If you’re planning a family trip to London, it’s essential to know that rain can sometimes change your outdoor sightseeing plans. And 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.
London is brimming with incredible indoor activities that are not only fun but also educational. Making them perfect for curious little minds. From museums that bring history to life to creative workshops inside toy stores where imagination runs wild, we’ve got you covered with a plethora of options to make a rainy day in London an exciting adventure for your kids. So, grab your umbrella, muster your spirit of adventure, and let’s dive into the amazing experiences that await you!
This rainy-day guided tour is geared towards families, and we’ll stick to one general area of London to prevent having to get the entire family on and off the tube all day! If family travel isn’t your style, check out our other themed rainy-day London guides. Each themed itinerary is also planned around specific neighbourhoods, so you can really dive into that part of town.
On a rainy day, there’s nothing quite like a hot breakfast to warm you up and get your day off to a great start! And in London, there is no shortage of cozy cafes where you can curl up. I also have an entire post dedicated to my favourite cozy coffee shops if none of these catch your fancy!
Ok, now, while this shop isn’t located on Drury Lane, but when I found out there was a cafe in London named the ‘Muffin Man,’ I knew I had to check this place out! Named after the children’s nursery rhyme of the same name, the Muffin Man Tea Shop is a charming and cozy little spot. Perfect for hiding away from the rain. The interior is decorated with a traditional English charm. Featuring quaint wooden tables and chairs, delicate lace curtains, and vintage tea sets.
The menu is classic English breakfast food. It’s not fussy or fancy, perfect for the kids. Their Muffin Man pancakes with banana, blueberries, and cinnamon are amazing and a great option to share as well. As it’s only breakfast and not quiet time for afternoon tea, if you want to try something similar with your kids, go for the Muffin Man Tea set. This comes with a toasted teacake, a slice of cake and a pot of tea. And add a side of Devonshire cream to make it a ‘cream tea’ morning treat! Especially if you have kids who love to play tea time with their dolls, this is such an adorable place to take them for the real thing! But in a laid-back setting, you won’t feel like they’re out of place.
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, and the Natural History Museum is one of the best, located inside the most impressive Victorian buildings. Since this museum is FREE to enter, I often come here on rainy days just to sit inside the awe-inspiring interior. While the museum is for everyone, it focuses on appealing to each of its incredible collections to kids. They aim to educate children about the natural world fun and engagingly.
The museum is home to an enormous collection of specimens, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that explore the natural world and its history. One of the most popular attractions for children is the Dinosaurs Gallery. This series of rooms features a range of animatronic dinosaurs, fossils, and interactive displays that bring these ancient creatures to life. Children can also explore the earth galleries, which showcase the planet’s geological history. Including volcanoes, earthquakes, and other natural phenomena. Be sure not to miss exploring the Hintze Hall, which features a suspended blue whale skeleton. Walking underneath this enormous creature, you can truly be in awe of its size and scale!
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 is 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. Ok, now I know what you might be thinking: another museum? But let me tell you, inside the Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the city’s most amazingly decorated food halls! The V&A is FREE to enter, so just walk inside and make your way to the museum cafe. When I say “museum cafe,” you might be picturing a small, cramped room with bare white walls and stuffy, boring food. Which is the exact opposite of what kids like. But nothing could be further from what you’ll find inside the V&A Cafe.
The V&A Cafe has three sumptuously decorated rooms for diners to enjoy as they escape the rain. Designed by James Gamble, William Morris, and Edward Poynter, the various opulently decorated cafeteria rooms reflect the eclectic tastes of the Victorian era. But they are still enjoyed immensely by guests today.
And this place has tons of kids inside! So you don’t need to worry about keeping quiet. Many school groups eat here so you won’t feel out of place. The cafe even goes out of its way to cater to kids, offering children specialty lunchtime meal boxes. Perfectly suited for kids’ palettes and appetites. And while the prices might be more inflated than at a small local cafe, you can’t beat the ambiance. But, if you really want to save a few pounds, you can also bring in your own packed lunches. I often stopped by my local Pret-a-Manger on the way to the V&A cafe and enjoyed my packed lunch inside this stunning interior.
