9 things to do in London when it rains

London is a fantastic city; lots of activities on your doorstep, a fantastic array of green spaces and a myriad of activities to choose from on a daily basis.

However, London (and the UK in general, really) is also known for it's frequent and often highly inconvenient bouts of rain. Often instantly halting our carefully laid plans and rendering us housebound. With the descent of the colder months now in full swing, and rain forecast for the foreseeable future, we're choosing to see the bright side and have started daydreaming about all the cosy indoor activities we can crack on with now that we don't feel guilted into 'making the most of the sunshine'.

Obviously now that Netflix is a permanent fixture in our lives, staying in is by no means a night wasted, but if you've got relatives or friends in town, or don't fancy spending the weekend snuggled up in front of the TV, then having a few rainy day activities can be extremely useful.

We've scoured the city and narrowed down the best things to do in London when it's rains.

With the chilly nights setting in and rain lashing down on our doorsteps, staying in with the latest box set never looked so good. Whether you’re bingeing Criminal, Top Boy or The Crown on Netflix, or catching up on The Marvellous Mrs Maisel before season 3 hits this year, autumn is when a plethora of fantastic TV hits our screens, giving us the perfect opportunity to hit our sofas, guilt-free.

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The last Friday of every month sees the Tate Modern pairing up with Uniqlo to bring you an evening of talks, music and of course, art installations; showcasing the freshest new talent in the industry. With pop-up bars posted at most corners of the museum, it's a fantastic way to soak up some culture, immerse yourself in the London art scene and most importantly, drink wine, without having to go outside in the rain.

You can also visit during the day at all other times to check out the latest exhibitions, sans the wine.

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What better way to spend a rainy afternoon or evening than letting your competitive spirit come out by trying your luck on the ping pong tables? With locations in Farringdon and Shoreditch, this hotspot is great for a fun date idea or an alternative friend catch up to the usual pub drink.

Styled more like a bar than a sports hall; Executive Chef Richard Edney delivers an ever-changing menu of light bites and expect a plentiful supply of cocktails, wine lists, craft and draft beers on tap.

Bounce Farringdon, 121 Holborn, London, EC1N 2TD
Bounce Old Street, 241 Old Street, London, EC1V 9EY

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Indulge your inner nerd by opting for a relaxing afternoon or evening playing endless boardgames in London’s first board game café. With locations in both east and south London and over 800+ games to choose from, you might never leave. And with a wide selection of divine pub grub and craft beers, why would you want to?

Originating in their Hackney branch after a successful Kickstarter campaign, the owners have now expanded to Waterloo to spread the joy of board-gaming to the masses.

Draughts London Hackney: Arch 337, Acton Mews, London E8 4EA
Draughts London Waterloo: Arch 16, Leake St, London SE1 7NN

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Stuck for activities to do when it's raining that don't involve much physical exertion? It might be time to head to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Located at the top of a steep hill (we did say not much physical exertion), is the Peter Harrison Planetarium, attached to the observatory itself.

Book onto one of their daily space shows for a guided tour of the galaxy, complete with reclining armchairs and enjoy the nostalgic feeling of being back in a school physics lesson. So comfortable and comforting that it might be hard not to drift off into a comforting slumber.

Kids shows are also available which tend to be more lenient on noise levels than the regular shows!

Royal Observatory Greenwich, Blackheath Ave, Greenwich, London, SE10 8XJ

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Think visiting a market is just reserved for sunnier climes? Think again. Borough market may just be London's most famous food market, and the best part? It's almost completely covered by a glass roof, so even if it's chucking it down outside, you can still have the meandering feeling of visiting an outside market.

Feeling peckish after all that shopping? Fear not, there's a multitude of cute bars and pop-up restaurants scattered around the edge of the vast market, all still covered by the roof. The perfect way to while away a rainy day.

Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL

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Again, this isn't just an ordinary bowling alley. Rowans in Finsbury park is notorious for it's incredible atmosphere, playing old-school classics and serving alcohol to the lanes, you could accidentally end up spending all day here, moving seamlessly (cue: drunkenly) between the karaoke booths, the dance floor and back to the lanes again. Rain? What rain?

So good, we almost wish for a rainy day so we have an excuse to visit here.

Rowans Bowling Alley, 10 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 2DF

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Why stay inside in the wet weather when you can seek refuge inside this incredible exhibition and re-learn all the things you forgot about health at school?

Situated on Euston Road, the Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library that aims to challenge how we all think and feel about health, creating opportunities for people to think deeply about the connections between science, medicine, life and art. We have to say Netflix, you've got some competition here.

The Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE

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Now we don't just mean any old cinema, London is known for having a plethora of rooftop film club options to visit when it's sunny, but when the heavens open, we like to head to one of the eight Everyman cinemas dotted around London (also located around the rest of the UK).

Filled with comfy sofas, pizza, sharing platters and cocktails served to your seat by waiters, this is no ordinary cinema experience. From the latest film releases to old-fashioned black and white classics being screened throughout the year - it's a truly special experience.

Our favourite venues are Screen on the Green in Islington and Everyman Baker Street.

Everyman Baker Street, 96-98 Baker Street, London, W1U 6TJ
Everyman Screen on the Green 83 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0NP

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