5x Things To Do In London When It's Raining
Mate, we all know how it goes. You wake up, peek outside, and it’s pissing it down. London in the rain can feel like a punishment, grey skies, puddles everywhere, and your boots getting soaked before breakfast. But here’s the thing: a rainy day doesn’t have to be miserable. In fact, some of the best experiences in London happen when it’s wet, soggy, and everyone else is moaning about the weather.
So, grab a hot drink, stick your raincoat on, and let me tell you about five proper fun things to do in London when it’s raining, including my personal favourite, getting messy and creative at Art Play.
1. Get Messy at Art Play London
Okay, let’s kick off with the obvious winner. You know those days where you just want to do something different, a bit weird, and way more fun than staring at a screen? That’s where Art Play London comes in. Seriously, if you’ve never done a pottery or creative workshop here, you’re missing out.
Picture it: you walk into a bright, buzzing studio in Shoreditch, music playing, the smell of coffee in the air, and shelves stacked with blank canvases, bears, bowls, and funky upcycled pottery pieces just waiting for some personality. You grab a brush, pick your favourite piece, and start painting. But here’s the kicker, it’s unguided. That means there’s no teacher hovering over your shoulder, no strict “you must follow this pattern” rules. Just you, your paint, and your imagination.
And let me tell you, the freedom is addictive. Want to go crazy with neon colours? Do it. Want to cover your mug in tiny polka dots that make zero sense but look amazing anyway? Go for it. Want to make a rainbow swirl that makes your mate’s mug look boring? Absolutely.
It’s also social without being awkward. People chat if they feel like it, swap brushes or colours, and laugh at each other’s “oops” moments, yes paint splatters happen. You’ll leave with a proper handmade masterpiece and probably a big grin plastered on your face. Bonus, it’s a great way to escape from your flat, your work emails, or the doom-scroll you’ve been doing all morning.
And hey, whether you come solo, with mates, or for a cheeky date, it works. Booking a creative workshop is an option if you want your own bubble, or you can just walk in any time to paint and soak up the social vibes. Trust me, it’s ridiculously fun.
2. Wander the British Museum
Alright, for something a bit more chilled but still epic, the British Museum is a rainy day classic. Honestly, it’s massive, free, and you could easily spend a whole day wandering around without running out of stuff to see.
We’re talking mummies, Greek statues, Egyptian hieroglyphs, and that giant glass atrium that makes you feel fancy without trying. And the best bit? No one cares if you’re slightly soggy from the rain outside. Grab a coffee from the museum café, wander the rooms at your own pace, and enjoy getting lost in history.
It’s perfect for a solo wander or if you want a low-pressure hangout with mates. And if you’ve got friends who are always moaning about the weather, drag them here. They’ll be too distracted by the Rosetta Stone to complain.
3. Explore Hidden Cafés in Soho
Now, if you want a cozy, Instagram-worthy rainy day vibe, Soho is your friend. This area is packed with hidden cafés tucked down side streets, each with their own character. Some have tiny green plants hanging from the ceiling, mismatched chairs, and the smell of fresh pastries that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie.
Pick a café, order a huge hot chocolate or fancy latte, extra marshmallows are allowed, and just settle in. Read a book, chat with your mates, or just watch the world get drenched outside while you stay warm and dry. Honestly, it’s therapy in a cup.
Bonus tip, some of these cafés even let you work or draw while you sip. So if you’re feeling creative, you can make a little rainy day masterpiece of your own without leaving your chair.
4. Catch a Movie at an Independent Cinema
Sure, London’s multiplexes are great if you just want a blockbuster, but rainy days are made for indie cinemas. These places are cosy, have quirky décor, and show films you wouldn’t normally watch at home. Think classics, foreign films, or odd documentaries, basically stuff that makes the rainy day feel a bit special.
Some of these cinemas even offer wine, snacks, or comfy armchairs that feel like they’re made for hibernating while the rain falls outside. And if you pick the right one, you could leave feeling like you’ve had a proper cultural experience rather than just another soggy outing.
5. Borough Market - Umbrella at the Ready
Okay, bear with me, yes it’s wet, yes you’ll need an umbrella, but Borough Market is still a gem when it’s raining. There’s something about the smell of fresh bread, cheese, and roasted coffee that just feels extra comforting when it’s grey outside.
Duck in and out of the stalls when it gets really wet, grab some street food, and just enjoy the buzz. It’s properly vibrant and alive even in the rain, and if you time it right, you can sit under a canopy with a hot snack, watch people bustling past, and feel like you’re in a proper London movie scene.
Plus, it’s one of those places where even if your socks get a little soggy, you’ll forget about it because the food and atmosphere are that good.
Bonus Tips for Surviving a Rainy Day in London
Umbrella and Boots are lifesavers, don’t underestimate dry toes and a good brolly.
Make the rain part of the fun, sometimes a little drizzle makes everything feel cozy and cinematic.
Mix indoor and quick outdoor stops, like walking to Borough Market from a café so you get a bit of fresh air without freezing.
Bring mates or go solo, both work. Going solo can actually be quite zen, going with mates is guaranteed giggles.
Top up with coffee or hot chocolate, obvious but very necessary.
Why Art Play London is the Rainy Day Winner
Let me just hammer this home. If you do nothing else on a rainy London day, head to Art Play London. It’s creative, social, relaxing, and fun. You leave with something to keep, memories of laughing and painting, and maybe even a story about the time you accidentally flicked paint on your mate.
Unlike wandering a museum or sitting in a café, you make something physical. And there’s just something satisfying about walking home with a brightly painted mug in one hand and an umbrella in the other, knowing you made it yourself.
And the best bit? The sessions are flexible. Public workshops if you want a social vibe, private if you want your own bubble. The whole experience is basically a proper antidote to rainy day blues.
Wrap-Up
So yeah, rainy London days don’t have to be rubbish. Whether you’re:
Getting creative at Art Play,
Wandering the British Museum,
Hiding away in a cozy café in Soho,
Watching a quirky film at an indie cinema, or
Snacking your way through Borough Market,
…you can have a proper fun day, even when the sky is grey and the rain is relentless.
London gets a bad rep in the rain, but honestly, with the right mindset and a few of these activities, it can be one of the most memorable days you’ll have. So next time it’s chucking it down, don’t just scroll Instagram, grab a mate, grab an umbrella, and make the most of it.
Especially if that “something fun” involves paint, pottery, and a big grin, you’ll never forget it.
