Best Things To Do In London When It Rains

No need to head out to the busy streets of London when it's raining, as the F1 Arcade in St Paul's gives you the chance to cruise down the road from the comfort of their cutting-edge racing simulators. They've got 69 unique simulation experiences to choose from, with comfy racecar-style seats to relax on. And if you're hungry? Then head to their stylish bar area afterwards, where you can enjoy everything from caprese salad flatbreads to tandoori chicken tacos or wagyu beef burgers, paired with a cocktail or two.

A fun, indoor activity in Whitechapel, Escape London is a great way to bond with your friends or family. You'll be tasked with escaping from a range of themed rooms, with a choice between witchcraft, casino heists, pirate ships and much more.

Pick one of their 16 different experiences, which are suitable for two to seven players. These sessions last an hour each, starting from as little as £30 per person.

Looking for a meal with a view, but don't want to be sat outside? Then try out Bustronome, the fine dining experience aboard a double decker bus, which provides 360-degree views of the city's best landmarks. You'll get to enjoy a six-course tasting menu for £120 per person, with an optional wine pairing for £30 extra. They cater to most dietary requirements, with the chance to learn fun facts about London throughout your journey.

Esacpe the bad weather by heading underground at The Bermondsey Bierkeller, where they've got a Krazy Karts experience. This competitive drift karting track promises a unique course and state-of-the-art electric karts, with the chance to be crowned winner.

They've got lots more on the entertainment front, including pool, table football, darts and shuffleboard. Expect DJs on the weekend, and a cracking range of German food and drink to keep you fuelled.

Rainy days in London don't have to be dull. Step inside TOCA Social White City for a fully indoor activity bar experience, featuring interactive football games, live sports on giant screens, and private boxes for group events.

Whether you're dining on freshly prepared dishes, enjoying cocktails, or just soaking up the atmosphere, there's something for everyone. With its successful Greenwich site proving the concept works, TOCA Social is one of the best things to do in London when it rains.

If cosy nights filled with board games and delicious snacks are your thing for when it's raining, head over to Draughts London in Hackney or Waterloo. With shelves full of throwback games and a kitchen serving up comfort food, it's the perfect spot to unwind with friends - especially on Tuesdays for their board game meetup.

For trivia buffs, Thursdays are quiz night. Enjoy a laid-back evening with cocktails and treats like pulled shiitake mushroom bao buns and mouthwatering short rib birria tacos. So grab your mates, put your thinking caps on, and settle in for a night of tasty fun.

Taking place at locations in both Haggerston and Tooting, The Big Bakes is a fun, interactive experience that's ideal for couples or pairs of friends. Head into their tent to try your hands at baking all kinds of tasty dishes, competing against other groups across the 90-minute session. All the ingredients you need will be provided as part of your ticket, which starts from £36 for two, with up to 12 teams taking part at a time.

Sitting in a cafe while drinking your favourite coffee and delving into a good book is the ideal way to spend a rainy day. Luckily, the city is brimming with incredible cafes including Caravan in Covent Garden (their vanilla pancakes are a must-try) and Fidelio Cafe, which showcases a whole host of live jazz and piano. You can also visit those that are a little on the quirky side, such as Pawsitive Cafe - a dog-centric eatery that you can enjoy with your furry friend. 

Located in King's Cross, ClueQuest is the UK's longest-standing escape room. This spy-themed experience offers four different scenarios to choose from, each with a different level of difficulty to suit all abilities.

The hour-long sessions will have you working as a team to solve the mission and break free. Or if you don't fancy leaving the house in this weather, you can even take on one of their quests from your own home.

Did you know there's a hidden tropical jungle in the heart of London? The Barbican Conservatory is one of the best places to visit on a rainy day, as you can transport yourself into a tropical rainforest (without having to catch any flights). There's more than 2,000 species of plants and trees, as well as finches, quails and a selection of exotic fish. 

Whether you're in Aldgate, Brixton, Holloway or Oxford Street, No Escape is the eerie escape room brand that's taking over the city with its spooky scenarios. Whether you fancy investigating an abandoned toy store, experiencing a demon barber shop or breaking out of prison, with space for between two and six players at a time, with prices starting from £40 each. 

For fans of the famous game, Monopoly Lifesized is the ultimate indoor experience that's perfect for a group of friends when it rains. You'll get the chance to complete escape-room style challenges on a huge 15m x 15m board, while building houses along the way. Feeling hungry after all the fun? Head to the quirky Top Hat Bar & Restaurant for some delicious treats, including signature cocktails, juicy burgers and an indulgent brownie sundae.

Looking for some exciting immersive fun? Then check out the Moonshine Saloon in Houndsditch - a Western Cocktail Experience that sees you donning cowboy-style outfits and playing cards with the locals, while being sure to avoid the sheriff. You'll get to enjoy four bespoke concoctions as part of your £36.50 ticket, created from a bottle of spirit that you've smuggled in, with live actors bringing the bar to life.

Situated in Aldgate, AIM Escape is one of the best escape rooms around. They've got four different themed games to choose from with unique designs in each, all of which feature multiple rooms. They even offer an outdoor escape experience, using augmented reality and high-tech gadgets to interact with famous London landmarks in a whole new way. Prices start from just £20 per person, with room for up to 100 players at once.