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! One of my favourite little shopping streets is Thurloe Street in South Kensington. Amongst the rows of elegant, 19th-century Victorian and Georgian buildings, you’ll find the charming entrance to South Kensington Books. South Kensington Books is an independent bookshop open at this site since the 1940s. They have strived for over 75 years to source some of the best British books for their local community.
Because Kensington is such a popular spot for families, they always have a wonderful selection of unique British children’s books. I found many beautifully illustrated books here that delighted the little ones back home. Since the store is small enough, you can let the kids explore on their own without worrying they’re get lost, like in the larger, chain bookshops. This way, they can find something they’re interested in while you can peruse something for yourself!
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. Hamley’s Toy Store is one of the most iconic places to bring your kids in London. Hamleys is world famous, holding the honour of being the world’s oldest toy store! The store opened in 1760 as a toy shop specializing in Noah’s Ark sets. It has expanded across seven floors, covering over 50,000 square feet. It is the oldest toy store and the world’s largest.
But Hamleys is not just any toy store; it’s a magical and enchanting world with live demonstrations, interactive displays, and fun activities that the kids can participate in. Regardless of whether you buy anything or not!
London’s dining scene is wonderfully diverse, offering a range of cozy spots perfect for those grey, rainy evenings. When looking for a great place to dine on a chilly, rainy night, you’re looking for somewhere that combines comfort, warmth, and delightful cuisine.
Dishoom Covent Garden, inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, is a vibrant and welcoming spot perfect for large families. The restaurant’s chic decor creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for a cold and rainy evening. The aromatic spices from the kitchen and the gentle buzz of conversation add to its lively yet cozy ambiance. Dishoom offers a unique take on Indian cuisine with a menu that blends traditional Bombay flavours with a modern twist, creating a diverse and compelling culinary experience. Which I know might not sound like anything your kids would enjoy (especially if they’re picky eaters), but stick with me!
While Iranian cuisine might seem inaccessible for most kids, this restaurant prides itself on serving delicious food for kids and adults alike, no matter how familiar they are with Iranian food. While kids can enjoy everything off the regular menu, they also have a special chote (little) menu for kids with smaller portions, very little spice, but just as nice. And features the worldwide favourite kids meal item: chicken tenders, Dishoom style.
After a full day of exploring London’s rainless interiors, there’s nothing like settling in for one of London’s fantastical theatre shows! The Lyceum Theatre has been home to the world-famous musical The Lion King for years. And there is a good reason it’s stuck around for so long. The Lion King is one of the world’s most beloved and iconic musicals, based on the Disney animated film of the same name. But the stage adaptation of the musical is a breathtaking production.
The show features intricate costumes, elaborate masks, and life-sized puppets of animals that bring the show to life. And vibrant colours and dynamic performances bring the African savannah to London. It’s a must-see show for those looking to be transported to the Pride Lands. And be immersed in the world of Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and the entire cast of memorable characters. While it’s more for the kids, adults will love the experience just as much!
After your evening’s entertainment, if you’ve still got the energy, the best place to wind down on a rainy night is inside a cozy late-night spot perfect for the kids. On a rainy evening in London, a warm cup of hot cocoa is the best thing for kids. And the best place to have a great one is the Chin Chin Dessert Club! While the shop might be best known for its ice cream, it also offers unique and exciting hot chocolate flavours. Their signature Chin Chin Hot Chocolate has a gooey marshmallow fluff on top! But they also have seasonal variations like their Snowball Cookie Hot Chocolate.
As we wrap up our journey through London’s myriad of rainy day activities for kids, it’s clear that the city has no shortage of options to keep your little ones engaged and entertained, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. From the awe-inspiring natural history exhibits to the hands-on, creative art workshops in Hamley’s and cozy book corners, there are so many things to discover, rain or shine!
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