London, being one of the rainier cities on the planet, is designed accordingly. Many of its best attractions are undercover and invite visitors to stay all day, combining fun with plenty of eating and entertainment options. Here are our top picks!
1. The British Museum
This unmissable attraction has displays on everything, from mud wrestling to Shakespeare, Roman England to Olympic medals. The British Museum and its spectacular Great Court is a brilliant location for wet afternoons.
2. National Portrait Gallery
Come face to face with kings, queens and movies stars at the National Portrait Gallery. Fantastic exhibitions entertain while the stunning rooftop restaurant provides its own living portrait of the city.
3. London Dungeon
Delve beneath the city and explore the London Dungeon – if you’re brave enough, that is. Gruesome stories from the dark ages, terrifying rides and Victorian séances will leave you wide-eyed and eager to face the rain.
4. Spitalfields
Sheltered under a cool new roof, London’s oldest marketplace houses a range of hip fashion shops and vintage clothing stalls. There’s also fabulous food, affordable art and several bars and art galleries.
5. Wellcome Collection
Medical curiosities, bone collections, Peruvian mummies, modern medical technology and grotesque stories abound at this unique venue. Make a trip to this fascinating museum and it shall be one you won’t soon forget.
6. V&A Museum of Childhood
Situated in London's Bethnal Green, the Museum of Childhood will have children squealing and adults fondly reminiscing. It houses everything from original Star Wars toys to Victorian dollhouses – fun for all ages.
7. Westfield London
No need to bring an umbrella when you go shopping at Westfield. This enormous in-door shopping complex boasts over 265 stores – from luxury to high street, as well as 17 restaurants and a 14-screen movie theatre.
8. IMAX
Cuddle up in a double-seat and wait out the rain at the IMAX cinema near Waterloo. The screen is the height of five double-decker buses and plays a mix of 3D and 2D movies.
9. Old Operating Theatre
At the top of a rickety old staircase you’ll discover England’s oldest operating theatre, complete with rusty hacksaws and blood-spattered walls. It’s a fascinatingly horrifying place to wait out a storm.
10. The Cartoon Museum
Comic fiends will love this museum dedicated to preserving legendary cartoons like The Beano. Kids will love the interactive displays and the children at heart will enjoy the trip down memory lane.