Lucky Voice in Soho, Holborn, Liverpool Street and Waterloo is the ultimate spot for karaoke fun with over 10,000 hits. They've got private rooms, funky props, and delicious cocktails – perfect for birthdays and hen parties. You'll enjoy two hours of non-stop singing in your own pod with disco balls and room service at the touch of a thirsty button. And when you need to refuel, they've got a menu of pizza and other delicious snacks to keep the party going.

Brought to you by the talented team behind Alcotraz, Avora and Moonshine Saloon, Hexmoor in Hoxton is the immersive experience that transports you into the world of dark arts. This wizarding prison is filled with live actors, who you'll work with to break free.

As the story unfolds, the magical inmates will whip up three bespoke, potion-like cocktails for everyone as part of the ticket price. You'll also be given an official jumpsuit on arrival, with optional extras including your personalised Wizard's License and a custom-made wand.

From iconic performances like Moulin Rouge and The Lion King to the acclaimed Book of Mormon, London's musical scene continues to thrive. Explore the latest musicals in London to enjoy with your family and friends, including award-winning productions and beloved classics.

Looking for something a little different to distract you from the weather? The head to Flight Club in Shoreditch, Victoria or Islington. These exciting spots boast cutting-edge electronic dartboards, which add up your scores for you as you play all kinds of quirky minigames. Their fairground-themed interiors add to the fun of the experience, and you can enjoy tasty pizza paddles and cocktails throughout the session.

If the weather's dreary, Hijingo in Shoreditch is the perfect escape for a fun-filled night out. With its vibrant Tokyo-inspired bar, stadium-grade lighting, and a thrilling bingo experience, Hijingo transforms a rainy evening into an unforgettable adventure.

Upon arrival, enter through the Lucky Cat Bar, where you can sip on expertly crafted drinks before heading into the main bingo arena, complete with pulsating music and floor-to-ceiling visuals. As you dive into the bingo game, you'll have the chance to win incredible prizes, including holidays and cash jackpots, all while enjoying delicious food like burgers, tacos, and brunch options. 

If the UK weather isn't playing ball, then maybe you can instead? Head over to All Star Lanes for a game of bowling - perfect if you're wanting to compete with your friends. These guys also have a stylish restaurant and bar which gives you the perfect excuse to try out their juicy burgers and work your way through the cocktail menu. Book in at their Brick Lane, Holborn, White City and Westfield Stratford locations. 

Found on Cabot Square in Canary Wharf, with a second site in King's Cross, Electric Shuffle is a quirky activity bar where you and your pals can get competitive over a game of shuffleboard. Groups of up to 16 people can play at once, with creative cocktails like the Pimm's Sundowner or a watermelon sugar slushie to enjoy throughout. They also offer a brilliant brunch social on weekends, where you can enjoy unlimited pizza and a bottle of prosecco while you play.

Rainy day in London? Dabbers Bingo has the perfect solution. Head to this trendy City venue for a night filled with interactive bingo games, live entertainment, and delicious food and drinks.

Whether you're into Comedy Bawlers Bingo or the fun-filled Pick N Mix Bingo, you'll stay dry and entertained all evening. It's one of the best things to do in London when it rains - bingo, food, drinks, and good vibes all under one roof.

There's no place like London art galleries to experience the best exhibitions on offer, including Tate Modern, White Cube, the National Gallery, the Saatchi Gallery and more. Whether you're into the latest trends or old-school classics, there's a gallery ready to cater to your next art adventure.

Rainy day plans? The Paddington Bear Experience has you covered. Wander through the interactive sets of Paddington Station, take a real train carriage ride, and explore a whimsical world from the Brown family home to a Peruvian jungle - all indoors.

Actors, puzzles, and live music keep the fun going, while the Marmalade Day carnival adds a splash of excitement. By the end, you'll have met Paddington, tasted his marmalade sandwich, and created memories that don't get soggy in the rain.

An iconic part of London's history that also makes for a great day out, be sure to check out Battersea Power Station next time the weather's not so great. This stunning Grade II-listed building is home to all kinds of designer clothes shops and great bars or restaurants like JOIA and Searcy's. And if you head up to the top of the North West chimney, you can enjoy 360-degree views of London from 109 metres up.

Get ready to dive into interactive adventures at Twist Museum and stroll among the fabulous masterpieces of Van Gogh, Monet, or Wes Anderson in the Big Smoke's epic art scene. Say goodbye to boring gallery trips and quiet corners — these are the top-notch immersive art shows in London that promise mind-bending experiences.

Located close to Harrods in Knightsbridge, the Paradox Museum is a quirky experience that's ideal for family days out. They're known for their mind-blowing exhibits that are full of optical illusions, making for great photo opportunities.

Expect everything from a Zero Gravity Room to sofas that cut you in half, with plenty of chances to interact with the displays.

With venues in Aldgate, Wandsworth, Oxford Street and Greenwich, Boom Battle Bar is an exciting activity bar that's packed full of fun things to do. Get competitive over axe throwing, shuffleboard, augmented reality darts, American pool and even crazy golf, with beer pong and karaoke at some of their locations. And after all that gaming? Be sure to check out their menu of mouthwatering pizzas, Buffalo chicken wings, classic hotdogs and more.