There is almost no escaping a rainy day in London. But honestly, if you come to London and don’t see a speck of rain, did you even really visit London? Walking through the rain in London feels like a right of passage. But unlike other cities, where a rainy day might completely damper your spirits and plans, London is a city that is fully prepared and built around rainy days. There is no lack of indoor activities to keep you entertained and dry.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the most of a rainy day in London, with unconventionally and alternative ideas to make the most of a rainy day itinerary. This guide is planned around a specific neighbourhood to prevent you from having to jump all over the city, especially in the rain. If alternative travel isn’t your style, check out our other themed rainy-day London guides.
On a rainy day, there’s nothing quite like a hot cup of coffee or tea to start your day. And in London, there is no shortage of cozy cafes where you can curl up with a warming breakfast. I also have an entire post dedicated to my favourite cozy coffee shops if none of these catch your fancy! For an alternative coffee shop, you can’t beat the streets around Brick Lane, where you’ll find Artisan Coffee. A charming cafe nestled just off the main street, which serves a robust cappuccino and offer a variety of fresh pastries. The cafe is brightly lit, yet it retains a warm, inviting atmosphere, far from sterile or minimalist, and perfect to snuggle up inside on a rainy day. Wooden accents and green plants adorn the area, enhancing its coziness. There’s ample seating, and the vibe is very relaxed, with everyone around seeming very laid-back.
After loading up on a filling breakfast, if the rain is still pounding the ground outside, it’s time to escape to one of the city’s most amazing museums. London is known for its world-class museums. From art to history to science, there’s something for everyone. But the Dennis Severs’ House is not your typical museum. Instead, it’s a meticulously recreated 18th-century home that serves as a time capsule. Transporting visitors back in time. As you walk through its rooms, you’re immersed in a world that feels authentically lived-in. As if its occupants just stepped out the front door, returning home any minute. The experience is designed to stimulate all your senses, making it feel like you’ve truly stepped into the past.
Dennis Severs’ House tells a unique and elaborate narrative through its rooms. Capturing the life of the fictional Jervis family, Huguenot silk weavers who once lived there. Each room represents a different moment in the family’s history. Complete with period-appropriate sights, sounds, and even scents. The immersive storytelling encourages visitors to imagine and engage with the house’s history, creating a deep connection to the past.
I love coming here on a rainy day when the fires are burning in the fireplaces, and you feel an immediate sense of coziness upon crossing the threshold. As you explore, you’ll be aware of the air of mystery about the home. As you move through its spaces, you will uncover hidden details and clues about the family’s life. This sense of discovery makes each visit a unique and engaging experience. The Dennis Severs’ House offers a rare escape from the modern world in a bustling city like London.
After a morning of exploring the museum, you’ll likely be ready for a warm and comforting meal. London has no shortage of cozy restaurants where you can indulge in delicious comfort food. But one of my favourite places to go on a rainy day are London’s Food Halls. More than any other city I’ve visited, London has a wealth of indoor Food Halls and Markets where you can find something for any appetite. You can make your meal time an experience going from booth to booth, getting little bites to share so you can try as many different kinds of food as possible!
Spitalfields Market is steeped in history inside its 17th-century interior, yet it is located inside the alternative hipster hub in East London! Cobblestone streets and charming Victorian architecture surround it, but inside, this market is home to eclectic boutiques and modern fusion-style food! Spitalfields is the epicentre for alternative artists, designers, and creatives. The market is a treasure trove of artisanal crafts, handmade jewelry, funky artwork, and one-of-a-kind home decor.
But for our purposes today, we’re here for the food! The market is world-renowned for its passionate street food scene. You can explore a world of culinary delights, with vendors serving everything from gourmet burgers and artisanal sandwiches to international street foods like falafel, dumplings, and more. It’s a paradise for food lovers who enjoy sampling a variety of cuisines. Their modern take on traditional English crumble, from Humble Crumble, is my favourite way to warm up on a rainy day!
