something to satisfy your cravings.

 

Have a Cappuccino in a Church

Arguably one of the most unique cafés in London, the Host Café operates out of the St Mary Aldermary church. The church has a beautiful, gothic style, rebuilt in the late 17th Century after damage from the Great Fire of London. As well as hot drinks and tasty snacks, the space is still a functioning church, with prayers and group meditations organised across the week.

 

Films, Theatre & Entertainment

 

Catch a Film at the Picturehouse

Tucked away in neighbourhoods across London, Picturehouse cinemas screen a wide range of films. From mainstream to indie, documentaries and family films, there’s something to be found for everyone. While each space is distinct, Picturehouse’s signature style is present in each of its cinemas. There are also cafés, restaurants and bars in the spaces that, like the selection of films, cater to a range of different tastes and preferences.

 

Dive into Books from the Wellcome Collection Reading Room

The Wellcome Collection’s Reading Room offers a calm and quiet space for bookworms and museum enthusiasts alike. Explore a selection of objects and books themed around topics like travel, food, and more. Its shelves hold more than 1000 books from all different genres, including fiction, graphic novels, memoirs, and even pop-up books. The space also provides sofas and beanbags to sit back and relax on - perfect for anyone wanting to dive into a book from the collection.

 

Enjoy a Performance at the Royal Festival Hall

Situated just along the river Thames, the Royal Festival Hall is a hub of culture and creativity - and an ideal place for rainy-day London activities. The venue hosts exhibitions, gigs, workshops, author talks, and more. Free events are frequently run across the year, perfect for wandering in during the weekends. There are also family concerts and storytelling activities to keep the little ones entertained. 

 

Discover the most antique bookstore in London

Daunt Books has locations around London. Their shop in Marylebone is the ideal place to retreat from London in the rain. The bookshop dates back to the Edwardian era, its dark wooden shelves, beautiful skylight and wide selection of literature make it a go-to spot for book lovers. The shop also hosts regular talks with authors. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming events.

 

Get Competitive at the Draughts Board Game Café 

Sit back with a warm drink and unlimited games at the Draughts Board Game Café. You’ll be able to play as many games as you like from Draughts’ huge collection. The café staff can help recommend games and teach you the rules if needed. Whether you’re going with the family, a group of friends or even a date, Draughts is one of our top rainy-day London activities.

 

Museums & Galleries

 

Explore the Science Museum

London’s Science Museum hosts exhibitions, galleries, and events available for various age ranges - including children under five. Explore award-winning exhibitions and learn the stories of groundbreaking scientific achievements. This Autumn, you can catch an exhibition on Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope and a multi-sensory interactive Pattern Pod (for children under eight). Entry is free for the museum, but you’ll have to pre-book a visiting slot beforehand. 

 

Look at Art in the Tate Modern

Situated in an old converted power station along the river, the Tate Modern is a hub of modern and contemporary art. It’s also one of the best free things to do on a rainy day in London. Visitors can enjoy works from all over the world. Current exhibitions include the iconic Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms, and the Materials and Objects collection - exploring new and inventive ways to use materials for artistic expression. While the gallery is free to enter, you’ll have to pay for certain exhibitions.

 

Indulge in The Chocolate Museum

Brixton’s Chocolate Museum is an independent museum on a mission to get people passionate about good-quality chocolate. During a visit, you can learn about chocolate while making some treats yourself! Workshops are available for both adults and children. The museum’s Bean-To-Bar collection showcases the fascinating journey of how chocolate is made - from cacao beans to tasty choco.

 

Celebrate the Arts at the Barbican

Last - but certainly not least - on our list of great rainy-day London activities, The Barbican is world-renowned as a hub for the arts. It hosts regular art and design. The Barbican also features a cinema, music events, a theatre, and more. The building itself is a stunning Brutalist design and one of the UK’s architectural gems. From symphony orchestras to musical masterclasses, must-see films and art exhibitions, there’s something here for every kind of art-lover.

 

Want to keep dry while travelling to these activities? Book a Zipcar! We’ve vehicles available across the capital, so wherever you are, you’ll find a Zipcar to rent close by.