Rainy Day in London: Top 6 Indoor Activities

1. Crossrail Place Roof Garden

How do you feel about asmr? If the gentle pitter patter of rain makes your brain tingle, then you’ve got to head to this lush sanctuary perched on top of a retail complex. Right at the heart of Canary Wharf, the Crossrail Place Roof Garden is a little slice of heaven in the city, complete with cosy pathways, benches, and verdant plants from around the world. Thanks to the garden’s large roof, you’ll also stay completely dry while being able to watch those delicate water droplets hit the glass - sounds like heaven to us!

Location: Crossrail Place, London E14 5AB

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2. Sir John Soane’s Museum

Hiding inside a museum may seem like a no-brainer on a rainy day, but this extraordinary building is anything but typical. Filled with neoclassical sculptures, elegant furniture, and impressive paintings, Sir John Soane’s house is a free attraction that will amaze you as you make your way around each eclectic room. Due to its cosy nooks and crannies, this architectural delight is an ideal place to visit on a gloomy day as the incredible collection will surely brighten your spirits. Also, did we forget to mention that it contains the sarcophagus of Egyptian Pharaoh Seti I?

Location: 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP

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3. Baranis

Play an outdoor game indoors with a little help from Baranis, an elegant cocktail bar boasting its very own indoor petanque court - in fact, it has the only one in London, so why go anywhere else? Once you’ve escaped inside this cosy venue, be sure to pick up a delicious drink from their bar (we recommend a signature cocktail), tuck into a bar snack from their menu, and embark on several rounds of petanque with your family, friends, colleagues, or anyone else who enjoys a healthy dose of competition. Before you get too carried away, remember to book your game online first.

Location: 115 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PP

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4. Wellcome Collection’s Reading Room

The cosy imagery of being all wrapped up with a book is synonymous with rainy weather, so our next suggestion is brilliant for bookworms everywhere. If you weren’t already aware, Wellcome Collection is home to a beautiful Reading Room packed with stacked bookshelves and plenty of areas fit for a casual read or even some intense studying. Grab a memoir or a graphic novel and relax on their beanbags or feed your curiosity by checking out the objects on display. Alongside the books you find intriguing amulets, charms, and even a replica of an alchemical scroll.

Location: 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE

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5. Mercato Mayfair

Rain, rain go away… but not until we’ve grabbed some mouth-watering street food from Mercato Mayfair! If the forecast isn’t quite what you’d expected, this historical building is the perfect place to hide away in. Not only is the venue a sight to behold with its stained glass windows, but it’s also filled with food stalls of all kinds. Say hello to Dez Amore for perfect bowls of pasta, Beast & Field for steaks cooked exactly how you want them to be, or Steamy & Co for traditional bao and dumplings. For further cosy vibes, don’t forget to check out The Crypt where you’ll find wines from an extensive collection.

Location: St. Mark's Church, N Audley Street, London W1K 6ZA

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6. BFI Mediatheque

Binge watch shows and movies outside of your living room with a trip to the BFI Mediatheque. If it’s still chucking down but you’d like a change of scenery, the public space contains over 95,00 titles straight from the BFI National Archive spanning film and television - and you can view it all for free! Whether you’re into period dramas or documentaries, drop by to settle down inside a cosy, private viewing booth and begin watching to your heart’s content - you could easily spend a few hours there.

Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1

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Find more indoor activities in London with our Activity Bars guide… or feel extra cosy by booking your spot at one of these afternoon teas with a twist.

Main Photo Credit: Wellcome Collection