After lunch, if the rain is still hitting the pavement, there’s no better place to escape than a cozy bookstore. And London is home to some of the world’s most iconic bookstores! Libreria Bookshop, located on Hanbury Street, is an avant-garde bookstore that offers a distinctive and immersive experience for book enthusiasts. Libreria’s interior is a masterpiece of design and architecture. Conceived by the innovative studio SelgasCano, the space is characterized by its curved, tunnel-like bright yellow bookshelves that envelop all visitors.
The bookstore curates a carefully selected collection of books, focusing on quality rather than quantity. Books at Libreria are arranged thematically rather than by traditional genre or author. This allows visitors to discover new and unexpected connections between different works of fiction. This unique approach invites exploration and serendipitous discoveries. You can truly lose a whole day exploring this tranquil and inviting space here.
When you can’t go out and enjoy the sights on a rainy day, it’s the perfect time to hit the shops! London is known for its incredible shopping, and there are plenty of indoor destinations where you can stay dry while discovering all the wonders London stores offer. The Brick Lane Vintage Market, deep in the heart of East London, is a treasure trove for vintage enthusiasts. The old Truman Brewery has been transformed into a bustling underground vintage clothing market. Stepping down the stairs, you enter into a labyrinth of individual boutiques selling vintage and retro clothing from every decade!
Whether it’s glamorous fur coats, vintage bridal wear, men’s suits, or vinyl records, there are so many amazing discoveries to be made. The diversity of sellers adds to the treasure hunt that is a vintage shopping experience!
London’s dining scene is wonderfully diverse, offering a range of cozy spots perfect for those grey, rainy evenings. When you’re looking for a great place to dine on a chilly, rainy night, you’re looking for somewhere that combines comfort, warmth, and delightful cuisine. Well, we’ve got you covered. If you’re in the mood for some seriously good modern Indian food, you’ve got to check out Gunpowder in Spitalfields. This place is a gem for anyone who loves a twist on classic Indian recipes. Tucked away near the lively Spitalfields market, Gunpowder has this cozy, kinda rustic vibe that’s all about chill sophistication and amazing flavours.
The menu is all about sharing and trying new things. Think small plates packed with big tastes, perfect for passing around the table. You’ve got to try their unique takes on street food and regional faves – like their mind-blowing spicy venison and vermicelli doughnut or the tangy mustard broccoli. Plus, they keep things fresh and exciting with seasonal updates. So there’s always something new to taste, depending on what’s in season. Trust me, a meal here is like an alternative adventure for your taste buds!
After a full day of exploring London’s rainless interiors, if you’re into keeping active, there are plenty of entertaining experiences to be had indoors! Bounce is a funky ping-pong bar in Shoreditch that combines entertainment, sports, food, and drinks! Making it a sought-after destination for those seeking a memorable and unique night out. Bounce provides guests with a lively and engaging environment for anyone, regardless of their skill level. You can reserve tables in advance to enjoy a casual game with friends. Or engage in more competitive play with other guests. But Bounce is not just a ping pong venue; it also has a fully stocked bar. The bar serves a variety of cocktails, craft beers and wines. This is one of those alternative underground hot spots that you might not have thought could exist!
After your evening’s entertainment, if you’ve still got the energy, you can’t go wrong with Simmons Bar on Old Street. Simmons Bars are known for their retro and eclectic decor, and the Old Street branch is no exception. The bar is adorned with vintage and mismatched furniture, retro wallpaper, old-school lampshades, and quirky knick-knacks. The nostalgic atmosphere takes you back in time, creating a unique and memorable setting.
The bar is known for its fun signature cocktails served in teapots, making for a whimsical experience. They also offer a variety of beers, wines, and spirits to cater to different tastes. The atmosphere at Simmons Bar is lively and welcoming, and you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve attended a blow-out 1980’s party!
As our journey through London’s rainy day wonders comes to an end, we hope you feel inspired and ready to embrace those grey skies with a newfound sense of adventure. Remember, a drizzle in London is simply nature’s way of adding a little extra sparkle to the city’s magnificence. So, grab your umbrella and step out with a smile. Whether you’re meandering through a bygone family home or browsing eclectic market stalls, there’s always something uniquely delightful to discover in this city, rain or shine.
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